Radio Issues in Kenya

Description:
Listening to the radio in Kenya has become less popular due to segmentation. The radio now consist of stations that just play one specific genre of music and appeal to a certain audience, which is causing the radio stations to lose money. Kenyans want the radio station to return to how it was approximately ten years ago because it played a wider range of music. In the morning, a station would play music geared towards adults that are getting ready for their day and on their way to work. In the afternoon is when teens and kids would be listening, which is when hip-hop would be played. At night love songs would be played to help create a sentimental atmosphere. This is how listeners loved their radio. They also loved when the radio was more ineractive. It seems as if the radio in Kenya has become less interactive to the audience, and that is what is causing listeners to change the station constantly.
Evaluation:
It seems as if Kenyans are not happy with where the radio stations have gone in recent years. According to the article, the radio statins began to try to appeal and capture one specific audience. Kenya wants the radio to change back to what it used to be because people enjoyed listening to the radio how it was ten years ago.
Citation:

Mwaniki, Philip. "Kenya: Time to Rethink Kenyan Radio." AllAfrica.com. 3 Dec. 2011. Web. 11 Dec. 2011.

Kenya Music Festival

Description:
Throughout the 1970's, right after Kenya gained independence from Britain, the main goal of education in Kenya was to promote nationalism. In musical eduaction, the teaching of instruments and songs that are indegenous to Kenya, as well as the history of music and dance in the Kenya, was a big part of the teaching curriculum. However, the prominence of a strong music and dance cultural aspect was not being emphasized by the nation starting in the 90's. With musical influence coming to Africa all around the globe, new dance and music became relevent in Kenya. Starting in 1993, the Kenya Music Festival was created. The festival is for students in school and colleges within the country to join a competition-like festival. The festival is designed to showcase the country's best performers, as well as teach them along the way. The purpose of the event is to encourage the study, practice, and development of music and dance, and preseve and promote the nation's culture. The festival includes many categories. Some of the categories are devoted towards the existing cultural aspects in Kenya, and others are for students of music that are studying the recent influences of other countries. For example, Kenya has seen  various French, Indian, and Western influences. For each influence, the Kenya Music Festival selected tutors from such influences to further teach the aspiring musicians.
Evaluation:
This article shows that although cultural music and dance is a big deal to a country like Kenya, the nation is still open to showcasing new talent that is not indegenous to the country. The main goal is to keep the vast music and dance culture relevent in Kenya and to keep developing it.
Citation:

Opondo, Patricia A. "Cultural Policies In Kenya." Arts Education Policy Review 101.5 (2000): 18. Education Research Complete. Web. 7 Dec. 2011.

Problems Facing Early Childhood Education in Kenya

Description:
Like many countries in Africa, Kenya has a high poverty rate. It is estimated that over 50% of the population in Kenya is living under the poverty line. That statistic, combined with the fact that over 50% of the population consists of people 18 years old or younger and that secondary schools are unaffordable for many families, poses a big problem for the future. Since half of the country can't afford to expand their education after the first eight years of learning, poverty will continue to be a problem. The problems don't stop at not attending school, but there are also many problems with the current early childhood education system. Since there are so many different cultures in Kenya, it makes teaching cultural values to children in Kenya that much harder. This poses a big problem with music eduaction because children won't be learning about their culture and the music and dance that is involved with it.
Evaluation:
This article explains all of the problems with the current early childhood education curriculum that is currently being revised in Kenya. Poverty and multiculturalism together are limiting the future for many young Kenyans. Hopefully a new curriculum is soon developed for the sake of the children and the future of Kenya.
Citation:

Andang'o, Elizabeth, and John Mugo. "Early Childhood Music Education In Kenya: Between Broad National Policies And Local Realities." Arts Education Policy Review 109.2 (2007): 43-52. Education Research Complete. Web. 7 Dec. 2011.

Cultural Music in Kenya

Description:
Like mostly every country, Kenya has a unique culture. The Kenyan culture revolves around music, and it always has, even since before Kenya became an actual nation. Cultural songs in Kenya all serve a purpose and are only performed or heard on a certain occasion. Different communities will use different songs for different occasions, as well as different instruments that are relative to the country. Every age group has their own songs. There are songs made for little children and as they get older, so do the songs. There are also songs that are labeled to certain events, such as the birth of a child, a drought or famine, marriage, harvesting food, and virtually anything. Curtural songs also include songs that involve engaging in some type of activity, such as a playing a game, or more popularly, dancing.
Evaluation:
This article offered a little background information on the cultural music in Kenya. It described how they have songs for every age and occasion and how they are integrated into their every day life. Cultural music has lost its relevance in a lot of African countries and it is a goal of Kenya's to bring back their cultural traditions.
Citation:

Andang'o, Elizabeth A. "Synchronising Pedagogy and Musical Experiences in Early Childhood: Addressing Challenges in Preschool Music Education in Kenya." EBSCOhost. Taylor & Francis, Aug. 2009. Web. 7 Dec. 2011

 

 

On the Search for New Sounds in Africa

Description:
With the music industry always expanding, due to increasing popularity from technology and the various ways we discover it now, people are always trying to find the next best sound. OkayPlayer, an online hip-hop community that promotes music with African roots, such as The Roots and Erykah Badu, also formed a branch site to promote the same music in Africa. OkayAfrica promotes the same type of raggae-hip-hop music in Africa today, which is helping African musicians make a name for themselves. Africa Unsigned is a start-up music label that is also attempting to promote new African talents on the rise. They have donated over $500,000 to promoting new African music. One of the bands that are promoted by Africa Unsigned are a Kenyan acoustic vocal group name Sauti Sol. Sauti Sol has since released two albums and now tours around Africa as well as Europe.
Evaluation:
This article showed that there are many collective efforts to promoting music in Africa, as well as great strides to end the problems facing the whole continents music industry. Not only do the organizations want to promote Africans to become stars in the music industry, but they want to give hope to the continent and prove to people that you don't have to leave the country in order to be successful.
Citation:

"Searching for a New Sound; Music in Africa." The Economist Online. 4 Nov. 2011. ProQuest. 5 Dec. 2011.

Starsearch in Kenya

Description:
Starsearch, paired with a charity organization called Action for Music, has challenged Kenyan musicians to assemble and audition for the nationwide talent show in an effort to breathe new life into the music inustry. The country faces a lot of problems in the music industry, such as piracy and the rising popularity of Western music. Action for Music wants Kenya to listen to all of the countries great talent and find a new interest in local music. Rap and R&B has influenced the country musically and the charity wants to hear kenya go back to its roots of culture and dance.
Evaluation:
This article explains the purpose of Starsearch and Action for Music. The charity's goal is to bring back real Kenyan music and fight problems facing the music industry. The article is for people to become aware of the problems in the industry and to do something about it.
Citation:

Delap, Naomi. "Eyes on the Prize." Afropop Worldwide. Web. 4 Dec. 2011.

click here to read article

Benga

Description:
Benga music is one of the more popular genres of music in Kenya and most of East Africa. Before becoming a modern style of music, an African instrument called a nyatiti was used. The nyatiti has since been replaced by the electric bass. Other instruments that are associated with benga music are guitars and some sort of percussion, or drums. It is a popular style of music in Kenya because it is native to the country. Benga is usually upbeat music that you can dance to with unique, funky guitar riffs.
Evaluation:
This article offers a little information on benga music and some popular names related to the genre. Also located on this site is a brief description of other types of popular Kenyan music.

Citation:

"Introduction to Kenya Music." Kenya Advisor – The Independent Kenya Travel Guide. Web. 04 Dec. 2011.

click here to view website

Piracy in Music

Description:
Poxi Presha was a big face in the war waged against music piracy in Kenya in the early 2000's before he had died. With the new technology being created every day, and with the rise of internet downloading sites, piracy in the music industry has become a national problem. Artists lose money on the music they made every day due to people all around the globe stealing music and illegally downloading songs that aren't being paid for. Major steps have been made to help the problem, such as the termination of Limewire, but barely any work has been done to save the billions of dollars that the music industry is losing every year. Record labels want governments to help with the piracy problem. It has become even more impossible to become famous and make money off of music because local artists and bands are losing a lot of money. With about 95% of the music downloaded off the internet being pirated, there's no wonder artists are fighting against the worldwide problem.
Evaluation:
This article offers great statistics about how much damage piracy is actually inflicting on the idustry around the world. The author explains that the music industry is losing a lot of money and that more help is needed to combat the epidemic.
Citation:

Pfanner, Eric. "Music Industry Counts the Cost of Piracy." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 21 Jan. 2010. Web. 04 Dec. 2011.

click here to read full article

Extra Golden

Description:
Extra Golden is a band that consists of American and Kenyan musicians that play benga fused with a southern rock style of music. The band was formed after American guitarist, Ian Eagleson, traveled to Nairobi with fellow American, Alex Minoff, and Kenyan musician, Otieno Jagwasi. Eagleson traveled to study benga music for a thesis and ended up forming a band. After the trio's first album was recorded, Jagwasi passed away. Following his death, Jagwasi's brother Omari and skilled benga musician, Bilongo, joined the band. With Omari going crazy behind the drumset, the band saw some success with their second album "Ok-Oyat System." They have seen more popularity in recent years with the recent presidency of Barack Obama. Obama granted Bilongo and Omari visas so Extra Golden can tour in America. In response, the band recorded a song titled "Obama," which thanks the president.
Evaluation:
This article gives a brief background of the band and shows that they have seen success with their benga style rock band. It also shows that Obama is willing to spread the Kenyan based music into America. You may also download and listen to the band's song "Obama."
Citation:

Kertzer, Jon. "Extra Golden Plays 'Obama' Live In Studio." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. 29 July 2008. Web. 04 Dec. 2011.

click here and here to read about Extra Golden

Kenyan Artist Attempts to Succeed in US

Description:
Jedidah is a Kenyan musical artist that moved away from her country to pursue her dreams in America. She is an extremely gifted talent on the rise. She is also known as Gengegal by her fans and she has collaborated with other famous Kenyan artists, such as Wahu. Her busy life in America includes being a part-time student, professional make up artist, and also chasing music stardom. She began her rap career in 2005. Her single "Wape Ngoma" helped her become an artist on the rise. She recorded with another Kenyan producer who was based out of Minneapolis before she linked up with Ricky Oyaro from Snowtown Entertainment. Ricky has produced for several popular rap artists including Trey Songz and Soulja Boy and is helping Jedidah become a hit in African based clubs.
Evaluation:
This article gives a good update on how Jedidah is prospering in America. It seems like America is treating her well so far and she is pursuing her dream. She is obviously gaining some success because she now performs with Africa's hottest artists when they tour to the US.
Citation:

Ngaira, Amos. "Young Kenyan Rapper Aims to Conquer US Music Scene « Habari Za Nyumbani–on Jambonewspot.com." Habari Za Nyumbani–on Jambonewspot.com. 29 Oct. 2010. Web. 03 Dec. 2011.

click here to view article

Poxi Presha

Description:
Prechard Pouka Olang, also known as Poxi Presha, was born in 1971. He aspired to be a musician ever since he was young. After years of sneaking into clubs and working with decks and other artists, Poxi Presha became an extraordinary rapper and singer in Kenya's music industry. He was one of the most popular rappers in the history of Kenya and was also one of the most controversial figures as well. He earned the title 'bad boy of Kenyan music' after a conflict between him and his organizers for a music festival. Poxi Presha was told not to perform but he did not listen. That led to a journalist framing Poxi as a bad guy. In response to the article, Poxi wrote a song that dissed writers being paid to distort the real story. After years of living up to his nickname and becoming a face of the music industry in Kenya, Poxi was diagnosed with tuberculosis. After becoming blind and death and fighting the disease, Poxi Presha died on October 14th, 2005.
Evaluation:
This website glorifies and gives respect to one of Kenya's best musical products. The author gives a great background of the famous rapper and explained what Poxi lived for. It is evident that Poxi was a big part of the music industry up until his early death.
Citation:

"Poxi Presha: RIP Brother." KenyanList.com - Share. Discuss. Advertise. Proudly Kenyan. 21 Oct. 2005. Web. 03 Dec. 2011.

click here to view website

Kijani Music Festival

Description:
The Kijani Music Festival in Kenya is perhaps one of the biggest, if not the biggest, music festivals in Africa. It is an annual event that takes place around the beginning of March. The festival first began in 2004 with an event called 'Carmen Comes to Kenya' which was produced by the Garden Opera Company in London. The festival started out small and has since grew exponentially, bringing in artists all around the globe that create music that have Kenyan roots. It is a unique experience that offers entertainment in the form of music and dance. Classical music, opera, and ballet are some of the acts performed at the festival. The ticket revenue from the festival all goes to aid the nation. The money goes towards things such as AIDS research, education, and conservation.
Evaluation:
This article explains the importance of the Kijani Music Festival to Kenya. The festival brings many flavors of music from around the planet and has become one of the most anticipated events every year in Kenya. Its purpose is also positive since all the proceeds go towards helping the country.
Citation:

"Kijani Music Festival." Home. 04 Dec. 2011. Web. 03 Dec. 2011.

for more on Kijani Music Festival, click here and here

Kenyan Musical Instrument: Obokano

Description:
Kenya is the birthplace of many musical instruments. One of the most popular instruments native to Kenya is the obokano. The obokano is an eight-string lyre that is plucked or played like a violin and is made out of various parts of a cow. A lyre is basically a miniature harp with a resonator (also known as a soundbox) that helps amplify the sound. Traditionally, the obokano is played strictly by men. Men will play the obokano for women to serenade them. The obokano is also played at weddings and other special ceremonies. The obokano creates a buzzing sound, similar to a bee.
Evaluation:
This article gives a brief history of the obokano and it describes the structure of the instrument. It also explains how the obokano is an important instrument in Kenya and its culture.
Citation:

"Obokano." EchoLocation World Music. Web. 03 Dec. 2011.

Click here for Obokano info

Kenyan Music Heals the Mind

Description:
Akombo in this article describes how music therapy was used in Kenya to help aid citizens with many sorts of problems. There have always been a wide variety of problems throughout the nation spanning way back since its independence. Recently people have turned to music to help them through streesul times. It was discovered that playing the drums has dramatically helped patients suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This can be explained by the way drumming alters the brain waves in a human. Another way people coped with stress and trauma was through singing themselves. Doris Chepchumba Tanui influenced many people after discovering that singing relieved her of her stress. Many Kenyans followed suit. Another thing that was discovered was that adding humor in lyrics will disrupt the transferrence of negativity and create an antidepressant effect on the brain.
Evaluation:
During rough times, Kenyans will turn to music as a means of medication; a way to release stress and prevent depression. This article is a good source, as it teaches a lot of ways Kenyan citizens use musical therapy for their problems. The author shows a general understanding of the topic and provides great insight on what type of therapy such people had partaken in.

Kenyan Hip Hop

Description:
Hip hop is a very popular, and still on the rise, genre of music in Kenya. It his been on the rise ever since the early 90's and within the last decade, it has been dominating the top ten charts. Kenyans have been able to fuse hip hop beats with Swahili and another prevalent genre of music, raggae. Hip hop in Kenya is becoming so popular that it is widely recongnized throughout Africa as one of the hottest hip hop scenes in the whole continent. At first, Kenyans thought there was no chance of making money in the hip hop industry; however, bold rebels, such as Jimmi Gathu, Hardstone Ngunjiri, and Poxi Pressure, paved the way for several artists to join the hip hop revolution.
Evaluation:
Before reading this article, I was not sure if Kenya had any sort of the same music that perhaps Americans would listen to, such as hip hop. It surprises me, but makes me happy, to see a country such as Kenya, is making the transition to the musical flavor that is hip hop. It is widely recognized in America and I hope that its popularity increases as more artists in Kenya continue to release good music. This site gives a good overview on the hip hop industry in Kenya and provides many names of artists that anyone should check out.
Click here to view website