Atlanta 2008-Kenyan Thanksgiving Special

The Atlanta Thanksgiving weekend is one of the biggest Kenyan get-togethers in the United States . This year, there are two parallel events planned. The first camp is 2Kat Solutions who have been at it for 6 years and the the second camp is Takeover Deejays who are on their second year. Once upon a time, there was only one big Thanksgiving event. There are those who think that two events only serve to split the community. Others believe that this provides variety and that competition is healthy. We had the opportunity to talk to both camps but before we get to it, lets get some history. KE411.COM did an interview with DJ Oscar, one of the original founders of the event.
BRIEF HISTORY-INTERVIEW WITH DJ OSCAR OF KENYANIYETU
KE411.COM-When was the first Kenyan Thanksgiving event held and who were the players?
OSCAR -The first major interstate party was in April 94′ by Kenyaniyetu Productions & Club Nairobi Entertainment. Dj Oscar & George Lusega (KNY) – Joe WahomE (CN). Since April was not an opportune time, in ’95, we moved the party to November. In year 6 (2000) Joe left due to other engagements and Dj Sam stepped in to fill the void.
KE411.COM -How did the concept come about?
OSCAR -It grew out of a need to bring Kenyans together on a large scale. Our Atlanta get-togethers were quite successful. The next step was to attract Kenyans from other states.
KE411.COM -When did the event hit its peak and what were the attendance numbers?
OSCAR -There were 2 ‘heights.’ In 1996 after the Atlanta Olympics and again in 1999 when Kenyan artist (Hardstone) first came on the scene. On two nights there was a real door count of over 2,500 people each. The fire marshall had to shut down some of the parties for exceeding the venue’s occupancy limits These venues have never seen such numbers since.
KE411.COM -Why have you decided to not host the event this year?
OSCAR -After fifteen years, life presents other opportunities/challenges- so we chose to call it a day and pursue other interests.
KE411.COM -Will you ever do it again?
OSCAR -If there’s a need for our involvement, we would not mind lending a helping hand.
KE411.COM -Any advise for the current event hosts?
OSCAR -We hope the event lives up to the spirit it began with. We hope hat the current hosts will come up with new ideas and concepts. The current model is 10 years old, it needs an infusion of some sort to keep Kenyans coming back to ATL.
THEME: TRULY 2KAT THANKSGIVING EXTRAVAGANZA
HOST: 2KAT SOLUTIONS
DATES: WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30
June

2kat Solutions is made up of June and Daisy but it originally started with five members. It is Tuesday night and KE411.COM catches up with June on her way to the airport. She has to pick up Dj Dru, one of the featured djs. He is arriving from Kenya via Seattle. The Thanksgiving scramble has started in earnest. This is the 6th year 2Kat Solutions is hosting the event. June indicates that three things set 2kat Solutions apart:
1. Classy, sexy venues and quality customer service with personal service from the door to the bar.

Daisy

2. More music and less talk. The focus for 2009 is to feature djs who keep folks on the dance floor with the power of music. Unlike previous years, there are no artists booked this year. 3.The djs come from across the US and Kenya and bring regional balance and variety of music-from old school, reggae, genge, hip hop and African. “Our six years of experience have enabled us to know what mistakes to avoid and what to offer. We offer fun because we have fun putting the event together,” says June.
For full event details visit TRULYTHANKSGIVING.COM

THEME: THANKSGIVING EXPERIENCE
HOST:TAKEOVER DEEJAYS
DATES: WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30
This year’s “ Thanksgiving Experience,” as titled by its hosts DJ’s Fully Focus and Babu of Take Over DJ’s (T.O.D) is aimed at delivering an amazing Kenyan event that will mix in the old with the new. It is a week to the event and Dj Kaydee, one of the featured djs, had already arrived in Atlanta from Kenya. KE411.COM talked on the phone to Dj Babu in New Jersey and Dj Fully Focus in Atlanta.
Dj Babu
The Thanksgiving Experience this year as opposed to previous years is to have different events every night, thus bringing something new to each party. The kick off to the Thanksgiving Experience on Wednesday will be ‘Piga Picha’ night. This will be similar to the BET awards, complete super star treatment, whereby Kenyan celebrities get to walk down a red carpet, have their pictures taken and get to be interviewed. Thursday night will be Obama night. Kenyans finally get the opportunity to come together from around the nation and celebrate Obama’s victory as President Elect. This will also be the Kenyan flag party night to honor and take pride in our country Kenya. Accomplished Kenyans in various work genres and industries will be acknowledged and rewarded for their contribution to the community. One such award will be presented to DJ Adrian on his tenth year anniversary. Though the Thanksgiving Experience is geared at having fun, socializing and utmost entertainment, one of its goals this year is to set up a platform for breaking in and preserving the Kenyan entertainment scene which includes up and coming artists. According to Dj Babu, T.O.D has taken time to make sure that all those who plan to attend the Thanksgiving Experience can afford to be at all the parties and that accommodation is available and close to the party venues.

Dj Fully Focus
For full event details visit TAKEOVERDJS.COM

Story by Helen Kinuthia and Jojo

Innocent announces Roots Reggae Wednesdays

Minneapolis based roots reggae artist Innocent has announced that he will start playing at the Blue Nile every Wednesday. This will be a reunion of sorts as four of Innocent’s original band members (Chilli, Onesmo, Lance, Divo) will be joining him. According to Innocent, this will be a night of pure roots reggae featuring original songs mixed in with popular cover songs. In the early 2000’s Innocent and his band used to be a regular staple on the Twin cities reggae scene. The band played at the Five Corners Bar on the West Bank every Tuesday and frequently at the Red Sea. While he seemed to disappear from the local scene, he continued to perform in other states. Innocent is especially popular in Chicago. This last summer, he played several gigs at Wild Hare, a popular reggae club. Innocent has three CD’s and a string of unreleased songs. Read more about Innocent.

SAMPLE INNOCENT’S LOVE SONG
02-love-song-part-1-of-6
BUY Innocents CD Shine Africa

Venue: Blue Nile 2027 E. Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN
Time: 10:00 pm to 2:00 am
Cover: $5:00

African video of the week-Talented kids from Ivory Coast

You just have to watch the video to appreciate the talent. I am guessing the main kid’s age is 8 or so. I cannot tell if BBDJ is the main kid’s name, the name of the group or the song. All I know is that the kids are from Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) and that the talent is nothing short of amazing.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Next Page »