5 Pop Culture Moments that Redefined Kenya’s Social Scene

 

The late Prof. Wangari Maathai was synonymous with environmental political activism. Founder of the Green Belt Movement and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Prof. Maathai is perhaps best known in the country for her spirited fight to save the Karura Forest from powerful land grabbers with connections to the highest government offices in the country.

Why do we bring this up? Karura Forest is today one of Nairobi’s most iconic destinations for nature lovers. Whether you want to just sit there amongst the trees or take a leisurely walk along one of the many nature trails, Karura Forest is perfect for a peaceful day out in the sun.

Maybe…just maybe, none of this would have been possible had Prof. Maathai not defied all odds to fight for it.

The same is the case with most pop-culture moments throughout the world. Maybe not as impactful as saving a forest but almost always integral to shaping the way people socialize within those specific eco-systems.

Here are some of Kenya’s most iconic pop culture moments that completely redefined her social scene:

1. The Rugby Frenzy that is the “Safari 7s”

Kenya has always been a huge rugby nation. Okay, so maybe we love football a little bit more but rugby also has an insane level of following from a very proud people who attend each and every match.

Our love for the sport is perhaps best demonstrated by our national 7’s team (Shujaa) who are currently ranked 8th in the world.

Safari 7’s is a weekend-long rugby sevens tournament held in Nairobi once every year. It’s open to all manner of teams from professional outfits to amateur clubs, school teams and special invitational teams. Previously held at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Rd, Safari 7’s became so popular that the tournament was moved to the 60,000 seat Safaricom Stadium Kasarani.

Make no mistake, as much as there is a lot of rugby going on during that weekend, there is even more socialising happening as throngs of rugby lovers, socialites and just good old people looking for a good time crowd the stadium and its surroundings to be a part of the “IT” event of the year. Not taking a selfie at the Safari 7’s and plastering it all over your social media is tantamount to telling everyone that you are no longer active on the Kenyan social scene; no longer a “cool kid” as it were!

2. The Musical Extravaganza that is the “Coke Studios Africa”

We love our music, of that there is no doubt. The problem, however, has always been that local artists claim unfair treatment by the local radio stations that would rather play music by more established international superstars than risk airing something by an unknown, albeit talented, kid from Kayole.

That is until “Coke Studio Africa” came a-knocking.

Sponsored by the mammoth Coca-Cola company, Coke Studio Africa is an iconic musical show featuring all manner of talents across the continent.

The thing about Coke Studio Africa that makes it so popular with the people is that it forces the musicians to show their real (raw) talent…no autotunes here, folks!

Not only does it feature popular artists but it also gives opportunities to lesser known singer/songwriters to get the exposure they need to kick start their careers. The sheer genius of the collaborations that have emerged from the Coke Studio Africa show is enough to highlight why it’s now an integral part of our pop-culture.

3. The Artistic Showing that is the “Storymoja Festival”

If you love books and the literary arts, then the “Storymoja Festival”  is right up your alley. Once every year (check website for dates) there is a gathering of book lovers at pre-determined locations (used to be at the National Museum but is now at the Nairobi Arboretum).

At this gathering, book lover gets to meet their favourite authors, get their books signed and enjoy live readings as they mingle with fellow book lovers from across the country.

In the evenings, there are different shows from up and coming musicians, professional poets and other types of performances that will leave you awe-struck. In a world completely consumed by social media, it’s good to see that there are still people who love plain old books and festivals that celebrate those people.

4. The Foodie Haven that is “Nairobi Restaurant Week”

Have you ever wanted to dine at some of the finest restaurants and enjoy exotic cuisines but couldn’t because it was just too darned expensive? Well, so have billions of people across the globe. During the Nairobi Restaurant Week, however, you get a chance to do just that at “DISCOUNTED PRICES”!

Yes, the Nairobi Restaurant Week which goes on for about 10 days (end of February to Mid-March) is an opportunity for the top restaurants to open up their menus to foodies all over. During this week, popular and some obscure restaurants team up with beverage companies to promote their brands by creating special menus and offering some of their best dishes at almost throwaway prices.

This is in the hope that foodies will give them excellent reviews and in turn send more traffic to their establishments long after the restaurant week is over. It’s the perfect opportunity for foodies to sink their teeth and immerse their taste buds into some of the most delectable of dishes.

5. The Heart-warming Gesture that is the “Mater Heart Run”

Nothing beats running for a good course and the annual “Mater Heart Run” is definitely a good course. Held on the last weekend of March – check the website for confirmation.  The Mater Heart Run is an initiative that was started in 2004 with the aim to raise money to help fund financially disadvantaged children who desperately need cardiac surgery.

Ever since then the Cardiac Program at the Mater Hospital has received millions of shillings from sponsors and individuals willing to punish themselves for a good course. There are very few greater showings of humanity than during one of these runs. Initially only held in Nairobi, the Mater Heart Run received so much interest from people willing to run for these kids that it’s now held in 9 different towns. Talk about having a heart!

Do you know of any other pop-culture moments that redefined the social scene for you? Share them with us in the comment section below.