I’ve been lucky to be introduced to awesome illustrators this month. This post today features another artistic talent based in Kenya, David Maloba. His art is fresh, and certainly, up and coming. I sent him a few questions for this interview, which he gladly answered. Read on to discover what he has to say about his work.
Who is David Maloba? Tell us a bit about yourself, and what you do
I am a graphic designer who deals mostly with digital illustration portraits famously known as vector/vexel portrait artworks. They are cartoon-style artworks that have artistic elements in them. It’s my daily drive and my passion, something I really love doing.
artwork by D. Maloba
I started out when I was in my third year at the university. I bumped into a tutorial video on YouTube that had the whole process of making vector artwork using Adobe Photoshop. That tutorial helped me big time and due to my prior knowledge and skill in the software, it was easy for me to create this type of artwork. It took me a couple months of constant practice to be able to not only master the way to draw the artwork but also develop my own style. I am just simplistic for the simple reason, life.
You’re an Illustrator, what is your challenge in this industry in Kenya?
Well, being a digital illustrator in Kenya is kind of difficult because not many people know about it yet, and others haven’t accepted it as one of the forms of art. Let’s say for example, in my case, some people say I use filters while that isn’t the case. So cases like these tend to pull us behind and slow down the growth and recognition of this type of artwork. There is also the issue of low pay to no pay, where some clients might underpay you or even not pay you at all just because the artwork is drawn using a computer. They want it to be free. To do these artworks one needs certain tools, which are quite expensive to acquire, making it a challenge too. It’s also time-consuming to do.
artwork by D. Maloba
EllyinNairobi Thoughts– Time consuming, but beautiful work!
..Keep creating. Someone will soon take notice of you. Keep your focus on and take each and every advice/comment positively. Some people might give you good reviews and some bad reviews, so don’t let them kill your morale with a few negative statements.
D. Maloba
What is your most favorite work and why? (Artwork you’ve done)
artwork by D. Maloba
My favorite artwork, I can say, is one I did of our esteemed president H.E Uhuru Kenyatta. It’s a special piece to me because it’s the one that I first got to print on canvas and second it exposed me to a wider range in terms of ideology and market. It’s something I am proud of doing each and every time I look at it hanging on the wall.
What type of skills or techniques do you need to develop for your work?
One needs to be creative, know how to draw different elements, and have the knowhow of drawing using computer software like Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/Inkscape/CorelDraw, just to mention a few.
What is your dream/Goal? Where do you see yourself as an illustrator in a year or two?
artwork by D. Maloba
My dream/goal is to see my work inspire more Kenyans like me to develop and grow this kind of digital illustration portrait. Though it hasn’t gotten recognition like other forms of traditional art, it’s steadily picking form by the day.
In one/two years’ time I see myself being successful
and having my own digital illustration company/business where young
illustrators will have a chance to showcase their works and get the knowhow of
how to develop their art and also make a career out of it.
Who is your favorite artist/illustrator?
My favourite digital illustrator is Zac Dynes. He is one of the few artists who have a unique style of drawing illustrations. He calls them “drip art” going by how he expresses them with the drip effect.
What’s the last book/comic you read and why?
Wow!!! It’s been long. Ok, the last comic I read is Unaffected by my best friend Humphrey Osoro. First of all, it’s obviously done by a Kenyan, and has a good storyline plus nice illustrations and a work many people have not yet gotten the chance to read because of a lack of belief in Kenyan comics due to other foreign comics being given a number one spot/platform. It’s work that inspires me to work harder to grow my art. So, I can say I enjoyed reading it because it has humor in it, plus the illustrations are just amazing. I urge people to go and check it out because they will not be disappointed.
What are your thoughts on aspiring Illustrators in Kenya?
First and foremost is to always put GOD first in all
that you do.
Second is to keep creating. Someone will soon take notice of you. Keep your focus on and take each and every piece of advice/comment positively. Some people might give you good reviews and some bad reviews so don’t let them kill your morale with a few negative statements.
artwork by D. Maloba
Third, do more research on illustration because it’s growing at a fast rate with different kinds of styles coming up. Also, interact with fellow illustrators not just in Kenya but other parts of the world and get to know how they do their artwork to have a better understanding of the art. I, myself, have interacted online with a few and have also seen the work they have done. For example, Paul Kawira, theartofvosty, and Joe impressions just to mention a few. They have amazing artwork, go check them out too.
Connect with David Maloba
Are you interested in creating a project with David’s help? Connect with him on Instagram – @maloba_david
Elly’s Thoughts
And, there you have it! Passion, Commitment, Research (get your knowledge pool going), and Consistent Dedication! All the goodies you need to cultivate to be creative! It’s always inspiring to discover the creative journey from a different perspective. Whatever it is you want to do, know that you can achieve it. Keep creating folks!
On this post, we celebrate and feature one of Kenya’s Registered Valuers, Kariuki Waweru. He has written an invaluable book on How To Invest in Real Estate in Kenya. This book has a wealth of information on how to invest, tips on home ownership in Kenya and how to navigate the confusing world of loans and mortgages in Kenya. Mr. Kariuki was kind to answer my questions on his book and his publishing journey. Let’s take a look!
1. What is the most favorite question you’ve ever
gotten from a reader?
I have had people who are at the verge of making a decision on real estate investing and when they ask questions, I direct them to the book. (How To Invest in Real Estate In Kenya). It feels good to have all the answers to their questions in one book. Feels like the motto for Nakumatt, “ You need it, we’ve got it”.
2. Did you
always want to be a published author?
I didn’t always want to. My first article was on whether to buy a car or a plot? I was dating my then fiancée, now my wife, and I needed to convince her that land is a good investment but I also knew that a car can earn one some extra cash… so I thought I should write down my arguments and see. I did that and she was very impressed. She encouraged me to keep writing and I wrote so many articles which I could send to her. She then encouraged me to start a blog, which I did. It’s now called www.kariukiwaweru.com … I then extracted some articles from the blog to publish my first book and extracted some more to publish my second book.
3. What
prompted you to write, ‘How to Invest in Real Estate in Kenya’?
After publishing my first book in 2012 and revising it in 2014, I realized that there was a gap in the market for a more practical book. Between 2016 and 2018, I went through a practical hands on experience of taking a commercial bank loan, a mortgage, buying a plot, building my family a house and investing in a commercial property for rental purposes. I blogged about this journey, the lessons learned and these came to refine my consultancy journey and made me a more practical consultant. I compiled all the experience and lessons learned and came up with this book. This book has everything you need to know about home ownership, commercial investments, loans, and mortgages set in a Kenyan context by a Kenyan Registered Valuer and consultant.
4. What is your
most memorable experience as a Registered and Practicing Valuer in Kenya?
It took me 13 years from the time I joined the University of Nairobi as a first-year B.A. Land Economics student to becoming a Registered Valuer. Getting that title was my highest professional achievement and a culmination of dreams… it was a dream come true. Later on, seeing my name published in the Kenya Gazette alongside the less than 600 valuers in Kenya since Kenya got its independence was also one of my greatest achievements.
5. You have published two books, that is, ‘The
ABC of Real Estate Investments in Kenya’ and now ‘How to Invest in Real Estate in
Kenya.’
a. What has your publishing journey been like?
I have learned a lot. There is a need to keep reviewing your work, get good editors and designers, and most importantly a good person to print the book. My first book was poorly printed in downtown Nairobi and I had to redo the printing and change the layout and design in 2014. In this current book, I have used very well-established printers and designers (which is quite costly) and I have not regretted the outcome.
b.Which book was easier to publish? The first or the second?
The second was easier as I knew exactly what I wanted and how to go about publishing, editing, and marketing.
c. What challenges, if any, did you face the first time, and were they present the second time around?
The challenges from the first time were using
inexperienced designers and printers to do my work. This cost me a lot in terms
of money and time.
6. What is your
view on publishing books in Kenya?
I think we should immortalize ourselves by publishing books.
7. What advice would you give to someone hoping to publish his or her first book?
The longest journey starts with a single step. Start writing. Start a blog… your readers will critique your work and you will be a better writer. Once you are ready, talk to someone who has published before and learn from them how to proceed.
8. Lastly, will you write another book? What do you think the title will be?
God willing I will write many other books. Ng’ugi wa
Thiong’o has more than 15 titles under his name…I have 3…I’m just getting
started.
The titles normally come after the content is done…so I don’t have any ready titles as yet.
Elly in Nariobi’s Thoughts:
It is always so inspiring to see an author’s journey in to publishing. If you’re wondering if the journey is possible, I hope Mr. Kariuki’s answers are enough to let you know that yes, it is. Whatever your idea, fiction or non-fiction, you can get it published in Kenya.
How to Invest in Real Estate in Kenya is a great addition to your bookshelf.
1. Because it simplifies the process of purchasing land, navigating mortgages, and helping plan for the future in terms of real estate investments.
2. All the content is based on Kenyan experiences. I always feel we need more professionals sharing, and demystifying their industries for Kenyans, as Mr. Kariuki has done.
To purchase this book: The book goes for Kshs. 500.
Are you curious about what it’s like to be a Comic Artist and Graphic designer in Kenya?
I’m excited to feature Humphrey Osoro who fits both of these titles. There was a time I thought I’d try to be a comic artist ( manga-ka – CLAMP had inspired me at the time) but the drawing talent was missing and I definitely prefer to read them.
So, I’m beyond excited to present this interview from Humphrey who has worked to realize the dream for himself. I hope his answers inspire even more comic artists in Kenya.
Q. Who is Humphrey Osoro?
A; I’m a comic artist and graphic designer based in Kenya. I make comics on the side and do my graphic design work as my day job. I’m a simple guy really, I love anything comics. Anything that tells stories just gets my attention: whether it’s movies, a good book or even a good work of art.
Q. So, why comics?
A. Growing up, I dabbled a lot in traditional art forms and in creative writing/storytelling. Once I got good at both, I wanted something that could combine the two and comics did that for me. Comics allowed me to combine my artistic side with my writer side. I was now able to use my art to tell an actual written story and since then I’ve been hooked on it.
Q. You’re a Comic Artist. What is it like establishing yourself in Kenya?
A; Being a Comic Artist here in Kenya is very different from another Country like let’s say Japan. Over there, they have Otaku Culture, which is this strong following around their manga (Japanese comics) and anime artwork. It’s a little easier to kick off a career as a comic artist and all this is possible because people are aware of what manga art is and they appreciate the value of it. Those guys are basically rock stars in the art world in Japan. Japanese – owned companies like Viz Media who run “Shonen jump” and many others have capitalized on this and they sponsor these artists. They also give new upcoming artists opportunities in their magazines by running their work in black & white, only giving them coloured runs when they prove successful with the masses. This system works very well there, the artist gets paid his due, people get to read good content, everyone’s happy.
In Kenya, the picture is a little different. It’s harder to establish yourself here. Comics just started getting popular recently, so not many people even knew what they were. Some can’t tell the difference between a comic book and a cartoon strip in the editorial newspaper, so it’s a bit of an uphill task trying to explain what it is you’re making. Most really just think that comics are meant for kids, which isn’t the case. Comics these days are more targeted at adult themes like crime, passion etc. They address such a wide variety of topics as opposed to a few years ago when they were exclusively limited to children’s themes. It’s the younger generation that grew up watching these cartoons on TV, like myself, who make up the bulk of the current comic readers and artists. These people are the ones who appreciate the true value of comics. They recognize that comics are like movies, just in picture form. These are the readers that give me hope that the industry is heading in the right direction.
Giving up gets you nowhere. People will eventually start taking notice of you if you stick around long enough. You’ll start getting calls and gigs you never thought you’d get. The beauty of it is, not everyone has the patience to make a comic, so count yourself lucky, they’ll look for you specifically. So hold on, keep cranking out some art!
H. OSoro
Establishing oneself as a comic artist here in Kenya is a bit of an uphill task, though once you do, it’s really rewarding. You really have to be patient as it doesn’t happen in a day. Anyone willing to take on this behemoth of a task should be willing to take the untraveled path. If you’re an introvert like me, then be prepared to polish up those people skills. You’ll have to hit the ground running, reach out to other comic artists in the industry, learn from them but don’t expect too much from them (They’re also struggling as much as you are, just at a different level). In short, its a labour of love, you do it because you love the craft, money will follow in spades.
Speaking of money, don’t quit your day job just yet. Because no one knows who you are, chances are no one will be willing to give you any commission. Most of the Kenyan mindset is of the opinion that western stuff is better than the locals, which is true, but only because those guys got a chance to shine. They were all beginners like us, it’s just that someone listened. If you don’t aggressively market yourself, you’ll never get anywhere here. Prepare to be ignored online, receive cold stares when you make proposals and many more of the stuff I can rattle off the top of my head.
But, its not all gloom, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Get inspired by other people when you’re down. I recommend reading Elaine Kamari’s post on Self Publishing here in Kenya in her blog “Elly In Nairobi”. Everything was so much clearer and easier after reading that, so give it a chance. Giving up gets you nowhere. People will eventually start taking notice of you if you stick around long enough. You’ll start getting calls and gigs you never thought you’d get. The beauty of it is, not everyone has the patience to make a comic, so count yourself lucky, they’ll look for you specifically. So hold on, keep cranking out some art!
Q – The first 30 pages of your comic, The Unaffected Resolve- Chapter 1 are released at 254Comics.com. Will you release Volume 2 at 254comics too?
A; Yes, definitely! The book is actually more than just those 30 pages, I released those because they were the ones already done in colour. It’s actually 114 pages long. Yeah, I know. That’s a LOT of pages. Well, when I began making the book, I decided I would create the thing until I finished the whole of Chapter 1. I’ve written dozens of scripts for “The Unaffected Resolve”, they’re a total of 11 Chapters for the first story arch. Each script has more than 24 pages of words in it, which in a comic made up of pictures and those words translates to almost 100 pages. 100 is the magic number because I’m targeting at creating a true graphic novel of “Resolve”. Each Chapter will have at least 100 pages so that at long last they can be compiled together into a 500-page graphic novel. My inspiration is the likes of Graphic novels like “Akira” in Japan. Now that one has 600 plus pages!
Right now, this comic book is finished, though in black and white. I’ll release the rest slowly as I keep colouring but you can head over to 254comics and read the first 30 pages in all its full colour glory. Stand by for a review of the book here by Ellie, It’ll be a detailed review of all 114 pages so for those who want to get an idea about it, stay posted right here. Though here’s some bonus art for Chapter 2 that’s currently in the kitchen! Completely reworked art-style for chapter 2!
H. Osoro Art – Unaffected Resolve – Chapter 2
Q. You’re also an
illustrator, what type of commissions have you taken on since your start?
A; I’ve done so many of them so far. I used to dabble in the
traditional pen and paper collisions whereby someone wanted a hand-drawn piece.
I still do them but only exclusively because of how taxing they are.
I also did a lot of painting on canvas for clients and friends.
These were really enjoyable, seeing a mess of colours come together into a nice
final piece of art is just so satisfying.
I also do book illustrations. I’ve worked with publishing companies mainly on children’s illustrations. These are done digitally and require a completely different kind of art style. My style is usually highly detailed and complex, so having to make them simple was a nice fresh change for me.
H. Osoro
I also do book illustrations. I’ve worked with publishing companies mainly on children’s illustrations. These are done digitally and require a completely different kind of art style. My style is usually highly detailed and complex, so having to make them simple was a nice fresh change for me. I do these in a cartoony kind of style that will appeal to the kids. The biggest book illustration project had me handling 65 coloured pages. I was able to crank out 10 pages a day at the time so within a week I was done. It was challenging but it taught me a lot about sticking to deadlines.
I’ve also handled logo design, business cards, banners, strips, posters and other stuff relating to Graphic Design. I’m a Graphic Designer by profession at the Nation Media Group at the moment, so I do the normal graphic stuff like making advertisements, proposals, posters etc. It’s been an eye opener on what it really takes to be a good Graphic designer. So anyone looking to be an effective Graphic designer, try applying there and see if you’ll get lucky. The deadlines and pressures at work really prepare you for when you have to deal with clients in your illustration hustle. Overall, it’s the illustration type of logos and designs that really pique my interest. I find these make full use of my talents as a human being. I get to combine both Graphic Design and my love for illustration.
H. Osoro art
I can say that as long as I can remember, I’ve been doing comics since the beginning. I did them for my high school magazine back at “Friend’s School Kamusinga“. It was a piece called “Demolishon” that addresses many of the negative vices in society. I still do it today, so make sure to check out my Facebook page & other media platforms. I finally undertook a personal project to create my own comic book back in 2017. It’s called “The Unaffected Resolve”, go check it out at. There’s nothing more I enjoy like making comics, it’s like seeing a movie in your mind and your hands are there to translate that to paper.
In comics, I’ve done comic pages for a couple of clients that I really can’t name due to non-disclosure agreements. I also offer some of those comic book services to fellow artists whereby I do inking of your basic sketches and colour them for you at an agreed fee. A good example of this, is a good friend of mine, he’s called “Kimzy Flimzy” on Facebook, go check out his art. We collaborate on a couple of gigs when he’s really busy and I step in to help out so we can beat the deadlines, so big thanks to you bro if you’re reading this!
Q. What is your
creative process like? Do you have a
favorite spot where you must work? Or a
favorite pen?
A; My creative process is simple. It usually starts out with
me just closing my eyes and playing out a movie in my mind. I see the
characters, I see them alive, breathing , talking and moving about. From here
when I grab my pen to sketch them out it’s easier from there.
When I’m down on creative gas, I just put everything down
and let loose. Play a computer game on my PlayStation, ride my bike on a
mountain run in my area because there’s so many cycling trails over here or
just get down and do some exercise.
My favourite pen is the good old blue “Bic” pen. The ones we all used in high school and campus. I was that kid that looked like he was paying attention but if you looked closely, you’d always find me sketching. I sketch everyday. I found that by doing this, I was able to master movement of my characters by not being too rigid in my drawing approach. So yeah, get a trusty pen, doesn’t need to be blue like mine!
Q. What would you say
to aspiring comic artists and illustrators in Kenya?
A; First, nothing comes easy. You want to be a comic artist? Then be prepared to be a jack of all trades because if you only know one thing, then chances are you won’t succeed. Take the time to learn other forms of traditional art, learn the basics of proportion, colouring and more. All these will apply at some point when you’re working on your book.
Second, consider learning some basic Graphic Design. You ask, “Why?” Well, because comics are essentially picture books at the end of the day. This will equip you with knowledge on layout, formatting of your book since chances are no one around you knows how to format a comic book. (The dimensions of a comic are different from your average book on the shelf.)
First, just have your comic ready. Finish it. At least in Black & White because you need to have something to put in front of your potential readers. From here, market the hell out of your book through various channels available such as blogs, social media platforms etc.
H. Osoro
H. Osoro art
Third, be assured it’ll take some time before you get your name out there. First, just have your comic ready. Finish it. At least in Black & White because you need to have something to put in front of your potential readers. From here, market the hell out of your book through various channels available such as blogs, social media platforms etc.
I could go on and on but at the end of the day it depends on you. How badly do you want to tell your story? Because I know you didn’t get into comics to just make money, you had this story in your head you wanted to share with the world. You do it because you love the craft, even when you’re paid peanuts. Now that’s true passion right there. I know I did, so what about you?
A gripping tale of intrigue and war in precolonial Africa. Two young people — Kalinda, a page in the court of the King of Buganda; and Nagawa, one of the king’s beautiful young wives — are swept up in conflict as missionaries, rival tribes and soldiers of fortune vie for power in what is now Uganda.
It is a time of upheaval in Buganda, an African kingdom on the verge of losing its independence. Anglican and Catholic missionaries are rapidly converting people to Christianity, in the process stirring conflict with their kinsmen who have embraced Islam. Three main characters – Nagawa, a young but unhappy bride to the king; Kalinda, a servant in the royal courts; and Reverend Clement, a Scottish missionary, are swept up in forces that will change their lives and reshape the future of their nation.
Thoughts:
Just got a message in my inbox about this book. Unhappy Bride to a king, A servant in the Royal Courts, and Conflict in the village….yeah, sign me up. Looking forward to jumping into this gem in the coming days. Meanwhile, get your own copy here:
Gary Stokes is a struggling young American, who then lands a job with a press bureau based in East Africa and an expatriate is born. Gary moves to Kenya, meets a fellow reporter, Guy, who helps him adjust to his new life. Cue in intimidating government officials, unmovable landlords, and incidents unfolding in snooty exclusive membership clubs left behind by settlers—, Gary and Guy become lifelong friends. In this new life, Gary soon discovers that life in East Africa requires an abundance of open-mindedness, patience and caution.
The Virgin Journey is an interesting perspective on life for an expatriate living in East Africa in the eighties. Through Gary, Wampamba takes us through heavy issues present in the eighties and even now, like the first HIV epidemic, unrest in Uganda, bribes in government offices and racism in South Africa. The change of perspective is refreshing, because she manages to make Gary’s immersion into these issues effortless, without seeming contrived, through experiences in Gary’s life.
At the core of Gary’s new life, is love: for his old home, his new home, his old girlfriend, and a new one. The struggle to reconcile all these parts of him is real, and Gary’s character emerges as just a man, doing what he can to earn a living, and find happiness…albeit in the real jungle that is Africa.
What did I love about this book?
The change Gary goes through from the negative mess he starts out as at the beginning. His quite uninformed view on our beloved East Africa made me remember a question I was once asked by an acquaintance…,
‘Do I live next to Lions in Africa? Are they right next door?’ No, they’re not right next door, thank you. They’d have me for dinner otherwise…
Gary’s character had this annoying factor at the beginning for me. However, that changes through the story, as he travels from one city to the next, experiencing the joys and beauties…as well as the bittersweet parts of East Africa, you find yourself sympathizing, rooting for him.
In all, this story is a great start to an unforgettable adventure in East Africa. Two reporters work to tell the East African story, the best they can. Wampamba stays true to the culture while adding her own zest into a growing love between two expatriates and their strong African princesses.
What happens after we die? A vindictive ex-girlfriend (maybe, who knows?) is responsible for the death of happy lovers; Phil and Lillian. One minute they’re celebrating the possibility of a long life together, the next they’re contemplating eternity in the hospital where they die. Shenanigans ensue as they try to fit in with post-death society. What are the norms, who makes the rules, and who can they ask about being taken to the leader. Can they still love each other and remain lovers in this brave new non-world? These are just some of the questions that Phil and Lillian are confronted with. Oh, if only they’d appreciated contemplating their navels more when they were alive! Now there’s no choice; danger approaches, and they must be in with the right people before it comes…or else.
Book Review
Between Death and Heaven/ In The Shadow of the Styx is a paranormal novel tackling the afterlife. Phil and Lillian find themselves in a new world when they end up in the hospital after having severe food poisoning. In this new world, they are ghosts without a clear path as to where they should go, who they should be, certainly what they were doesn’t matter so much anymore.
Lillian is eager to break through the barriers she and Phil face, and her courage sends them on a wild adventure to deliver an important message. Well, it’s certainly a challenge, consider these two are dead, and therefore they are ghosts. The use of cell phones, email, all manner of technology becomes obsolete. But not to worry, Musawale writes a great solution. Plunging the reader into dramatic plots to obtain ingredients for spells, and witches who know it all.
Between Death and Heaven has an innocent charm to it, even while tackling heavy issues like revenge and murder. The fact that the afterlife is unknown allows Musawale to take advantage of imagination and create a world that manages to captivate.
The novel does introduce an array of characters, each one playing a role in Lillian and Phil’s adventure. Each one with a mysterious background, or a legacy they can’t control or escape. One thing’s for sure, the afterlife in Between Death and Heaven is not what you expect when you imagine death.
My only complaint was that it took a bit of getting used to Lillian’s lingo. I understand Musawale was staying true to Lillian’s roots, and after a while, reading got easier, and I expected it from Lillian. This is an interesting complaint, as it really depends on the reader’s preference. Lillian does turn out to be a strong, young woman who loved a man enough to make a dramatic change in her life. I liked her for that, and her amusing perspective on people and life in general.
A boy is born in the land of Leo. As the sound of the cattle horn is heard, everyone in the Kingdom celebrates the birth of not only a boy, but the Crown Prince. His name is Ustawi.
The hands that hold him foretell a prosperous future, but just like every dream has it’s valleys, so has Ustawi’s birth. One man has seen the evil that’s to befall the kingdom under the boy’s reign, his name is Ukweli. He is the Seer.
Fire begins the story of the Prince’s life and as you read through a story rich in culture and customs you can only ask yourself, can the Seer fight the gods? Can he avert the impending doom that’s to come?
Book Review
Fire is a unique literature story, that focuses on East African folklore. Ms. Okeyo names her characters using the Swahili language. Each name, symbolizing what the character should be, what they could or should stand for. For example Ukweli in Swahili means Truth. I found this characterization quite insightful.
The story is quite simple, a Crown Prince is born into the land of Leo, the heir to his father’s throne, but instead of joy, the Seer, Ukweli is tormented by dreams of doom and darkness as he foresees the worst. According to Ukweli, the land of Leo is going to face hard and dark times under the rule of Crown Prince Ustawi. Tormented by this dreams, Ukweli goes on a journey hoping to find a solution, and on his journey, he finds more questions, and proof that Prince Ustawi’s reign will cause pain to the people of Leo.
Ms. Okeyo paints a great folklore tale, weaving in East African’s own culture into her story. You’re treated to scenes of palatial huts, cloaks made with animal skin, and elders in a circle, and that just made me smile. The genre is a different approach for Ms. Okeyo, I’ve only read romance stories from her before, but this is different and she’s set herself apart with Fire.
It did take me a lot longer to read. You really need to settle down and get through each page to understand why Ukweli is moving from one place to another, and enduring so much torment. This is not a complaint, more of a judgment of my own reading capabilities, I think. I need to hone them, or something…^_^!It reminded me of reading a literature set book, you gotta keep your focus to understand what’s going on. This is not your fast romantic tale, definitely requires undivided attention. Once you get going, Fire is a captivating read!
From the river Nile to the teeming streets of Cairo, from the indigenous, pre-Islamic Egyptian Coptic civilization to an America struggling with its fear of the Arab world, Shenoda’s poems recall the sacred traditions of an ancient, enduring culture as they widen the political conversation surrounding ethnicity, pan-Africanism and pan-Arabism. This notable collection spans generational, political and cultural divides, providing a nuanced perspective virtually unknown in the West.
...
There will come a day when they say:
who do you think you are
and another day will come
for you to tell.
On that day the story will appear
but do not tell of yourself
tell the story of the staff that blossomed in the desert
or the one about your enemy’s greatest victory
tell the story of somewhere else...Read This Poem
Excerpt of New Cairo
…I stand on the balcony, staring
Withdrawn from this poverty by a mere Generation,
Then I remember
Great Grandmother used to say:
“If you throw salt away
God will make you
Pick it up
One grain at a time
with your eyelashes”
Take a moment and just imagine what it would take to actually collect salt one grain at a time with your eyelashes. Yes, there would be tears, what an impossible task, you’d say. At first, I laughed at the idea of Great Grandmother’s statement, but then you think about it and it’s eye opening. If you’re desperate you’ll do it, right? You’ll find a way to collect that salt with your eyes, but what a painful process that would be. So, don’t throw away a good thing…hmm…
Mathew Shenoda writes poetry with a deep love for heritage and culture. There is always that sense of go back, think about where you come from, how it has shaped you, why you are this person today. I think this book reminds me to remember where am from and where I belong. Where is home? What does that word mean really?
Time changes, as it must, we all change, but even with change, stop and embrace what your past is, how you’ve gotten here. What were your ancestors’ hopes, one day you’ll be the one they’ll call ancestor.
A perfect night on the town turns out to be her worst nightmare. A date with a handsome man is the catalyst for events that she thought only happened in fairy tales. Thrust into a world of danger, Isabelle has no idea what is in store for her as the Light and Dark Fae fight over her future.
Isabelle Moreno is a young woman working her way through life, finding little time for love and adventure. Until she agrees to a date with a mysterious stranger, only to find out the secrets this man holds are something she could have lived her entire life without knowing. The Dark Fae Luck Eater has found something enticing in Isabella’s humanity.
Bain is an arrogant playboy and an Immortal Light Fae Warrior. He and his four brothers fight for the safety of the human race while remaining something of myth. After weeks of tracking the Dark Fae Luck Eater, Bain comes across yet another victim, in Isabelle.
Bain has finally found his match in this feisty human as she fights against him and her ever growing attraction to the Immortal who is bound to protect her.
Book Review:
The story starts with Izzy going on a date with a handsome man named Zander. This is her first date in a while, and she only agreed to it because her younger sister Marie urged Izzy to enjoy the last year of her twenties and put herself out there.
She’s liking this Zander guy and agrees to a nightcap with him, so off they go. In comes two warriors, Uriah and Bain, who are hot on Zander’s heels. Apparently, Zander is a vicious thief who steals luck from successful women. Why? Because he is a leprechaun and therefore Fae…for a moment, my mind flashes back to Lost Girl and the bi-Succubus who rules that town…lol…back to Immortal Blood. Poor Isabelle is saved by Bain and Uriah, but they were a tad late and she’s lost a lot of her luck. She’s falling on her face, almost getting knocked by a truck, and generally her happy date has turned into a nightmare as Bain and Uriah unveil great huge wings, that leave her disbelieving.
Now that Zander has her luck, Bain is tasked to protect Isabelle as Zander will want to come back for more. And because she refuses to leave with Bain, he is forced to stay at her house until she agrees to leave with him. Bain is a spoiled brat, a playboy, and the most arrogant man Isabelle has ever met, and because of that, she makes it a point to be as stubborn as she can be, when he makes unreasonable demands. The best part of this story is the dance between Bain and Isabelle. He likes her because she stands up to him, she does her best to counter his arrogant ways, and grudgingly likes him as she gets to know him.
I love the twist on the Fae world. I find the funny play on Vampires and Bain’s Immortal Warrior interesting. The writer paints her own take of the magical world, giving it an identity that’s refreshing and at the same time familiar. The plot is strong, and the characters lovable. I had no problem reading through this in one sitting. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a good fantasy novel.
I’ve read romance novels since I was old enough. I used to steal my mom’s stash of weekly stories from Reader’s Digest, so old, that I don’t think they publish them anymore. Then it was the high school romance books; from Sweet Valley High series, Mills & Boon, and Harlequin Romance, graduating to authors such as Nora Roberts, Linda Howard, Johanna Lindsay, Christine Feehan, and others. My bookshelf tells a story of a love for romance that grows with time. So much so, that I have delved into writing myself, wanting to create heroes and heroines that will resonate with the people around me.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, it’s been tough to find any books set in my city, with characters living the life I’ve known, going through experiences in a setting I understand. My city is full of culture: a culture that gives so much color to life, I’ve always thought that romance stories written with characters in my region would be exciting to read. Last year, I ran across a blog post/call for submissions by Storymoja. It was a query for stories set in East Africa, romance stories meant to meet the same genre found in my favorite Mills & Boon, or a Harlequin Romance. I was excited and thrilled, so much so, that I submitted my own story to them in late December. (Here’s my hope that I’ll get a response from them. ^_^) Lol. My hope aside, Storymoja has released an exciting series of stories called Drumbeats.
I have gotten the chance to read a few of them. I have to say, I’m so privileged to share Romance stories written by East Africans for East Africans. Here are some of the titles that are now available as E-books on Amazon.
Best Laid Plans
by Vaishnavi Ram Mohan
Roshni thought she had her life in perfect control. Everything was as she’d planned it, including her engagement to long-time friend Shiv. But a series of unplanned encounters in the unpredictable Nairobi traffic with Nyagah changed everything. Nyagah was the opposite of everything Roshni thought she’d want in a man. So why did he make her heart race? Why did she look forward to their meetings more than anything? What was it about him that made her defy all her rules? And why was she toying with the idea of breaking off her engagement to the perfect-match, family-approved Indian man and hooking up with a Kenyan man whom she knew only from a few traffic jam meetings? This is an urban love story set in contemporary Nairobi.
This story quickly became my favorite. First, it’s set in Nairobi, second, a culture crash was in the offing, lots of stereotypes to get through for Roshni and Nyagah. Roshni is so orderly and straight-laced, her relationship with Nyagah starts to a smashing start, I couldn’t stop reading it.
HEAVEN ON EARTH
By Hilda Gathanga
Caroline was finally getting her life on the right track. She had a thriving tour business, great family and friends, and was happily single. In fact, men were the last thing on her agenda. Until handsome Andrew walked into her office, and the unthinkable happened: she fell in love with one of her clients! But can Caroline risk everything she has worked for and give into the charms of Andrew? Can she put her trust in his promises of heaven on earth? And does she dare entrust her heart to a man once again, especially one who has a very odd philosophy about dating and relationships?
This story is also set in Nairobi. I loved the progress of budding love, those first moments you’re so shy and unsure, to the end where decisions have to be made as the relationship strengthens and becomes something the heroine can’t live without. Beautiful story.
STUCK TOGETHER
By Vaishnavi Ram Mohan
Alisha Oketch’s worst nightmares come true when circumstances force her to move in with Alexander Bonaparte Obanda. She’s fun-loving, wild, and carefree. Her dictatorial flatmate, Alexander Bonaparte is prim and proper, super-organized, and in Alisha’s opinion, super-annoying. Arguments and fights follow as their polar opposite personalities collide. Yet, somewhere amidst the squabbling, a romance begins to blossom between the two. So, can two strangers stuck together really find love with each other? This is a humorous romance set in a Nairobi college campus.
Kabita, a beautiful Nepali doctor escapes from an arranged marriage to serve in a remote village in rural Uganda. In this village, she hopes to put to rest the haunting memories of her forbidden love and shattered past. But the peace she so desperately seeks seems elusive now, as she finds herself falling in love with Steven, a handsome African herdsman. Is she foolish to reject the advances of a fellow doctor for an idle herdsman painter? And is Steven really what he seems to be? Should she follow her heart or mind? Will Kabita finally find joy or will her dreams be shattered again? This is an intense love story set in rural Uganda.
I love the poetry in this story, from the first line to the end, there is love for the village in the author’s words, so much so, that it shines in Kabita’s every description. It was easy to get lost in this one too.
So, the books above are a small taste of Nairobi, and a setting in rural Uganda, written with such poetic words, it was easy to fall in love. I can’t wait to see what other titles Drumbeats produce. Great Job, Storymoja Editors!
A gripping tale of intrigue and war in precolonial Africa. Two young people — Kalinda, a page in the court of the King of Buganda; and Nagawa, one of the king’s beautiful young wives — are swept up in conflict as missionaries, rival tribes and soldiers of fortune vie for power in what is now Uganda.
Stories and Book Talk 