:: Kirk Franklin really rocked!
13 October 2007

So me and Bosire and Kiama are sitting in Hooters have a quiet beer and having a natter. It was raining a nasty one and Nairobi has gone ballistic as you know it will at this time. We decided to wait out the rain the pub as we watch the TV. The talk is of politics and other stories that men talk of in bars. At 7pm NTV news is highlighted and this evening the headline is Koech the minister for East African Cooperation defecting to ODM. There were many other bits of news including that dude Kirk Franklin arriving at JKIA. That was interesting as I had thought the fellow was coming several weeks later.

Hebu I show these Kenyans how to stomp for real!

As we continue watching the news and partaking of cold Tusker, I got a call from a good friend of mine Purity who asks if I was interested in going for some concert. I didn't understand what concert she was talking about but I am always quite pleased to try new experiences. So she picked me up and we headed out of the city which was now a bit more civilised that the rain had let up. I still do not know where I am heading and I am trying to remove any bleary eyedness from mine eyes. We were to pass by Karen's place and then head as a team. In we check in this beautiful apartment - not big but tastefully furnished - that I'm hoping to see in True Love soon. It is here that the tickets for the concert we are heading for are being distributed. It was to the VIP Show for Kirk Franklin at the Bomas of Kenya. To say that I was in shock would be lying. It was such a pleasant surprise. Surely the Lord was telling me something as I would never have bought these tickets of my own accord. So I gulped down my cup of tea and off we drove to the Bomas of Kenya to watch the man himself.

It’s been a while since I came to the Bomas. The last time was when I came to Kijani Kenya and was watching some excellent ballet. We drove huko to the corner of the parking lot (place was packed yawa!) and part on either side of this huge 4X4 moti. As we parked I noted that we had stopped a couple in the 4X4 who were necking like their lives depended on it. That was surprising. I know that usually whenever there is an open place to park its open season for people who have a need but this was a CHRISTIAN CONCERT. And a Kirk Franklin one for that matter. I suppose one could always try and console oneself that they were a married couple. As you have that in mind lemme please take a while to shoo away this battalion of flying pigs that are buzzing at my window.

The decorations on the walk to the concert area were too beautiful. Wonderful enthralling colours all over the place. At every second step there were metal receptacles with charcoal warming the place up and looking so fly. At the entrance we found some pals were by one of the metal receptacles warming themselves. We were in no mood to wait. In we went to a packed Bomas of Kenya. The man was singing with his band and playing on the keyboard singing his heart out. Kirk Franklin is an interesting human being. He has his problems like the rest of us but he was not trying to pretend otherwise. The man sang track after track of his much loved hits with his entourage. And he got so much love it was palpable.

Now normally Nairobi has two crowds loosely; the saved and "wana upande ule mwingine". There is a small group of us that is in the middle (although clearly I am not saved). However, this night all lines were blurred as people from the divides were in attendance. From the saved world were Mbuvi and basically every one from that gang. And for the first time since they sang that hit song I could see RKay producer of note and Mbuvi jamming together to the Kirk. I don't know where the other guy in that video was... perhaps he was there and I just couldn't see him as I jammed. And in the wana pande ule mwingine I spotted Kisima award winning artist Amani and fashion designer Sue Muraya. There were many more people in that crowd. In fact it was house full. Title sponsor Celtel must have been mighty pleased seeing that crown and opportunities for their brand. For the first time I regretted having a “simu ya walevi” which doesn't have a camera for me to record this moment for posterity.

I hope you had a chance to watch Kirk Franklin when you were in town. It was a special time. Keep up the good work Celtel. There’s a reason why mimi ni Celtel damu. The other day they were sponsoring the Kenyan International Film Festival and now this concert - they are the khumobest! And to Purity thanks so much for that ticket and the opportunity. I owe you one. A big one.

>> Related Links
:: Celtel
:: Kenyan International Film Festival
:: Kisima awards

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