Looking for something different to do this weekend? UP shares the best of alternative events in Nairobi for the first weekend of July.
Friday 1st July
Public Talk with Azu Nwagbogu at Kuona Trust
6PM
Entry: Free
As a lead in to this year’s “Sasa Nairobi” exhibition series at the Goethe-Institut, Azu Nwagbogu will host a public talk as part of the exhibition’s first workshop. Azu Nwagbogu is the founder and director of the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), a nonprofit based in Lagos that has a mission to promote and develop contemporary African arts and artists. Nwagbogu has been curating for over 20 years and has been nominated as curator for the Prix Decouverte Rencontres d’Arles 2014, Photoquai 2015 and Photolux Festival 2015. His speech will focus on his work and experiences and will be a unique insight into the contemporary African art world. His presence is a direct response to the observation that the Kenyan art scene lacks art curators, and this is the first part of the “Sasa Nairobi” workshop focused on curatorial work.
Ndimi Zetu 6 at Memorial Park
2PM - 6PM
Entry: Advance 200 KES, 300 KES at gate
Ndimi Zetu 6 is an event created to spark the flames of imagination and band together a new tribe of young artists. The event this friday features OMARII254, a modern voice in the music industry as an independent Afro act. Other artists include Alexis, Chiluba, August band, Qui, Ulimi Tamu, Vijana Lethal, Kas and Kiki photography. The event will be a hive of creative talent, with exploration encouraged. Ndimi Zetu 6 will have spoken word poetry, live sketching, photography sessions and a combined art exhibition and market. Let your creative juices flow this weekend at Ndimi Zetu 6.
Saturday 2nd July
The Garage Sale at 910 James Gichuru
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd, 10AM - 6PM
Entry: Free
July’s edition of The Garage Sale promises to be as fun as the past editions, with an eclectic mix of items from individuals around Nairobi. There will be a wide array, everything from vintage clothes to brand new products but one thing is for sure — it will all be at bargain prices! Go grab some deals with the added ambiance of music and cocktails at this month’s Garage Sale.
Artcaffe Salsa Night at The Hub
8PM - Midnight
Entry: Free
There’s nothing like some hot salsa to warm you up on a chilly Saturday night, and this weekend Artcaffe hosts you for music and dancing for the first time at the Hub. Artcaffe has been hosting salsa nights to great success so this evening promises to be no difference, there will be cocktails, drinks and a full food menu.
Sunday 3rd July
The Open Gallery at Meriada Gardens
12PM - 6PM
Free Entry
The Owl’s Nest presents the July edition of the monthly Open Gallery exhibition. This edition is focused on featuring new artists on the music scene and underground artists. The Gallery will also showcase visual artists, fabric, clothing, shoes and jewelry. This is a chance to see a quiet but vibrant artistic scene in Nairobi, they haven’t even revealed their lineup of performers yet but we suspect there’s something special in the works!
‘A Lady from the Sea’, a play by Henrik Ibsen at The Alliance Francaise
3PM and 6PM showings
Entry: 450 KES advance, 600 KES at the gate
The Strathmore Drama Society presents ‘The Lady from the Sea’ a story about a woman haunted by her own past. A story of the internal battle that tests love and marriage, the security of the past or the freedom of the future. Produced by Paul Ochieng and directed by Nick Muthama, ‘The Lady from the Sea’ will showcase some exceptional local talent including actors Ezekiel Makenzie, Martin Abuya, Rose makau, Clarence, Brian Seif, Joanna Njorogo, Barbara Nyambura and Samuel Mbugua. Immerse yourself in this inspiring story this Sunday.
