Inspired Talks and Osutua Creative Collective: “Live for Change”
“The artists are the mirrors of society, the instigators and propagators for social change and interaction. It requires strength and vision to co-create and re-invent our society amidst the digital and technological advancements that are over powering and damaging our natural world.” Osotua Creative Collective Night had already fallen as I head into the entrance and climb the stairs. The Pawa 254 roof, magical as always, set the atmosphere for a beautiful night. The Mongroove Collective supplied laid back, groovy, funky-soulful soundtrack to my entrance and I am enchanted by this beautiful music for this beautiful space. Rohini Das and Ambica Shah from Osotua Creative Collective used lights, projections and innovative ideas to transform the Pawa 254 rooftop into a breathtaking gallery showcasing the diverse and awesome talents of amazing artists surrounded by a panoramic view of Nairobi.
The first sight of the Pawa 254 roof when emerging from the staircase is Jacqueline Karuti’ epic art projected; hanged white cloths weighted by stones blowing slightly in the wind creating a magically charged atmosphere. Weaving through the cloth, three powerful sculptures emerge. Gakunju Kaigwa’s work infects the space with their grace. Matatu Games, a new video by Dennis Muraguri, otherwise known as the principal captivator of the matatus in Kenya, can be seen over the smiling graffiti mouth of Nelson Madela. Live graffiti is brought by Spray for Change graffiti artists Uhuru B, Bankslave, Swift 9 and Wise Two and the stellar Fawaz El Said painting a passionately textured piece live. A graphically exquisite video by Tahir Carl Karmali was projected on the wall just before the rooftop entrance after the close of the Inspired Talks drawing the crowd up to celebrate, network, and collaborate.
When the inspirational speakers were ready the crowd moved from the roof to the Mageuzi Events Space to join 8 young Change Makers as they talked us through their ideas for the future. The MC,Robinson Esialimba -also known as Dean of Awesome at The Awesome Foundation - Nairobi Chapter, is relevant and interesting as he introduces the speakers on stage. Ritesh Doshi, an investment banker turned pizza maker in Nairobi is the first on stage, speaking about the journey from banker to CEO of Naked Pizza, Nairobi. He encourages the audience to follow their gut, create their own opportunities, get out of their comfort zones and just f****** do it. Things many people tell themselves but rarely have the courage to do. Josphat went up next to speak about permaculture, urban agriculture and sustainable systems as a means to feed the rural school child who cannot afford to carry, or to go home and eat lunch. Planting fruit trees and growing food on the school property supplies food as well as a green environment where the children can play. We forget how many people learn with empty stomachs. Josphat proposes permaculture training institutes where teachers as well as children can be taught to build sustainable systems for the benefit of the school and the child.
Fredrick Ouko a business owner with disability hits the audience with heavy statistics on the large and mostly unnoticed disability population in Kenya. 15% of the Kenyan population (5-6 million people) are disabled yet the Kenyan system does nothing or very little to cater for this group and the consequence is millions of Kenyan citizens being disregarded or ignored. “Is disability the hallmark of poverty?” Mr. Ouko asks as he helps the audience understand the terrible stereotypes prevalent in Kenyan culture about people with disabilities regarding capacity and the right to work and earn a living, and provide for themselves and their families. Kenyans must work to change these skewed perspectives taking the example of Mr. Ouko who is educated, employed and an employer yet might be barred from entering a building because of the assumptions ingrained in peoples minds. Five more inspirational speakers graced the stage presenting ideas for change growth and productivity in Kenya; from Permaculture to Pizza, Business to Self-Belief, Inspired presented the third round of inspirational speakers intent on making a difference to a captivated audience drinking up enough inspiration to last until the next Inspired Talks. UP commends Pawa 254, Jess de Boer and the Osotua Creative Collective for a beautifully inspirational night.
By Ondi Madete
