Journal Entry: 4th January 2015 Sunday

Came by night bus from Mombasa. Needing to surprise myself I sometimes just get random.

So I decided not to sleep the whole trip. We boarded the bus at 10:35pm, of course they had promised that departure time would be 10pm. Am not sure of when it left. After packing the bingi drums at the back of the small black bus printed ‘Mencini’ on the back windshield.

Ras Musyoki was the first to climb. He took the task of booking all the tickets for the rest of us. Possibly he knew the best seat position and might had felt a need to reward himself for a successfully completed task part of a larger duty. M-Stic followed him slinging a guitar from his shoulder and carrying his bag in the hand. The most flamboyant member of Abakisimba. You know him with stars on everything he wore. Right from from his natty straight baseball cap, his shoulder length dreadlocks covered some of the square metals on his jacket which matched with more same glittering things on everything he wore including his belt. Maybe it was the reason why other passengers some of whom had already boarded the bus stole glances at us and promptly gave way when any of us approached. The bus engine was running as I we got on. I followed him behind, my guitar secured to my back, a travel bag and a satchel dangling from my neck. I noticed that the seat behind the one Musyoki sat on had a window. Then I shouted

“Nakaa kwa ile kiti mimi”

M-Stic asserted he was heading to that one.  Too bad, so was I and had notified him. He should at least had pointed out. He is polite too akaniachia.

So after stuffing my guitar in the luggage rack next to his, alternating the instruments’ bodies to save space. I also placed next my blue travel bag which was so stuffed, you would assume it for a baloon! Then I sat with the satchel bag headphones necklacing my neck. I guess Muriu followed me because all I remember was his huge bare biceps squeezing me to the godamned window. Anyway I noticed that Stic sat on the set of seats with Musyoki. Udulele sat to the isle on our set and Kamunya sat on the middle seat in their set.

Gratitude and fulfillment might be the best description of how I was feeling. Not because am this very important and relevant artiste something I do not mind being, rather the previous perceived impossibility of the task earlier in the day after checking out from Diani Bay Resort gave me solace that all the hustle was over.

A school of drums, 2 large midrange speakers, an assortment of different coloured bags, several laptops very many cables and a total of 9 adults were ready for transport distributed between a cream – or some pigment evading my vocabulary- coloured Pajero and a metallic grey double cab Nissan. Not big deal to transit, dilemma is the double cab is secured to the tail of the Pajero by a 3 inch diameter cylindrical pipe about 2m long. We had a ferry to cross but that is a story for another day.

I felt very victorious and a sense of security shifted my mind to other things. To begin, all that my attention oozed towards, sort of like the ammonium smell wafting into the air behind a just cleaned abolition block, was the moon. The sky was clear and a pale light from the almost full moon made things different. Though the air maintained humidity up till past Manyani. I remember trying to determine the direction of the bus by looking at the position of the constellation also called ‘The Plough’ which kept changing position every turn the bus made along the very smooth road. It was a marvel, the grandeur of all expanse and creation. What a start to a year.

Am learning that awareness validates meaning. Since all of it is real, like Muriu’s snore that I completely ignored even refusing to wake him up as Ras Musyoki requested. There has to be a very special meaning to the fact that all the galaxy I gazed at is so that I would just do that or anything else I wished. Have you ever considered booking a ticket for that Virgin Galactic trip to space that Richard Branson is toying with?

Maybe that is too ambitious. It is very important to note that there is no blackboard in the sky as author Donald Walsh would say, where anyone has written what you are. Possibly if you looked up to the sky and assumed it for a blank canvas then decide to write whatever you wanted on it, ONLY then could there be a possibility for anyone to paint or write anything in YOUR sky. Never wait for anything, to quote Jack Canfield another of my favourite authors.

“Some of you are waiting for doves to fly over your house in a cross sign formation.”

I say today may this year bring you beautiful and significant experiences that shall lead you ever more to the fullest expression of your being, to positively impact humanity. Thanks for being a special part of 2014 for me. Am promising even massive things in 2015.

I wish to thank everyone who made MUTHURUKISHON Mini 2014 a success. Just mention a few people and not in any particular order. I was excited to meet again my long time friend from Uganda. Something always told me you are a cattle boy Gisa, well more things in common. Thanks for the Rolex!!! Take care of the cow you received from me, it must never be sold. Only give it away if it bores. Then again can Mc Machonyaya get bored? Pleasure meeting you Sara. Cory you are so much fun. For Clarrisa too much unfinished business, are we recording the lefty guitar or what? Your company rocks too!!! So we ‘see you around’ Meghan great for you to come through. Sorry I could not come back for the party at the beach house. Shout out to Swift and Bankslave some of the illest paint masters I know. The former an old time buddy from the art circles the other a new acquaintance. I see you with your cobra Mr Whistleman!!! Great Djs: Wasengo, Dark Meme from Entebbe, Dj Knod and many more. Kakee, Munroe, Iddi Aziz, Bob, Mganga mkuu kwa ile handshake ya North Coast plus allowing me kukusumbua ukilima. Daniel Okiror for your music and generosity. Idrix, Vicky, Cathy Matete, Giscard, Lebo, Eugene, Moses and his Zoe, Charles the Chef, Hamisi and ever smiling manager Mr Eric, asante ndugu kwa complimentary room. Liz and your family. Much love Alai K, and the very efficient Wamboe and don’t anyone dare call her Ann, nilijihisi kuheshimika dada ubarikiwe sana. Then of course my main man Greg Tendwa. Hata kama ndio kunaendanga, una roho mzee. Am so proud we are friends. Thanks for this man.

Again I promise a great year and see you all in December at MUTHURUKISHON Minifest 2015

Journal Entry: Tuesday, 21st October 2014. 13:40Hrs

Really exciting and mind expanding this journey is. It has been a while and my intention is to catch up.

A pic moment with fans after the concert at Alliance Francaise

Many times the experience of others can serve to teach us without our having to undergo the trouble of class attendance. Yet am discovering that taking a day at a time and being grateful in the circumstance – not in an ignorant numb stupor but with an active conscious awareness – that even the unpleasant times contain as a seed, a lesson whose learning of which would make man better and more noble.

As always my aim with sharing these journal is if it could be a testimony of my gratitude to you for your love and support. Even better they are my acknowledgment to Providence for a Higher Purpose which I believe is creation of a peaceful world, nations enjoying harmony and individuals living to the fullest. Its possible for anyone to enjoy the rewards of their services in material gains and even at best, get fulfilled in all their endeavors with healthy bodies, relationships and environment.

…a glory moment with her Honorable my Member of Parliament during Enkisasai Video at Club 360 in Kitengela

On 1st of August 2014, we finally launched the video to the song Enkisasai. By all means it was a success. Among our fans who graced the evening included my member of parliament Hon Peris Tobiko. All the artistes displayed their best and am indebted to all of them. Many thanks to RP Mbaula, Alex Sinkeet and the entire staff Club 360. Massive big ups to the following artistes and not in any particular order; Diddi Kimmer, Mr Call, Youtman Ole Ntayia, Ole Pakuo, Mwarimu Tiritiria, Everlyn, Dj Larry, Kombo, Isabella and crew from Princecam Media, Ralph Rafee, Fancy Fashion, Milele Tents, Zeze Music, Saimi Communications, Governors Guest House and Restaurant, Javanet Cyber and Olkejuado County Council.

Everlyn doing what she has the most power to!!! At Enkisasai Video Launch – Pic Courtesy Ralf Rafee

Mr Call In action during Enkisasai Video Launch – Pic Courtesy Ralf Rafee

From Kitengela our next stop is Narok. Our goal was to play it early November. This was not to be. Experience is teaching me that there is a tempo or rhythm in the unfolding of destiny. Things happen and you anticipated and not expected others. Yet what to do? Children are born and people die. Houses are built while trees get cut down. A potential sweet potato harvest is destroyed by a platoon of porcupines. But what to do? Talking of human wildlife conflict.

The Shamba project has continued to reveal to me how urgent the need is for commencement of dialogues leading to sustainable management of land in a developing economy.

With many other farmers my father included,  we witnessed a complete breakdown to a description of a harmonious existence. Livestock, crops and property worth millions was completely destroyed in just under 3 months by among other fauna; hyenas, zebras, elands, wildbeest et al. Sheep have been killed, graze lands depleted, acres of tomatoes and vegetables destroyed and livestock diseases escalated. Between June and September, the weather heats up in the savannah plains of Kajiado. Water becomes scarce and anything appreciate able herbivore diet is essential man food. What follows to culminate in October is the development of a plot to a show witnessed every year around the same time.

It could get even worse, especially with an increase in rural development. Though change is the only inevitable guarantee, I feel its only wise if its incorporated with progressive thought. To build a road, natural water drainage is jeopardized. Is there a compensation mechanism? With increasing frequency in land ownership change, is a directly proportional effect of people increase per square acre. Is there a compensation mechanism? Of course there will be changes in migration route and water courses. Of course an issue of sewage management must be addressed.

But who to do it? Myself and you I believe. Whose hands shall handle the tools that will fashion sustainable development? We will and am inviting you to support Keperr Tented Camp and Lodge.

This project envisions unity of a community through cooperative and participatory efforts. It will act as a youth resource centre, women empowerment centre as well as be an information centre. The ultimate objective is not only to increase awareness to the community on the needs of conservation of both environmental and cultural values but also to be their participatory point towards the same end. This I believe is the foundation to healthier communities which translates to improvement of the quality of human life. Your valuable donation can help Keperr Initiatives set the foundation for reclamation of a soon to be extinct heritage. Please go to this link to contribute your support.

The need for everyone’s participation in an ideal with a common mutual benefit was emphasized to me after engaging with a group of artistes in a project called Sauti ya Mitaa. All came from different ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds around Nairobi. On the 11th of September PAWA 254 rooftop morphed into a concert in the evening. These musicians managed to not only record a collabo album, but on this evening they launched a video DVD and all performed live with a band despite the diversity in the genres. These ranged from hiphop, reggae, spoken word and a category they called Afrofusion under which my offering was logged. Many thanks to all the soldiers, some mentioned below and any name ommission is subject to my human nature; Mc Kaa, Chiziko Tembe Kali, Abu, Judge, Nuru Bahati, L-Ness, Fadhili, Poetess B, Mc Bagol and a whole host of others.

Mc Bagol doing his sound check before the concert at the rooftop

with MC Kah at the rehearsals for Sauti ya Mitaa

Alahola cracking ribs with his humour before the concert at the rooftop

Lastly October is my birthday month. For all your goodwill and happy wishes, which I received through all the available channels, may this entry acknowledge my appreciation to each and everyone of you.

See you soon

Remember you can support our band through purchase of our music at this link>>> https://tetotutuma.bandcamp.com/

Nosim Ai: Album Press Release

Harness the marvelous rich sounds of contemporary Maasai music in this debut album. Making his appearance first at the famous Spotlight on Kenyan music program at the Alliance Francaise Nairobi, Teto Tutuma has been around enriching concerts and gigs with his unique offering for over 5 years now. ‘Nosim Ai’ is a condensation of feelings and experiences this artist has had since 2006 when Volume 2 of Spotlight on Kenyan Music was launched. Part of this project was ’Iyie Ake’ his first recorded single, which ‘Nation newspaper’ termed as having got an international appeal.

Teto Tutuma hails from Kitengela, a fast growing township in Kajiado County. His interest in this distinctive style of music began when he came to the Kenya National Theatre in 2001. It was here that he met other artists doing different sounds that were synonymous to their cultural backgrounds. After picking up a guitar, the rest is history. Several years of watching his friends play, opening for them as well as listening to some African greats like; Ishmael Lo, Ali Farka Toure, Diogal, Salif Keita, Muntu Valdo.

This is the first of this kind of music in maasailand. Most artists today in this part of the country are into rhumba inspired gospel tunes with similar progressions. Teto Tutuma performs his music live. Infusing elements of poetry and oral narratives into his performances connects this album with African ways of telling stories. It’s definitely a must hear for all lovers of unique African sounds

Recording Nosim Ai: The Story

The car rolled into Kenyan National theatre at around 6:30 PM. I sat on the passenger’s side elbow resting on the open window. My driver was actually the owner of the white Toyota G touring.
Energy levels were peaking for me. 3 years I have been working on these songs sometimes I could get gigs here and there but these were far in between. Getting an album I thought would solidify the position more consequently helping to get the message across. So we picked Mbaluka and Chagala. These are my friends, but most importantly for me were their skills. After months of hanging out together and jamming on my creations we bonded together thanks to their experiences and senses of humor. An idea for a name floated into my mind and I told them. Teto Tutuma and the Purple Warriors became. I sought for chances to play. Based on the budgets I would sometimes play alone but I preferred together more. The Power of the performances was and is still unexplainable. Then I purposed to always play together regardless of the budget. Extending to recording an album was ecstasy.
We settled onto the Friday evening Uhuru highway traffic. Moving fairly quickly, after 15 minutes we crossed the Cabanas junction driving at 120 kph when it happened.
Trying to overtake a matatu, our car was hit from behind. The impact propelled us to the front of the matatu. It hit us on the passenger side. All I remember was praying and watched us drive onto an acacia tree by the road. How we landed on the ditch past the tree and the fact that the car engine was still on, is still a miracle. When we came on, our main concern was getting to Kitengela. Something about the incident brought a deadline on the project. Throughout the trip from that moment was quietness. Everybody sort of recessed into their inner quarters. What exploded on the studio was a potent brew.
We climbed up to the 9th floor, door number 97 of the Rontech 2 building. The Higher Links studio is situated in this bed sitter room. Sammi and Didi also live here. They sleep in the kitchen, mattress on the floor and the studio is always full. OK, maybe not everyone records. Among the few who pass through to listen to the beats chewing ketepa, a few despite do something. Guess where we fell.
Adel our sound engineer was upbeat as usual. I had come up with his main request for the night. 2 bags of ketepa, a ¼ of Half Moon. Nginye is still wondering why I call it that, its after all Blue Moon. The studio had to happen and everything documented in video. Nginye carried the camera. While it may come out as vain, most of all the tracks were one takes. A lot on my mind reinforced my will. My wife was a few months to delivering. All of these works were created in bachelorhood they were to be recorded in bachelorhood. Maybe my friends were motivated differently but our concern was the outcome. This comforted us.
I wish to knowledge my appreciations to the following people. Sam Mbaluka and Kevin Chagala, it happened. To Baba Anita thanks for taking the risk. Sammi, Adel,Diddi and everyone at Higher Links, we may never fully repay you guys. My Aunt Ngoto Ne Wangan, Rashid and Mugure at Roots Camp Kenya, Mike Adewa, my parents and siblings and last but not least my wife Nenkina and son Omom. I dedicate this album to you

Artist Bio

Teto Tutuma and The Purple Warriors Band is a musical force that is gently stirring up in Nairobi Kenya. With sounds inspired by the magical spirit of the maasai plains, acoustic riffs blend with soft african percussion,’chivoti’ and in fuse with maasai chants they create a sound ‘Nation’ newspaper once described as having got ‘an international appeal’ .

From his humble beginnings in a village deep in the heartland of Maasai, Teto Tutuma was lucky to have a musical mother, who inspired him to sing and play music from a very early age. It was not until he moved to Nairobi that his career began. Time spent at the Kenya National Theatre bore fruit when he picked up the guitar.

Teto Tutuma spent years searching his heart to bring forth the style of music which would reflect his uniqueness of coming from one of the deepest and oldest traditional societies in the world, yet at the same time being a contemporary musician in a modern day society of Nairobi. A major break in Teto’s career was in 2006 when he became a finalist for ‘Spotlight on Kenyan Music’, a project of the Alliance Francaise de Nairobi.

His music has taken him all around Kenya, as well as mixed him with great artists. Performances include numerous concerts around Nairobi, the grandest being the World Social Forum held at Uhuru Park Nairobi in 2007. Teto is touring schools and colleges in Kajiado County with his ‘Modern Maasai Tour’. On April 6th 2012 he released an album called ‘Nosim Ai’ (my company)