Journal Entry: Thursday 11th June 2015, 01:11 HRS

Am listening to Chaka Khan from the laptop. Its the music player in my room since I came to Schermerhorn. You better believe am having a royal stay. My room is so big it accomodates all my stuff with space to spare after the couch and my new Andy Warhol bed has been fitted. Today has been more than a day!!! In a million years nothing would have prepared me for the surprises am having.

So am in Holland on a special invitation of two friends. Jaap Borges and Arie Petersen are two of the most beautiful human beings you can ever hope to meet. The latter is my host as well. Today the show opened at the inauguration of a new beach at Camperduin. This is a place located in the town of Bergen in the Dutch province of North Holland.

Camperduin is next to the beach on the separation of Hondsbossche a Sea wall and dunes.

My mission apart from independent musical and stage performances included participation in the commissioning of a new beach. At 8:00pm tonight we premiered a theater performance with Tinaninani i.s.m. This is a coming together of really talented people each in their own unique way, and to my observation, of a wide range in age group. For constraints of time and space, let us not get into the details of anyone’s character. Again I repeat its never from my incomprehension of a language am hating to love or limitation of adverbs to describe the personalities of the most interesting people I would ever meet.

Lets begin with the youngest hoping not to not mention anybody. That will be Papein. Another couple of disclaimers. First, hope that I never spell any name correct. If I could never address anyone pronouncing their name right, what shall you expect? Secondly, if I never mention anyone it is never from unappreciation and ever I hold you dear too.

I met Papein the first day I was working here. I attended a performance hosted in a large dairy farm. Drama students of my other host Susanna played inside a large barn with cows munching on feeds served on troughs through bars that fit only heir heads. The teenagers ran around with an angry wind outside. Ungeniona mtu nguyaz!!? I was dressed like a tourist. A thick hooded jacket and stylish leather boots. All inherited here thanks to Entawuo Mr Director. But it was not about me. Papein was one of the best actors on the show, at least to me.

Then a girl called Floi whom I met first at the rehearsals. She always came with the boy probably a sibling or they both go to the same school or both. Then Roxanne and Kimberley both sisters whom I met their mother first when she brought them to the rehearsal. She always accompanied them when she could which is a support I believe every kid from anywhere in the world deserves. Gregory a senior teenager comes next. I also met the sister at the show, pretty Amber. Kamee and Fonge, siblings I believe in their early twenties. Then Pernelle my dancer friend from the academy. Twenty three for sure, I first met her in a performance they both danced with Kamee and other girls from the school in Haarlem. We took an electric train for 45min to the college. Maybe thats why am fond of her. Chebet who accompanied me from Nairobi follows closely though she was not able to be with the team today. Then Jasper who graduated on the day of the premier, congratulations my friend. Then Sil, who is a guitarist and a skilled handyman. The latter claim is made available courtesy of very reliable sources. He plays his guitar from the heart, you might have seen him with me on chairs at a stage in Rotterdam. Also met his lovely mum Katerina after the show. Raoul the singer, who is also helping me put a band together here. Liz who is another colleague from home might tie with Marijn the keyboard player. Is anyone from the team of a different opinion? Marijn also introduced me to his entire family. His mother in-law Sylvia, girlfriend Suzan and soon to be born son. Al Maktub, children are like arrows in the quiver of a man. Trust me am a father and to a son too.

Suddenly like lightning in a high seas storm is Ger and Frans or probably the other way round. Both are retirees and to the two of you my friends, whoever claims title to elder hood please say now or forever hold your peace. I will mention here too that there was no other way I could have met sweet Marjoke. To you Mr Ger sir, you have a wonderful wife. These people have not only been friendly to me, they have all given me a deeper insight into the identity of theatre performance. Not only that, about 90% of any knowledge I may try impress you with here to the regard that culture and history of this unique nation is to be considered, I gleaned every shred of it from the above people and a whole lot of others.

From my observation, bicycles and dogs are more in population than people in Holland. If you do not believe me, please explain why you need dog toilets or why would you pick dog poop? At home we let the bugs handle that. Again, determine the ratio of bicycles to people if a single family of 4 is in possession of seven. One of them is a unicycle ama mguu moja. A tandem is another of these bicycles, for all of you who are like me before I visited the Netherlands, this is a kind of bicycle that is pedaled by 2 people.The person behind does not control steering. It was Liz’s favourite. Always her saddle was the one next to the rear wheel.

In this country of its own nature, we all learned from history that a civilization has been built on the floor of the sea. Canals the size of Orkinos River, the most threatening in my rural home at Olturoto ran adjacent to all roads including in the country. I noticed this driving through country to and from Schermerhorn the village am staying, at least to my limited attention. Huge windmills for many years pumped water back to the displaced oceans. Now a bigger number of the magnificent medieval structures tower here and there. Each is bordered on both sides by large fields either dotted by dairy cows or wollen sheep to an assortment of horses. Some big others small. Some smooth others fluffy with thick tails sweeping the green meadows under their hooves. On the other side could be neat rows of spinach or swaying wheat heads running as far as your eyes can reach the horizon.

I should go on forever. If I said ‘thank you’ my feelings are still indebted. Always I will treasure all of you and may the good times roll. Festivities continue tomorrow and to the extent that I can communicate, following is the schedule of events for the next three days.

Many thanks to Keith Pearson of The Theatre Company in Nairobi. How can I ever say enough, ASHE OLENG Arie and Susanna for accommodating me in your humble home and letting loose a modernmaasai and confused rural boy from Kenya, without any condition. I knock the wood for good times always. Susana I will take to heart everything you said to me tonight at the party at Struit and thank you very much for warm and fresh food every meal time including my packed lunch that I never seem to remember to carry. This goes to you too goat leader also known as mascara snake. If ever am in a situation, now I got the magic word… please say BRRrrrrrr!!! thanks alot for laughing with me late into the night everyday. Anyone will need a very big heart to entertain me. My ancestors will always bless the both of you for your generosity and sense of humour. Thanks Jaap for signing the invitation letter and the air gun, am looking forward to hear the bassist on sunday play the note I shot. To Jan, great pictures man. A true definition of artistry you are and for your deep sense of not only fun but support and mentor ship, am glad we meet sailor boy. Now I know why they recycle water in this land. Jabu and Ferri, two artists i’ve met who are also participating in the festival. Thanks guys for letting me shelter on the only home with a green lawn around it in the centre of the beach.

”I think they have woken up this Lion and that is dangerous” (text from the perfomance by Verdroken Vlinders)

Maasai : Social Economic Implication on the 21st Century

1.Becoming

The earliest ancestors of the present day Maasai came from South Sudan in the first millennium AD.

They descended down the Rift valley into central Kenya where the first dialect division took place around 15th century AD. The north and south dialects were formed where different groups split off from the main body and settled. Samburu and Ilchamus remained in the north while the south consisted of a slightly diverse combination of sections including Uasi Nkishu, Irrpurko, illdamat, irrkeekonyokie, Illoitai, illoodokilani, Ildalalekutuk, Irrmatapato, Illarusa, Irrkisongo and Irrparakuo who are presently extinct.

It is not very clear how early pastoralism came into existence in Eastern Africa, however ethnographers have been able to establish shifts from earlier forms of mixed agro – pastoralism to more specialized forms of pastoralism in the nineteenth century. Its also of paramount importance to note the existence of different socio – economic groups among the maasai during the past millenniums. These include the now also extinct sirikwa and tatog pastoral communities, the hunter – gatherer Okiek and subsequently the plain – based irrigation farmers whose existence and way of life would contribute to the world of what is maasai today. As the descent commenced, the maasai simply displaced or assimilated other populations this endeavors motivated by the lush high equatorial grasslands, increased populations among the various section warranted the emergence of alliances which where co-ordinated succefully by the illoibonok. These were individuals and families who through heredity exercised charisma, tribal and spiritual wisdom through their possession of powers which proved vital for the well – being of the community. Consequently, they gained control over the Rift Valley. Total access to strategic resources of water and pastures could be attributed to rapid social, institutional and ritual development of a self – conscious ethnicity. Defence of territory and natural resources though efficient in this community would not cater against all calamities. Unusual severe droughts and disease reduced herds and milk supplies. This necessitated raids to replenish herds because according to their folktales all the cattle on the face of the earth belonged to them.

Their way of life depended on maintenance of adequate military organization with suitable tactics and weapons for defense and attack. Their success thus can be attributed not only on the above but also on a particular form of age – organization which is still central in some parts of Maasailand today.

2.Being

And so it goes … How many of you would think of or thought before that Maasai would farm? Or with all their pride and the essence of Maasai culture, who among you would imagine a Maasai hunter?

For many centuries, the Maasai have been substantiating their cattle herding lifestyle with the above practices in the East African savannah grasslands. Only, respect for cattle dominates our lives. It defines our social relationships, our symbolism and even the idiom of our language. E.g. Meeta Enkiteng Olopeny’. Which translates a cow has no owner. Its translation is a subject for another day.

The figure of a Maasai warrior, perched on one leg gazing across the savannah with a long bladed spear in his hand while tending his cattle has become, the quintessential international image of East Africa in the late twentieth century, if its still not today. Postcards, T – shirts and tourist company logos of all varieties convey us, as a stereotype of a traditional even sometimes meaning a backward people. Is that really true? Maybe, but for me the maasai epitomize a romantic dignity in the understanding that human beings and nature belong to a single order. Having been created, in creation we shall exist. A supreme force, also masters hand or divine wisdom, purposed inner beauty in each uniqueness and diversity. This higher power governs everything. A contrary thought or alternative action results in destruction and eventual death. Kenya, save for the late 2007 post election violence period, has had one of the most successful tourist sectors in the world. It is undeniably true that the Maasai have been successfully “marketed” in convincing us of the benefits to us as a community. How and to what extend is a matter of debate. Despite all these efforts a lot is still compromised in almost all aspects of a society including majorly, economical, social, and political environments.

Economically, pastoralism is well adapted to the environment of the plains. This is because the rainfall is too little and too irregular to sustain the cultivation of cereals. In the 21st century greater challenges are evident considering a couple of factors. First and most importantly land has become the least common denominator defining market relations. Appreciation of this has been rocket science for the Maasai who have increasingly found themselves selling land, a precious private exploitable resource, only to restock their herds to an already overgrazed ecosystem. Because of climatic conditions in this region especially Kajiado district, mobility of the herds is essential. Maasai used to move between seasonal grazing areas and watering points, occupying the drier lowlands in wet season and staying in the higher , wetter areas when the weather is dry. This is not easily possible today since land was privatized several decades ago. Presently old men of the community vigilantly guard their unproductive parcels of land from the neigbours flocks, putting tension to already jeopardized social relations. During the drought of 1999, I watched helplessly as my old man’s herd of ninety eight heads of cattle reduce to only twenty three. This figures are first count testimony. The next year a drive through the village would reveal unimaginable reality. Hundreds of thousands of cattle laid in heaps of bones on the outskirts of manyattas, a testimony to the need in revision of policies in the agricultural sector.

Secondly a gentle storm is brewing on the horizon. Cattle having been critical in defining how we view ourselves as well as having been the main means of mediating relations between ourselves and others, what role do you think the zebras and wildbeests -one of the great wonders of the world- play to aid our existence? Am not sure what your reaction should be, but for us living in the plains at the 21st century, this divine part of the savannah is on a collision course with our endeavours. Like the overpopulated land is not already straining over the burden, this resource for one of the main income earning ministry of our beautiful Nation is not only competing for our diminished pastures and water, but also contributing negatively being a source of ticks as well as breaking into our farms stealing already emaciated food crops. What does the government think? National parks and other conservation measurers have carved our land at the cost restricting us access to pasture and water, which we usually find indispensible during times of drought. It’s a shame that certain arms promoting the tourist industry claim harmony in existence between man and nature in the savannah. If that is the case; why is there still black market for game meat, why do the villagers keep chasing this wildlife everyday, why are they putting up fences that don’t last for two seasons before they put them up again. In the same regard, if tourism forms part of the backbone of economy in this country, why is the rate of unemployment highest in these regions, why is the literacy levels to be desired, why should the health sector in these region meet the needs of the community. 65% of what is Kenya’s tourism sector is brewed in the plains, but how much is left behind to improve life in the savannah ? To add salt to injury, a Masterplan for land development is underway for Isenya kipeto areas. Whats unimaginable is, a clause in this draft which could be law, is convincing locals to give up rights to their land title deeds… Is someone hearing me?

3.Conclusion

It has always been said ‘give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Never before has the meaning of such words resounded with much deeper meaning. The world is grappling with global warming and increase in food prices. How much more challenged is the marginalized? Let me not speak of the very old and very young. You will support them. Won’t you?

I am speaking for the able bodied, the youth, the bracket I have so much experience with. This century I can also call the information age. But which information are we having much excess of ? Free television is propagating the principle of more is better, sophistication is best. Decadence is evident in every media channel, promoting material and in a language appealing to us. Those who have access to the internet sample in equal measure, meaningful mails as well as pornographic pictures. This seen as a sign of civilization drives the youth in hoards to the urban centres. While it is so, I can boldly say the education system has been successful. Success is evident as far as desensitization to culture is concerned. Success is evident if psychological as well as generational gaps are anything to go by. In our society, people stopped relating meaningfully decades ago. Education is making it hard for grandparents to relate with grandchildren due to language barrier. Difference in the general outlook of life is creating a clash between parents and children.

So what does an expert eye see? Depression is on the increase among parents. Many sit in idle chatter contemplating the end of the world. Neither the land they own nor the investment they put into their children can afford them a meaningful retirement benefit. Due to lack of ‘jobs’ in the rural centres trying itinerant business after another, in the patterns all so similar, competition due to lack of business innovation and relevant information, leads to absence of profits. Without sustenance, a majority of them are swimming in hopelessness. Due to peer pressure as well as conformation to societal standards attributed to lack of moral strength, alcoholism and other mundane activities to numb this frustration, is the result and a majority of youth exist in an illusion of living.

Is there a solution, you ask. Yes I can say. Love is the greatest. If all of us get concerned with the Maasai not for any reason but for the pure purpose of the beauty in their existence, each and everyone of us will go out of the way in their respective capacity to promote and pull towards establishment of remedial policies that ensure possibilities of a future for not only the maasai but the rest of the marginalized people of our nation. Promotion of enterprise development is the most important. This I feel is the government’s responsibility because an improved economy is its desire. Through appreciation of self and the unique culture, creative ways of establishing sustainable economic activities should be the objective of all of us. If instead of being made to feel primitive and uncultured, we get recognized and supported in our characteristic hardship environment, more will definitely come out of what seems less. Establishment of information dissemination points like internet cafes as well as regular motivational talks from prominent people from the community will boost the esteem of the youth, increasing a healthy pride in self ensuring discovering of internal treasurers and fulfillment of more destinies.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~Robert Frost~

The dream

Beauty

Or in a woman

What is the mystery?

From history…

It

Is in the eyes of the beholder

Trying to act politely

For me is not coming easily

How do I?

When we talk in your eye

A twinkle I see

Seeming to be dazed

In my minds thoughts of us never cease

Let me hold your hand

Listen to me please…

Your presence

Your charming intelligence

How do you pose with such ease?

It is a taboo

My boo?

Increasingly looks in boots

Are not necessary according to these books

Will you listen to a brother?

Will our conversation inspire you

Or will a caress on your

Curved members be a bother?

I have dreams

Unlike those I see alone

Lonely in my bed curled…

These dreams I see my eyes wide

Children playing the sun bright outside

It

Will be peaceful to sit on a garden with you beside

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)