Doormans Media

By babu Odondi Okot p'Bitek an Oxford-educated anthropologist from Uganda, sought to capture the rear-ender of postcolonial African movements for Westernization with the Negritude embrace of truly African beauty. Writing his great Song of Lawino in both an Acholi and English doggerel, he hoped to create a new medium of poetry, one without open Western influence. P’Bitek hoped that his songs would put in a nutshell the world he came from, and he succeeded. Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol, partner songs, beautifully and provocatively discuss the conflict between the need to preserve one's tribe and identity with the need to modernize. The writing is absolutely beautiful -- though I have no knowledge of Acholi idioms, p'Bitek clearly has written (even in English) poetry embraces his native tongue. Although his self-translation lacks the straight rhythms and repetitions that defined the original (they were called songs for a reason -- their original mode is that ...

The much anticipated Poetry at the Park event took flight on Friday 14 th June 2013, At the August Memorial Park where a throng of poetry lovers assembled to pay homage to spoken word poetry. The venue was jam-packed with fun, with audiences enjoying the aesthetics that accompanied the usually serene and sophisticated ambiance in the park.   Some guests found comfort on the blanket thick evergreen grass-cover, while others opted to rest their backs on the plastic arm-chairs. The setup was stitched to perfection, with the event organizers living nothing to chance in ensuring that the event went on as planned. A pedestal stood in front of the audiences sitting area with an artistically sculptured wooden chair flawlessly placed in the middle just behind the microphone stand. The event opened at 2.30pm contrary to the customary 2p.m as guests were left like pins on paper as they settled down to what was now an exceedingly enchanting mood. The performing crew led by Juma...

Babu Odondi He is dark in complexion, stands at an average height of 5’6” and considerably stout, or as he terms it – ‘built’. He describes himself as a man full of life, charming and industrious. He is known in the ZETECH fraternity for his leadership skills, as the ZETECH College Student Association (ZESA) Chairperson. Unbeknown to many, the Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT) student leader has a promising career in acting – having featured in local productions such as Mheshimiwa (2011), Lies that Bind, Block D (2012) and the Prem (2013). Sydney also plays rugby for the Nondies Rugby Football Club. He took some time to speak to Babu Odondi. Where did you grow up and how was the experience? I was born and brought up in Kibera some 20+ years ago. It was challenging and quite an experience if you ask me. As a child I always had this affinity to succeed in life but there weren’t enough role models to look up to even in tough times. Tim...

By Abiud Onyach and Samson Babu Zetech’s Journalism Club hosted Mr Larry Madowo, NTV Technology Editor and Weekend News Anchor, on May 7 th  to talk on the ever changing tech world in regard to the media. Mr Madowo touched on an array of challenges faced by media houses in their bid to adapt with the changing technology. The students put him to task to expound more on his popular show, ‘The Trend’ which is arguably the most engaging show in Kenya today and in actuality one of the most engaging on social media. While describing what happens behind the scene he painted a clear picture of the great team effort it takes to execute a successful bulletin. The celebrated News Anchor explained how the many men and women behind the scenes remain unappreciated, adding that without them, there would neither be news nor news anchors for that matter. The budding journalists keenly listened to his articulate elucidation on how news has become conversational because of technolo...

By Babu Odondi Zetech College journalism club members were on Friday, February 8th elated to host seasoned pressman Oliver Mathenge for a ment orship session. Through the interactive session with the large number of students at the College’s Hamilton Campus, Mathenge demystified the field of print journalism highlighting the pros and cons that exist. In his address, Mathenge explained the role of a print journalist as being obligated to the community around him or her; adding that professionals in print media are always under public scrutiny. “To be a great professional in print or any other form of journalism, it is paramount to cultivate reliable sources for credibility purposes. Good writers interact with their audience through their writing and are always objective – not subjective. It is also vital that writers balance their coverage and avoid being compelled to give opinions,” said Oliver. The political reporter with over five years experience under his belt was however ...