Day 5 of 31 Hotels in 31 Days: The Panari Hotel, Mombasa Road.

 

Panari Hotel is definitely probably of the most action-packed hotel in all of Kenya! I was definitely looking forward to my stay at the 12 year old hotel. I checked in and was pleasantly surprised to find Rachel had joined the team. We had not seen each other in a while!

I dropped my bags in my room and then had a chance to catch up with Mr. Andrew, the General Manager of Panari Hotel.

Rachel gave me a tour of the hotel which was followed by dinner at The Red Garnet Restaurant.

After dinner, we went straight to the Ice Skating Ring to catch up with the official Kenya Ice Hockey Team, the Kenya Ice Lions!

Rachel and I flanking Ben Azegere, the captain of the Kenya Ice Lions Hockey Team

Ben attempting to show me how it is done!

I finally made it to bed after a fun evening with the Kenya Ice Lions Hockey team. They usually practice every Wednesday and Saturday at Panari Hotel’s Ice Skating ring.

The next morning I had a wonderful chat again with Mr. Andrew, followed by the remaining tour of the hotel along with a wonderful deep tissue massage at the Dolphin Spa!

There is the Black Gold Cafe downstairs…

And the Crystal Bar upstairs. What is really cool is that the bar faces the National Park and is ideal for sundowners.

There is a gym too.

And then you have the Shooters and Dips Night Club which is also located within the hotel complex.

Anga IMAX is also located within the hotel!

Other interesting offices within the Hotel are travel agents, ATMs, Forex Bureau and even Travel Agents, all roofed under Panari Hotel.

Day 4 of 31 Hotels in 31 Days: Eka Hotel, Mombasa Road

I have always wondered what lay beyond the Eka Hotel sign every time we drove by from the airport. The day came when I finally found out.

Upon checking into Eka Hotel on day four of 31 Hotels in 31 Days, Mr Andreas the General Manager was not only welcoming but was also a fantastic host!

I dropped my bags in my room and proceeded to freshened up for dinner at the Galaxy Restaurant.

Based on Mr Andreas’ recommendation, Chef Caren prepared the most outstanding meal for me! First was the spicy Thai soup as the starter…

This was followed by the main course the most delicious Salmon Teriyaki I have had in Nairobi!

This was followed by a macadamia nut dessert…

I retired to my room after my sumptuous dinner and promptly fell asleep! The next morning I had breakfast and then a tour of the hotel…

Let’s explore the 167 room hotel. It has the main Galaxy Restaurant, The Galaxy Bar, a gym, conference space. They also have outside catering services too.

Here is a list of events at the hotel…..

Day 3 of 31 Hotels in 31 Days: InterContinental Hotel Nairobi

Where to begin… What can I say about my 24 hours at InterContinental Hotel! As soon as I parked the car and walked into the reception, I was welcomed with open arms by the General Manager, Mr. Oliver and his phenomenal team.

I was ushered to the exclusive club lounge on the 6th floor where my check-in took place as I comfortably sat in a chair.. (mortals check-in at the reception in the main hotel lobby!)

The Club Lounge

After my check-in, I was escorted to my suite for the night, where I had a spacious living room along with my massive bed, walk-in closet and bathroom.

Once I had freshened up, we all met up at The Makuti Bar and Grill which is by the Hotel’s poolside for dinner and drinks. What a fabulous night it was!

I finally made it to bed and proceeded to experience deep slumber!

The next morning I met up with the crew at the private club lounge for breakfast. It was quite impressive sipping a cup of tea next to who is who in Kenya today. FYI The Intercontinental Hotel has hosted plenty of Presidents over the years.

After Breakfast I took a stroll around the hotel’s facilities.

Bhandini Restaurant

 The Terrace Restaurant

The Gym

I leave you with more pictures of the hotel….

Day 2 Of 31 Hotels In 31 Days: Ibis Styles Hotel, Rhapta Road

One of the main reasons I have a soft spot for Ibis Styles Hotel is because I got to watch it being built from the ground up. On my first visit to the hotel, we had to wear construction jackets! I also had the honours of hosting their opening night as a hotel…

The team at Ibis Styles Hotel suggested that I join them on Sunday because of their Sunday BBQ which is all you can eat at 2,000 Kshs.

I checked into my room and snapped this quick pic before heading off to the BBQ…

The BBQ stations have chicken, meat and other Kenyan delicacies…

The fish was extremely tasty!

When we were done with the Sunday BBQ I had no room for dinner! I retired to my room and had the best sleep ever! The next morning I had breakfast at Utamu Restaurant on the ground floor…

The best part of breakfast was the Fried Sweet Plantains. The last time I had these was in Brooklyn at a Venezuelan Restaurant called Caracas Arepas Bar. I will definitely be going back for breakfast because of plantain!

After breakfast, Maryanne was kind enough to give me a tour of Ibis Styles Hotel…

The lobby

Utamu Restaurant

Tusker Lite Bar

The rooms

The Conference Space

The Children’s Play Room

By the time I was checking out I was well rested and well fed and excited about Hotel number 3 of 31 Hotels in 31 Days!

Day 1 of 31 Hotels in 31 Days.

 

 

Day 1 of 31 Hotels in 31 Days: Four Points By Sheraton, Nairobi Airport

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce you to 31 Hotels in 31 Days! So there I was talking to a dear friend who happened to be the General Manager of a hotel too. I asked him if hotels would be open to trying out something that had never been done before, participate in this crazy idea where I check into 31 Hotels for 31 days, with the concept behind it being to experience what each hotel had to offer for 24 Hours in real time!

This experience would be shared with you, my beloved audience on Instagram Stories and Snapchat (@akinyiadongo) followed by this blog piece I am currently penning… You can imagine my surprise when 31 hotels signed up!

Which brings me to Hotel number one: Four Points by Sheraton, Nairobi Airport, which happens to be your gateway to Kenya!

When you land (or are leaving Nairobi,) it is impossible to miss the hotel which is located right at your point of entry into Kenya. I checked into my room…

…and then went straight to the rooftop for a compulsory picture by the stunning rooftop swimming pool!

Since it was right about lunchtime, Chef Chandra Shekhar was kind enough to invite me to try the Weekend lunch plan, the Fishy Weekend which was being served at Tazama Rooftop Bar & Grill.

What is really cool is that every other couple of weeks they have a different theme for the weekend menu.

Guys, my fish was delicious!

For dessert, I had Gulab Jamun…

Lunch was followed by an extensive tour and then dinner at The Marketplace Restaurant. Again, Chef Chandra lined up a superb dinner for me which comprised of Steak and dessert!

I retired to bed fully satisfied, only to wake up to a delightful breakfast overseen by the amazing Chef Chandra!

By the time day one was done, I was looking for my gym kit because if the next 30 days will be anything like day one, then I am in for one insane ride!

As I was checking out, I now understood why Four Points By Sheraton by the airport has won multiple awards at such a young age: Best Airport Hotel Kenya, Best Airport Hotel Africa, Best Large Hotel Kenya, Best Large Hotel Africa, and International Five Star Hotel 2018-2019.

I leave you with pictures of Four Points as I prepare for Hotel number two!

The Lobby

The Lobby Bar

The Business Lounge (For In-house Guests)

Marketplace Restaurant

The Executive Suite

The Deluxe Room

The Suite (King)

The Ball Room

Conference Room

Gym

 

 

Ethiopian Airlines: Pioneers In African Wildlife Conservation…

On the 20th of March 2015 Ethiopia burnt its entire 6.1-ton ivory stockpile at the Gulele Botanical Garden, close to the headquarters of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA.) This bold action meant that Ethiopia effectively joined other African countries like Kenya, Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville and Malawi in the fight against Ivory Trade and elephant poaching.

Here in Nairobi, we at Africans For Elephants were honored to partner up with Ethiopian Airlines and raise funds for elephant conservation projects.

The first event was the Africans For Elephants Inaugural Fundraising Ball which was held in Village Market, Nairobi in October 2016. The event raised 22,000 USD for The Walk With Rangers Initiative and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Mr. Zewdu H. Mariam, Ethiopian Airlines Kenya Country Director speaking at The Africans for Elephants Ball.

Jes, the winner of the Ethiopian Airlines Tickets.

The second event was the Africans For Elephants Cocktail fundraising event which took place at Emerald Garden, Nairobi. The event raised 4,000 USD for The Walk With Rangers Initiative in March 2017.

We look forward to joining forces with more like minded and progressive companies like Ethiopian Airlines who share our passion in wildlife conservation in our goal of supporting elephant conservation projects.

100+ African Songs You Must Know in 2017!

Restaurant Nyama Mama will be hosting an Africa Day gathering this year here in Nairobi for the first time…

What better way to join the party and honor African musicand celebrate Africa Day other than by compiling a list of some of our favorite songs over the years! I have a couple of friends who have passed by Nairobi and have fallen in love with African Music.. (Nastya from Europe, Rene and Rob, Eli… just to name a few!) Guys, wherever you are in the world, I hope you enjoy the music!

I have done my utmost best to include as many artists as I could from various African countries (Rwanda, Ghana, Algeria, Zambia etc!) I have also gone as far back in time with the music (Most songs from number 170 to 100..) If you have a great African song that you feel I should add to the list, by all means get in touch! Oh, and I have also included collaborations between African artists and other stars like NeYo, Rick Ross, Sting etc.

Ladies and gentlemen, below is the list of my favorite 170 African songs so far with number one being my all time favorite track! 🙂 A big thank you to Christiaan for his contribution with the list of West African musicians…Initially I included the videos of the song but that slowed down the blog loading time. I opted to add links to each song on the song title. Simply click the song name and the Youtube link will open!) Also, if you scroll down all the way to number 1 you will find the complete playlist with all the songs.

Enjoy!

Special Mention 1: Kalamashaka is considered the pioneer group when it comes to Kenyan Hip Hop. Here is their groundbreaking track, Tafsiri Hii…

Country: Kenya

Artist: Kalamashaka

Song: Tafsiri Hii

Special Mention 2: Alex Boyé’s version of Baba Yetu along with the BYU Men’s Chorus is simply magical!

Country: Nigeria/UK/US

Artist: Alex Boyé and the BYU Men’s Chorus & Philharmonic.

Song: Baba Yetu

Number 170

Country: Uganda

Artist: Navio Featuring Peter Miles

Song: Rakus

Number 169

Country: Kenya

Artist: Kleptomaniax

Song: Haree

Number 168

Country: Nigeria

Artist: P Square featuring J. Martins

Song: E no Easy

Number 167

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Eugy x Mr Eazi

Song: Dance For Me

Number 166

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Olamide

Song: Bobo

Number 165

Country: South Africa

Artist: DJ Ganyani featuring FB

Song: Xigubu

Number 164

Country: Kenya

Artist: Nameless, Doobeez, Nyash, Pam, Jua Cali and Karma

Song: Tatizo

Number 163

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Jay Moe featuring Ngwair

Song: Kimya Kimya

Number 162

Country: Kenya

Artist: Patonee, Amani and Big Pin

Song: Talk to You

Number 161

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Starboy Featuring L.A.X and Wizkid

Song: Caro

Number 160

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Diamond Platnumz

Song: Ntampata Wapi

Number 159

Country: Uganda

Artist: Obsessions

Song:  Jangu

Number 158

Country: South Africa

Artist: Miriam Makeba

Song: Pata Pata

Number 157

Country: South Africa

Artist: Miriam Makeba

Song: Hapo Zamani

Number 156

Country: Kenya/Jamaica

Artist: Wyre featuring Alaine

Song: Nakupenda Pia

Number 155

Country: South Africa

Artist: Brenda Fassie

Song: Nakupenda

Number 154

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Patoranking featuring Wizkid

Song: This Kind Luv

Number 153

Country: Zimbabwe

Artist: Alexio

Song: Shaina

Number 152

Country: Rwanda

Artist: Yvan Buravan

Song: Malaika

Number 151

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Berry Black & Berry White featuring Shirko

Song: Na Wewe Tu

Number 150

Country: Uganda

Artist: Blu 3 featuring Radio and Weasel

Song: Where You Are

Number 149

Country: South Africa

Artist: Brenda Fassie

Song: Vulindela

Number 148

Country: Kenya

Artist: Walanguzi

Song: Crazy

Number 147

Country: Kenya

Artist: XYZee

Song: Tafuta

Number 146

Country: Kenya

Artist: Shaevy and Slice

Song: Gal

Country: Kenya

Artist: Shaffie & Slice featuring Robba, Collo, U.B., Askofu, Filter, Rex & Side B Shavey

Song: Gal Remix

Number 145

Country: Kenya

Artist: Nyota Ndogo Featuring Nonini

Song: Nibebe

Number 144

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Ycee

Song: Omo Alhaji

Number 143

Country: Uganda

Artist: Blu 3

Song: Nsanyuka Nawe

Number 142

Country: Nigeria

Artist: DJ Jimmy Jatt featuring Wizkid

Song: Feeling the Beat

Number 141

Country: Uganda

Artist: Blu 3

Song: Hitaji

Number 140

Country: Kenya

Artist: Swahili Nation

Song: Mpenzi

Number 139

Country: Kenya

Artist: Nameless

Song: Coming Home

Number 138

Country: Kenya

Artist: Gidi Gidi & Wikimosh

Song: Atoti

Number 137

Country: Kenya

Artist: Longombas

Song: Dondosa

Number 136

Country: Kenya

Artist: Deux Vultures

Song: Katika

Number 135

Country: Kenya

Artist: Hardstone

Song: Uhiki

Number 134

Country: Kenya

Artist: Necessary Noise

Song: Juu

Number 133

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Wanaume TMK

Song: Dar Mpaka Moro

Number 132

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Professor Jay featuring Ferooz

Song: Nikusaidiaje

Number 131

Country: Senegal

Artist: Youssou N’Dour

Song: Birima

Number 130

Country: Kenya

Artist: Necessary Noise

Song: Fire

Number 129

Country: Kenya

Artist: Black Duo

Song: Rap kwa Mic

Number 128

Country: Kenya

Artist: Jua Cali

Song: Ruka

Number 127

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Mr. Nice

Song: Kidali Po

Number 126

Country: Kenya

Artist: Amos and Josh featuring Rabbit King Kaka

Song: Baadaye

Number 125

Country: Uganda

Artist: Ngoni

Song: Bigula

Number 124

Country: Uganda

Artist: Benon & Vampos

Song: Mumulete

Number 123

Country: Uganda

Artist: Ngoni

Song: Nasiima Gwe

Number 122

Country: Kenya

Artist: Necessary Noize

Song: Kenyan Girl Kenyan Boy

Number 121

Country: Uganda

Artist: Jackie Chandiru

Song: Gold Digger

Number 120

Country: Kenya

Artist: Amani

Song: Missing My Baby

Number 119

Country: Kenya

Artist: Camp Mulla feat. Collo

Song: Party Don’t Stop

Number 118

Country: Kenya

Artist: Madtraxx

Song: Get Down

Number 117

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Ray C

Song: Umenikataa

Number 116

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Ray C

Song: Na Wewe Milele

Number 115

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Alikiba

Song: Cinderella

Number 114

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Alikiba

Song: Mac Muga

Number 113

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Mez B Featuring Ray C

Song: Kama Vipi

Number 112

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Naeto C

Song: 10 over 10

Number 111

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Iyanya

Song:  Kukere

Number 110

Country: Ghana/UK

Artist: Fuse ODG ft. Tiffany

Song: Azonto

Number 109

Country: Ghana

Artist: Buk Bak

Song: Kolom

Number 108

Country: Nigeria

Artist: P Square

Song: Personally

Number 107

Country: Nigeria

Artist: P Square featuring Rick Ross

Song: Beautiful Onyinye

Number 106

Country: Ghana/UK/US

Artist: Fuse ODG featuring Wyclef Jean

Song: Antenna

Number 105

Country: Nigeria

Artist: P Square

Song: No One Like You

Number 104

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Tiwa Savage Ft. Don Jazzy

Song: Eminado

Number 103

Country:  Nigeria

Artist: D’Banj

Song: Oliver Twist

Number 102

Country: Kenya

Artist: Willy Paul featuring Size 8

Song: Tam Tam Remix

Number 101

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Bracket

Song: Yori Yori

Special Mention 3: Ghana’s Fuse ODG collaborated with Major Lazer for this really catchy club hit.. Who knew!

Song: Light It Up

Number 100

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Matonya

Song: Vailet

Number 99

Country: Kenya

Artist:  Videz Hybrid, Shiva and Nova

Song: Windem

Number 98

Country: South Africa

Artist: Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Song: Umqombothi

Number 97

Country: Rwanda

Artist: Jay Polly

Song: Deux Fois Deux

Number 96

Country: Nigeria

Artist: WizKid

Song: Daddy Yo

Number 95

Country: South Africa

Artist: Lucky Dube

Song: The way it is

Number 94

Country: Kenya

Artist: Longombas

Song: Queen

Number 93

Country: Rwanda

Artist: Riderman

Song: Bombori Bombori

Number 92

Country: Tanzania

Artist: KLynn Featuring Squeezer

Song: Crazy Over You

Number 91

Country: Kenya

Artist: Redsan

Song: Raha

Number 90

Country: Uganda

Artist: Moses Radio & Weasel

Song: Zuena

Number 89

Country: Tanzania

Artist: TID

Song: Siamini

Number 88

Country: Kenya

Artist: Cannibal & Sharama

Song: Street Hustler

Number 87

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Mr. Nice

Song: Fagilia

Number 86

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Mr. Blue

Song: Kiss Kiss

Number 85

Country: Kenya*

Artist: Doobiez a.k.a Abbas

Song: Mo Fire

Number 84

Country: Kenya

Artist: Eric Wainaina

Song: Ritwa Riaku

Number 83

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Suma Lee

Song: Chungwa

Number 82

Country: Kenya

Artist: Kalamashaka aka K-Shaka featuring [feat. Natasha “Nikki” Gatabaki]

Song: Songa Hapa

Number 81

Country: Kenya

Artist: Juacali & Pilipili

Song: Kamata Dame

Number 80

Country: Kenya

Artist: DNA

Song: Banjuka

Number 79

Country: Burundi/Uganda

Artist: Kidum Featuring Lady Jaydee

Song: Nitafanya

Number 78

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Davido

Song: Aye

Number 78

Country: Kenya

Artist: Collo and Bruz Newton

Song: Bazokizo

Number 77

Country: Kenya

Artist: Kleptomaniax

Song: Tuendelee

Number 76

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Zanto Featuring Pingu

Song: Binti Kiziwi

Number 75

Country: Nigeria

Artist: J. Martins featuring Dj Arafat

Song: Touchin Body

Number 74

Country: Kenya

Artist: Jaguar

Song: Kigeugeu

Number 73

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Wizkid

Song: Show You The Money

Number 72

Country: Kenya

Artist: P-unit featuring Mimmo

Song: Kare

Number 71

Country: South Africa

Artist: DJ Sbu featuring Zahara

Song: Lengoma

Number 70

Country: Kenya

Artist: Sauti Sol

Song: Live and Die in Afrika

Number 69

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Tekno

Song: Pana

Number 68

Country: South Africa

Artist: Zahara

Song: Loliwe

Number 67

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Wizkid

Song: Final

Number 66

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Davido

Song: Gobe

Number 65

Country: Nigeria

Artist: 2face

Song: African Queen

Number 64

Country: Uganda

Artist: Juliana Kanyomozi and Bushoke

Song: Usiende Mbali

Number 63

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Diamond Platnumz featuring Mr Flavour

Song: Nana

Number 62

Country: South Africa

Artist: Oskido’s Candy

Song: Tsa Mandebele kids

Number 61

Country: Nigeria

Artist: P Square

Song: Ifunanya

Number 60

Country: South Africa

Artist: Uhuru featuring DJ Buckz, Oskido, Professor and Uri-Da-Cunha

Song: Y-tjukutja

Number 59

Country: Uganda

Artist: Ngoni

Song: Digi

Number 58

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Sinach

Song: I know who I am

Number 57

Country: Kenya/Jamaica

Artist: Redsan and Demarco

Song: Badder Dan Most (The Remix)

Number 56

Country: Zambia

Artist: Roberto

Song:  Amarula

Number 55

Country: Uganda

Artist: Peter Miles featuring Menshan

Song: One Time

Number 54

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Davido

Song: Dami Duro

Number 53

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Patoranking featuring Wande Coal

Song: My Woman, My Everything

Number 52

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Alikiba

Song: Mwana

Number 51

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Chidinma

Song: Kedike

Special Mention 4: Algeria’s Mami collaborated with Sting for the hit track Desert Rose

Song: Desert Rose

Number 50

Country: Nigeria

Artist: P Square

Song: Do Me

Number 49

Country: Rwanda

Artist: Charly & Nina Ft Big Fizzo

Song: Indoro

Number 48

Country: South Africa/Nigeria

Artist: Dj Maphorisa featuring Wizkid & Dj Buckz

Song: Soweto Baby

Number 47

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Ice Prince featuring Brymo

Song: Oleku

Number 46

Country: Kenya

Artist: P-Unit & Sauti Sol

Song: Gentleman

Number 45

Country: Nigeria

Artist: P Square

Song: Alingo

Number 44

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Yemi Alade

Song: Johnny

Number 43

Country: Nigeria

Artist: P Square featuring Akon and May D

Song: Chop My Money

Number 42

Country: Tanzania/Kenya

Artist: French Boy featuring Ray C

Song: Moto Moto

Number 41

Country: Nigeria

Artist: D’Banj

Song: Fall In Love

Number 40

Country: South Africa

Artist: Ringo Madlingozi

Song: Sondela

Number 39

Country: Uganda

Artist: Radio Featuring Suuna & Weasel

Song: Nakudata

Number 38

Country: South Africa

Artist: Speedy & Professor

Song: Lento

Number 37

Country: Nigeria/UK

Artist: Maleek Berry

Song: Kontrol

Number 36

Country: Rwanda

Artist: Kitoko & Meddy

Song: Sibyo

Number 35

Country: Tanzania/USA

Artist: Diamond Platnumz featuring Ne-Yo

Song: Marry You

Number 34

Country: Nigeria/Kenya

Artist: Yemi Alade featuring Sauti Sol

Song: Africa

Number 33

Country: Israel/Kenya

Artist: Gilad

Song: Sema Milele

Number 32

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Davido

Song: Skelewu

Number 31

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Wizkid

Song: Ojuelegba

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Wizkid featuring Drake & Skepta

Song: Ojuelegba (Remix)

Number 30

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Diamond Platnumz

Song: Number One

Country: Tanzania/Nigeria

Artist: Diamond featuring Davido

Song: Number One Remix

Number 29

Country: Algeria

Artist: Khaled

Song: C’Est La Vie

Number 28

Country: Kenya/Zimbabwe

Artist: Eric Wainaina and Oliver Mtukudzi

Song: Twende Twende

Number 27

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Flavour

Song: Nwa Baby

Number 26

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Navy Kenzo

Song: Kamatia

Special Mention 5: Did you know that Ghana’s Fuse ODG has a track with Sean Paul called Dangerous Love?

Song: Dangerous Love

Number 25

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Kcee featuring Wizkid

Song: Pull Over

Number 24

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Wanaume TMK And Tip Top

Song: Chama Kubwa

Number 23

Country: Nigeria/Ghana

Artist: Patoranking featuring Sarkodie

Song: No Kissing Baby

Number 22

Country: South Africa

Artist: Mi Casa

Song: Jika

Number 21

Country:  Kenya/South Africa

Artist: Sauti Sol featuring Mi Casa

Song: Tulale Fofofo

Number 20

Country: Ghana/UK

Artist: Fuse ODG

Song: Million Pound Girl (Badder Than Bad)

Number 19

Country: Algeria

Artist: Khaled

Song: Aicha

Number 18

Country: Kenya

Artist: Willy Paul

Song: Fanya

Number 17

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Davido

Song: If

Number 16

Country: South Africa

Artist: Liquideep

Song: Alone

Number 15

Country: Tanzania

Artist: Darassa featuring Ben Pol

Song: Muziki

Number 14

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Korede Bello

Song: Godwin

Number 13

Country: South Africa

Artist: DJ Clock ft Beatenberg

Song: “Pluto” (Remember You)

Number 12

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Korede Bello

Song: Do Like That

Number 11

Country: Kenya

Artist: Victoria Kimani

Song: Show

Special Mention 6: Alex Boye once again dazzles in his African Version of Coldplay’s hit, Paradise, alongside The Piano Guys.

Country: Nigeria/UK/US

Artist: Alex Boye and The Piano Guys

Song: Peponi (Swahili for Paradise)

Number 10

Country: Kenya

Artist: Sauti Sol featuring RedFourth Chorus (Upper Hill School)

Song: Kuliko Jana

Number 9

Country: Kenya

Artist: Elani

Song: Kookoo

Number 8

Country: South Africa

Artist: Liquideep

Song: Still

Number 7

Country: Ghana

Artist: Sarkodie

Song: Adonai ft. Castro

Number 6

Country: South Africa

Artist: Dj Vetkuk vs Mahoota featuring Dr Malinga

Song: Via Orlando

Number 5

Country: Israel/Kenya

Artist: Gilad featuring Wendy Kimani

Song: Unajua

Number 4

Country: Tanzania

Artist: AY featuring Diamond Platnumz

Song: Zigo Remix

Number 3

Country: Rwanda

Artist: Meddy, The Ben, K8 Kavuyo

Song: Ndi Uw’i Kigali

Number 2

Country: Kenya

Artist: Sauti Sol

Song: Sura Yako

Number 1!

Country: Nigeria

Artist: Runtown

Song: Mad Over You

I have also compiled a playlist with all the songs here! Let me know if there is an amzing African song you would like me to add. 🙂

Nyama Mama Restaurant Nairobi: A Daring Reinvention of Kenyan Food!

The team at Nyama Mama have been dear friends of mine for years! Therefore when the day came to sample their food before they open their doors to the public this week, we had to turn up and try out their much awaited delicious food.

One thing we are guilty of in Kenya is not being too experimental with our traditional food. The same Ugali I first had when I was capable of eating solid food as a baby is the same one our family still has to date! So it was quite fascinating to hear that the Nyama Mama crew was determined to be play around with traditional Kenyan cuisine and tease us with a whole new angle.. Here is how it went!

Let start with the restaurant’s interiors.. As you walk in past the front desk, you encounter the open kitchen on your left and the bar straight ahead of you…

After which you step out to the terrace on your right.. The furniture was modern with a touch of African fabric. This made the space look quite vibrant.

There is a second level with more sitting space. What is interesting about this level is that everything can be disassembled to open up the space for an event. Secondly, there is a private dining space for those who value their privacy..

And finally we get to the food.. As I mentioned before, the menu has a heavy Kenyan influence, but you also have your usual suspects like burgers and salads. There are fusion dishes too (see the falafel…) Here is the itinerary of the food we sampled… Each dish was well presented and obviously full of flavour!

Ugali Fries With Garlic Sauce 

Mashed Cassava Balls with Mama’s Pili Pili Sauce

Chicken 65 Marinated (Fried then tossed in a rich gravy)

Chapatti Quesadillas with Kachumbari and Guacamole

Falafel with Hummus

Beetroot Orange and Feta Salad

Curry Goat with Chapatti

Tusker BBQ Pork Belly with Mashed Sweet Potato

Crispy Grilled Rabbit (Sungura) Choma

Grilled Halloumi Burger

Smokehouse Burger

My Verdict? If you know what is good for your tastebuds, then stop by Nyama Mama and immerse yourself in some of the most delicious food I have tasted this year! Oh, and here is the tasting crew!

Nyama Mama Contact Details..

Club House
Delta Tower (Oracle House)
Westlands
E: delta@nyamamama.com
T: +254 20 7602067/8

Village Market
Food Court
Limuru Road
E village@nyamamama.com
T +254 20 7602069 or
+254 703 567567

Yaya Centre
Second Floor, Food Loft
Argwings Kodhek Road
E yaya@nyamamama.com
T +254 20 7602066 or
+254 702 567567

A Sneak Peek At Two Rivers Kenya: The Largest Mixed Use Development Complex In Sub-Saharan Africa…

So there I was minding my own business last week when a friend called me up and requested that I accompany them on a site visit to Two Rivers.

For those who are not aware, Two Rivers is a fascinating complex set on a whooping 100 acres just after Runda which is gradually coming into shape after years of planning. Upon completion, the structure will boast 8.9 Million Square feet of available space.

So we jumped into the car and sped down Limuru Road and made our way to the development. You know things are serious when they design an underpass for access to the mall separate from the main Limuru Road and a roundabout to access the mall from the Northern Bypass

We parked the car in the vast parking space (over 3,500 spots!) after which I got a quick tour of the complex. Interestingly, there are tenants who are ready to receive customers even with the final phase of the construction going on…

With a green angle in mind, Two Rivers’ plan is to install one of the largest rooftop solar panels in Africa. 80% of the water used within the complex will be recycled while over 30% of the development will be set aside for parks and natural spaces.

What makes Two Rivers different from all the other malls/developments in Kenya?

1. Two Rivers will have a whole new lineup of shops/retailers which are setting shop in Kenya for the first time ever. These include:

a) LC Waikiki

Turkish LC Waikiki is an international clothing line with over 600 stores in more than 30 countries.

b) Carrefour

Carrefour will be opening the first hypermarket in Kenya at Two Rivers. With over  1,600 hypermarkets and a presence in over 30 countries worldwide, Carrefour just stepped up competition in Nairobi with their Karen branch already in action.

2. Accommodation Options: Two Rivers will not only have residential apartments, but they will also have jogging and cycling lanes for tenants and guests. City Lodge Hotel will open a three star hotel within the compound which will have 170 rooms…

3. Movie Lovers Heaven! Vox Cinemas is setting up a 10 Screen theater with an offer on VOX Max, VOX Gold VOX 3D and VOX 4DX. You all know where to find me from November!

5. Public Event Spaces: I must admit that I am impressed by Two River’s plan to have public event spaces. All other malls in Nairobi have their parking spaces as the main event space.  Apart from the galleries and movie theatre, there are two specific spaces of interest:

a) CK Square: The square will hold more than 2000 people and will have an LED outdoor screen.

b) Amphitheatre: With a capacity of 3,600 seats. The amphitheater will also have a live studio, an outdoor video facility and VIP corporate boxes. It can host an event every day of the year.

4. The sheer size of it. The complex will have 18 escalators, 22 lifts and 4 travelators.

Well ladies and gentlemen, I await your feedback of the mall once it opens in a few weeks… Meanwhile, I leave you with a couple of pictures of this interesting development…

Brioche Restaurant: A Delightful Taste Of Rwanda and Belgium in Nairobi…

So I have this friend called David who is currently out of town. One of the things I promised him was that I would write about new restaurants in Nairobi that might tickle his fancy, and when he gets back we can go check them out..

As I was weighing the options, Nikos calls me up and makes me promise to join him at Brioche Restaurant in Karen on Saturday. How can anyone ever say no to Nikos!

Saturday comes along and we hop into his car for the road trip to Karen.. 🙂 We drive into The Watermark Business Park which I had driven past on several occasions but had never stepped in before. We park the car, step out and in no time we are standing in front of Brioche..

We walk in through the door and encounter a warm and welcoming space..

The restaurant also has an outdoor section..

Eunice our host makes us feel at home at Brioche. We do not hesitate and order our lunch as soon as we sit down. In no time, we have our food in front of us which included the following…

Tomato Splendid!

Smoked Chicken & Mushroom Quiche

Waterzooi of Kuku

I had the pleasure of enjoying this as my main course. It is a fusion of Belgian and Kenyan chicken. Loved it!

Brioche bake their own bread and have a great dessert selection. Therefore it would have been a crime for us not to have some..

I cannot wait to have my lemon pie again!

Brioche is the brainchild of Jean-Philippe Kayobotsi who happens to be half Rwandan and half Belgian. The first branch opened at the Kigali Business Center (KBC) in Kacyiru in 2013. The Karen restaurant is the fourth Brioche in East Africa. The company has grown its workforce to over 100 employees in Rwanda and Kenya.

Jean-Philippe Kayobotsi (Picture from CNN)

Do stop by the next time you are in Karen and let me know what you think! 🙂

Brioche Karen Facebook Page