Oral East AfricaThe backyard of Urban Radio in Kisumu was transformed in two days into a magnet for vinyl records lovers and old school DJ-ing that gave a us music to remember; thanks to Donfon- the ‘engineer’s’ two sleepless nights, Kenya Breweries Ltd and Ben ‘Japs’ Odhiambo’s money.
When I met Donfon in the afternoon he was dazed, he stumbled on our equipment and I was cross with him. But then he came back to set things right but only ended up almost tipping over our record collections on his stagger.
In a minute before I could get my annoyance across to him, naming his many infractions at the Seamless Frames set to capture moments with our own Vinyl story, he apologized. Not only for his untoward behavior but also for his looks.
Because you see, Don also came from those homes that could afford record players, those days. I should not see him as he is- in his black t-shirt, scrummed up jeans and safety boots, nor his calloused hands and think that he was always tipping over a drink.
His father, he said had owned a Vinyl set, he had been a big man who had been a REGIONAL manager in charge of distributing newspapers and drove a Peugeot 504. The ones that had that lion, I tell him.
And he laughs his heart out. He continues in thick luo, caveat, while I know elementary Luo having been raised in Kisumu in the 1990’s my grasp of it is still far, and I stumbled after his story that changed course like a distracted toddler.
He loves his story though, because he thinks that I must think he is bluffing when he tells me he was the one who put the structure that hosted Kisumu’s, Vinnyl addiction together. The design, was in his head which he violently prodded as if more ideas could be plucked out right in front of me.
He also said he was behind the construction, a jack of all trades overseeing the actual fundi’s deliver the impossible, His vision was a bigger tent that stretched the whole backyard, but he had to settle on the current size for his architectural masterpiece after they said the trees could not be touched.
The set, a tent shaped open space with tarpaulins held up with beams hanging overhead a canopy of trees over a raised platform delivered a cozy airy space for a warm Kisumu afternoon and early evening. They threw bundles of hay covered with bright Khangas, that you could crowd in for the ultimate experience.
The DJ Experience
As the clock struck noon, the fashion-forward crowd began to trickle into the venue for yesterday’s highly anticipated event. The parking lot was a sea of vehicles, a clear indication of the event’s popularity and success.
For most of us, before this event, we had only ever heard of live vynl dj-ing. From what I heard, vinyl mixing is where Dj started, before we moved to the more complex electronic decks.
Our expectations were beyond blown away when I heard the Djs mixing old school music as we stepped into the event.
The live mix by DJ slim, DJ Soli, DJ Kim, DJ Edo, DJ Jack established themselves as masters of an old art of mastering musical beats per minute to waltz through different genres without the help of a computer, true vintage style.
Seamless Experience
This also marked Seamless Frames first outdoor collaborative as we brought out our outdoor photography set. We quickly set up our unique photo booth complete with classic props, vynl records and a working record player, with camera in hand, all that was left was bringing in people and capturing moments.
Revelers came in dressed for the occasion, with bright smiles and dope outfits. Most of them did not mind a random photo here and there taken of them. It was a bright day, and the vibe was right. DJs more than delivered, they kept us moving, dancing, making photography quite a joy.
Ladies draped on bold prints and vibrant colors that adorned their beautiful frames, their flawless makeup adding an extra touch of elegance. Meanwhile, the men showcased their excellent sense of style, effortlessly blending classic stripes and playful graphics in their outfits. Each attendee brought a unique flair to the event, making it a vibrant celebration of fashion and culture from various parts of Kenya.
Good coverage