Wakoli Bifwoli

Meet makhalanje aka tsimbale aka kamalwa kamakhalange: The humble traditional Luhya fermented food that’s been paid as a queen’s bride price, is key when making men out of boys, is enjoyed by the high and mighty and more interesting stories

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poster with image of beer froth titled kamalwa khamakhalange

Among the Luhya the traditional beer, kamalwa, is made from spontaneously fermented maize flour. The fermented flour is sun dried then fried in a pan until it assumes a coarse powder form. When in this state, it is known as kamalwa kamakhalange or simply kamakhalange. Also: Makhalanje, tsimbale, mkarango. My people simply cannot resist kamalwa … Read more

PART 1B: The Heroics Of Freedom Fighter Wakoli khwa Mukisu At The Battle Of Mukhweya – Remembering Chetambe War

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poster with the words celebrating shujaa Wakoli khwa Mukisu on a blood red template

This section of Part 1 of our three part series that honors the memory of the heroes of the Chetambe war, remembers freedom fighter Wakoli khwa Mukisu. Wakoli is a shujaa who modern Kenya criminally chooses to forget. He was the mastermind of the first phase of the BaBukusu resistance that culminated in victory for … Read more

A cheeky look at stereotypes on Bukusu clans: The mischief, good, bad and ugly – You can laugh along, just don’t kill the messenger

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poster with topics that this poat on bukusu clans covers

Beyond totems, such as animals that are said to be clan animals, Bukusu clans can be differentiated by their quirks. The following stereotypes on Bukusu clans are intended to make us laugh at ourselves. What follows is a hilarious punt at opening the closets that hold the things that, like in any big family, we … Read more

Kutalang’i By Wanjala wa Mandari & The Untold Story of Micheal Kijana Wamalwa & Musikari Kombo

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poster of lion street art with the word kutalang'i across the center

The stimulating, emotional folk song “Kutalang’i”  has an intro that harps on the familiar with the characteristic Bukusu folk music music staccato rhythm of Litungu and Chisasi in uncomfortable harmony. Kutalang`i is Lubukusu for the Lion King. Lions are symbols of strength and courage and have been celebrated throughout history for these traits. From the … Read more