Eric Wainaina on CNN

CNN is increasingly looking at East African musicians with regards to their powerful voices not only in music but also in socio-political matters. A few weeks ago, Tanzanian songstress Nakaaya Sumari was featured on the regular Inside Africa segment and this Saturday, Kenya’s Eric Wainaina will be on African Voices.
The interview is touted as being of a far-sighted young personality on the forefront of East African music and the sharp end of activism. Wainaina will talk about his latest album and the power of music and politics.
This is his sophomore appearance on CNN. In January last year during the post election violence, Zain Verjee interviewed Wainaina on Inside Africa
The Twende Twende singer spoke about politicians fanning tribal flames to build their political base but was confident Kenyans would find a way out through diplomacy.

Talented musicians get chance to attend Berklee

Berklee College of Music whose list of alumni includes Eric Wainaina, Victor Seii and the rest of the Five Alive boy band, is offering music scholarships for African talent. The Roger Brown and Linda Mason Presidential Scholarship is an opportunity for gifted African musicians who lack the financial means to study. They plan to hold auditions and interviews in Nairobi on June 2 and 3, 2009.
The candidates who get awarded the scholarships will study in the collage that has produced musical greats like Quincy Jones the producer, music arranger and composer and John Mayer the guitarist and songwriter.
The scholarships are part of Berklee’s program to enhance the school’s presence in Africa, increasing awareness of Berklee among African musicians and encouraging the already impressive roster of Berklee alumni from Africa to actively support this scholarship and Berklee.
The venue will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit www.berklee.com