BY MAGGIE MARIKAH KWABENA in Atlanta, Georgia
Kikuyu Diaspora Media’s 1st Anniversary in Atlanta set and raised the bar high in all things events, style and elegance as Kenyans from many US states and other fans from around the globe packed the auditorium.
As a major Kenyan Diaspora hub, Atlanta is not new to events hosting. But many events have over promised and under delivered. However, that was not the case for Kikuyu Diaspora Media (KDM). They lived up to – and even exceeded – the high expectations of Kenyans in the Diaspora.
The team was led by their vibrant, energetic CEO and founder Jeremy Damaris who steered the ship from the front lines as MC. The audience was treated to sheer elegance from the moment one stepped into the event hall.
Lights, camera, action and more elegance was evident when it came to that coveted moment on the red carpet. Most of those in attendance donned the official vibrant Orange color of KDM.
What made the KDM Event Different?
The elegance and grace with which KDM conducted the entire event was a breath of fresh air. The welcoming atmosphere, a courteous team with a great sense of order and flow of events. There were a lot of activities but they all seamlessly worked well together.
People felt welcome, appreciated and right at home as they experienced the legendary ATL Southern Hospitality. There was a very positive celebratory energy in the room where people seemed genuinely excited to be at the event. Fans not only came from the different US States but also global fans from Germany, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Kenya made the maiden trip to support KDM.
This is a true testament of the love and support KDM enjoys globally. Fans were upbeat, excited and proud of what KDM has accomplished globally. They believe in the product, they are not just selling it. They own and embrace the KDM Vision and passionately support it. This was supported not just in words but also in their generous contribution to the fund raising towards setting up a permanent KDM Studio in the USA.
The Guest Singers were a sight to behold too. They did not disappoint when it came to their presentations. They engaged the audience and made it worth their while. I have not danced this much in a long time. It is not always that you get such great talent assemble on one stage. The who-is-who of Kenya Gospel music circles accompanied by US Artistes lit the stage with a powerful praise extravaganza that set the event apart from many others.
It featured the one and only Atlanta queen of praise Naomi Karanja with her legendary hit Muhotoro, alongside Kenyan artistes Mercy Ken, Shiru wa GP, Mary Githinji, Paul Mwai, Phylis Mbuthia among others.
I would not do the event justice if I forgot to mention my personal favorite Man Kush. As always he did not disappoint. His great sense of humor and candid talk left us all in stitches. The man, the myth the legend is funnier in person and a breath of fresh air uniting the old, the young and everyone else in between. He sure does have a way with words.
The Mugithi night was equally refreshing taking us all the way back to Zilizopendwa and new generation beats. There was something for everyone.
What has KDM accomplished in their 1st Anniversary and what’s next?
One of the Goals for KDM 1st Anniversary was to kick start the process of seeking to realise their dream of buying property where they can build their own permanent Media House complete with state of the art studios. To that end they had a very successful fund raising.
In the true legendary giving spirit of Kenyans, they did not disappoint. They gave passionately to support the vision, dream, future and legacy of KDM. I was particularly impressed by many of the Sponsors that made this event possible.
Hosting events in the Diaspora is often a Herculean task. It is extremely expensive, takes lots of manpower and planning. When Kenyan based investors and businesses partner to invest in the Diaspora, it paves way for mutually beneficial reciprocal relationships.
We would like to see more Kenyan-based investors becoming active participants in the dreams, future and vision of the Diaspora. We have many companies doing great things in Kenya and are proud to see them expand their partnerships to support entrepreneurs in the Diaspora.
Business is about building bridges of trust and a great way to do that is to invest in things that the Diaspora is passionate about. Kama Waswahili walivyosema, “mkono mtupu haulambwi.”
As we invest and do business in Kenya, it makes a difference when these Kenyan companies equally partner with the diaspora in things that are important to us as a community.
What do you say to those who think we have way too many Kenyan networks as it is?
Well, how many is too many? I think someone’s dream or vision should not be deemed or extinguished because someone else has already started a similar journey or has a similar dream or vision. We all have our separate paths in life. If you have a clear vision and execute it diligently, it will come to fruition in due time.
Run your own race, give the consumer choice, and provide a quality service or product as you anticipate their needs. The modern consumer likes choice and quality. Whoever meets their needs best will be the media outlet that survives in the long term.
Some Media Houses have come and gone but those that understand their niche and market share needs continue to thrive. There is plenty of room in the Diaspora and the World for everyone to accomplish their vision if you work smart, perfect your skills and execute a clear vision. We wish KDM well as they continue to grow and thrive.
Comments from Sponsors:
“At Maridady Motors we are changing this world view and positioning “Kenya” to those in the Diaspora as a place they can do business and grow their capital. Instead of viewing diaspora solely as a market, we view it as a partner. Our audacious proposition is that Diasporians can invest in Kenyan businesses and make money in their home country Kenya.
To make this work, we have created structures to help persons in the Diaspora to invest in the Auto Industry as well as in the Transport business in Kenya. Kikuyu Diaspora Media is a courageous entrepreneurial media that demonstrates the ability of our people to mobilize themselves into functional communities even in the diaspora. The media goes a long way in uniting Kenyans and in helping respond to their needs both locally and internationally. KDM does amazing work of pointing out those who need help either in their countries of residence or even back home. Our CSR department thus could not hesitate to sponsor them in growing this noble course.” By: Eric Ngigi
“My name is Peter Gioko EA, PE, MBA MSME. I am a financial advisor with over 15 years in: tax preparation and IRS & all 50 states and tax Audit consultant. I am available 365 days in a year, I prepare taxes for everyone, both individual and corporate taxes.
I have sponsored the Kikuyu Diaspora Event because it is a media movement for the people by the people with the prime goal to: inform & support the needy, the unknown, and promote the general welfare of mankind. Such a moment is charitable and Good Samaritan investment and I will always support it.” By: Peter Kioko
“I support Kenyan Events because I believe in giving back to the community.” By Esther: Wilpek Fashions
“We support Diaspora events because we are in the Diaspora and understand the needs of the Diaspora. JRN Investments LTD is 100% Diaspora owned. We have a membership of over 300 members across the USA and Kenya. We are in control of our projects and manage them right from here in the Diaspora.” By: JRN Investment INC Representatives.
