Ngugi Wa Thiong’o Ngugi wa Thiong’o, original name James Thi- ong’o Ngugi, was born on January 5, 1938, in Limuru. Considered East Africa’s leading novelist, his popular Weep Not, Child (1964) was the first major novel in English by an East African. His third novel, The River Between (1965) tells of lovers kept apart by the conflict between Lupita Christianity and traditional ways and beliefs. It suggests that efforts to reunite a culturally Nyong’o Winyo divided community using Western education are doomed to failure. A concept that has to Lupita Amondi Nyong’o was born March 1(go Born Shiphton Onyango in Nairobi, he later adopted “The condition truly come to be realized in Kenya (and Africa Pisces!),1983 in Mexico City, to Kenyan parents, his stage name “Winyo”, which is a Luo word for “a as a whole) in recent times. One that some may Dorothy Ogada Buyu and Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o. bird”. The reason for this becomes apparent once of choose to ignore, but is glaringly obvious. She was also the lead in MTV’s award-winning dra- you hear him sing. His voice has a highly ma series, Shuga. Lupita became famous worldwide melodic quality that has been likened to a singing Ngugi wa Thiong’o believes in the imagination. for her performance as brutalized slave Patsey in bird. Combined with his admirable guitar skills, women in a Perhaps that seems obvious for the decorated acclaimed director Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Winyo’s music has an uplifting, yet calming quality to Kenyan novelist, scholar and playwright, who’s Slave (2013). Growing up, she wanted to go into it that is unmatched (for real, check it). nation is the been publishing for over 50 years. But imagi- botany, which seems interesting, but we’re glad she nation, and all art, for him, is not just a form of decided to be the on-screen warrior queen we know Winyo’s music is heavily influenced by the old-style creativity, it’s a form of resistance. For obvious and love. Right now, she is spearheading a project benga which he has revived, with a contemporary real measure reasons, this is a motto that resonates with us, where, through a children’s book (and sort of modern-day feel and the unmistakable guitar play- and possibly the reason that till today, Ngugi Wa biography) teaching little melanated girls ing style of legends like Ochieng’ Nelly and George of its Thiong’o influences so much of our local works. everywhere to love the skin that they’re in, much like RamogiIn. His style of music and the ethereal way she has reminded a lot of women everywhere. She he performs it led him to international recognition progress.” is an Oscar Award-winning badass and an and his numerous accolades. inspiration to black women everywhere. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Wizard of the Crow 50nd3k4 376 50nd3k4 377 50nd3k4 376 50nd3k4 377