QUICK DELIVERY
Swift dispatch
-17%
Songs of the Master River Wabler
KShs600.00 KShs500.00
Emeino y’Egetinginye Enchome is a captivating book of Ekegusii poetry that celebrates the rich tapestry of the AbaGusii people. The poems within this collection explore the depths of love, the enchanting beauty of the EkeGusii language and culture, and the splendor of the natural world.
From the majestic rivers and rolling hills to the vibrant flora and fauna, the anthology paints a vivid portrait of the Gusii homeland. Readers are invited to savor the essence of Ekegusii heritage through the poet’s exploration of traditional culinary arts, cherished dishes, and cultural landmarks. The collection is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Gusii people, expressed through the lyrical power of their native tongue.
The poems in this book were conceived in Ekegusii in a bid to capture the nuances of Gusii’s spoken art, culture, language, and way of life, which is surely facing extinction. It persuades the reader to go back not only in time but also to the roots of the essence of Ekegusii. There is an attempt to translate the poems to English for a wider reach.
Anciently of the clan of Masisi of the Bagesaka from Bobasi, Nyansera Otieno is a scribe, painter, curator, cultural activist, and native language crusader. He has taught at the Bugema University (Uganda) and Kisii University (Kenya) at the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Languages Linguistics and Literature. He holds a doctorate in linguistics from Kisii University. He is a crusader for Gusii Language and Culture revitalization. He writes poetry and short stories from his rich EkeGusii oral literature background. He patronizes the Bobasi Branch of the AbaGusii Cultural and Development Council and Mwanyagetinge Heritage Council, Bobasi Chapter.
Shipping
Reviews (0)
Vendor Info
Vendor Information
- Store Name: Nsemia Inc Publishers
- Vendor: Linda Kiboma
- No ratings found yet!
More Products
Tell me a Story
Folk tales were a major ingredient of community lore in traditional society, a craft that is almost forgotten in modern society. Not only are the stories lost but with the loss goes the cultural and social activities that were the fabric that undergirded the craft and strengthened community bonds. Tell Me a Story draws from this traditional storytelling culture. It is an attempt to preserve that unique craft of storytelling, the stories and the lessons that came with the tales. It is noteworthy that such traditional folklore was not only entertaining but was also a source of moral lessons that informed society’s day-to-day well-being.
The collection of ten folktales touches on societal aspects such as trust, greed, friendship, respect, and deception, among many others. In the process, the author gives readers a glimpse of the foundations that kept society strong. The lessons, therein, are as relevant today as they were in times that have passed, underlining the fact that human beings have hardly changed despite advances made over many centuries.
What others say:
“Very imaginative with moral lessons that can be learnt from the conduct of the characters. Presented in the tone of pre-literate society storytelling, they take the reader on a captivating journey.” – Harriet Irungu, Editor and Student of Literature.
“This is an invaluable collection of stories that captures both the craft of storytelling and the moral lessons that come with the stories. It is a timely publication for modern times where values and community interest are on a downward slide.” – Anonymous
Abagusii Wisdom Revisited: Proverbs in Abagusii
Abagusii Wisdom Revisited is a collection of proverbs and metaphors in Ekegusii, one of the forty one languages spoken in Kenya. It includes naming conventions in the calendar, the traditional homestead, cattle (which were a symbol of wealth in traditional Gusii society), currency and traditional brew. The book captures wisdom told over generations and observations intertwined with profound meaning.
In order to avail the work to a wider audience than Ekegusii readers and speakers, the author has attempted to put the necessary context, giving the English equivalent and, in some cases, using story-lines to establish the meaning. Here is an example:
Abanda 'mbairokaine; Onchong’a agatama ekworo Kimaiga kayebwate:
The rich revere/fear one another as in the case of Onchong’a who fled on noticing Kimaiga’s cloak.
Storyline: Once there were two rich men who unknowingly met at the home of a beautiful girl, whom they both intended to woo. Mr. Onchong’a reported earlier. However, when Mr. Kimaiga also arrived for the same purpose, Mr. Onchonga, who was less wealthy, stealthily walked away without ado.
Smiles in Pathos and Other Poems
miles in Pathos and Other Poems is a collection of selected poems by Khainga O'Okwemba. The poet stands on the opposite ends of his contemporaries because of his faith and reverence in the traditional forms of poetry. He is intimately Augustan in craft and romantic in idealizing the poetic forms. The poems are written in three models divided into separate books, with each book sub-themed.
In Book One we have the celebratory short poems called Poems of Homage which are inspired by the poet's admiration of canonical African writers: Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Chris Wanjala, Peter Abrahams, Leopold Sedar Senghor, Ayi Kwei Amah, Denis Brutus, Christopher Okigbo, among others.
The Incidental poems in Book Two called Poems of Known Tradition , adopt identifiable forms; rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, repetition, stanza, terza rima, sonnet, and which take on socio-political themes.
In Book Three we find the mock epic narrative poetry with the title Pearls of Laughter. The narrative poem needs first to be enjoyed as a love story, and as a satire. Every piece has a life of its own. However, the work is well appreciated when the fragmented pieces are united into one, a feat generally admired by the poet
Kivuli cha Sakawa
Kivuli cha Sakawa (Sakawa's Ghost) , written in Kiswahili, the major lingua franca in the East African region, is a story about one of Africa's legendary heroes who was at the forefront in the battle against colonialism and its evils. Legend has it that he was a seer and that many of his predictions have come to pass.
In this this story, Sakawa finds himself at crossroads following the death of his father, a prominent leader in his own right. Conservative elders in his community who feel threatened by this youngster destined to be a great leader fight him tooth and nail to subdue his shinning star. Will they succeed?
Sakawa Ng'iti indeed existed and lived among the Abagusii community in western Kenya at the turn of 19th Century (1800). The unfolding episode in this book did indeed take place, although probably in slightly a different way. By chronicling this episode, the author gives the story a new lease of artistic life and offers opportunity for others to comments and/or offer versions of the story as they understand it.
Crucible for Silver and Furnace for Gold
Giorgio thought that a sojourn to Kenya's coast was the perfect way to kick back and relax, luxuriate in the sun, scuba-dive, take big-game fishing trips or a dhow cruise, but it turns out to be a break filled with mixed fortunes. On the other hand, Lavina's sabbatical for soul-searching in Malindi turns out to be a Herculean task of grappling with a moral dilemma of epic proportions. When their paths cross and their lives become intertwined, their emotionally charged struggle to connect with each other is challenging and turbulent.
This story deals with various socioeconomic issues ranging from the institution of marriage and multi-racial relationships, to amazing Kenyan art & culture, to historical land injustices brought about by the pre-nineteenth century, 99 year old colonial crown land leases, absentee landlords, and the long overdue land reform agenda on land tenures, the cause of many a conflict in the country.
The first scene opens on the Kenyan coast with captivating miles of pristine sandy white beaches, lapped by clear turquoise waters, providing the backdrop for your typical tropical beach holiday, but gets marred with a near-tragedy.
Here is a compelling and descriptive narrative that will pull at your heartstrings, but one that offers a message of hope to a moral dilemma that has bedeviled the world.
Here is what others say about this work:
From an an author clearly proud of her heritage and the beauty of her country comes a romantic tale set in Kenya. Featuring a jaw-achingly handsome Italian man and a beautiful, talented, but troubled local girl, the romance unfolds in a light teasing manner until the twist in the tale turns out to be a moral dilemma that would test the strength of any relationship. - Muthoni Garland - Kenyan writer nominated and short-listed for Caine Prize 2006, winner of Absinthe Literary Review 2003, and Founder of Story Moja, a new publishing initiative in Kenya
Moraa Gitaa writes with a crisp, clean style that will engage the reader from the first paragraph forward. A ground-breaking novel from a modern 'This Generation' African woman. A fine example of expressive writing that women around the world will find both inspiring and insightful. You'll turn page after page. - Rod Amis, Publisher & Editor G21 The World's Magazine
In delicious detail and with revolutionary zeal, Moraa tells a story of fierce passion, challenging tradition and breaking taboo. She weaves a surprising symphony. Fabulous! - John Mwazemba, Publishing Manager, Macmillan (Kenya) Publishers
Vigorous, with a surprise at every turn. This one will capture you alive! - Bruce L. Cook, Author-me.com
Moraa’s keen hand represents her generation’s challenges, hopes and dreams. She presents the reader with an intriguing, lyrical tale where lies a complex and breathtaking story of modern Kenya as shaped by politics, global interconnectedness, and the stirrings of hearts motivated by private sorrows, personal commitments, and high ideals. - Dr. Wambui Githiora-Updike, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Author of Wanjira.
A remarkable tale of love that keeps you turning the pages deep into the night. As you close the last page, you are, without choice, left with the burning question: How do I live my life? - Onduko bw'Atebe, Kenyan Author, his debut novel The Verdict of Death won first prize in the inaugural Wahome Mutahi Literary Prize (Kenya) 2006
Moody Mood and the Red Round Ball
Related products
My Roots
Set among the Abagusii of Kenya at the onset of independence in Africa, Jeremîré Araka’s My Roots is an extraordinary story of postcolonial migration and the characters’ struggle to negotiate their existence in the disparate cultures that assailed Africa during and after colonization.
Otenyo, as Chief Ongoro’s first son, is the entitled heir to his father’s throne. Colonialism and Christianity, however, have infected native customs and traditions, especially among those who have attained formal education such as Otenyo and his sisters who have excelled in modern education undergirded by Christian values. Otenyo acquires outstanding credentials in America where he also meets and marries an American woman, jilting a childhood flame whom he had left – so far unknown to him – pregnant with a daughter. All the successes with education and in the professions, however, further alienate Ongoro’s children from their culture and traditions that have stood the test of time and served their society well. Torn between two worlds and rooted in neither, despite their academic success, their family faces mysterious deaths, countless ailments, baffling mishaps and many incomprehensible happenings whose solutions are deemed only explainable in the traditions of their people.
This story gives the reader insights into the accounts of an immediate pre- and post-independent African state and the journey that Otenyo had unseeingly set out into the distant lands and upon his return, but now in search of his roots. Will the search for his roots succeed? How will his people, who have long-awaited his return, receive him? What of his estranged fiancé, Keruboo? Readers will conclude this book with a sense of awe-inspiring amusement.
What others say about My Roots
“My Roots is a searing memoir painted on a leather that is a vivid, revelatory, thoroughly original and compelling account of postcolonial migration and the characters’ battle to negotiate their existence in the mosaic of cultures that assailed Africa during colonialism and immediate post-colonialism.” – Omwami Prof. Dietrick Kaijanangoma, Author, Analyst, Distinguished communication scholar, St. Augustine University of Tanzania, Mwanza.
The Year in Gusii: The Naming of Months in Ekegusii
Abagusii, buna banto bande bonsi bare ense eye, imbabwate enchera yokoroberia chingaki ao ao. Rituko, buna ande onsi ase erioba rikoraba, igo riaye gochake ekemambia ka bokogia naende riaera mogoroba ka bwairire. Kobara amatuko igo bare gochaka na ‘rero’ babara gochia magega gose motwe.
Emetienyi eyare kobwatia okoraba kw’omotienyi (omweri), ekagera omwaka okaba emetienyi ikomi na ebere. Korende amarieta y’emetienyi ao ao igo are kobwatia gose n’engaki y’embura, omobaso gose omorakera na komenta gose n’engaki gokorema, gosimeka gose kogesa.
Ayio onsi n’oyokworokia buna Abagusii bare komanya buna ingaki ki ere egere baroberie keria bagwenerete gokora.
****************
Abagusii, like all other communities across the world, had a way of relating with time. While the day was dictated by sunrise and sunset, days were separated relatively, with ‘today’ being the anchor relative to other days. Months, on the other hand, followed the moon’s cycle and hence the twelve months of the year. Months were named relative to the weather of the time and the activities it dictated. For this reason, the names of months were largely descriptive.
This provides an overview of the concept of time in Gusii and the rationale for naming the months in the manner they were.
The Winding Road
The Winding Road is a heart rending tale about identity. The main protagonist, Yuna hits the road on a journey of self discovery on realising the woman she has known as her mother is not actually her biological mother. . . a journey to discover her roots. Its a journey that's fraught with dazzling highs and distressing lows. From desolation she's swung to the pinnacle of the modeling industry and is crowned Miss Africa. The undreamed of success gets into her head and she dramatically temples from grace to scavenge in the streets with her old question of identity haunting her. Will Yuna discover her roots?
The Pearl on the Horizon
The Pearl on the Horizon is a moving story about the devastating effects of materialism which sends a rich ethical message in line with religious teachings. Madame Victorine Mahfouz grows up in a materialistic family and looks at everything through these lenses. On the other hand, Eugene and Fresha believe in high achievements in education and consequent roses. Confronted with unemployment and tough socio-economic demands, Madame Victorine mocks the two and even threatens to destroy their engagement. Underlying the plot is a classic romantic love relationship between Eugene and Fresher, on the one hand, and Madame Victorine’s illicit amorous scandals, on the other. In these well-written passages with techniques enriched by letters, songs, poems and narration, the reader will appreciate the author’s juxtaposition of success and survival. The Pearl on the Horizon draws a line between survival and success, crowns the latter prominence and discredits the former. The writer suggests that success is slow but bears enduring results. Survival, on the other hand, is quick but can lead to ruin.
What others say
“The novel is captivating and factual. It captures social and material conditions in Africa occasioned by poor governance. So what is success in the face of devastating levels of unemployment, stiff competition from the large pool of graduates and the need to survive? Is it unprincipled material acquisition and a ‘good living’ or a good education and ethical living?” – Rose Keya, Book Editor.
“The Pearl on the Horizon speaks volumes to young adults who may want to take shortcuts in life and the consequences of such actions.” Harriet Irungu, Student of Literature.
Ties of Destiny by Marjory Kimani
Ties of Destiny is the story of two men who are born together, brought up together, and bound together for life by incidence, coincidence and fate. The two are sworn enemies from their childhood and both are achievers, born fighters and dyed in the wool go-getters. However, their methods of achieving success are a lesson in differing world views and an insight into the complexities of the human psyche. At the heart of the story is the love of mothers who will do everything possible, even keeping deadly secrets, to protect their children. Things come to a head when an unexpected development occurs and both men are forced to confront the bitter reality and face a common nemesis until a solution is found from the most unexpected source.
A Strange Twist and Other Stories
When Kangi joins a new school, he has no idea of the roller-coaster ride that awaits him. This chapter is riddled with experiences that are new and exciting. How will Kangi navigate culture shock, travelling, differences in beliefs, celebrations, responsibilities, hospital runs and even teeth decays?
Is there a way to find solutions to these ever-developing situations?
Let us join Kangi in his adventures and see where it all takes us!
In this collection, the author has interwoven the core competencies of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) into the stories to create circumstances that not only inform but educate on recurrent themes and topics in the curriculum and society. This is a fun way for the learner to engage and enjoy learning.
What Others Say
“I loved how the children’s issues were well intertwined with fun and exciting stories. It is an easy read for pre-teens and younger children. My daughter carries her copy with her every day.” - Hellen Wakonyo, Parent.
“This will supplement teaching a lot of environmental, science and creative content in my class. It is refreshing to see a writer who delves into the societal contemporary issues surrounding our children.” - Teacher Rukia, Thindigua Junior Secondary School.
The Naked Shadow
The Naked Shadow is a story of political competition and machinations that underline the thirst and search for power. It is an exposé of the many dark forces of political intrigues and their devastating impact on the protagonists, the society and many innocent bystanders. In the fictitious country of its setting, The Naked Shadow exposes the play between political power, drug dealing and love affairs where see-saw-like swings in alignments seal the fate of many. Here mayors hold office at the pleasure of drug cartels as opponents hatch schemes (many of them evil) to win political authority. There is blackmail and murder. Amidst all this, there is suffering and no one is spared: family, children, and innocent lovers. Sadly the electorate remains a pawn in the ever-evolving chase board of ‘planned wickedness’.
What Others Say
“The uniqueness of this novel lies in postmodernist thought that the world is pervaded by confusion and humankind’s attempt to bring order in chaos remains an exercise in futility. The law, the state, and the police are just ‘organized immorality’ as Nietzsche claims and even the modernist insistence on reward for the ‘good’ and punishment for the ‘evil’ sometimes does not happen. In the novel, punishment and suffering also pursue the upright and noble given the muddled attributes of life.” – Andrew Nyongesa, PhD, author and scholar of literature
“The Naked Shadow exposes a gangster state (not unlike many in the world) that thrives on drug dealing, prostitution and murder through orchestrated eliminations in planned ‘see-saw’ revenge episodes among protagonists with collusions and making love in the mix. ” – Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, Publisher and IT Consultant.
Biblical Wisdom in Proverbs of Abagusii of Kenya
Abagusii have a rich oral tradition that, among other things, is captured by the proverbs in their language of Ekegusii. The proverbs speak to a wide range of subjects and situations, and many of them capture their spiritual disposition. Indeed, like all communities across the world, Abagusii had very clear ideas of the world and how it worked, including any phenomena they encountered. This forms the core of Biblical Wisdom in Abagusii Proverbs. By means of illustration, using one hundred proverbs from Ekegusii, the author contrasts the proverbs and their meaning with situations captured in the Christian Bible. While the overlap in spiritual beliefs of Abagusii and the texts in various parts of the Bible may be wider than captured in this work, the author makes the case that Abagusii were deeply religious and likely as much spiritual as the Bible depicts.
The Unforgotten
Imali Abala’s The Unforgotten is a memorial work of fiction that captures the fate of Desi Makhungu in the face of tragedy and cultural gender disparities. When her son Jordan Ūmbisi leaves home in search of greener pastures, following the footsteps of his older brother, it is a moment of hope for better days ahead. He leaves behind his pregnant wife and aging parents who all remain optimistic that he will be successful and help them along! That is never to be! He completely loses ties with his family even when tragedy strikes back home. Now widowed, Desi faces the full gravity of living as a woman with no male figure in the home! What would be her fate in the days to come with neither husband nor son present? Who would build her a home when the old one falls apart? Would cultural practices ‘bend’ enable her to inherit her husband’s land?
The Fear of the Void
When the night touches the ground
the day puts a shroud on its head
a flood of baffling darkness
then the concept of nothingness becomes more real
I get filled with terror
and receive attacks of anxiety
-- the fear of the void
death is imminent
I practice how to die everyday
I die many times
I learn to surrender
to the void
-- to this nothingness.
Haughty Boys of Ngoroke by Imali J. Abala
Agoyi's afterschool argument with his step-mother sets off an unpredictable series of intriguing misadventures. The subsequent meandering journey is one of the choices between what is morally right and the lure of the 'attractive". Always a balancing act between what could be (success) and potential disaster, Ayoyi's life is a perpetual succession of dilemmas. The moral question of choices is the central theme of this work.
The Blissabyss
The Blissabyss depicts the contradictions inherent in human life and its vulnerability to negative trajectories. Save for Nancy, Eugene, Fresha, and Brenda are idealistic in their youth. As they mature, they come to terms with a world with little room for ideals. Driven by ambition to succeed, Eugene reveals his plans to everyone only to encounter many obstacles on his journey to success. When his brother, Soita attempts to murder him, Eugene comes to terms with his delusions about being strong. Deprived of love and family, his tethers to idealism snap, and he drinks and spends in Nancy’s room contradicting his moral principles. After a fantastic love affair with Frank, Fresha loses her chastity. Eugene would have continued in his chosen destructive path without Professor Mukabi’s intervention. The author’s message: a supportive social environment is the sole prescription to mitigate the weaknesses ingrained in human nature.
What Others Say
“The characters in The Blissabyss represent a society at a crossroads with individuals seeking to find their feet and place in the face of shifting identities and generational transformations. Their interactions and experiences at the university cast aspersions on their long-held beliefs and open them to new vistas of a future that are substantially different from what they have been made to believe. These young characters act as a link betweewn the age-old beliefs and the future possibilities which need a sincere and rational engagement devoid of misconceptions and half-truths. This they do with varying degrees of success.” - Dr Maurice S Mwichuli, Lecturer, Literary Studies, Kenyatta University
“In The Blissabyss, Andrew Nyongesa uses elegant, contemplative language with a mix of poetic imagery and emotional depth. The text is rich and expressive creating vivid images of the settings. The description helps the readers to visualize the characters’ inner worlds and their interactions.” - Juliet Achieng’, Editor, Nsemia Inc.
A Historical and Cultural Analysis of Women Land Rights in Kisii Count, Kenya, 1895- 1970
In most societies in different parts of the world, there are gender inequalities in access to productive resources such as land, and other social, economic, and environmental resources that are critical for people’s sustenance. However, in many instances, not much research has been conducted on those critical gender issues and perceived unfairness in the ownership, access, and utilization of critical societal resources, particularly, in Africa in general, and Kenya in particular.
In this regard, the need to improve access to land and strengthen women’s land rights in Africa provided the main rationale for undertaking this research, with specific reference to the Gusii of Western Kenya. In particular, the book examines the changing and/or evolving responses of women over time to land access, ownership, control, and usage. Further, the book analyzes the relationship between indigenous land tenure systems and gendered relations; and the effects of colonial land policies on gendered relations. It also examines gender rights with respect to land access and ownership in the post-colonial period in Kisii.
Overall, this study provides pertinent information on the following critical issues. What was the relationship between pre-colonial land tenure systems and gender relations in Kisii? What were the effects of colonial and post-colonial land policies on gender relations in Gusii? How did Gusii women respond to gendered land rights and ownership in the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods?
Kwamboka’s Inquiry by Arthur Dobrin
Who killed Dr. Sarah Kwamboka?
This popular founder of a girls’ school is shot dead in her house and an inspector from Nairobi is sent to Kisii to investigate. While attempting to uncover the motive behind the brutal crime, Sgt. James Dingiria discovers that Kwamboka had been collecting memoirs from the area as a way of preserving the region’s history.
This novel weaves a murder mystery around short stories that reveal the history of ordinary people from this part of the country with a look at present-day Kenya.
What others say
“Dobrin has carefully plotted his novel with style that provides a smooth flow through short stories. It is a carefully thought plot that rouses a reader’s tang!’’- Sally Boyani, Book Editor.
“It is a gripping story about murder, corruption, power, church politics, colonisation and chauvinism. The great drift of suspense in the text and the interwoven short stories make it a page turner. It is a well told must read.’’- Verah Omwocha, Book Editor.
Why We Tell Stories
Storytelling was an intrinsic activity in traditional African communities. Typically told by older people, usually grandmothers and grandfathers, stories were a way of life for the young and old alike, linking the past, present and future of those societies. Set as they were around a fire, the storytelling tradition strengthened communal ties between the old and the young, and as reinforced bonds among the young.
Stories emphasized shared culture, cultural values and history that were the foundation of the society’s ties. They underscored important societies’ traditions, beliefs and other norms.
From the old, the young learnt lessons about their community that to affirmed their collective identity. They learnt and internalized moral values such as honesty, courage, respect, solidarity and caring for others. Invariably, stories discouraged greed and selfishness. Further, the tales captured the essence of the environment in which the people lived while reinforcing their core values. They contributed to character-building through appreciation of the moral of the stories.
In Why We Tell Stories, Dorcas Kiptoo and Arthur Dobrin bring their storytelling experiences and expertise to the fore through a selection of from the African folklore. Even as the two look back to societies of yore to dig up the tales, the inherent lessons remain as relevant in contemporary times as they were ages ago.
About the Authors
Dorcas Kiptoo was born in Mogotio, Kenya. She attended Kenyatta University where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree. She currently lives in New York.
Reviews
Clear filtersThere are no reviews yet.