The recent elections in Kenya have been dogged by charges of fraud, and in their wake the country has been rocked by ethnic violence–hundreds have been murdered, there’s been widespread looting, and a national curfew has the country on virtual lockdown.
The transcontinental band Extra Golden–whose fine second album, Hera Ma Nono, was released in the fall by Thrill Jockey–has several members in Kenya. Ian Eagleson and Alex Minoff, who are based in D.C., are asking the public to help their bandmates in Nairobi, Opiyo Bilongo (pictured), Onyango Wuod Omari, and Onyango Jagwasi. As it says on the band’s Web site, “They all have large extended families for whose well-being they are entirely responsible. Of course, as musicians, that well-being is provided for through nightly work at clubs. With dusk-to-dawn curfews in place, these men are all unable to work, and a subsistence that was already hand-to-mouth has become non-existent.”
Eagleson and Minoff are asking for donations of just five dollars, though they’ll welcome any amount. Obviously this mess affects thousands and thousands of Kenyans, most of whom could probably use five bucks too, but at least this way you can know who you’re helping. Further details and Paypal info are available here.
Today’s playlist:
Brian Groder, Torque (Latham)
Jackson Harrison Trio, Land Tides (Hatology)
Teresa Cristina e Grupo Semente, Delicada (EMI, Brasil)
Tunng, Comments of the Inner Chorus (Full Time Hobby/Static Caravan)