When I met Spike Lee in Brazil this month amongst the jubilation of masked costumers at the distinctive carnival in Maragojipe, the African-American film director was wearing an eye catching T-shirt I couldn't hep but admire paying homage to 25 years of Michael Jackson's "Bad" in a bold fashion statement. Ironically, this month Spike Lee... Continue Reading →
Fears of a Travel Addict… Right of a wo(mb)man
There are many factors of travelling alone I'm fearful of, yet I rarely voice them- not even to friends or family. The last thing I need is a scenario confessing to a member of family my fears on the potential dangers I could face coming Brazil alone for 3 months, or how insecure I was... Continue Reading →
“Go Brazil Go” Spike Lee documents on Brazil
I was honoured to meet Spike Lee while he's in Bahia during the carnival. Spike Lee is no stranger to Brazil nor the people to him, as in 1996 Mr Lee directed Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" music video featuring Salvador Afro-Brazilian Samba band; Olodum. When I met the acclaimed African-American director in... Continue Reading →
Carnival da Bahia… Ouro Negro!
If you choose to be in Salvador da Bahia for the 'The biggest street party in the world' as opposed to Rio's world-famous Sambadrome, or any other carnival in Brazil for that matter, there is most probably a reason behind this decision.
Practice makes perfect… Escola de Samba Unidos de Itapuã!
From practice in the scenic setting of Lagoa do Abaeté - Itapuã... The rhythms attracting the bands first audience; local children! I accompanied my host Alberto (airbnb.com) to the rehearsals of one of the samba bands he is playing for during the carnival period; Escola de Samba Unidos de Itapuã. Alberto, an experienced tambourin percussionist... Continue Reading →
Press stop- Pelourinho!
The carnival in Salvador is in full swing! In every corner of Salvador's historic centre - Pelourinho, lurks something captivating for the camera... And that's before any of the parades have begun! So it goes without saying, I was thankful to discover a press centre for journalist to 'recharge' not just the batteries for their... Continue Reading →
Spike Lee captures Carnival in Maragojipe!
When I learnt Spike Lee was in Salvador for the carnival I instantly put to twitter, using up all my limited character allowance (as though baggage allowance!), my hopes to have an opportunity of interviewing the acclaimed film director! So that very evening when I stood next to Mr Lee himself while Samba band Olodum were... Continue Reading →
“Life is not about finding Yourself. Life is about creating Yourself!”
This post is inspired by Thiapisto, a blogger writing about her experience travelling through South America for a year! You may have noticed my name change a few weeks ago from 'Findingme' to 'MakingKai'. I think this quote by Thiapisto is so fitting... I had to use it!
Experience Carnival… with Airbnb!
With so much going on Salvador Bahia, finding accommodation during this busy carnival season was the least of my worries- thanks to Airbnb! Carnival in Brazil has been on my bucket list of places and things to do for many years. Why not make it a reality in 2013?! And that's exactly what I did!... Continue Reading →
Festa de Yemanjá… Goddess of the Sea
Also known as 'Mami Wata' in many parts of Africa where she originated from, brought to the new world by African slaves. I vaguely recall parts of my childhood spent in Ghana in my grandmother's house, however I do vividly remember my older cousins teasing me by saying; "mami wata will come for you when... Continue Reading →