This site is owned by Loughborough’s KenSoc (Kenyan Society).
In this site, we will communicate to all the members the ongoings of the society along with links to the photo galleries from each event that takes place.
Please remember, that you can leave a comment after each post, so please… don’t hesitate, let your voice be heard!
Kensoc\'s Blog (Loughborough) 
Hello there
My name is Nada Vayani and i am a Keyan and wanted to be part of the Kenyan Society as i am newa rnd here and am willing to make new friends and meet new people.
if you could pls let me know how i can be a parrtt of the society i would highly appreciate it
Thanking you in advance
Yours Sincerely
Nada Vayani
Basically on the first or second week of uni you will be told of the “Fresher’s Bazaar”. Here there will be stalls for every society in uni and you can roam around and join any you are interested in.
There will be a KenSoc (Kenyan Society) one so look out for it and sign up right there !
Hitesh Sawlani
Been to Loughborough. Loved it. Nice and small community.
I would be very grateful if you could inform as many of your readers as possible of the visit of Sidi Goma to Burleigh College, Thorpe Hill, Loughborough on Wednesday October 17th at 7.30pm.
Charnwood Arts is privileged to host a rare opportunity to discover the joyful and exuberant devotional music and dance of the hidden community of Sidi African-Indians from Gujarat, India.
The exuberant energy and joy that Sidi Goma brings to the stage is captivating and powerful, their unique African-Indian heritage a fascinating discovery, and every performance an exhilarating experience!
Sidis began crossing the Indian Ocean from East Africa as early as the 10th century as sailors, soldiers, merchants, navigators – and slaves. They came from Nubia and the Sudan in the north, from the Swahili coast and the Bantu hinterlands and possibly even from as far south as Mozambique. Much valued by royal families as bodyguards, retainers and translators, Sidis also carried with them their exceptionally rich musical tradition, much of it containing deep African influences.
Sidi Goma perform in a group of twelve: four lead musicians (drummers/singers) and eight dancers. Their performance is divided into two halves; a seated portion of zikrs, or chanted Sufi devotional prayers is followed by a wilder, more Africanized dance portion. Anyone familiar with North African Sufi tariqas will immediately recognize the first half of the show, while Afro-Cuban rumberos will understand exactly what’s going on in the second!
Beginning with the traditional muezzin call to prayer, the performance develops into an exhilarating ritual performance. It centres around a danced zikr consisting of joyful, satirical praise dances to their black Sufi saint, Bava Gor, who is attributed with giving them the joy they express in their dances.
Intoxicating drum rhythms that “speak” the zikr prayers support the dancers who perform virtuosic feats of agility and strength, gradually reaching an ecstatic climax. While the music gradually gets more rapid and excited, the dances unfold with constantly evolving individual and small-group acts of animal imitations. The programme also features solos on the malunga, an instrument resembling the Brazilian berimbau, as well as prayer calls and seated ritual songs (baithi, dhamal and qawwali).
This exhilarating and unique performance is Sidi Goma’s only appearance in the region and is not to be missed.
Sidi Goma can be seen on Wednesday October 17th at Burleigh College, Thorpe Hill, Loughborough. Tickets can be reserved now from Charnwood Arts on 01509-822558 or info@charnwood-arts.org.uk or direct from the college.
Many Thanks,
Kevin Ryan
Director, Charnwood Arts
Why all information here is too old…as far as 2006? is this society still alive? please reply.
how can i get in touch with kensoc..what are their contacts in manchester. want to join in