Queerguru’s Ris Fatah reviews “How To LIve ” a thought-provoking new documentary on Nairobi’s vibrant ballroom, drag and queer cabaret scene.

 

Queer life in Kenya doesn’t get much attention, but How to Live, film-maker Njoroge Muthoni’s thought-provoking new documentary on Nairobi’s vibrant ballroom, drag and queer cabaret scene, may change that. The film’s world premiere is at this month’s BFI Flare Film Festival in London. Muthoni follows a large group of Nairobi’s queer performers, entertainers and artistes as they rehearse and prepare for the latest shows. The resulting 110 minutes of footage gives us a unique insight into queer black African life in a country where expressions of homosexuality are illegal and carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. Attitudes towards the Kenyan LGBTQ+ community are, however, slowly softening, and there are now various organizations there working on protecting and improving queer lives.

We meet Tao, Udo, Akello, Agose and countless others as they prepare costumes, make-up, and moves ready for the shows. What stands out is the striking beauty and athleticism of everyone involved. I’m surprised there aren’t more famous Kenyan models. These guys are gorgeous! The cast are interviewed about their thoughts on the meaning of joy and living. Almost without exception the word ‘freedom’ is mentioned. As Nina Simone famously said “To be free is to live without fear”, and it’s clear that the cloud of homophobia sits above everyone here. Nevertheless, the shows go ahead with an energy, glamour and community to match any queer event anywhere. After all, Africa is the cradle of civilisation and dance and dressing-up have been intrinsic to life there since the beginning of humanity.

We begin with the trailblazing Kiki House of Andeti – Extravaganza Eleganza ballroom show. Think elements of Pose and Paris is Burning, but more modern, less extravagant, outfits and a fusion of American and African music. Categories such as Face, Hand Performance and Femme Queen fill the runway and the young, sophisticated crowd love it.

The other show featured is a drag and mixed cabaret show featuring, drag queens and kings, acrobatic dancing, trans performers and anyone else glamorous enough to fit the bill. There’s a talk on consent before the show, and what audience behaviour is acceptable. This is to avoid any misunderstanding as the show has a sensual side to it and about half the audience haven’t been to such a show before. The audience is also informed about the security arrangements for the evening, another necessity for a fledgling queer event in a homophobic society. Formalities out the way, we see another bunch of gorgeous people strut their stuff on stage. Later on, however, the show is raided by the police and bribes have to be paid to get them to leave. The organisers feel this to be police homophobia, although I imagine the police often ask all sorts of people for bribes.

We then cut to an intelligent discussion between two local queer leaders. They wonder how they can build a local queer black community scene that isn’t dependent on money from white queer ex-pats, and that doesn’t fall victim to the online hook-up apps in the same way as other places around the world. Interesting food for thought…

Interwoven to the above are various dance scenes featuring some of the highlighted performers. All in all, an impressive multi-faceted documentary debut that doesn’t tread a regular path in reportage. Queer lives in many parts of Africa are improving, and if anyone has the energy, resilience and fortitude to effect change, it’s this group of handsome bright lights. Good luck to all of you. Recommended viewing.

@hausofandeti

 

Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant  (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah