Since this issue is a hiking and camping issue, we thought it would be befitting for the whole experience to have a soundtrack. Yay!! Here’s the perfect camping and hiking playlist from DJ Festa. You may also bring it along for your game drive. <a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/festa254/" target="_blank">https://www.mixcloud.com/festa254/</a>

It’s like jungle bango, except it’s a mix!

Blackpink’s 1st album aptly named The Album is a must have in your playlist for your next road trip. The album released on October 2nd has eight songs and features collaborations from Selena Gomez on their second pre-release song ice cream and the WAP hit maker Cardi B on the track bet you wanna.In this album, the girls talk about love and hate; from being lovesick girls who have been hurt over and over but they’re still looking for love in lovesick girls to dealing with the hate they get from haters in tracks like love to hate me. The girls do a great job by having songs that are not only catchy but also easy to dance to.On the title track lovesick girls, the girls sing about looking for love even though they’re born to be alone over a very catchy guitar instrumental that leads to a more house beat on the chorus. This is that song you sing along to at the top of your voices as the wind blows in your hair and you butcher the Korean lyrics.On ice cream and crazy over you, the girls are more playful and seductive as they talk about love using tongue in cheek lyrics likening it to ice cream and also talking about how they are crazy without the love of their significant other. The songs have great beats that are bound to bring out the inner deep body rolls out of the worst dancers and make for the perfect songs to make a quick car choreo for.On tracks like how you like that and bet you wanna featuring Cardi B, the girls go from being triumphant over an ex flame to teasing a new catch. Both have amazing lyrics and groovy beats that will have your head bobbing the entire time.On pretty savage and love to hate me, the girls address hate they keep getting and talk about how they are avoiding it and focusing on doing their work and being themselves despite the haters. Both feature amazing lyrics and great raps from Jennie and Lisa and Rose and Jisoo aren’t left behind as well. Their vocals are outstanding.The album ends on a softer and hopeful note with you never know which features heartfelt lyrics, raw vocals, a soft beat and the reassurance that the girls are still themselves even after all the hate and self-doubt that comes about after. This is definitely that song to ride out into the sunset with as the drive comes to a close.The Album certainly lived up to its expectations and for such a long awaited album did above and beyond to deliver as no track on the album can be skipped. The girls did an excellent job with this album and we cannot recommend it enough for your road trip playlist.&nbsp;

Blackpink for your girls' trip

Barack Obama’s annual summer playlist tweet for 2020 went out just in time for me to compile it and bring it out with me on my walk. Of course, I did not walk for 3 hours and 36 minutes but by the time I was returning home, I had already decided that the phrase that best describes this list is Vintage Hip. &nbsp;My nods gradually turned into bobs and my wry smile widened as I added artists to the playlist I was compiling to share here. &nbsp;I discovered some new artists; learnt that Frank Ocean is back, this time silently after that stunt he pulled in 2016. Bob Dylan has new music. Billy Porter also samples Kelly Rowland’s Stole to create ForWhat It’s Worth which he performed this morning on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Barack’s list indicates which other artists will be performing at the week-long convention. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f3bd0bb52a68c70f3720ba8_1.jpg"></div></figure>&nbsp;Forgive me for belaboring just how much range 44 has. This list somehow manages to bring out the harmony from a very diverse list of artists and genre. Songs ranging 7 decades from folk music to TikTok hits, this is truly a playlist for everyone, and you can also enjoy it in solitude.&nbsp;Perfect playlist for a nature walk.<a href="https://music.apple.com/ke/playlist/barack-obamas-2020-summer-playlist/pl.u-a6Zuz452Ab">{Link to Playlist}</a><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f3bd19b75b9f81983aea30e_Barack%20Obama_Playlist%202.jpg"></div></figure>‍

Barack Obama’s Vintage Hip 2020 Summer Playlist 

The vocal bible of pop and R&amp;B has returned with her first album in…. get this.. Eight years!!,and this time, on her own terms. B7&nbsp;is the seventh studio album by American singer&nbsp;Brandy Norwood. The album was released on July 31, 2020, through her own label, Brand Nu, Inc.and&nbsp;eOne Music. It is her first independent release, on her own record label, and her first studio album since 2012 Two Eleven…. This girl is winning… right? Right!.Eight years is a long time without an album, but forgivable for someone who has been an original since 1994. Her album is all about healing and self-love. It also focuses on self-worth, and her own spiritual transformation. The album which comprises of fifteen tracks, also features Chance the rapper in a single, ‘Baby mama’, and also Daniel Ceaser in ‘Love again’.&nbsp;“Sorry for my tardy / long time I was broken-hearted,” she sings on ‘Saving All My Love’, the opening track on‘B7’. Many people have viewed this as an apology for her close to a decadeabsence. The song also serves as a tribute to her late mentor and idol&nbsp;Whitney Houston, as she nods to&nbsp;“the goat”&nbsp;over a euphoric hotbed of kick drums and unrelenting keys doused in urgency. On ‘Unconditional Oceans’ she acknowledges a dysfunctional past: as she sings of how she used to be a mess, and was self-sabotaging. &nbsp;She doesn’t stay down for long, though, finding herself a new swagger on the empowering ‘I Am More’, on about maneuvering the busy production, understanding her worth, and even finding time to flip some of&nbsp;Eminem’s and Biggies lyrics.She addresses mental-health on the raw ‘Bye Bipolar’, and demands communication on the pristinely produced ‘Say Something’. ‘Rather be’ finds her copping to a moment ofweakness, warmly wearing her heart on her sleeve as her love interest playshard-to-get. But Brandy shines brightest on ‘Love again’, which features Ceaser.The album, could use a little more spark, and has an average score on 7.5/10 on reviews. Though it took almost a decade to come by, it was well worth the wait.We wish her well, and hope we get another album soon.Stay safe, and listento some Brandy. ‍

Some Brandy for that picnic? Yes please!

COURTESY OF BEYONCÉ.Rotten Tomatoes scored it absolute excellence!! 100%Tomatometer with a 93% audience score with potential to rise. Black is King indeed...or is it Queen? The new Black is King visual album by Beyoncé was released on 31st July 2020 on Disney+. We cannot do it any justice by reviewing it because it is lit, people. You need to watch it if you haven’t, and rewatch it if you have.Black is King is about a journey of a young king cast out of his family into a harsh world,where he has to find his way back home. He goes through betrayal, love andself-identity on a journey to reclaim his throne, utilizing guidance of his ancestors and childhood love. The film serves as a visual companion to the 2019 album; The Lion king-The Gift, an album curated for the remake of the movie The Lion king.As the title suggests it is a celebration of Black people, Black culture, where we’ve come from, where we are and where we are going. It is a tribute to our ancestors. It is also about one finding out about their true self, and tracing us back to our roots.The visuals are stunning and will keep you glued to the screen all through, from the desert, to the rivers, to the seaside. From the jungle to the castles. From the cars to the horses. There is even a Moses basket story look alike.Let’s not forget the dance moves. Queen B got moves. It got me trying some moves with my two left feet. We also get treated to some moves, and vocals from Blue Ivy…yaaas!!!.The album has special appearances from a number of celebrities, some from Africa and beyond.The likes of Kelly Rowland, B's best friend, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Sawage, Wizkid,Pharell Williams among others. Our very own Lupita Nyong’o is also featured.Queen B’s hubby and American rapper Jay-Z also gives an epic performance.There are quite a number of costume changes throughout the album, which the queen seems to handle with ease and finesse. Dialogue fromThe Lion King and poetry is used to bridge the gap between songs. The narrative loosely follows the story of Simba taking his place in the Circle of life. Allin all, this is an awesome album, more so for one trying to find their identity, and their path. We are now spending our free time practicing the dance moves!! If you spot my girls and I at park near you, be sure to join us. Staysafe. &nbsp;&nbsp;‍

The Queen’s 'Black is King' is indeed King

At The Picnic Site we have made it our business to saturate our community with positive vibes only.&nbsp;You know what they say about music, right? Well, they are right – music is indeed the food of love.&nbsp;And since we are about celebrating our Mums this season, we are delighted to share with you this Mother’s Day playlist from DJ Steno and the Silver Wheelz Entertainment crew.&nbsp; <a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/video/upload/v1620195771/Mothers_Day_Special_Mix_DJ_STENO_eb0e3ea4ec.mp3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620285802/listen_now_a70f5601e2.png"></a> We managed to pull aside DJ Steno for a brief Q&amp;A, and are excited to learn that this was not just another project, but one from the heart, and specially compiled for The Picnic Site: 1.	Thank you for presenting us with this amazing playlist.&nbsp;We would like to know what inspired the vast selection of timeless hits?<ul><li>This Mother’s Day playlist is inspired by the appreciation for having a mother who looks out for me and always makes sure that I am on point each and every time. </li></ul>2.	Which is your favorite track on the list?<ul><li>My favorite track is, “Mama By Christopher Martin”.&nbsp;</li></ul>3.&nbsp;Did you have any special memories as you compiled this playlist?<ul><li>Yes, so many memories indeed especially on how my mother sacrificed a lot for us and the lessons and discipline that she constantly taught me and my siblings. </li></ul>4.&nbsp;Mother’s Day is a special day that celebrates mothers all around the world.&nbsp;What are your thoughts on this year’s celebrations?<ul><li>This year may be different in so many ways with all that has been happening across the globe with Covid-19 containment measures and safety protocols.&nbsp;Thanks to technology we can still celebrate our mothers via a mobile call or video chat.</li></ul>5.	Will you be celebrating any special mothers this year?<ul><li>Yes I will definitely, am so grateful to God that my mother is still in my life and so am planning on surprising her in a special way.</li></ul>6.	Share with us some of the plans you have lined up?<ul><li>Since it’s on a Sunday we have a Mother's Day Special at Jiweke Tavern where we will have special family packages for the whole family with lots of food &amp; activities for the kids as well as something special for the mothers.</li></ul>7.	The Covid 19 pandemic has caused a lot of disruptions to our lives.&nbsp;How did it affect your profession?<ul><li>Being in the hospitality industry we were worst hit keeping in mind that my profession entails interacting with people through club events, private and corporate functions.&nbsp;We had to switch strategies and take our engagements online. </li></ul>8.	What would you say has been your biggest Covid 19 lesson?<ul><li>The need to diversify and create multiple revenue streams, and the value in leveraging the digital platforms to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.&nbsp;Another powerful lesson coming out from this pandemic has been just how fragile this life is – there is no guarantee that we will be here tomorrow.&nbsp;We should prioritize quality time with our loved ones. </li></ul>9.	How can one access your playlists online?<ul><li>My music playlist &amp; mixes can be accessed through my social media handles: </li></ul>Mixcloud:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mixcloud.com/dj_steno254" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.mixcloud.com/dj_steno254</a> Website: <a href="http://www.djsteno.co.ke/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.djsteno.co.ke</a>&nbsp;You can also follow me on:Instagram @dj_steno Facebook @Steno Mbita DjSteno Twitter @Steno_Dj&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620206633/Steno_af6ff77370.png">

medium_Steno guitar.png

small_Steno guitar.png

thumbnail_Steno guitar.png

Steno guitar.png

DJ Steno mixes up a love pot of Mother's Day playlist

Founder, Editor and Writer

Mercy Randa

&nbsp;If you are looking for top-notch content to binge on while on a hike or just walking in the neighborhood, &nbsp;here is a list of some of the docuseries I have been enjoying on BBC Sound App this and last month.&nbsp;1. &nbsp;Let’s start with a fast one. The Most Successful Assassination in History is only 28 minutes. It is not only quick but extremely relevant given the current events in Gaza. No spoilers but this story answers part of our recurring question: Can there ever be a two-state solution for peace in the Middle East?&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621607208/The_Most_Successful_Assasination_in_History_d30dd97e33.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>The Most Successful Assassination</figcaption></figure>2.&nbsp;Keeping up with the assassination theme, here is a 10-part investigative series on Pakistani’s PM Benazir Bhutto. It took the journalist 10 years to put it together. He told the story in 10 episodes, none of which is more than 40 minutes. This was a recommendation by my friend Andrew.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621607422/The_Assassination_7335410fcf.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>The Assassination</figcaption></figure>3.&nbsp;I am tempted to stay on the girl theme. How about this chic dramatized documentary on Ana Delvey (not even her real name) who came, saw and almost conquered NYC (New York City, not Nyeri County). 6 episodes of unbelievably gullible drama on The Fake Heiress<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621607512/Fake_Heiress_c17bd46a9a.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>The Fake Heiress</figcaption></figure>4.&nbsp;Speaking of drama, I just finished The Missing Cryptoqueen and I have so many questions. For instance, for a country that really takes to pyramid schemes, how is it that Dr, Ruja Ignatova never had any takers in Kenya? The ones she swindled in Uganda admit that they are to blame. The Dr. is still at large. The drama continues to simmer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621607592/The_Missing_Cryptoqueen_0693a67ec0.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>The Missing Cryptoqueen</figcaption></figure>5. &nbsp;Here’s another one about digital swindlers. The Lazarus Heist, in with meticulous hackers nearly made away with $1B from a bank in Bangladesh. Spoiler alert: A noun took the entire plan sideways.&nbsp; Also, a cameo by the movie The Interview. New episodes are available every Sunday.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621607643/The_Lazarus_Heist_d67e9b5b39.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>The Lazarus Heist</figcaption></figure>6.&nbsp;But this other bank in Belfast was successfully cleaned and justice almost served until politics took wheel and the coverup punished the fall guy. Hear all about it on the 10 episodes of The Northern Bank Job.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621607766/The_Northern_Bank_Job_2cebe465e5.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>The Northern Bank Job.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>7.&nbsp;Sometimes justice is elusive, other times, the persistent ones are rewarded. The Great Post Office Trial takes you through the pain and frustration and suffering of sub postmasters who were victims of a corporate bungle that was kicked down the road. It. Is a slow burn but it deserves all the 10 episodes.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621607810/The_Great_Post_Office_Trial_1cefb3462b.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>The Great Post Office Trial</figcaption></figure>8.&nbsp;Then there’s an interesting story of an American mother who says she was tired of her abusive marriage so much that she went along with and encouraged, even financed her husband joined quest to ISIS Caliphate. She uproots the lives of her children in the US and travels with them to Syria where she records her son assembling a suicide vest. Then calls home to ask for help. Here is 10 episodes of I’m Not A Monster.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621607901/I_m_Not_A_Monster_1ed0f7ff04.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>I’m Not A Monster</figcaption></figure>9.&nbsp;I had booked marked Drug Ship. The Last Voyage of The Pong Su for the weekend but unfortunately, it isn’t yet available outside of the United Kingdom. So I need to skim through the library again and find something just as intriguing to make my weekend hike enjoyable &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621607963/Drug_Ship_The_Last_Voyage_of_Pong_Su_760cf965c7.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Drug Ship</figcaption></figure>All this content I free of charge and you can sync your devices so that you pick up from where you left if you are switching between your walks or commute and your desk in between calls.&nbsp; &nbsp;

banner ad

Songbook

9 Must Listen Docuseries On BBC Sounds

Songbook

DJ Steno mixes up a love pot of Mother's Day playlist

Songbook

The Queen’s 'Black is King' is indeed King

Songbook

Some Brandy for that picnic? Yes please!

Songbook

Barack Obama’s Vintage Hip 2020 Summer Playlist

Songbook

Blackpink for your girls' trip

Songbook

It’s like jungle bango, except it’s a mix!