bimri's Blog

It was like always, with Mario and his tools and toys for trade… he’d happily showup at agreed upon time to capture the perfect moments for all his peoples. We needed him more than he needed us in that sense: yet he carried with him an air aloof of his powers possessed! Gladly assistive was his persona — at least from my vantage point.

A fellow creative like myself! A true professional to his craft — the art of distilling memories through the curation of his lens.

Last we chatted was late last year. Out of the blues I dropped into his inbox to deliver a lucrative offer for his skills rendered in University days, and all he summoned to text back after a while was, “thank you for your consideration and keeping me in mind….”

Of course I had many projects in mind that revolved around working with him long-term whence I crossed certain milestones on my path to greatness! Of course Job has/d been a key player in my mind when I chose to go public with my musings and crafts too!

So imagine my shock when Jiggy (Jigna) relayed the news of his passing… I was in utter disbelief and saddened. Now what?! I saw from the thumbnails of Lone’s posting pictures of Job and I had sensed something was amiss, a day or two before Jiggy! I never opened her stories just in case it was what I thought it might have been! But my postponements didn’t alter with the reality that had been. I wish there was a way to create an alternate reality where all this wasn’t true…

Yet, as an extension to Job as we might have been, our sorrows can't ever surmount of his immediate family.

In Uni, Job and Manu: – dazzled me with their epic rollerskating prowess! They’d dash through the pavements in races of their own accord and to me that was pretty cool, of course, it took me a while to find out of their relation!

Manu, if you read this, please receive my candid condolences — to you, your family and entire kinsmen: as this is a huge loss. May you find the strength to weather through these turbulent times, namesake.

Another thing that particularly captured my interest with relating to Job these many years before, was his loyal readings to some of my postings. He’d read works of mine and always leave a remark!

We exchanged such conveniences and I’d critique his body of work too and he’d heed accordingly. There was a time I told him I disliked his logo (Mario Shots) and lo and behold, next time I saw his works — he had made improvements to it. Such was his open-mindedness to his craft. These were the things that made me look forward to exclusively want to work with Job.

Lest we forget, let’s recall how Job Mario captured so many memories for us all!

From Nairobi, to Baraton to whichever part he went on this globe — he will always be the man breaking the forth wall of our screens, to secretly remind  us, there was an invisible hand capturing each installation of our joys, sorrows, fun and creative outlets. He was he who persisted to preserve our precious moments.

For that, Job Mario, should forever live in our memories.

bimri

“The beauty is never in a place of visit: rather the people whom one encounters there!” I’ve recalled saying this approximately seven years ago.

That poignant maxim rings true with one caveat of Kigali being aesthetically calming to the eyes, to add beauty of place as well. From the eavesdrops at dinner with other participants of the hackathon, it appears Rwandesse folk do possess that external appeal to sooth sore eyes. This I will go by Shanelle & Cindy’s account, since I barely got enough time to sleep while there, leave alone get entangled with its streets and inhabitants.

go yee forth & conquer

Llama 3 hack, was immaculately planned and the organisers alongside their financiers deserve solid pats of their backs. It will forever get etched in my mind and I hope also to all hackers, corporate kin, lawyers, data scientists, engineers, AI enthusiasts and students in attendance!

bimri

Shaka deserves praise on his own accord for the extreme exuberance he afforded each lonely query from attendees. It started by allocation of individuals into teams from onset of our on-boarding exercises; to pertinent due processes of travel itinerary; to allotment of time for last minute presentation dilemmas for demos! All these without losing zest nor fervor, so Kudos Shaka!

Our Kenya WhatsApp group had its clowns-in-residence, and I say that with the absolute comical tinge of humor, which they possessed:— with their commentaries on stuff; from the mundane, to the deals sourced. Ndegwa, you deserve your flowers for keeping it lively there from day one! Notwithstanding your apt prediction that our team will win a spot among the eight, right before breaking for lunch on day four. So, we’ll add the title seer to your rèsume.

mentor session, Stanslaus in black.

Now to the mentors: Rachel & Stanslaus coached well, both pouring their expertise and passion without prejudice. They’re the ones that graced our tables and I got to listen to their nuggets. It will be delightful to interact with them some more one day.

To our group, Umunthu AI. We got seasoned veterans amongst our midst with starry gazed members like myself. Bundling heavyweights like that could spell doom, but it didn’t, we managed to incorporate ideas from each other and everyone did their part loyally with a tenacious spirit. We still haven’t scratched the surface of our potential, but, that will be a blog post for another day and season.

Dave, Tapiwa, bimri & Chandi.

We had Chandi our high-octane energized spokesman & strategist: (Remy & Yonas the silent wizards in the backdrop): Tapiwa our serene queen monarch in charge of product: Dave the conscious counselor & team lead: then there’s me, an intuitive alien dealing with the technicalities & ideation synthesis.

Umunthu AI seeks to change the narrative of Gender Based Violence — GBV. If ~99% of its victims are women and all solutions carter to them whereas ~99% of perpetrators are men: then it's not even a fair conversation to begin with.

Prevention is better than cure. Victims need all the assistance they could get to bounce back to their day to day activities, to the best of their abilities. But, that alone won’t stop the menace that GBV is!

Umunthu AI

Prevention should start with men. Men who want to stop other men from having those salacious dialogues about women. Or men who know perpetrators and stay silent and look the other way! Or the perpetrators themselves. We all need to stop dancing or waltzing around the core problem — 99% of all perpetrators are men! Let that sink in. Therefore in a complete theorem proving exercise, 99% of all prevention solutions, should target men.

Be on guard everyone, for us to change the Zeitgeist by “teaching our sons to know better: and protecting our daughters to feel safer in their own communities.” This is the mountain we’ve identified, and it’s time to climb!

Consent is the word, and Umunthu AI will champion this Cause into Perpetuity.

bimri

from afar, she walked with purpose that was uniquely African!
you couldn’t tell the musings that inhabited her world of fancies & poetics within her being.
only after a slight slice of serenity in serendipity hit us — did we merge instincts,
and after which did we glide into pages in this modern age
to come up, up close & personal in seeking out our souls spread there to swim shyly within!

hers were delicate delicacy of deep emotions fused with succinct writing — emerged,
`her honesties ` would tug at my heartstrings, then I'd feel this urge of urgency to fly back in time: and meet her when love hadn't become a cyanide pill.
then maybe, there in past times, I'd rush into her heart's corridors like David dancing jubilantly with this new ark of blissful, hopeful love prospect.

then I send her my poems in present which tend to be pithy which tickle her sensibilities preciously, I’d imagine!
she’d read them, and in mind I’d watch her eyes gleam through my words & try hear her voice in soliloquy read them in her heart,
I’d wish I sat next to her as she peruses her notes to find more of her poems to rush to me to read – and tell her this will be our new eternity, where our emotions would be open books between each other

in That toxic new world of our poet’s insanity, I’d tell her she was all mine all along, our time hadn’t yet been ordained, henceforth, we shouldn’t ever spend a second outside each other’s soul, senses and spirit.

by Sebastian Mallaby | Brad Feld & Jason Mendelson

Both of these books with all their authors have elucidated very contentious points for me in my quest & pursuits in building my businesses. I will cease to call them startups! Only because the discourses presented within those books have pitied Founders disadvantageously against Venture Capitalists(VCs).

This came clear when I realised; the knowledge VCs have of Founders is insurmountable compared to the measly information we have on the intricacies and tools of operation in their World. VCs, especially in the earliest onsets of a deal, in the POV of a novice Founder: always have an upper hand. This stops commensurately when Founders have detailed knowledge of how VCs operate and what makes them tick. These two books share their secret alchemy ways. They, VCs, tend to stay out of the limelight for purposes of hiding behind the curtain; and this adds to their mystique!

I know when I read a book; and want to savour it by reading it slowly; that it has naturally become my favourite. Can you guess between the two which one was my fastest read even while putting intentional handbrakes to consume it slowly? Stick around to the end to find out.

One goes breadth-wise & the other depth-wise! With the knowledge in each amplifying the other; and puts everything into context.

bimri

For a while now; when I heard of VCs – the tinge left after Sam Altman got ousted from OpenAI came into mind(even though we know it was the research board that did it, and didn’t have any VCs in it at the time); among other legendary ones like Steve Jobs being fired from his own company. Of course there were times when Founders were getting ahead of themselves by not squarely putting into focus the greater good of their enterprises. We all know the notorious extroverted-founders in that list.

VCs care about the company being ran well and efficiently; to get their handsome exits one day. That is the bottom line from these books. Founders only need know that we should be ego-free and VCs must understand the sheer value we encompass into our companies; that the success of seeing our companies grow to serve whatever problems we identified at the onset of it all is our key outcome. Money for impact-based founders is only a by-product! The two aren't mutually exclusive! So, with that understood; I don't see why animosity or divide in tact between Founders & VCs couldn't be more amiable and tolerating of the others' plights. After all, the two should be respectable partners! With due valor added to the other's conscience when everyone reaches the finish line.

To my promise; “The Power Law,” by Sebastian Mallaby was my favourite. I read in a week max, intermittently. Being an author; I know a work well-written the first few sentences read. The tone, pacing, style & history dispensed was admirable. It was event packed with personal stakes taken within each paragraph to make you lurch on to get the unfolding insights! Towards the end; it lost its lustre – for it was all on governments and policies to make USA look supreme. My misgivings on this will be resolved in other works I’ll publish.

“Venture Deals,” took me a few months to finish, I begun it around April, 2024. It is a textbook-like reading. Which if one fancies not finance ramblings or law lucid talks: will get easily lost for enthusiasm. This isn’t to say the book is pointless; it is potent with pure pragmatism in structuring one’s processes in getting and landing a good deal from VCs. By that reason alone: I’d score it higher than “The Power Law.”

A Digital Oasis for the Curious Mind

The digital realm, a labyrinth of information, often leaves the curious mind adrift. Yet, amidst this chaos, Djehuti emerges as an oasis, a sanctuary where intellectual thirst can be quenched. Inspired by the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, this platform is more than just a repository of knowledge; it’s a vibrant ecosystem where curiosity thrives and minds are ignited.

Djehuti, a digital academy, is a testament to the power of human ingenuity. Its vast library, a treasure trove of articles, video tutorials, and expert-led webinars, caters to diverse learning styles and interests. Whether you’re an artist seeking to master a new technique or a student looking to deepen your understanding of schoolwork, Djehuti has something to offer.

But what truly sets Djehuti apart is its sophisticated recommendation engine. This engine, a digital curator, creates personalized learning paths based on your unique goals and interests. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s a tailored journey that respects and nurtures your individual learning style.

Djehuti is more than just a platform; it’s a community. It’s a place where experts and learners come together to share knowledge, insights, and experiences. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, career advice, or inspiration, our experts are here to support your journey. They’re not just teachers; they’re guides, cheerleaders, and fellow travelers on your intellectual quest.

The visionary behind Djehuti, bimri, is a passionate self-learner who has harnessed the power of curiosity to create this platform. He’s not just a founder; he’s a champion of curiosity, inspiring and empowering others to unlock their full potential.

In conclusion, Djehuti is a transformative learning adventure. Whether your goal is to acquire new skills, advance your career, or simply satisfy your intellectual curiosity, Djehuti provides the perfect environment for your growth. So, why wait? Sign up now and begin turning your knowledge into power. Stay curious. Stay inspired. Stay ahead with Djehuti.

A Digital Oasis for the Curious Mind

The digital realm, a labyrinth of information, often leaves the curious mind adrift. Yet, amidst this chaos, Djehuti emerges as an oasis, a sanctuary where intellectual thirst can be quenched. Inspired by the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, this platform is more than just a repository of knowledge; it’s a vibrant ecosystem where curiosity thrives and minds are ignited.

Djehuti, a digital academy, is a testament to the power of human ingenuity. Its vast library, a treasure trove of articles, video tutorials, and expert-led webinars, caters to diverse learning styles and interests. Whether you’re an artist seeking to master a new technique or a student looking to deepen your understanding of schoolwork, Djehuti has something to offer.

But what truly sets Djehuti apart is its sophisticated recommendation engine. This engine, a digital curator, creates personalized learning paths based on your unique goals and interests. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s a tailored journey that respects and nurtures your individual learning style.

Djehuti is more than just a platform; it’s a community. It’s a place where experts and learners come together to share knowledge, insights, and experiences. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, career advice, or inspiration, our experts are here to support your journey. They’re not just teachers; they’re guides, cheerleaders, and fellow travelers on your intellectual quest.

The visionary behind Djehuti, bimri, is a passionate self-learner who has harnessed the power of curiosity to create this platform. He’s not just a founder; he’s a champion of curiosity, inspiring and empowering others to unlock their full potential.

In conclusion, Djehuti is a transformative learning adventure. Whether your goal is to acquire new skills, advance your career, or simply satisfy your intellectual curiosity, Djehuti provides the perfect environment for your growth. So, why wait? Sign up now and begin turning your knowledge into power. Stay curious. Stay inspired. Stay ahead with Djehuti.

They say perspiration is the killer feature in any idea. In a pragmatic sense, they are certainly correct.

In maths as in any other hard science, the right framing of a question is as effectual as the terminal output that that pragmatism aspires to advocate for. In a manner of speaking plainly, the idea is the core component. For with a right idea to begin with, you can surmount history in inspirational ways.

Great ideas are few and far apart over the centuries or millenniums.

Thus capturing one great one; is as impactful as catching lighting in a bottle. That is what we, at Aaru, believe have done with this press. To let the true idea-catchers (authors); publish and release inspirational pieces to inspire an African/Kemetian audience. We want the future aspirations of descendants of Kemet(Africa); to be bright! Ever so blinding – to truly leave a mark in the cosmos. And it all starts with what stories we tell ourselves.

Are these stories true to our identities? These questions do they reflect our origins? Can they supersede any ever devised anywhere in the world? Are we even dreaming huge enough? Do we aim to find ourselves from the rich history our ancestors left us? Will we never lose that spark once we find it and embrace it to the core of our fibres? What or who are we in this cosmopolitan mess we call globalisation?

Aaru, is this portal onto which the wielders of our narratives will call a crucible. The mortar being their pens and words. The substrates our rich pasts. With the end products out to serve its peoples in foreseeable futures. To serve us in feeding our collective consciousness and uplift our self awareness; rooted in Africa.

Karibuni nyinyi nyote!

I have pondered at length how to embark on this journey of enlightening the finest minds of Africa. I assertively use the term “instruct” to establish the foundations borrowed from the ancient Egyptians, with their rich ebony essence. The maxims they left behind were labeled instructions, and from them, I draw inspiration for this pursuit. Two sages, Vizier Ptah-hotep and Ke’Gemni, shall be my guiding lights.

To my delight, I discovered that philosophy originated on our gracious continent. This revelation shattered the notion that the Ionian era succeeded the ancient life of the great Savannah region. For years, I searched through the meticulous works of Eastern and Western philosophy, hoping to find satisfaction, fulfillment, and contentment, but to no avail.

If you delve into topics of evolutionary biology or possess a knack for tracing the eminence and power that Africa wielded long before the colonizers arrived, you may have come across the concept of “Eve’s gene.” If you haven’t explored this subject yet, I implore you, for the sake of our ancestors, to delve into it. I promise you, the revelation surrounding this gene will leave you in awe of your very existence.

In a nutshell, the concept of Eve’s gene signifies that all so-called “races” originated from the genome of a black woman. Only the black woman possesses the DNA power to give rise to all people, including the Orientals, the Caucasians, and so on. This theory, in essence, challenges preconceived notions and reminds us of the profound influence Africa has had on the diversity and unity of humanity.

Philosophy, at its core, is the love of wisdom. Tracing its roots has been a fascination of mine. According to one of my favorite podcasters, Stephen West of “Philosophize this!”, Thales of Miletus is recorded as the first philosopher.

However, let us not be mistaken. The oldest books on record hail from Africa, contrary to what many claim. Some assert that we were unable to read or write, while others argue that the first writings originated from Mesopotamia. Amidst these assertions, two books stand out: one written by Ptah-hotep and another believed to be the work of an Egyptian named Ke’Gemni, who served as a Vizier. Viziers were the first ministers to the Pharaohs, wielding great influence.

Originality is a virtue, and Africans possess this trait as surely as the light of day. It is my fervent desire to shine a light on the sublime virtues of Africans, tapping into the ingenuity that lies within us. This task is monumental, but it is crucial if we are to restore our people and our beloved continent to their proper destiny.

In retrospect, I am reminded of the words of Battiscombe G. Gunn, a philologist and Egyptologist who translated the works of Ptah-hotep. He eloquently attests to the authenticity and significance of the black Egyptians’ writings. Gunn describes the works of Ptah-hotep and Ke’Gemni as the oldest books in the world, composed approximately four thousand years before Christ and three thousand five hundred and fifty years before Christ, respectively. He highlights their exceptional nature and their place at the extreme horizon of human literature, preceding all other written works.

What strikes me about Gunn's perspective is his comparison of these texts with the literary efforts of contemporary civilizations. He argues that while the Babylonians were exercising their literary talents, they would leave nothing worthy of being called a book for the posterity of fifty-four centuries hence. It would take thirteen centuries before Hammurabi, King of Babylon, drafted his famous code of laws. Moses would write about the origin of things and the Vedas would be arranged in their present form only after two thousand years. It would be two-and-a-half thousand years before the Great King of Jerusalem would set in order many proverbs and write books reminiscent of Ptah-hotep's teachings. The years between Solomon and ourselves, great though they may seem, do not compare to the vast span of time between Solomon and Ptah-hotep.

Solomon, known as the wisest man who ever lived, had visitors from the lands of Africa, and it is not inconceivable that the wisdom he shared was inspired or influenced by the works of Ptah-hotep. Even the Romans, with their thirst for knowledge, sought the wisdom of Egypt. We must not forget the Queen of Sheba, an African, who traveled to tour Solomon’s lands, demonstrating the extensive connections between Africa and other civilizations.

In bringing these revelations to light and offering my interpretations, I envision the youth of Africa rising like never before. By fostering a positive self-image and empowering the pride of being black, we can tap into the greatness that existed in Africa long before America proclaimed its greatness or sought to be “made great again.”

Africa is the land of sleeping lions and lionesses. It is upon us, the founders and CEOs of growing startups, to tap into the spirit of Africa, drawing from the power of our ancestors to shape a brighter future.

You may wonder why I chose to annotate my work on this subject. The answer is simple: we must break things down to their fundamental elements to forge something new. By debunking prevailing narratives and reevaluating historical perspectives, we gain a fresh appreciation for the wisdom that existed before life itself. If you subscribe to a different worldview, you may argue that intelligence is wisdom in itself.

In conclusion, this article serves three purposes. Firstly, to ignite a sense of anticipation for the forthcoming African Philosophy Series. Secondly, to stimulate your mind and encourage the formation of new mental models, envisioning an Africa that was never colonized and its people never enslaved. Lastly, this article serves as an epic introduction to a whole new world of thought and exploration.

Fasten your seat-belts, my friends, brothers, sons, daughters, and sisters of these great lands! We are about to embark on a remarkable journey, uncovering the depths of African philosophy and rediscovering the wisdom that has the power to reshape our present and future.

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Intellect in nature is a precarious thing to grasp. Hence the many cycles AI research has had to go through to even bring forth products as AlphaFold, MuZero, chapGPT or even Stable-diffusion models. Summerfield has done such a gorgeous and brilliant job at writing this book. Gorgeous for the creativity exhibited to write a book […]