Can Muki Garang’s shoes fit Kimya?

Last Saturday 20th September 2008 at the British Council during
WAPI, a failed frustrated rapper by the name of Kimya, decided to
escalate his fake ass death threats once again to both Muki
Garang and Mwafrika. You all know him as Bamboo's
brother.who never changes clothes and wears, a dirty fake
bullet proof vest.

This time round he was not in the
studio making the threats, he was
on stage at WAPI. He bit more
than he could chew, a terrible
mistake that almost cost him his life and his friends’. This incident occurred during
his performance with the Ukoo Fulani Outfit. Kimya's first words were "Fuck
Mwafrika & Muki Garang .. they are all P*&#Y....i will kill....." Before he could
complete his statement an angry crowd charged forward determined to put an
end to Kimya's juvenile delinquency. It is not clear if Sharama of Ukoo Fulani made
any comments against Mwafrika but I understand he was cornered by irate
revelers together with Hiphop fiends and all he could manage to spit out was "Si
mimi, si mimi" –"Its not me, its not me."

One MC from the crowd couldn’t hide his shock in a telephone conversation, when
he asked me "I thought these cats were gangstas!? cops & GSUs had to give them
protection as they were whisked away in a police van.I thought "Gangstas" roll in
packs with guns...?”

The angry crowd brought the function to a halt around 4:00 pm, in protest of
Kimya's misdemeanor. As Law enforcement officers kept vigil within the premise in
an attempt to control the chaos. The event management watched helplessly as the
crowd lost control.

On a telephone conversation with Muki Garang this is what he had to say;

“I would like to appeal for calm from our violated fans, supporters and friends. I
understand the reason for expressing your dissent; however we have to practice
extreme calm in these trying moments.
Please do not give up, Mwafrika & I are contributing towards the culture & society.
Kimya, your quest for fame has blinded you. In addition you are not a gangster,
you are a broke delusional Nairobi rapper. Kindly find it in your capacity to attend
the next HIPHOP PARLIAMENT session to redeem yourself. You have finally
received airtime from me now you are famous.”

Written by,
Kavi Mareechi

Kavi Mareechi is a linguist expert from the University of Newyork. He embarked on
a research across the African Continent to establish his African identity. Kavi is
currently completing his book “Half Indian & Fully Black, in a boardroom meeting.”

Can Muki Garang’s shoes fit Kimya?

Last Saturday 20th September 2008 at the British Council during
WAPI, a failed frustrated rapper by the name of Kimya, decided to
escalate his fake ass death threats once again to both Muki
Garang and Mwafrika. You all know him as Bamboo's
brother.who never changes clothes and wears, a dirty fake
bullet proof vest.

This time round he was not in the
studio making the threats, he was
on stage at WAPI. He bit more
than he could chew, a terrible
mistake that almost cost him his life and his friends’. This incident occurred during
his performance with the Ukoo Fulani Outfit. Kimya's first words were "Fuck
Mwafrika & Muki Garang .. they are all P*&#Y....i will kill....." Before he could
complete his statement an angry crowd charged forward determined to put an
end to Kimya's juvenile delinquency. It is not clear if Sharama of Ukoo Fulani made
any comments against Mwafrika but I understand he was cornered by irate
revelers together with Hiphop fiends and all he could manage to spit out was "Si
mimi, si mimi" –"Its not me, its not me."

One MC from the crowd couldn’t hide his shock in a telephone conversation, when
he asked me "I thought these cats were gangstas!? cops & GSUs had to give them
protection as they were whisked away in a police van.I thought "Gangstas" roll in
packs with guns...?”

The angry crowd brought the function to a halt around 4:00 pm, in protest of
Kimya's misdemeanor. As Law enforcement officers kept vigil within the premise in
an attempt to control the chaos. The event management watched helplessly as the
crowd lost control.

On a telephone conversation with Muki Garang this is what he had to say;

“I would like to appeal for calm from our violated fans, supporters and friends. I
understand the reason for expressing your dissent; however we have to practice
extreme calm in these trying moments.
Please do not give up, Mwafrika & I are contributing towards the culture & society.
Kimya, your quest for fame has blinded you. In addition you are not a gangster,
you are a broke delusional Nairobi rapper. Kindly find it in your capacity to attend
the next HIPHOP PARLIAMENT session to redeem yourself. You have finally
received airtime from me now you are famous.”

Written by,
Kavi Mareechi

Kavi Mareechi is a linguist expert from the University of Newyork. He embarked on
a research across the African Continent to establish his African identity. Kavi is
currently completing his book “Half Indian & Fully Black, in a boardroom meeting.”

Zain Kenya Sponsors Suzanna Owiyo To Participate In Europe Music Fair

Zain Kenya has sponsored Suzanna Owiyo the Kisumu 100 superstar to a tune of KSh 2.1million to participate in the WOMEX world music expo that will be held from 29th October to 2nd November this year.Owiyo was nominated by ty womex to take part
The event which will be held in Spain will showcase a wide range of global music stars including Astillero (Argentina), Aurelio Martinez (Honduras), David Walters (France), DJ Grace Kelly (Brazil/Germany), and Enzo Avitabile & Kalman Balogh Gypsy Cimbalom Band (Hungary).
Africa’s representatives will be our very own Suzanna Owiyo, Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba (Mali), Staff Benda Bilili (Congo-Kinshasa) and Les Amazones de Guinée (Guinea-Conakry)
This international fair which brings together professionals from the worlds of folk, roots, ethnic and traditional music and also includes concerts, conferences and documentary films contributes to networking as an effective means of promoting music and culture of all kinds across frontiers. This prestigious fair honours quality, creativity and success in global music on the international level.
Earlier this year Suzanna was one of the performers at the Zain sponsored 46664 concert in Hyde Park London that was hosted to celebrate the 90th birthday of former President of South Africa and Nobel Prize winner, Mr Nelson Mandela.
“We at Zain are very proud of our local artists. We shall continue supporting the best in Kenyan Arts; Music, Writing, Poetry and Fine art;” concluded Michael Okwiri, Zain Kenya Corporate Communication Director.

Kisima is back!

A list of the Final Nominated entries of not less than 30 categories will be released during a Theme Unveiling and sponsors launch to be held on 1st October 2008. The proposed list of the 8th Kisima Music Awards Nomination Academy chaired by Sheila Amdany of Radio Simba comprises of Julie Erusa, Arthur Kamau,David Kuria,Julian Macharia,David Ohingo,Lucia Shikuku,Charles Otieno,Makarios Onyango, Lydia Migwi,Shaffie Weru,Jackline Oduol,John Katana,Henry Njuguna,Irene Chege,Michel Otieno,Felix Kyalo,Wairimu Gachie,Fred Orido ,Emelda Isaacs among others.
Voting by the general public within the East Africa through sms to a short code and online voting (www.kisimaawards.co.ke)for the international audience outside the East Africa region will kick off on 1st October to 25th November 2008.

According to Victor Mayeya C.E.O Kisima Music Awards there is a tremendous growth being witnessed from across as most artistes are developing the understanding of the awards scheme which will be an integral part of the Kisima Music Awards initiative to legitimately reward, promote and market local music.

UK Based Dj Treble T to headline the Smirnoff Uncompromised party

The first Smirnoff uncompromised party is set to take place on the 10th of October at The Summit in Nakuru. The headlining Dj is one of the most celebrated turntablists from the UK – Dj Treble T.
Born in Tooting, UK, Treble T is one of the most celebrated Djs in the world. He had an early start in the music business having started a sound system while still at school. Strictly Bizznizz is still going strong!
First cutting his teeth as a DJ in house parties and pirate radio, then being introduced to the making of music by well renowned pop producer Grant Cunliffe (Billy Bragg, The Smiths, Morrissey). Early remix and production credits include Chaka Demus and Pliers, Alton Ellis and contributing to Japanese movie soundtracks.
After several years on the circuit he then bumped into old friend Mike Anthony and partner Dee who were already successfully running the fledgling DJ outfit Rampage.
This union resulted in T being asked to contribute production to the Rampage Drum and Bass album, Priority One (A+M Records) which spawned a top forty hit "The Monkeys". With such an optimistic onset, it was inevitable that the relationship would blossom. Already a "hot dj" Treble T fully joined Rampage shortly afterwards and is now in his eighth year as a Rampage member.
Having tucked production credits and remix's to his belt, Tee is also an integral part of the DJ team who along with D Nyce, Leggz and Mike Anthony form the 2002 DJing force of Rampage.

Apart from being a trained studio engineer and record producer, Treble Tee is also an experienced radio presenter and has co-presented Rampage on radio. He has been hosting the weekly urban music slot on BBC London 94.9 for the last five years alongside Mike Anthony and was recently joined on air by D Nyce for the best in urban music.
World music icons interviewed on the show include Beenie man, Sisqo, Wyclef, Faith Evans, Sean Paul and a one in a million interview with Aaliyah. The list is endless!
The BBC London show has been syndicated to Radio Napa 90.9 in Cyprus for the last two years and during the season Rampage Broadcast two shows a week to Cyprus.
Earlier this year he launched the BBC's new national black music station 1xtra with Mike and K.C. A milestone in black music.
Now a well seasoned club DJ, Tee has played to audiences in excess of ten thousand people as far afield as Dubai, Miami, Martinique, Atlanta and Amsterdam. And of course all over the U.K. Djing in live gigs such as Usher, Black Rob, Foxy Brown, S.W.V., Dru Hill, Beenie man and K.C and Jo Jo plus club dates such as the Blues and soul (Ms Dynamite) Twice as nice and Shake it up national tours.
Well accustomed to the rigors of life on the road after helping to maintain a pivotal residency at the then S.W.1 club (Pasha) for Four years and helping to make two new club brands successful (Two rooms of Funk and Heart n Soul).

What drum magazine has in October

Live the life and win!
DRUM brings you two great competitions and loads of exciting prizes. Top of the list is a brand-new, luxury Mercedes-Benz C-Class. You can also win a wardrobe makeover and shopping vouchers. But that’s not all – we are giving away 15 heavenly pampering sessions at a top Nairobi spa. Find details in the latest issue of DRUM, on sale now.

Iddi Achieng: Queen of Hearts
DRUM’s cover story this month is the Afro-fusion sensation Iddi Achieng. A woman of many talents, Iddi has achieved great things in music, social activism and in her personal life – and she is still aiming higher. Be inspired by her rhythm and heart.

DRUM style
Start spreading the news – the best of New York Fashion Week can be found in this month’s DRUM, hot off the catwalks of the Big Apple. We also keep you posted on the latest fashion trends as spotted on Hollywood’s red carpets, as well as our local streets and sidewalks.

Sheila bikini moment
The beautiful singer and radio and TV presenter Sheila Mwanyigha speaks to DRUM. ‘I had been told that you had to be a size eight to wear a bikini. I have never been a size eight and I never will be, so I wore that bikini for me,’ she says about her sensational video.

Leonard Mambo: King of radio
Radio legend Leonard Mambo Mbotela has become an institution on our airwaves. He has been around for so long that we think we know him inside out. But DRUM’s interview with him contains a few surprises! Check it out.

The Kenyattas
As Kenya pays tribute to its founding father this month, DRUM delved into the archives to bring you a rare photograph of the Kenyatta family, taken just days before the death of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1978. And when the Kenyatta family recently commemorated the 30th anniversary of the former president’s death, DRUM was there to capture the moment.

Larry Asego and Jalang’o
New kids on the radio block Larry Asego and Jalang’o certainly have big mouths and strong opinions! That’s why we love to wake up to their early morning chatter. They spill their guts in DRUM.

Bootylicious diva
Beyoncé has come a long way since her Destiny’s Child days. She is now one of the most powerful celebrities in the world, and about to release her third solo album. Find out why she is simply irreplaceable.

Knockout Kobi
Besides being one of our brightest new TV stars, Kobi Kihara has a terrific sense of style. She got the chance to release her inner tomboy the day she modelled for DRUM.

Media elections and the heads are…

Radio Africa’s General Manager, Mr. Martin Khafafa has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Media Owners Association (MOA) and Nairobi Star’s Managing Director, Mr. William Pike has been appointed to the MOA’s Executive Committee.

In the MOA annual general meeting held Thursday morning, Linus Gitahi, Nation CEO was elected Chair of the MOA with Shiela Amdany CEO of Radio Simba as Secretary.

Congrats.

Who is he? The latest catch?

Rumour peddling? Me? No I don’t think so, I’m just saying Jelimo looks really good in this photo, don’t you?

Even convicts help out…

AKILI NI NYWELE...........

Mwangi lived alone upcountry. He wanted to dig his sweet
potato garden, but it was very hard work as the ground
was hard. His only son, Mwaura , who used to help him,
was in Kamiti prison.

The old man wrote a letter to his son and described
His predicament.


Dear Mwaura, I am feeling pretty bad
because it looks like I won't be able to plant my
ngwache garden this year. I'm just getting too old to
be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, I know
you would dig the plot for me.

Love, Dad.


A few days later he received a letter from his son.

Dear Dad,
Don't dig up that garden. That's where I buried the
BODIES. Love, Mwash



At 4 a .m. the next morning, the whole of kanga squad agents and
local police arrived with bulldozers and dug up the entire area
without finding any bodies. They apologized to the
old man and left.

That same day the old man received
another letter from his son.



Dear Dad,

Go ahead and plant the ngwache now. That's the only assistant I could offer
under the circumstances.

Love, Mwash

Law unto the Universe

I don’t know how true this is but I like the sound of it...

LAW OF QUEUE:

If you change queues, the one you have left
will start to moving faster than the one you go to.

LAW OF TELEPHONE:
When you dial a wrong number, it is never engaged.

LAW OF MECHANICAL REPAIR:
After your hands become coated
with grease, your nose will begin to itch.

LAW OF THE WORKSHOP:
Any tool, when dropped, will roll to
the least accessible corner.

LAW OF THE ALIBI:
If you tell the boss you were late for
work because you had a flat tyre,
the next morning you will have a flat tyre.

BATH THEOREM:
When the body is immersed in water,
the telephone rings.

LAW OF ENCOUNTERS:
The probability of meeting someone you
know increases when you are with
someone you don't want to be seen with.

LAW OF THE RESULT:
When you try to prove to your boss that a
Machine won't work, it will!

LAW OF BIOMECHANICS:
The severity of the itch is inversely
proportional to the reach

LAW OF COFFEE:
As soon as you sit down for a cup of hot
coffee, your boss will ask you to do something
which will last until the coffee is cold.

Supersport’s Soccer Africa broadcasts from Nairobi

As further proof of SuperSport’s commitment to Kenyan football, its popular magazine programme Soccer Africa will be broadcast from Nairobi on Thursday, September 25.

The programme will be screened to DStv audiences in over 40 African countries on SuperSport 3 at 21:00 CAT and will be filmed on location at the SuperSport stand at the AITEC African Broadcast and Film Conference.

This latest development follows on the recent signing of an agreement between SuperSport and the Kenyan Premier League and the subsequent live broadcast by SuperSport of the Kenya-Namibia World Cup qualifying match.

Soccer Africa will include interviews with officials from SuperSport’s African league partners in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and Angola, offering insights into how the sponsorship has improved football in these territories. There will also be in-depth feedback about the status of each of the leagues in these regions and footage of a recent visit by SuperSport to a school in Nairobi.

SuperSport’s commitment to the African cause

Not just a world class sports broadcaster and the leading sports broadcaster in Africa, SuperSport is also committed to the development of sport across the continent.

SuperSport’s involvement in a number of areas across the continent, from substantial sponsorship deals of major leagues to the development of players’ skills, coaching and staff development, will be highlighted at next week’s African Broadcast and Film Conference in Kenya.

SuperSport had already formed partnerships with the Kenyan, Nigerian, Zambian and Angolan leagues. Besides live broadcasts of matches, the most pressing issue is the expansion of the broadcasting infrastructure in these regions.

To this end, SuperSport has invested in five fully-equipped, state-of-the-art Outside Broadcast vehicles (two in Nigeria and one in each of Kenya, Zambia and Angola) at a total cost of US$ 12.5 million. These will all be fully operational by the end of October this year.

SuperSport has also introduced training programmes for production crew in Nigeria and will roll out similar initiatives in the remaining territories in the near future. After two seasons in Nigerian football, SuperSport now has a full complement of Nigerian crew to take control of live match broadcasts. The recent Nigerian FA Cup was broadcast live, to great acclaim, using a Nigerian crew.

Apart from covering live football in these territories, SuperSport is also developing related television programming for football in these countries. Each of the sponsored leagues has magazine shows dedicated to local football – NFL Highlights in Nigeria; Simba Super Soccer in Kenya; Mpila Zambia and magazine shows for the top three clubs in Angola, Petro Atletico, Interclube and Primeiro Augusto.

The next step for SuperSport in terms of production will be the building of local studios to further customize SuperSport’s coverage in these territories. The studio in Nigeria is complete and operational and already hosts studio build-up for Nigerian League and Italian Serie A football as well as their weekly league round-up.

The sharing of resources across the continent is also vitally important to SuperSport. Part of the company’s sporting development in South Africa is the partnership with Wits Business School in the running of the Sports Management Programme. Invitations to attend this course have been extended to sports administrators in both Kenya and Zambia.

Also at development level, the players are benefitting as well. During the recent SuperSport Under-19 Cup held in South Africa, for the first time, teams from Zambia and Nigeria were invited to take part.

These SuperSport initiatives will unearth the talent on the continent and bring to the world “the beautiful game in Africa”. All the SuperSport channels are available exclusively on DStv to audiences continent-wide.

Wendy on the Woman's Show

‘I need to lose a few kilos to fit into those cute jeans I bought last weekend! I wish my hips were smaller! If only my bust was a bit bigger!’
Centuries upon centuries, women have been plagued and obsessed by their physical appearance with some going to great lengths to get the perfect look.
This week on the Woman’s Show we explore the issue of weight gain and loss through the experiences of women from all walks of life and all ages – Patricia Mbatia, Muthoni Kimani, Daniella Kimaru, Faith Musola - who speak candidly about their weight issues. We also discuss how one can maintain a healthy lifestyle and a body that they are happy with and we tell you about ‘the killer potato’.
We crown this entertaining and informative show with a fabulous performance by Wendy Kimani, First Runners up of the recently concluded Tusker Project Fame II.
So do join us on Citizen TV this Sunday, August 28 at 6 pm. You will be sorry if you miss out!

Admiral T and Jua Cali concert

CELEBRATING
EUROPE-KENYA UNITY IN DIVERSITY
ULAYA NA KENYA UMOJA KATIKA WINGI
to mark the French Presidency of the European Union
 
OPEN AIR FREE CONCERT
4th October from 12pm onwards
at Uhuru Park, ENTRANCE FREE
 
Alliance Française in association with the Embassy of France, the Delegation of the Europeon Commission in Nairobi, the Embassies of Austria and Finland and the Department of Culture will be presenting an open air free concert on 4th October at Uhuru Park to celebrate unity in cultural diversity across Kenya and across Europe and Kenya.
 
The concert is one of the principal activities being organized in this quarter to mark the French Presidency of the European Union.  It brings together artists, bridging language and culture through the universally loved art form of music.
 
The other activities include:
- a poster exhibition entitled ‘European Aeronautics - behind the scene’, showing technology developed by the European Aeronautic Defence Space Company (EADS) (October 2008)
- an interactive, interesting and educative exhibition on aircrafts: presenting  scientific and technical progress in the field of aeronautics from the great men to the great moments that have marked  its history.  The exhibition has been realized with the support of AIRBUS.  Through simulators, the visitors will be exposed to first-hand experience behind the controls and behind the scenes of both flying an aircraft and building an aircraft and the secrets of aerodynamics. (November)
- a Europe-Kenya cultural dialogue week with presentations and exchanges between European partners present in Kenya and Kenyan artists, cultural operators and national authorities in charge of culture and heritage to share best practices in the field of arts, culture and development and to create a favorable environment for artistic and cultural innovation.  (November)
 
The concert ‘Ulaya na Kenya Umoja Katika Wingi’ aims to:
 
·     celebrate unity in our diversity
·     promote exchanges between Kenyan, European and international artists (with the participation of an Austrian Hip Hop group ‘Texta’, the Finnish folk music group, Viola, and the French/West Indian dance hall reggae group ‘Admiral T’)
·     continue contributing to peace building efforts in Kenya, helping to build positive relationships among Kenyan sacross the different communities, through the Spotlight on Kenyan Music project and through the national tour, a first of its kind in Kenya, which has already travelled to Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nyeri, Meru, Machakos and Mombasa, with the grand finale taking place on 4th October at Uhuru Park
·     create opportunities for the development of the careers of Kenyan artists, creating an enabling environment for income generation through their art.
·           raise interest and appreciation among the Kenyan population for authentic local music which will in turn generate a market for local music.
 
The event will feature acrobats, dancers, traditional/folk artists, contemporary urban musicians, afro-fusion artists and reggae musicians, offering a piece of action for the whole family from the younger to the older generation.
 
The line-up includes Zamzuka acrobats, Kunja Dancers, Finnish fom music group ‘Viola’, Kenyan ‘Radi Cultural Troupe’, Kenyan-Austrian hip-hop artists: Ukoo Flani and Texta, afro-fusion group ‘Yunasi’ (winner of  BBC World Service’s ‘Next Big  Thing  2007 compeititon), and a selection of the Spotlight finalists including Alai K, Juma Tutu, Peter Wambugu, Makadem, Zippy Okoth and Benta Nyakoyugi, Kenyan Genge star Jua Cali and the French/West Indian dancehall/reggae artist, Admiral T.
 
Zamazuka Acrobats
The three versatile acrobatic  artists have recently returned form a two year contract in the United States of America, performing at the Great Adventure Park in New Jersey.  The acrobats will not fail to amaze and entertain the spectators with their daring acrobatic skills.
 
Kunja  Dancers
Youthful dancers from Kunja Dance Company in a dance show ‘Piga Kelele’, which is an explosion of dance, music, acrobatics and song - a clebration of lifewhere the beat of the drum heals the ills of the mind and cures the very soul.
 
Finnish folk music group ‘Viola’
Classical and folk music from Finland by the group ‘Viola’ who will also be conducting workshops at Starehe Boys and Girls schools.
 
‘Radi Cultural Troupe’
East African  traditional and folk music and dance will be showcased by the Radi Cultural Troupe whose mission is to preserve and promote East African’s intangible heritage through their performances.
 
‘Ukoo Flani’
Ukoo Flani, founded in Mombasa in 1996, has been described as a revolutionary hip-hop movement led by thirteen self-proclaimed soldiers who use hip-hop music as a tool to wage war against social injustice and inequality in their native Kenya.  Going back to the old centuries, Africans used poetry, song, and story-telling to educate and inform the youth about culture, tradition, and history. Ukoo Flani continue to honour the traditiions of their ancestors using contemporary urban music that catches the ear of today’s youth.
 
Austrian hip hop group ‘Texta’
Three leading Ukoo Flani members: Alai K, Richizee and Cannibal will team up with the Austrian hip hop group ‘Texta’ in a hip hop artistic encounter showing the best of urban sounds from Austria and Kenya.
 
‘Yunasi’
In 2004, YUNASI developed a unique East African music style called SESUBE which is a combination of sega, isikuti and benga. It takes sounds and inspirations from local Kenyan communities, cultural styles and languages and fuses those sounds with a European component. The sound is achieved by playing a variety of instruments, both traditional and modern.  Yunasi have several accolades to their credit including the BBC World Service’s 2007 Next Big Thing, winner of the  prestigious US International Songwriting Contest for the song JI OPOGORE (The Difference of People) obtaining third-place in the World Music category out of 16,000 entries from all over the world, winner of the 2004 Kisima Award for the best afro-fusion band in Kenya andnominated for an all-African Kora award in South Africa in 2003.
 
‘Spotlight on Kenyan Music’
In 2005, Alliance Française, with the support of the Embassy of France and Total Kenya Ltd launched the ambitious ‘Spotlight on Kenyan Music’ programme in 2005 to nurture the development of authentic Kenyan afro-fusion music across the country. The project aims to identify talents at the grass-roots level whose music and style fall within the broad remit of afro-fusion and provide them with tiered support to help develop their musical abilities.  The tiered support includes professional rehearsals, live performances and exposure, capacity building, opportunities and incentives for individual career development.  To date, 3 Spotlight albums have been launched (2005, 2006, 2007) and  recording for the forth album is on now.  33 musicians have benefit from this exposure.  A national tour of a selection of  if spotlight artists took place in August/September this year, a first ever music tour of Kenya musicians, crisscrossing the country, and the grand finale will take place at Uhuru Park on 4th October.
The musicians ‘Zippy Okoth’, ‘Benta Nyakuyogi’, ‘Alai K’, ‘Juma Tutu’, ‘Makadem’ and ‘Peter Wambugu’ will be backed by the Mwangaza Music Machine made up of ‘Dave Otieno’ (lead guitar), ‘Shadrack Makau’ (keyboards), ‘Eric Mwangi’ (percussions), ‘Marvin Maveke’ (drums), ‘Kombo Chokwe’ (bass guitar).  Together the musicians will showcase a panorama of Kenya’s musical heritage tozouk, benga, rhumba, taarab, ohangla and jazz rhythms.
 
Jua Cali
Jua Cali is Kenay’s leading genge/kapuka musician. He formed Calif Records with producer Clemo in 2000 with the original intention  to produce artistes, however once Jua Cali took up the mic himself there was no turning back.. Jua Cali is an influential musician nominated for British Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards, both in 2007.  His hits include ‘Ruka’, Nkipotea Tena’....
The name Jua Cali comes from his estate in Nairobi called California. It is also the inspiration behind Calif Records.
 
Admiral T
King of the French West Indies Reggae - Dancehall scene and promoter of Creole Culture, Admiral T (Christy Campbell) was born and raised among his ten brothers and sisters in Boissard, one of Guadeloupe island’s roughest ghettos, in the French West Indies. At 16, he integrated the local Karukera Sound System where he nourished his unique “jive” incorporating a strong dose of Caribbean influences like Zouk, Gwo Ka (traditional French Caribbean Drums), Soca, Salsa and of course Reggae.
In 2003, Admiral T. started a solo career and released his first album “Mozaïk Kréyòl” (Creole Mosaic), which quickly became a hit in the West Indies and in Europe, especially in France.
In 2005, he was the leading character in the movie “Neg’Marron” (during slavery times, the name “Neg’marron” was given to the run-away slaves who hid and lived in the remote mountainous areas of the colonised islands) and, the year after, Admiral T. released a second album, “Toucher l’Horizon” (Touching the Horizon) which confirmed his Dancehall expertise and political engagement for the “Karaïb Kultur” acknowledgement.  Admiral T is not only a pivotal artist in his native West Indies but commands great notoriety in France and is likened to the legendary “Godfathers of Zouk” (who largely influenced his becoming): the band called Kassav.

Chumba the cop launches album

New sensation Doris Jepchumba aka Chumba launched her debut solo album, Kipla, at the Alliance Francaise Gardens in Nairobi last Friday. A finalist of the 2005 Spotlight on Kenya Music, Chumba is a soldier and member of the Lang'ata based Kenya Army outfit, Maroon Commandos band. She has been riding high with a series of hits from the album released last month by Soundafrica. The Nairobi event follows a similar launch the other weekend in Eldoret to Rift Valley audiences where she enjoys massive following. The guest performer for the night was Mombasa songbird Nyota Ndogo.

Kenya is on M-NET

JOHARI Part 1 and 2
Screening Times:
Sunday September 7 at 22:00

Synopsis:
Just when the young man though he’d found himself the perfect woman who’d things
turned out to be problematic. What he didn’t know was that he’d just gotten himself into
a lifetime battle. Now he must decide… Is she is worth it or if it’s better to cut his losses
and move on?

SIKITIKO LANGU
Screening Times:
Monday September 22 at 20:00

Synopsis:
A young man who has been misleading the church congregation to engage in ungodly
acts realizes his faults and starts to repent. Will they congregation forgive him or will he
banished for life? To find out, tune in.

George Lee to be honoured with Channel O’s most prestigious award

September 2008

Channel O is to award iconic Ghanaian musician George Lee with its highest honour – the Channel O Music Video Awards Special Recognition award.


Lee will receive the award at the 2008 ceremony on October 9th and will join other Special Recognition award-winners Oliver Mtukudzi, Zola, Hugh Masekela and the late Enoch Sontonga and Fela Kuti in being honoured for his outstanding contribution to the African music industry.


“George Lee has had a remarkable life and music career that stands as a real inspiration to musicians all over the continent,” comments Yolisa Phahle, Channel O’s General Manager.


“What is most striking when you look at George’s life is that he remains largely unknown outside of those who really consider him a musical genius and we hope that by honouring him with a Special recognition award George’s life and work will take the spotlight that it deserves.”


Born Kwame Narh Kojo Larnyoh, Lee began his long career in the international music industry when, as an 18-year-old band leader, he was selected to take his band during Louis Armstrong’s visit to Ghana in 1956.


Lee’s prodigious talent was quickly noticed and he was soon touring Nigeria, returning to his homeland several years after Ghana’s independence in 1957. On his return Lee was selected by the then President Kwame Nkrumah to attend Ghana's prestigious arts and culture school for six months before being sent to the World Fair in Berlin Germany as one of Ghana’s cultural emissaries.


With Lee at the forefront, the famed Ghana Messengers played an eclectic mix of traditional music, high life and jazz during their 60’s European sojourn. Much to the surprise of visitors to the World Fair the Ghanaian musicians daily exchanged their traditional kente cloth and drums, for tuxedos and brass instruments to execute the international popular jazz tunes of the day with equal flair and skill.


Since then George's illustrious career path had taken him on stages, in theatres, in recording and television studios all over the world until 1986 when he decided to bring his skills and resources back home to Africa. This move followed an inspirational big band tour to Mozambique in 1984. On his return to London Lee formed Anansi and the band hit the mark with its first single, ‘Sea Shells’ which was adopted as the theme tune of the popular long running BBC TV arts programme 'Ebony' soon after its UK release .


Lee is multi-talented, equally at home singing, songwriting, performing, playing a variety of instruments and mentoring African talent – including multi-award winner Jimmy Dludlu who is a protégé of Lee’s and as a teenager, spent 18 months living with Lee in Swaziland.


Lee’s fame has never been confined to his home country or even the African continent: As a horns arranger and session musician, Lee often worked with the legendary Bob Marley in London and America.

Just check out the tenor sax solo on Natty Dread and you will hear George’s horn loud and clear! His songs have been recorded by artists in many parts of the world including American Johnny Nash, South African Chris McGregor in France; and a range of singers from Ghanaians in Germany, to Nigerians in London, Americans in Canada and more.


In addition, he led over a hundred cross cultural drummers at the 1994 inauguration of President Nelson Mandela in Pretoria as well as performing at the World Festival of Sacred Music in Cape Town, during the Dalai Lama’s visit in 1999.


Alongside his illustrious music career, George has also ventured into the world of film when he appeared as a performer/songwriter and producer in the Hollywood blockbuster A Good Man in Africa starring Sean Connery.

In May 2007 George was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal motor neuron disease also known as Lou Gehrigs.


“The fact that George is facing a serious illness makes it all the more important to honour his life and his work,” says Phahle. “This is truly one of the most important and emotional awards that Channel O has ever given out.”


The 2008 Channel O Music Video awards take place on Thursday 9 October 2008 in Johannesburg at Carnival City and will be broadcast Thursday 23 October on Channel O (DStv Channel 320).

Fans also stand the chance to win great prizes this year. Double VIP tickets - which include flights and accommodation – to the awards event, four Casio keyboards, a Playstation 3, three watch sets and four cash prizes of US$1000 are up for grabs when anyone votes in the Channel O Music Video Awards.

Viewers across Africa will be able to vote for the winner in the 13 different categories - excluding the Special Recognition category - until 24 September. They can vote via SMS, using the number +27 83 920 8400 (standard international SMS rates will apply) or cast their votes for free on the Channel O website [www.channelo.tv] - where all the nominees’ videos are loaded, giving fans a great chance to refresh their memories about just which artist deserves the ultimate accolade!

QFM TO “KATA KIU” IN NAKURU AND ELDORET

Nairobi, Friday 5th September 2008….. QFM the recently launched Kiswahili radio station by Nation Media Group will this weekend Kata Kiu in Nakuru on Saturday at Eclipse Hotel, from 2pm, where QFM will host Nakuru residents to watch the match between Kenya and Namibia with the station’s leading presenters and provide an opportunity for residents to have a feel of the station’s offering.

On Sunday, the team will be in Eldoret at Huruma Grounds for a road show at 2pm where, where residents will get a first hand experience of the stations offering. The station whose preposition is “Kata Kiu” is set to revolutionize Swahili radio station offering through quality sound, presentation and programming.

Present at the road show will be some of the station’s leading presenters amongst them Nyambane, and Talia who will provide snippets of their shows and entertain the attendees.

QFM went live on Monday 25th August with frequencies in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nyeri, Meru, Eldoret and Nakuru – the station will be expanding to other regions of the country. The station will air different genres of music including Bongo, Reggae, Rumba and R&B.

QFM promises to give in-depth, credible and unbiased news, play smooth music and entertain its listeners with the best presenters through interactive programs.

For the Classical Concert lovers

Sterling Quality Entertainment Company Ltd, founded in May 2000, is one of
East African's leading entertainment companies. We have for the past eight
years sought to provide quality productions and undertake projects in regard
to live entertainment, film entertainment, music entertainment and talent
management in keeping with our commitment to "quality as promised".

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our next production,
a Classical Concert Series: "African Classics". Sterling Q dares to enchant
you and your loved ones this October with the classical tunes that you have
shown to love. Kenya's finest and budding classical musicians will enthrall
you with their skills in a unique and fulfilling concert at the Braeburn
Theatre on 4th October 2008 from 7.00p.m. Tickets in advance* will go for
800/= + 150/= for delivery while at the door tickets will cost Kshs 1,000.

From A Whisper Movie launch

DADA PRODUCTIONS;
"FROM A WHISPER"

The much anticipated "From a Whisper" will be released by Fox Theatre's this Friday 12th September, 2008 at The 20th Century Cinema in the CBD and will run for one (1) week and will then be moved on:
Friday 19th September, 2008 to Kenya Cinema and on
Friday 26th September, 2008 to Kisumu.

Please find attached all the relevant information related to the film.

Dada Productions would like to thank you all for your support for this film so far. We sincerely appreciate it. Should you require any additional information or clarification please feel free to contact me.

Warm Regards

Kuxi Ghai
Producer

A lil sam sam for the Marketers

The Intercontinental Hotel Nairobi plays host to the 3rd Nairobi Marketers' Night Out 2008
series on Friday 12th September from 6:30pm.

The key note speech will be on Personal Branding, and will be delivered by Mr. Idy Enang,
Commercial Director, Cadbury Nigeria Plc.

The dress code is African Wear!

We look forward to seeing you then,

William A. Kalombo,
Marketing Africa Limited,

A letter from a reader

Hey Grace,
I honestly think u doing a good job.Keep up and big-ups!Do me a favor though and help me preach against these weaves.Feel free to check out this facebook group weaves must be declared an international disaster.its really growing in leaps and bounds.ama what does thou think?would love to hear thy feedback o this one. In the mean time cant wait to read the gossip you have for us...God bless.
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14882041479&ref=ts
mike gitonga

THREE FINALISTS ALREADY SELECTED FOR

September 2008

Get ready…3 new stars are set to hit African catwalks!

24-year-old psychologist Totwana ‘Tito’ Tema became the first finalist selected for M-Net’s new season of Face of Africa at a casting held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre in Botswana recently. And just a week later, 19-year-old hairdresser Albertina Shigwedha and 24-year-old student pilot Maria Hiwilepo became the second and third finalists selected for Face of Africa 2008 at a casting at the Protea Hotel Furstenhof in Windhoek, Namibia.

Standing over 1.71m each, the trio were handpicked from many aspiring hopefuls by Face of Africa casting scouts, the dynamic Kaone Kario (Face of Africa 2005) and model industry veteran Andiswa Manxiwa, during a daylong casting sessions in both cities.

Speaking about their Face of Africa selection process, the scouts said, “From the moment it began, we’ve been proud to be part of the new season of M-Net’s Face of Africa. That pride is multiplied every time we’re at a casting and we meet talented, committed and confident young African women of our generation who are bold and brave enough to chase their dreams!”

Kario and Manxiwa headed out of Botswana and Namibia immediately after the casting sessions, en-route to Malawi which is their latest stop in a cross-continental expedition that will see them head to 13 different countries over the next six weeks as they search for Africa’s newest catwalk sensation!

Meanwhile for the gorgeous Tito, Albertina and Maria, the next step in their Face of Africa journey is a trip to the scenic island of Zanzibar in October to participate in a special Model ‘Boot-Camp’ at which the Top 10 finalists will be selected for the M-NET FACE OF AFRICA 2008 Finale, to be held in Sun City on Saturday November 29. DStv audiences in over 40 countries will see the Finale live on M-Net.

With their selection, the three models are in the running for the Face of Africa 2008 winner prize, which is a whopping USD 50 000 in cash from M-Net and a three-year modeling contract with O Model Africa.

Helmed by former Face of Africa superstar Oluchi Onweagba, the modeling contract prize from O-Model Africa is one of several prizes on offer from the agency. Other prizes include a year’s accommodation in Johannesburg and Cape Town where O Model Africa operates, a life coaching course and financial advice as well as photographic test shoots, the creation of modeling Z-cards and the development of a modeling portfolio.

Other castings to follow are: Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (September 9); Nairobi – Kenya (September 13); Addis – Ethiopia (September 16); Lagos – Nigeria (September 20); Accra - Ghana (September 23); Maputo – Mozambique (September 27); Lusaka – Zambia (October 1); Johannesburg – South Africa (October 4) and Luanda – Angola (October 11).