Wahu Beefs With Nameless in Public

This is a step by step of how Kenya's celebrity couple Wahu and Nameless, quickly made up after a mini-second altercation on the dancefloor. This incident took place at Blue Times Lounge, Museum Hill during the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) party a while back.
What happened was, Wahu found Nameless dancing with Nike Kondakis - the chic who designs dresses from used and old parachutes.
Wahu went over to him and whispered something in his ears after which the paps started clicking away. After, some push and shove the celeb couple, Wahu and Nameless posed for the paps. Crisis Averted. Period.

Battle for the Copa Coca Cola Theme song

Today three Kenyan entertainers, Ulopa, Collo and Rachel, will find out who amongst them will be the voice for the theme song for ongoing COPA Coca-Cola games.
The song, which will cost Sh500,000 to produce will be the theme song for the final stages of the football tournament played this Saturday. The lucky singer will also get to perform at the event, which marks the end of tournament that has been going on for the last two months.
The three acts, all of whom are signed to the Ulopa Ngoma Label have already composed a song each and competitions on local radio stations are ongoing to select one of the songs as voted by the listeners. The three come from different backgrounds, musically.
Rapper Collo recently released his final album and announced that he was retiring from music but now might have to change his plans if he wins. While Ulopa is known as both a producer and singer, Rachel has honed her skills working as Eric Wainaina’s back-up singer.
Coca-Cola Kenya, Marketing Manager Pamela Mutua says that Coca-Cola has been promoting talent among the youth through sports and now music. This is just one of the company’s promotions for the year. There are plans to bring the World Cup trophy to Nairobi this November.

Allan Namu and Mohammed Ali 'in hidding'?

Word making the rounds claim that KTM investigative reporters John Allan Namu and Mohammed Ali are in hiding following death threats.
Well, let me clue yu why the two would be stashed away somwhere abroad.
two weeks a go they did a major, investigative peice that shook the nation. ‘Track it’ was in the middle of it. The TV feature potrayed Track It as defrauding customers by not fitting car track devices which could help in case of a car jacking.
however, Linus Kaikai the Managing Editor of KTN revealed, “We are not aware of any threats. We knew the story was a sensitive one, so we had them take a break. They are not in hiding but have taken a normal break and will be back to work soon.”

Con artist caught red-handed by East FM staff

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Alert East FM staff members on Wednesday refused to fall for the same con twice in a row when a con artist who swindled them and other businesses of thousands of shillings last year popped up at their offices telling the exact same sob story he told them a year ago.
The man who claims to be a Tanzanian called Mohammed Abdul Albashir showed up at the East FM offices in Lion Place, Westlands unaware he had pulled a fast one on the same firm a year ago when they were based in Baricho Road.
For those who may be unaware of the man’s story, Albashir says he was lured from Dar es Salaam, where he is a mechanic with promises of a better paying job by a former workmate now in Nairobi.
“My former workmate stole all my money, Sh50,000 and all the clothes I had on and left me for dead. I now sleep at a police station.”
East FM producer Javed Kana told Word Is that this was the same story that in march last year caused the station’s staff to raise some cash for a ticket home to Dar as well as for food. But Albashir was a no-show.
When his sad story aired on the station, their worst fears were confirmed when other business owners called up to say they had been taken in by the same guy.
This time around the savvy East FM staff sent the fellow off after a serious tongue-lashing and now want everyone to be on the alert for this fraudster.

Ahadi Trust wins USAID award

For the humble task of fighting to eradicate jiggers, Ahadi Trust were announced winners of the third annual Leadership & Management Award, supported by the US Agency for International Development. The news was released officially on Wednesday by the Management Sciences for Health, an American NGO.
Ahadi Trust was lauded for its exemplary leadership and management skills to overcome challenges and achieve measurable results in the areas of HIV/AIDS, infectious disease, and maternal/child health. The Kenyan NGO is run by Stanley Kamau and Miss World Kenya 2005 Cecilia Mwangi.
The Leadership and Management Award is an annual award it was created to recognize teams of health care professionals. The Kenyan team beat 13 other teams from around the world, including countries like Peru, Burkina Faso and Afghanistan.
Ahadi Trust which was founded in 2007 will receive a Sh120,000 grant to further its work.

Cindy escapes car accident unharmed

Former Blu*3 crooner Cindy was last Friday night involved in a car accident from which she escaped unhurt. Cindy was in the vehicle, a Rav 4, with another Ugandan rapper GNL at the time of the accident. The two were on their way to Nkozi University for a concert, luckily they both escaped unharmed. This incident comes at a time when Cindy is riding high on her new hit song, Na Wewe featuring the Okoye brothers, P Square.

Nas, Damian to miss Jal’s charity event

Sudanese rapper Emmanuel Jal recently teamed up with Zain for a charity fundraising concert in Nairobi on May 1.
Jal was planning on hosting two surprise guests for the charity concert, American rapper Nas and Jamaican singer Damian Jr Gong Marley. However, despite his efforts the two won’t be attending because of time and logistics related issues.
Yulia Holko, Jal’s business partner confirmed that he was planning to incorporate the two for his concert. “Jal has been working with Nas, Damien Marley and Macy Gray on various projects. He would have loved to have them over but it is impossible because of the time and logistics involved. Maybe for another event in the future because their work relationship is just developing,” Yulia said.
“They have been doing a number of big projects together, Jal has recorded a track with all three and Damien is producing Jal’s next album,” she added.
The concert is aimed at raising money to benefit Gua Africa, a NGO working to build a school in Leer, Southern Sudan.

Kenyan Filmmakers benefit from M-Net’s plan to buy movies

News of M-Net Electronic Media Network quietly investing in buying all rights for 450 plus African films covering a 25 year period is a perfect reason for Kenyan filmmakers to get to work.
In recent interview with the British press the M-Net’s Head of Sales and African Film Library Acquisition, Mike Dearham spoke of the radically plans of launching a film channel in francophone Africa as well as a Video On Demand (VOD) streaming service on M-Net’s website.
“There are two to three (key) film-makers missing. Some don’t own their own rights and they are scattered across eight co-production companies and others don’t believe in going for 25 years. People told us it would be impossible but it has turned out not to be,” Dearham said.
If this goes through, M-Net will be the distributor for the African Film Library on its own channels, through other TV stations and in film festivals.
Cajetan Boy, a Kenyan playwright and script writer who has a number of movies under his belt, including Back Lash and By Any Means Necessary believes the idea is good for Kenyan filmmakers.
“Kenya already has nine movies showing on Africa Magic Plus. From here on, it can only be a plus for Kenyan movies as they will be exposed to a larger audience.”
Simiyu Barasa another filmmaker says, “The M-Net deal is very good, better than Kenyan TV’s offer. Here they ask filmmakers to buy airtime to air their movies. With M-Net buying our movies, one can recoup their production costs. After all, M-Net gets the rights to air the movie for an exclusive period after which you can do what you want to do with it. But you are still free to sell it on the streets,” Simiyu said.
Simiyu’s Toto Millionaire is currently being aired and he is planning to sell the rights of his soon to be finished love comedy, Love Doctor.
However, the number of Kenyan movies churned out per year is a bleak contrast to film producing super giants Nigeria. As of last year, Kenya released less than ten movies a year compared to Nigeria’s 20 movies a week!

South African jazz singer for Kenyan jazz festival

One of the hottest jazz singers in South Africa, Lira will be in Nairobi on Saturday to perform with Eric Wainaina and Valerie Kimani at a Jazz festival dubbed South Meets East to be staged at the Nairobi National Museum starting at 6pm.
Lira, born Lira Molapo is not new to the Kenya stage as she was a hit when she performed last November during the Black Peacock Ball, an event organized to raise awareness of violence against women and children. Incidentally that performance was also held at Nairobi Museum.
The South African singer is best known for her single “Feel Good” which won her the 2007 South Africa Music Award (SAMA) in the category Best Music Video. The song currently enjoys more radio airplay than any other South African song.
She is signed to SONY/BMG and has performed alongside Jazz music heavyweights like Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Ringo, and many other jazz bands.
Tickets for the Saturday show are going for Sh2,500 for a seat in the VIP stand and Sh1,000 for an ordinary seat.

Exclusive: Juliani's Album Launch - Mtaa Mentality

Juliani turns activist for information law

Gospel rapper Juliani is at the forefront of agitating for the passing of the much touted Freedom of Information Bill, ahead of Parliament’s re-opening tomorrow Tuesday.
The rapper whose real name is Julius Owino Ooko is the voice behind the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) campaign called Information ni Right Yako, Daisha. The campaign is an initiative by the ICJ to try and push for the bill to be passed as law.
Juliani, who was launching his debut album, Mtaa Mentality on Saturday at the Mavuno Dome, aired a video shot by ICJ, where the performer talks about the right to information and its importance to the youth.
“Everyone has a right to know how much of the CDF money is been spent and how. We have a right to know what is happening in our streets in our hoods,” Juliani said.
George Kigoro, a lawyer who also works with ICJ, was at the launch and he stressed the importance of the youth supporting the bill.
“It will be compulsory for the government and the private institutions to give information that touches on your personal rights,” Kigoro said, “As Tuesday’s parliamentary session begins, we should demand for the enactment of the freedom of information act.”

Kenyan fusion acts for Ethiopian Music Festival

Afro-fusion singer Muthoni Ndonga and the all-boy acoustic band Sauti Sol will be headlining shows in Ethiopia during a five-day music festival.
They will not only be performing at the Selam Music Festival in Addis Ababa, which starts on April 29 to May 3, they will also take part in discussion panels and work shops.
Top on the agenda for the Muthoni and Sauti Sol at the workshops is the issue of music management and promotion in East Africa.
Muthoni who is also the brains behind the successful monthly Blanket and Wine event is riding high on the success of her Afrocentric album Mambo Bado.
Whereas, the four-member band made up of high school friends Bien-Aime Baraza, Willis Chimano, Delvin Mudigi and Polycarp Otieno released a single, Lazizi, from their debut album Mwanzo.

BBAII’s Ofuneka on love and work

Since losing the Big Brother II contest to Tanzania’s Richard Bezuidenhout, the Nigerian contestant Ofunneka Molokwu has maintained a very long media silence. However the two-year self imposed media silence seems to be over as Ofunneka recently talked to the Nigerian press about her love life and work projects.
At 31, Ofunneka is currently single, however her take on marriage is “good but I am not thinking about it now, because the moment you start thinking so much about it you get disturbed.” Adding, “At this stage in my life, getting into any relationship will definitely be for marriage and not for a fling.”
The BBA II Housemate said she enjoyed the company of Jeff, the Kenyan housemate the most.
Said she: “He writes. We have the same passion. Conversations with him were always intellectual. He has a lot of knowledge and ideas in him. Aside that there was no other person. I only liked their company but not admire them.”
Moving on to work, Ofunneka was made the Ambassador for Heart of Africa’s project under the Ministry of Information, Nigeria. She then dabbled in a movie project called The Celebrity, released last year, and also acted in a TV soap opera.
“I later formed an NGO (the Youth Empowerment Trust Fund) to mentor youths. A trust fund was opened for me by Multichoice. I have gone to schools to address students, and I went to Babcock University,” she explained.
She also writes for a Nigerian national daily newspaper on fertility.

THE KENYA CORPORATE GAMES 2009

IS YOUR COMPANY PART OF THE 2009 BUSINESS ACTION?

We, at The Event Factory, DO take cognizance of the current economic contractions and its catalytic consequences across industries.

We understand the corporate dilemma of:
What to apportion investment to;
What to cut investment from.

WHAT DOES THE KENYA CORPORATE GAMES OFFER?
Bigger returns on investment for lesser budget spend.

WHY PARTICIPATE?
Your staff is the people who deliver the brand promise – they are the Brand.
Successful brand management requires a multi-disciplinary team.
Engage Staff influence and control brand experiences.
To be able to retain and influence the best of best – building a strong brand employment.
Creates internal understanding of the brand promise and value.

When: Saturday, 1st August 2009.

Venue: Public Service Club, Mara Road (Upper Hill), Nairobi.

Time: From 8:00 a.m.

For more information on participation and sponsorship contact:

Dan Odhiambo / Martin Kunga
Tel: 254 20 2120555 / 254 722 370 760 / 254 733 483322 Email: info@theevent-factory.com.

DON’T MISS OUT,

KENYA ACTORS MONOLOGUE SLAM NIGHT 2009

23rd of April 2009 at Club Galileo

From 630pm to 930pm

WHAT IS KENYA ACTORS MONOLOGUE SLAM NIGHT?

This is a monthly event (championship- defend title every month) organized by IGIZA KENYA ACTORS COMPANY for up-coming and existing actors to perform and showcase themselves using either self written monologues or already published monologues.

The 12 performers will compete to impress the 3 professional Judges who will score based on

• DELIVERY.

• PRESENTATION.

• MATERIAL.

• CREATIVITY.

• USE OF SPACE.

• LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY…etc.


THEME

The KENYA MONOLOGUE SLAM NIGHT was created to make more connections and create a community of actors who like live performances and appreciate an actor's work." The theme or motto of the KENYA MONOLOGUE SLAM NIGHT is dedication to the performers and foster a supportive yet lively environment for them. It’s an excellent way to get the ignition started in a young actor or relight the fire in an aged thespian.

The organizers’ also put together the KENYA ACTORS MONOLOGUE SLAM NIGHT with the intention of inviting and bringing together industry professionals (actors, directors, agents, producers etc) to create a networking event. Other special/guests will include, enthusiasts, and, of course, fellow actors some with recognizable faces.

Brought to you by Story Moja

KOOROO

Kenyan Fashion label Kooroo was initiated in 2006 by Hebret Lakew and Enid Lanez. They initially worked from home with a loyal clientele both local and expatriates and soon began to expand due to demand for their inspired creations. Kooroo has been featured in local newspapers and magazines such as the Daily Nation, Business Daily and True Love Magazine. They have also participated in fashion shows at UNEP headquarters which featured several other Kenyan designers as well as other venues. They are currently also working with Roman designer Paula Spatoro who provides the accessories (handbags, shoes & jewellery) to go with their designs.

Betty Vanetti

Betty Vanetti is a Kenyan fashion designer who runs her own fashion label. She has had seventeen years experience in fashion design and has handled wardrobe in the theatre, film, and television industry. Her designs have evolved over the years and now possess costume attributes in their refreshing femininity. She has participated in several major fashion events and has worn awards at The Kenya Fashion Week and at the Smirnoff Fashion Competition. Betty will be showcasing her collection at the FAFA gala night this year.

Eric Wainaina in Club Afrique

 
This year, Afro Fussion act plans to play 52 shows at Museum Hill club Afrique. He will be on every Thursday from  8pm-11pm
fee-400/=
Eevery week he will feature different curtain raisers, from the likes of Chizi, Kaz, Sauti Sol, Ma3, Acref and Elani.
 

MAMA Anouncement Party

This is how it was on Wednesday (15.04.09) at the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMA) anouncement at Bluetimes Lounge in Nairobi.

It's Offical People! MAMA is Coming to Kenya

MTV Networks Africa and telecommunications company Zain today revealed that Kenya has been picked to host the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMA). The annual celebration of the African continent’s contemporary music and youth culture will take place on Saturday 10 October 2009 at the Indoor Arena, Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, airing to a potential TV audience of 1 billion viewers around the world.
Leading mobile telecommunications operator, Zain, returns as the sole pan-African sponsor of the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards following their multi-platform, multi-territory partnership with MTV in 2008.
“The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain is a global platform that highlights the passion, impact and creativity of Africa’s best contemporary artists,” commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa. “As a vibrant and influential cultural hub, the city of Nairobi will form a brilliant backdrop to the MAMA Awards and ensure that the second edition of the Awards will be a truly unforgettable experience.”
More than 5,000 fans will watch the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain live at the Indoor Arena, while millions more will watch the global TV broadcast of the show.
“Nairobi is proud to be hosting this year’s MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain,” commented
The Honourable Najib Balala, MP, Minister of Tourism, “MTV’s choice of Nairobi is a huge boost for the city, and we are looking forward to welcoming the continent’s biggest stars here in October for this milestone event.”
Speaking about the Awards, Mwambu Wanendeya, Zain Group Communications Director for Africa said, “The 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain promises to be the highest profile music event in the history of the East African region. Zain is proud to play our part in bringing this inspirational salute to African music excellence to music fans in Africa and around the world.”
The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain is Africa’s most prestigious live music event. Inaugurated in Abuja, Nigeria in November 2008, the first MAMA broadcast to music fans around the world via MTV’s global TV network and featured electrifying performances by artists including Kelly Rowland, Flo Rida, The Game, Jua Cali, P Square, 9ice, D’Banj, Asa, Cassette and Jozi. Among the artists taking home the distinctive ‘golden microphone’ trophy were Wahu (Best Female), D’Banj (Best Male), Jozi (Best Live) and P Square (Best Group).
The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain will air across Africa on the 17 October 2009 on satellite on DStv (Channel 322) and Daarsat, and on terrestrial channels WBS (Uganda), TBC (Tanzania), TV3 (Ghana), STV (Nigeria), AIT (Nigeria).

The Inspector General

Top officials of a small provincial town, headed by the Mayor, react with terror to the rumours of the imminent arrival of an ‘incognito' inspector for a town inspection.  A suspicious character is mistaken for the inspector and enjoys the favours of the corrupt officials until the arrival of the real Inspector.

NAIROBI’S PARTY PEOPLE INVASION OF MOMBASA AT EASTER

Over the Easter Holiday, Mombasa was a sight to behold. Not because of that ancient coastal city’s intrinsic beauty but because of the colourful banners put up in every available advertising space, selling the various artistes performing in the different clubs up and down the coast. The bold advertisements were in all manner of shape and colour.
The loud announcements read variously:
“Tonight’s special Wahu. Pay Sh200 before midnight!”
“Saida Karoli from Tanzania and Joyce Akinyi! Don’t miss out!”
Other posters touted Nameless and Juacali amongst others.
It was a busy money making weekend for nightclubs in the coastal town.
The invasion force of revellers from up country accompanied by a bunch of Nairobi social scene reporters and photographers hit town on Saturday afternoon courtesy of the organisers of Smirnoff Uncompromised gigs.
At 9pm, the fourth estate crew was shuttled to the Tembo Dicso for the Smirnoff Uncompromised party.
The streets seemed full of revellers heading off in different directions to attend the various parties and concerts on offer. At Tembo we found there was already a long queue of revellers waiting patiently to pay for their entry tickets for the venue.
One glaring difference between Nairobi revellers and the Mombasa ones is the ability to stay calm and orderly. While a Nairobi reveller would curse the slow pace at which the queue was moving and stomp their feet in irritation, the Mombasa party people took the snails pace proceedings in their stride. Hakuna matata.
The laid back coastal hospitality and attitude extended to inside the venue. I noticed that the bouncers did not struggle to keep the peace. Everyone was well behaved. There were no muggers, pickpockets not even a bar brawl..
So, next time there is a long weekend you know where to hang.
At around 2pm, UK DJ Shorty Blitz took control of the DJ’s booth and kept the party people dancing on stage. He thrilled fans with a mix of old skool as well as hip-hop. This being the last of the Smirnoff Uncompromised parties, the coast was the best spot, and the last gig went out with a big bang.


Courtesy - Nairobi Star

American Hip hop act: Dynamix in Kenya

Some Scenes from AMAA

These are some pictures from the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) courtesy of kenyan actor Ken Ambani. It was held in Yenagoa,Bayelsa state,Nigeria early this month. Kenya movie producer Wanuri Kahiu movie ‘From A Whisper’ was nominated for 11 awards and walked away with five nods. From a whisper walked away with Best Director, Achievement In Editing, Best Original In Soundtrack, Best Screenplay and Best Picture.