TV STAR PAPA SHIRANDULA AUDITIONS FOR TPFIII

Come next week you will know for sure if Charles Bukeko aka Papa Shirandula is a TPFIII finalist. The actor took part in the auditions at the Kenyan National Theatre.
The TV star said, “I’ve always wanted to be a musician and I am here to try out my luck at the Tusker Project Fame academy,” he added, “The turnout is overwhelming and if the rehearsals in the queue by the youngsters here are anything to go by, then the competition is likely to be very stiff.”
That aside, here is some images from the TPFIII audition in Nairobi…

Fred Nganga a.k.a Krax dressed like Michael Jackson displays his dancing style similar to that of the King Of Pop



Grace Wamboi performs a happy jig after the judges give her a nod.


Jathan Njuguna entertains other contestants waiting to be auditioned


Ken Gachie entertains other contestants waiting to be auditioned



PHOTOS BY CHRISPINUS WEKESA AND JEPTUM CHESIYNA

AMERICAN TV STARS FLY IN TO KENYA FOR CHARITY

On screen Superman, Deen Cain poses with a child during his visit to the counrty last year


Next month a horde of Hollywood star will jet into Kenya to support the charity, Feed the Children.
They include Just so Raven star Kyle Massey and his brother Christopher; Erik Estrada from the Bold and Beautiful; Susan Lucci from All My Children and Montel Williams, Devon Werkheiser, Anthony Geary and Kelly Monaco from General Hospital.

Actor Christopher Massey in the coutry last year


Feed the Children is an international, non-profit relief organization that supports more than 100,000 children in Kenya’s slums. The organisation was founded in 1979 by Larry and Frances Jones, is a Christian, international, nonprofit relief organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disasters.
The actors will be here to accompany the charity’s founders Larry and Frances as they deliver food and items to the poor. They will also accompany them on visits to local schools.

Former 007 agent a.k.a James Bond a.k.a Roger Moore is entertained by orphans at a childrens home when he was in th country last year.


The actors’ activities will be documented and the footage will be used during a segment for Daytime Gives Back, which will air during the Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards on Sunday, August 30 on the CW Television Network.

JIMI KIBAKI DROPS ARTISTES’ SLOGAN

Jimi Kibaki’s youth movement dubbed Simama Kenya Youth Initiative (SKYI) has dropped the used of the msucial slogan ‘Roundi Hii Si Mchezo’.
This came shortly after Kenyan newpaper The Star featured the ownership row between the President’s son Jimi and artistes Madtraxx, Mejja and Jimwatt.
What cut was, Jimi’s movement that was unveiled on June 1 in Kitui District carried the slogan; Roundi Hii Si Mchezo. However, the acts whose song is also titled as such clamed they were not consulted.
A source close to the musicians says they did not give Jimi the go ahead to use the song’s title as a slogan.
Anyho, a while back The Standard reported that the movement is now using the slogan, ‘Roundii Hii Hakuna Mchezo’.
Mmmmmmh, Shaking my head.

BE GUINNESS’ GUEST ON SPACE AND AT BLACK EYED PEAS SHOW

In line with Guinness’s 250 years global celebrations loyal drinkers will get a chance to watch a private concert by American group Black Eyed Peas and also get a chance to visit space.
A lucky Kenyan Guinness consumer will attend one of the brewer’s many 250th anniversary events that will take place simultaneously.
EABL Marketing Director Debra Mallowah confirmed a Kenyan would get the chance to attend a Black Eyed Peas concert at a press conference unveiling the global celebrations.
The Black Eyed Peas will be performing alongside other groups in various cities including Dublin, New York, Lagos and Kuala Lumpur.
As for the other winners, they will get a chance to take up the reserved seat aboard billionaire Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic - a commercial space tourism company – for a trip to suborbital space.

KOFFI OLOMIDE IS THE MALARIA AMBASSADOR

Congolese musician Koffi Olomide has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM). He will be one of the attendees at this year’s MIM Pan-African Malaria Conference. The conference will be held in Nairobi at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in December.
The MIM Pan-African Malaria Conference is jointly organized by MIM Secretariat and Kenya Medical Research Institute.
The new Goodwill Ambassador is taking his new role very seriously, he is recording English and Kiswahili songs that he plans to launch in Kenya. The songs are aimed at promoting his campaign against malaria in Kenya.

GAETANO AVOIDS A MEDIA SCRUM DURING WEDDING

Gaetano Weds


TV personality Gaetano Kaggwa finally married his fiancée Enid Keishemeza Rukikaire in Kampala a while back. In true Gaetano fashion, he went against the norm and decided to have his wedding on a Thursday instead of the usual Saturday.
Media reports based on misleading leaks had stated that the couple would be jumping the broom on a Saturday. These false trails were probably put about after the couple had earlier been forced to put off their nuptials originally slated for June in Kampala to hide away from the media attention.
All the same we did find out that Gaetano and his sweetheart secretly said their vows at a garden ceremony at Ranch On The Lake.
Here is some photos courtesy of the Oboma Social Forum.

Gaetano and best man Babu


Enid is lead to the alter with dad Mathew Rukikaire


Gaetano and Enid on the alter


Gaetano and Enid

CELEBRITIES’ HEAD ROYALTIES’ ORGANISATION

Churchill with former James Bond Star Roger Moore during his visit to Kenya

Did you know that comedian Dan ‘Churchill’ Ndambuki and TV star Charles Bukeko head a copyright organisation?
No? Not at all?
Well, you can read all about it here.
SPAK (Society of Performing Artistes of Kenya) is an organisation formed to fight for intellectual rights of performing acts. It’s clientele extends to dancers, TV and Radio comedians, music video producers and directors, artistes and live performers.
The directors include Churchill and funny man Papa Shirandula they are joined by singer and lawyer Angela ‘Rabbo’ Ndambuki of the girl group Tattu, who is the establishment’s general manager.


Angela ‘Rabbo’ Ndambuki

Other big names on the board include Makutano Junction and Siri actress Irene Kariuki as the chairperson, afro fusion singer Iddi Achieng, who is the vice chairperson, and actor Packson Ngugi best remembered for his punch line, ‘The cow has refused!’ in the Tuzo milk advert.
To register, one only needs to pay a fee of Sh1,500.

KISS OF LIFE

Kiss TV did a small soft launch for the Kenyan artistes early this month. If you tune your TV to Channel 45 – if you haven’t already – you should get the 24/7 music channel.
One thing for sure, the excited artistes acknowledged the fact that they were included in the launch and briefed on the ins and outs of the stations operations before the actual launch.
The station will be officially launched soon…
Anyho, here are some exclusive photos from the launch.


Abbas Kubaff takes his turn


Bone Eye of P Unit poses


Jomino ENT acts in a pose


Kiss 100's presenter Shaffie Weru looks on


Nazizi and Sheila Kwambo rap for the new Tv station camera


Patrick Quarrco gives a short speech


Pilipili does a drop for Kiss TV


Prezzo is briefed


Rufftone takes the mic

SKOOLZ OUT!

Picture this…
It’s after exams, there’s a buzz,
You can’t help but get this warm fuzzy feeling that is so hard to contain!!
The feeling that makes the thought of waiting for the final assembly so hard
Yes that feeling…You know exactly what I’m talking about
The feeling that you get when you can’t wait for school to close.
Possibly, fixated thoughts of freedom, plots, impending holiday, the biggest gigs, movies and all

Picture this…
Loud music, celebs, your fresh pals, Cool DJs, great food, guys from other schools as well as chances to walk away with fabulous prizes.

Well, the biggest gig is coming your way and it’s the only way to usher in the August holidays.
It’s Skoolz Out!!

Going down on Saturday August 8 2009 at the Mavuno Dome from 1pm featuring Daddy Owen, MOG, ChitChat, Saintz,Eko Dydda and lots lots more

The only way to say that school is out
The only way to start your holiday
The only send off to freedom

NEW MAGAZINE IN TOWN!

Guys y'all just need to log on to www.tamko.co.ke for the latest Kenyan online magazine.
The Ndavi brothers are the first issue's cover models.

Peep at the cover art below.

AKON HAS ANOTHA BABY MAMA DRAMA

Akon’s baby mama wants her money. No, it is not one of the many baby mamas - or the Ugandan one either. This one just found out that the married singer Akon is her six-month-old baby daddy.
The kid's mother says Akon is not stepping up to the financial plate. Sarah Coleman says she's has been unable to serve Akon with child support request papers, even after sending process servers to Michael Jackson's funeral to catch him. Akon, on the other hand, says paternity was only established a month ago.
The Lonely hit maker blames the delay on the fact that they live in different states and his busy touring schedule.

CHAMELEONE DENIED US VISA

Ugandan Tabloid Red Pepper reports that singer Jose Chameleone has been denied a visa to the United States of America. The star was supposed to perform at the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) convention slated for September 4 to 6.
The details as to why he was denied a visa are still not known

WAHU AND AMANI GET CHANNEL O AWARDS NOD

The nominees for the 2009 Channel O Music Video Awards were announced at a press conference at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg on Tuesday 14 July.
Three Kenyan acts got the nod. Singer Amani topped the list among Kenyan nominees. She is up for four awards, Best Female Video, Best R&B Video, Best African East and Video of the Year for her song Tonight.
Wahu follows closely with two nominations for Best Ragga Dancehall Video and Best African East for her song Sweet Love.
Coast rapper Cannibal is the only Kenyan male artiste nominated. His song I Wish has been nominated for Best African East.

To vote, viewers must SMS their category number to +27839208400 (International SMS rates apply) or vote on www.channelo.tv (web) or O boma.net (mobile). Voters can also win big as there is a thousand US dollars up for grabs weekly (spread over 12 weeks) and there is the grand prize of a trip for two lucky Channel O viewers to the awards from anywhere in Africa!

The 2009 Channel O Music Video Awards, brought to you by Amarula Cream, take place on Thursday 29 October at Carnival City in Gauteng and DStv audiences can tune into channel 320 to see their favorite artists and whether they win.

ALLAN NAMU MIGHT JUST WIN

The MultiChoice CNN Awards are scheduled for this Saturday July 18. Kenya’s Allan Namu is greatly tipped to emerge as the overall winner this year…
This year the competition received entries from 836 journalists from 38 countries throughout the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa.

The CNN African Journalist of the Year Award was founded in 1995 by Edward Boateng (formerly African Regional Director for Turner Broadcasting System Inc., CNN’s parent company) and the late Mohamed Amin, to recognise and encourage excellence in journalism throughout Africa.

ASIA AND GHANA UNVEIL FINALISTS

As organizers wrap up preparations for Kenya’s largest dance competition, the 2nd edition of Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa in Kenya, Asia and Ghana has already announced their finalist who will compete for the 2million shillings in the international dance challenge to be held at KICC on the 12th of September.

Street Hood from Ghana and All Star from Asia were unveiled this week by their respective countries as the MGSDA 2009 challenge ambassadors.

The National auditions for Kenya are slated for the July 25th at KICC at a same day, same venue event.

Gates will open at 8am, after which the first 100 Crews will be auditioned to get the top 10 national street dance crews. The 100 will then compete to narrow the number down to one winning crew who will walk away with the national prize of 5,000 USD and the honour of representing Kenya at the International Final on September 12th.
Speaking during the launch of the second edition of the Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa, East Africa Breweries’ Brand Manager for Adult Non-Alcoholic Drinks (ANAD) Irene Gitonga said that the investment for the 2009 street dance competition was five fold compared to that of the 2008 event.

“We have stepped up our game following the runaway success of last year’s competition by going beyond the Pan African boarder. This year we will have competitors from the United States, Holland and Asia, France, Singapore in addition to Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Cameroun, who competed last year.” She said.

Hip-hop dance supremo and gurus from around the globe will converge on Nairobi in September as the international finals come to Africa for the very first time. Malta Guinness is pulling out all the stops to put on a spectacular show here at our very own KICC.

Last year, Kenya was represented by the Dashy Krew who took the third position after winners, Ghana’s 2Puff and 1st runners up, Nigeria’s Soulquest. crew. Two of the Dashy Krew members are still in the on going dance competitions, ‘can U dance’, and they have a good chance of emerging winners.

CECILIA MWANGI HONOURED

By Brenda Okoth

Four years ago when Miss World Kenya 2005, Cecilia Mwangi announced that her mission as a beauty queen was to fight jiggers, many of us thought her crazy.
However she didn’t let the snide remarks deter her from devoting her limelight-life to fighting a somewhat disregarded health menace that has afflicted Kenya’s poor families leaving them helpless and unproductive.
Anti-jigger campaign led by Cecilia Mwangi has once again been awarded with a Humanitarian Of The Year Award by Laico Regency. This makes it a total of Four awards received by the group in Four months.
The Cocktail was attended by the Public Health Minister Hon. Beth Mugo whose ministry was awarded with a Certificate of recognition for supporting the Campaign.
The Minister said that the Ministry has set aside 10 Million for fighting jiggers this year. She also asked members of Parliament to stop feeling embarrased and get involved as well channel some of the CDF cash towards the fifght.
Francis Atwoli sent his personal contribution of Ksh. 100,000 and urged Cecilia to continue with the campaign without fear.

MTV STAYING ALIVE IGNITES AUDITIONS FOR KENYAN ACTING TALENT

Ignite a flame under your acting ambitions by trying out for a role in the upcoming MTV Staying Alive Ignite TV series! Music TV channel MTV base is holding open auditions to cast two roles (one male, one female) in a hard-hitting drama that lifts the lid on the lives and loves of a group of Kenyan students.

The uncompromising new TV series, which addresses the topics of HIV and AIDS head-on, will be directed by Teboho Mahlatsi - the award-winning South African born director known for his work on hit South African township drama - Yizo Yizo, and will be filmed in Nairobi from August to September. The series will premiere in Africa on MTV base in December 2009.

Castings will be held at the French Culture Centre, Utalii Lane, Nairobi Central, Nairobi on Saturday 25 July between 10h:00 and 17h:00, where judges Tim Horwood (MTV base), Desiree Markgraaff (Series Producer), Alison Ngibuini (Kenyan Producer), Teboho Mahlatsi (Director) and G-Money (Homeboyz Radio) will be putting the audition ‘wannabes’ through their paces. Dazzle the judges and you could be among the shortlist of 10 candidates who will go forward to the final stage - with the ultimate winners decided by the public voting online and via SMS. Registration begins at the French Culture Centre at 08h:30 and places are limited so turn up early if you want a chance to audition.

Homeboyz DJs will be on hand to keep the music pumping and the crowds entertained, while slick MTV base VJ Kule Ekirapa will be holding it all together, ably assisted by Homeboyz Radio’s Kui.

Come along if you think that you have what it takes to be “Eve” - a fun loving college student who loves good music, hanging out with friends and getting down to party. “Eve” always manages to get people smiling and in the mood for fun. She is charming, intelligent and has her own little quirks that make her special and unique. She loves watching MTV, knows who’s hot and who’s not and will join in on a karaoke night if the vibe is right!

Or perhaps you see yourself as a potential “Slick” - a smooth talking, well dressed matatu tout and a bit of a ladies man, who knows just what to say to whom and knows all the little traits of his regular customers. “Slick” may have a way with words, but his cheerful exterior hides a brooding underside. You never know whether you can trust “Slick” or not…

SPOTLIGHT ON KENYAN MUSIC 2009

Following the highly successful 1st concert on Friday, 19th June in the Alliance Française gardens with performances from Makadem, Cheptab, Benta the Lizard and Abbi, in front of over 800 afro-fusion fans, the forthcoming concert promises even more entertainment.

The line-up includes:

Peter Wambugu, whose soulful track ‘Yatima’ (orphan) had audiences on the 2008 Spotlight national tour in Machakos, Mombasa, Lamu, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru Eldoret and Meru riveted to their spot. Peter will be previewing his first solo album ‘Tunaumia’;

The Kalenjin queen Doris Chepchumba, former vocalist with the Maroon Commandos, whose song ‘Kipla’ continues to dominate many FM stations, her deep resonating voice is sure to enchant;

The Ukooflani artist Alai K who is increasingly straddling the afro-fusion terrain with his unique blend of Kiswahili afro-soul;

and the sensational Achien’g Abura, singer, composer and pianist and Kenya’s leading afro-jazz artiste, whose signature powerful voice will team up with the above artists for a couple of original compositions not to be missed.

AMAZING RACE COMING TO AFRICA

If you are interested in traversing Africa, hit up www.amazingraceafrica.com for information on the African instalment of the TV reality show Amazing Race.
The show will have 12 African teams made up of two contestants each, coming to a total of 24 players..
The contestants will pass through 14 countries, including major African cities like Nairobi, Cairo, Johannesburg, and Lagos amongst others.
It is not clear if the host will still be American Phil Keoghan. However, the reality show will maintain it’s usual features like road blocks, fast forwards, yields, intersections and detours.
The team that shows the most endurance, strength and wits and makes it across the finish line first, shall take home the grand prize of Sh20 million, and a chance to win 8 million at every city in the treasure hunt, Gold rush segment.

NOTE//:CAREFUL THOUGH, THE REALITY SHOW ORGANISERS HAVE A WEIRD CLAUSE THAT DEMAND FOR CASH. DON’T PAY TO BE ON A REALITY SHOW, THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS.

THE GAME CALLED BEYONCE A HO!

Remember when American rapper, Game was in Kenya for the Road to the MAMAs concert last year? So you recall how he guzzled a whole bottle of 750ml? Well, for him I guess he just loves stunning his audience. Here is another stunner with his signature all over it.
While performing in Spain, he called Jay Z out on his age and called Beyonce a whore, claiming she’d slept with all the players on the Dallas Mavericks.
In his words Game encouraged the crowd to say, “F*ck Jay-Z!” adding, “Old ass n*gga!”
Somebody is about to get his self killed.

KENYANS BRING HOME SALSA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS CUP

Allan Korir and Diana Mburu of Kenya do their thing during the Salsa Couple dance competition in Istanbul. The couple won 6th position out of 22 couples from Germany, Italy, USA, Belgium, Russia, Turkey, Poland and Finland, among others.


Allan Korir and Diana Mburu dance their Bachata finals routine during the IDO World Salsa championships held on June 27th in Istanbul. The couple won 4th position overall out of 25 competing couples from Germany, Italy, USA, Belgium, Russia, Turkey, Poland and Finland, among others.


The Kenyan Rueda de Casino dance discipline 1st position winners receive their trophy flanked by IDO officials and judges at the IDO World Salsa championships held on June 27th in Istanbul. They beat teams from Turkey and Poland. The dancers are Allan Korir, Diana Mburu, Yassin Mutati, Mabel Achiya, Karen Mathenge and Justin Nthiga.


The Kenyan Rueda dancers doing their thing in Kenyan style! The dancers are Allan Korir, Diana Mburu, Yassin Mutati, Mabel Achiya, Karen Mathenge and Justin Nthiga.


The Kenyan Rueda dancers finishing off their Rueda dance formation in style! The dancers are Allan Korir, Diana Mburu, Yassin Mutati, Mabel Achiya, Karen Mathenge and Justin Nthiga.


In the just concluded World Salsa Champions in Istanbul, Turkey on June 27, a team of six Kenyans rocked the world of dance by winning the Rueda de Casino dance.
The Rueda is a Salsa-based, vigorous dance involving several couples who make different formations in a circle.
The six dancers, Diana Mburu, Karen Mathenge, Mabel Achiya, Allan Korir, Justin Nthiga, and Yassin Mutati, jetted in on Monday 13 with their trophies and medals.
The International Dance Organization (IDO) World Championships has a membership of over 90 Nations, representing more than 250,000 dancers, from six continents.
Destiny Dance Studio, a Nairobi-based dance company, sponsored the Kenyan dancers. The professional dance-training centre is located in the Kilimani area annually offers part time and full time sponsorships to top dancers to attend the IDO competitions.

TID ARRESTED AGAIN!

Even before TID’s ish wwith the law id forgotten, he was rested again. The bongo superstar reportedly beat up a high school student and was involved in destruction of property at a club called Thai Village a few weeks back.
The thing is TID beat up a high school chic identified as Naima Abdul.
After the incident, Naima reported the matter at the Oyster Bay police station and filed a case against him.
To cut the long story short, TID was arrested after the cops set him up.
TID reportedly had been trying to get Naima to forgive him and settle the matter out of court. The police used the girl to lure TID into a trap where he was eventually apprehended.
Looks like the God’s are on his side because, Naima has decided to settle the matter out of court. Otherwise, Top In Dar would be in Jail for assault.
TID served a one-year jail term for assaulting another reveller in a bar last year, but was pardoned by Tanzania’s President Kikwete after serving out only six months.

TID ARRESTED AGAIN!

Even before TID’s ish wwith the law id forgotten, he was rested again. The bongo superstar reportedly beat up a high school student and was involved in destruction of property at a club called Thai Village a few weeks back.
The thing is TID beat up a high school chic identified as Naima Abdul.
After the incident, Naima reported the matter at the Oyster Bay police station and filed a case against him.
To cut the long story short, TID was arrested after the cops set him up.
TID reportedly had been trying to get Naima to forgive him and settle the matter out of court. The police used the girl to lure TID into a trap where he was eventually apprehended.
Looks like the God’s are on his side because, Naima has decided to settle the matter out of court. Otherwise, Top In Dar would be in Jail for assault.
TID served a one-year jail term for assaulting another reveller in a bar last year, but was pardoned by Tanzania’s President Kikwete after serving out only six months.