KANJII'S NEW JOINT WITH ZIM'S TAPS MUGADZA

Y'all have to watch this, it's a beautiful song by Kenyan gospel singer Kanjii Mbugua and Zimbabwean star Tapiwa "Taps" Mugadza. Taps was a runner’s up in the Zimbabwe Idols reality show. The single is tittled Push On, It encourages you in the midst of the storms of life, the craziness of trying to make it, not to give up but to push on.
It is very catchy, you will find yourself playing and replaying it over and over...

KANJII'S NEW JOINT WITH ZIM'S TAPS MUGADZA

Y'all have to watch this, it's a beautiful song by Kenyan gospel singer Kanjii Mbugua and Zimbabwean star Tapiwa "Taps" Mugadza. Taps was a runner’s up in the Zimbabwe Idols reality show. The single is tittled Push On, It encourages you in the midst of the storms of life, the craziness of trying to make it, not to give up but to push on.
It is very catchy, you will find yourself playing and replaying it over and over...

REALITY SHOW SEARCHING FOR KENYA'S NEXT MOVIE STAR

A new TV reality show will be bringing its search for the continent’s next movie star to Kenya. The Next Movie Star, now in its sixth year, will be extending its viewership to 10 African countries namely Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa. The Nigerian production will select sixteen housemates from these countries and the winner will walk away with a brand new SUV, movie contracts and cash prizes.
Since it’s inception, it has produced movie stars like Kevin Chuwang Pam, who was second runner-up in 2006 and winner of Big Brother Africa, 2009, Annie Macaulay (one of Tu Face’s baby mamas), Porttia Yamahan (nominee, Best Upcoming Actress AMAA 2008) and Lydia Forson (Best Actress in Africa, AMAA Awards 2010).
The show’s Executive Producer, Sola Fajobi said, “If you look at the industry generally, you will realise that the African movie industry has been dominated by these regions. And so, it becomes imperative to include youths from these countries in our plans.”
The Next Movie Star 2010 will last for 45 days and as such, will be broadcast on 36 TV stations across all participating countries. Details for the audition date and venue are yet to be released.

REALITY SHOW SEARCHING FOR KENYA'S NEXT MOVIE STAR

A new TV reality show will be bringing its search for the continent’s next movie star to Kenya. The Next Movie Star, now in its sixth year, will be extending its viewership to 10 African countries namely Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa. The Nigerian production will select sixteen housemates from these countries and the winner will walk away with a brand new SUV, movie contracts and cash prizes.
Since it’s inception, it has produced movie stars like Kevin Chuwang Pam, who was second runner-up in 2006 and winner of Big Brother Africa, 2009, Annie Macaulay (one of Tu Face’s baby mamas), Porttia Yamahan (nominee, Best Upcoming Actress AMAA 2008) and Lydia Forson (Best Actress in Africa, AMAA Awards 2010).
The show’s Executive Producer, Sola Fajobi said, “If you look at the industry generally, you will realise that the African movie industry has been dominated by these regions. And so, it becomes imperative to include youths from these countries in our plans.”
The Next Movie Star 2010 will last for 45 days and as such, will be broadcast on 36 TV stations across all participating countries. Details for the audition date and venue are yet to be released.

THANKS TO JEN, SHEILA IS EVICTED!

Kenyan housemate Sheila Kwamboka was evicted on Sunday. Head of House Jen gave her speech about how she saved Code and replaced him with Sheila saying, “nothing personal, it’s a game and I’m sorry.”
Sheila was up against Munya and according to the polls 10 countries voted to save him, while Sheila had five countries voting to save her. The countries that voted to save Munya were: Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda and the Rest of Africa. The countries that voted to save Sheila were: Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique and Nigeria.
Anyho,, today the kid gloves were off. Sheila nominated Jen saying, "Well she doesn't like me, I'll return the favour." She later told her fellow Barnmates that Jen could be a junkie because she is superdefensive. Tihihihihihihihihihi

THANKS TO JEN, SHEILA IS EVICTED!

Kenyan housemate Sheila Kwamboka was evicted on Sunday. Head of House Jen gave her speech about how she saved Code and replaced him with Sheila saying, “nothing personal, it’s a game and I’m sorry.”
Sheila was up against Munya and according to the polls 10 countries voted to save him, while Sheila had five countries voting to save her. The countries that voted to save Munya were: Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda and the Rest of Africa. The countries that voted to save Sheila were: Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique and Nigeria.
Anyho,, today the kid gloves were off. Sheila nominated Jen saying, "Well she doesn't like me, I'll return the favour." She later told her fellow Barnmates that Jen could be a junkie because she is superdefensive. Tihihihihihihihihihi

ISSUES WITH STL COLLABO’S WITH D-BLACK?

Kenyan rapper based in Norway STL recorded a single with Celebrity Ambassador to the U.N in Ghana D-Black but is yet to hear the final product.
STL told Hot Secrets she hasn’t listened to the single since it was recorded, when I asked her about it.
“Well, I don't want to comment or say anything about this collabo because I really don't have a clue on what's happening with it. I haven't even heard the song!” The Smile star then added, “So there is unfinished business here.”
The single will be featured in rapper D-Black’s debut solo album titled Music, Love & Life set for a September 24 exclusive worldwide digital release through Rockstar 4000.



D Black – real name Desmond Kwesi Blackmore - was recently signed to Rockstar 4000 Music Entertainment and is also a music business entrepreneur and executive producer.
In a release, D-Black said, “Music is my first love and this album is music from the heart, mind and soul. I believe in African unity and collaborations so this album has a lot of collabo’s with artists from around the world.”
Other big names featured on this album include Wyclef Jean (Haiti / USA), Khuli Chana (South Africa), Tay Grin (Malawi), Segal (Gabon), Buffalo Souljah (Zimbabwe), 2 Face Idibia (Nigeria), Sauce Kid (Nigeria), M.I (Nigeria), Zeus (Botswana) and from Ghana - former BBA contestant Kwaku-T, Sarkodie, Samini and Kwabena Kwabena among others.

ISSUES WITH STL COLLABO’S WITH D-BLACK?

Kenyan rapper based in Norway STL recorded a single with Celebrity Ambassador to the U.N in Ghana D-Black but is yet to hear the final product.
STL told Hot Secrets she hasn’t listened to the single since it was recorded, when I asked her about it.
“Well, I don't want to comment or say anything about this collabo because I really don't have a clue on what's happening with it. I haven't even heard the song!” The Smile star then added, “So there is unfinished business here.”
The single will be featured in rapper D-Black’s debut solo album titled Music, Love & Life set for a September 24 exclusive worldwide digital release through Rockstar 4000.



D Black – real name Desmond Kwesi Blackmore - was recently signed to Rockstar 4000 Music Entertainment and is also a music business entrepreneur and executive producer.
In a release, D-Black said, “Music is my first love and this album is music from the heart, mind and soul. I believe in African unity and collaborations so this album has a lot of collabo’s with artists from around the world.”
Other big names featured on this album include Wyclef Jean (Haiti / USA), Khuli Chana (South Africa), Tay Grin (Malawi), Segal (Gabon), Buffalo Souljah (Zimbabwe), 2 Face Idibia (Nigeria), Sauce Kid (Nigeria), M.I (Nigeria), Zeus (Botswana) and from Ghana - former BBA contestant Kwaku-T, Sarkodie, Samini and Kwabena Kwabena among others.

TWO MAASAI WARRIORS IN AMAZING RACE CHINA RUSH

Paul Lebeneyio, Francis Merinyi

Two Kenyan men both from the Maasai tribe are part of the twelve contestants for this season of Amazing Race: China Rush that started airing on August 8.
The two contestants for the 12-episode reality show are game ranger Paul Lebeneyio and social worker Francis Merinyi.
The other contestants were drawn from 40 countries including Australia, Canada, England, India, Latvia, Mexico and the United States.
Fly Films co-founder and director of the reality show Eric Ransdell meet Lebeneyio when he was on assignment as a reporter in Africa in the 1990s scouted. “This is the first time an Amazing Race franchise has ever had a truly international cast,” said Ransdell.



The reality show is based on the international Amazing Race show format, featuring 12 teams racing through 11 Chinese cities with the franchise's last-one-out elimination system, and featuring physical challenges and extreme sports contests that audiences are used to seeing on Western reality shows.



The two had a chance to traverse various iconic sites in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, Sichuan Province, as well as in small villages.
Lets hope the two win the ultimate prize of a world tour provided by travelzen.com.

TWO MAASAI WARRIORS IN AMAZING RACE CHINA RUSH

Paul Lebeneyio, Francis Merinyi

Two Kenyan men both from the Maasai tribe are part of the twelve contestants for this season of Amazing Race: China Rush that started airing on August 8.
The two contestants for the 12-episode reality show are game ranger Paul Lebeneyio and social worker Francis Merinyi.
The other contestants were drawn from 40 countries including Australia, Canada, England, India, Latvia, Mexico and the United States.
Fly Films co-founder and director of the reality show Eric Ransdell meet Lebeneyio when he was on assignment as a reporter in Africa in the 1990s scouted. “This is the first time an Amazing Race franchise has ever had a truly international cast,” said Ransdell.



The reality show is based on the international Amazing Race show format, featuring 12 teams racing through 11 Chinese cities with the franchise's last-one-out elimination system, and featuring physical challenges and extreme sports contests that audiences are used to seeing on Western reality shows.



The two had a chance to traverse various iconic sites in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, Sichuan Province, as well as in small villages.
Lets hope the two win the ultimate prize of a world tour provided by travelzen.com.

TPF JUDGE IAN MBUGUA TO JUDGE COSTUMES AT THE CONCOURS

The Tusker Project Fame judge Ian Mbugua who most contestants love to hate will judge costumes at the AccessKenya Africa Concours d’Elegance to be held by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club at the Nairobi Racecourse on September 26.
Ian will be joined by theatre personality Millicent Ogutu, a popular actress at Phoenix Players.
The 2010 Concours will be a landmark event with a festive style to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (Kenya). In addition to the costume prizes of fine wines donated by Domaine Kenya Limited, the organizers have introduced car and motorcycle Victor Ludorum awards. These will be earned by the Concours competitors with the best combined vehicle and costume scores.



Commenting on the costume competition, Ian said, “Costumes will be worn by a significant number of competitors in the Concours d’Elegance while they parade their cars and motorcycles at the Nairobi Racecourse. The fancy dress judging adds to the status and style of the event and is a popular gathering point for spectators in the Racecourse grand stands. It is hoped that as many entrants as possible will enjoy competing for the lavish costume awards.
“The choice of outfits has been left entirely to the competitors, but as the event is sponsored by AccessKenya Group and hosted by the Jockey Club, contestants are welcome to illustrate an Internet, or horse racing theme. Concours entrants are also welcome to wear costumes that suit their vehicles, or a festive touch linked with the prizes of wine.”
Besides the colourful attires and haute couture, Concours fans will see an impressive number of rare vehicles which have been entered in this year’s event. Among the 4entries on the car list are the 1952 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn of Roger Tanner. This British limousine will grab the attention of the Concours spectators and will also enrich the class for over 3,000 cc touring cars. A new entry in the sports car category is the 1967 Triumph TR 4A IRS of John Sawers. This will be up against two Alfa Romeo Spiders both made in 1972.


Other car entries include the 1990 London taxi of Stewart Samkange, Oscar Bigi’s 1938 Citroen Big 6 and the diminutive 1950 Fiat 500 C of Daniele Sardelli and his school friends who have called themselves “The Rat Pack”.
Concours stalwart Aruns Auto Limited has entered three cars with pride of place going to a 1968 Jaguar S. Both this prestige sports saloon and a 1972 BMW 2002 are in the final stages of preparation. In contrast the third entry is a 1974 BMW which is undergoing a complete rebuild.
The maximum entry of 40 motorcycles and 70 cars is laid down by regulations approved by the Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF) to ensure high standards of judging.
The assessment of cars commences at the Total ramp where officials check the underside. Cars are then driven in front of the main Nairobi Racecourse grand stands while judges mark the external finish, the interior and boot and the engine compartment. Motorcycle judging follows similar pattern in the racecourse parade ring.

TPF JUDGE IAN MBUGUA TO JUDGE COSTUMES AT THE CONCOURS

The Tusker Project Fame judge Ian Mbugua who most contestants love to hate will judge costumes at the AccessKenya Africa Concours d’Elegance to be held by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club at the Nairobi Racecourse on September 26.
Ian will be joined by theatre personality Millicent Ogutu, a popular actress at Phoenix Players.
The 2010 Concours will be a landmark event with a festive style to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (Kenya). In addition to the costume prizes of fine wines donated by Domaine Kenya Limited, the organizers have introduced car and motorcycle Victor Ludorum awards. These will be earned by the Concours competitors with the best combined vehicle and costume scores.



Commenting on the costume competition, Ian said, “Costumes will be worn by a significant number of competitors in the Concours d’Elegance while they parade their cars and motorcycles at the Nairobi Racecourse. The fancy dress judging adds to the status and style of the event and is a popular gathering point for spectators in the Racecourse grand stands. It is hoped that as many entrants as possible will enjoy competing for the lavish costume awards.
“The choice of outfits has been left entirely to the competitors, but as the event is sponsored by AccessKenya Group and hosted by the Jockey Club, contestants are welcome to illustrate an Internet, or horse racing theme. Concours entrants are also welcome to wear costumes that suit their vehicles, or a festive touch linked with the prizes of wine.”
Besides the colourful attires and haute couture, Concours fans will see an impressive number of rare vehicles which have been entered in this year’s event. Among the 4entries on the car list are the 1952 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn of Roger Tanner. This British limousine will grab the attention of the Concours spectators and will also enrich the class for over 3,000 cc touring cars. A new entry in the sports car category is the 1967 Triumph TR 4A IRS of John Sawers. This will be up against two Alfa Romeo Spiders both made in 1972.


Other car entries include the 1990 London taxi of Stewart Samkange, Oscar Bigi’s 1938 Citroen Big 6 and the diminutive 1950 Fiat 500 C of Daniele Sardelli and his school friends who have called themselves “The Rat Pack”.
Concours stalwart Aruns Auto Limited has entered three cars with pride of place going to a 1968 Jaguar S. Both this prestige sports saloon and a 1972 BMW 2002 are in the final stages of preparation. In contrast the third entry is a 1974 BMW which is undergoing a complete rebuild.
The maximum entry of 40 motorcycles and 70 cars is laid down by regulations approved by the Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF) to ensure high standards of judging.
The assessment of cars commences at the Total ramp where officials check the underside. Cars are then driven in front of the main Nairobi Racecourse grand stands while judges mark the external finish, the interior and boot and the engine compartment. Motorcycle judging follows similar pattern in the racecourse parade ring.

GUINNESS FOOTBALL CHALLENGE PITCHES TENT IN MERU

A carnival mood engulfed Meru this past weekend as the search for search for contestants in the recently launched Guinness Football Challenge kicked off on a high note, with a record number of teams turning out for the recruitment exercise in Meru.
The teams, each consisting of two contestants, went through a series of activities geared at testing their knowledge of the world’s famous sport, as well as their dribbling, juggling and goal scoring skills. 30 teams secured a position, moving one step closer to being selected as contestants for the TV game show, which is expected to debut mid next month.
Speaking in Meru, Guinness Marketing Manager Angelique Bennaars called on football lovers across the country to step up to the challenge and try out for a position in the game show. “After the successful event in Meru, we are now set to visit Kisumu on September 18 where we expect to recruit sixty contestants to participate in the game show”, she said.



The Guinness Football Challenge is by far the largest ever campaign for all lovers of the greatness of Guinness and the greatness of football. Apart from the football game show, the campaign includes an exciting national consumer promotion where Guinness lovers stand a chance to win a weekly KShs 1 million cash prize as well as thousands of instant prizes – free 300ml Guinness beer and KShs 250 cash.
Leading local artistes Nameless, Big Pin and Mike Rua were on hand to keep revelers entertained during the Guinness Football Challenge recruitment event, an event that was attended by thousands of Guinness consumers and football fans from the wider Central province.



Across Africa, Guinness has built a strong equity around football, and gained the popular distinction as a brand of choice for football lovers. The Guinness Football Challenge brings the brand one step closer to delivering timeless experiences to football fans and Guinness lovers across the country.

GUINNESS FOOTBALL CHALLENGE PITCHES TENT IN MERU

A carnival mood engulfed Meru this past weekend as the search for search for contestants in the recently launched Guinness Football Challenge kicked off on a high note, with a record number of teams turning out for the recruitment exercise in Meru.
The teams, each consisting of two contestants, went through a series of activities geared at testing their knowledge of the world’s famous sport, as well as their dribbling, juggling and goal scoring skills. 30 teams secured a position, moving one step closer to being selected as contestants for the TV game show, which is expected to debut mid next month.
Speaking in Meru, Guinness Marketing Manager Angelique Bennaars called on football lovers across the country to step up to the challenge and try out for a position in the game show. “After the successful event in Meru, we are now set to visit Kisumu on September 18 where we expect to recruit sixty contestants to participate in the game show”, she said.



The Guinness Football Challenge is by far the largest ever campaign for all lovers of the greatness of Guinness and the greatness of football. Apart from the football game show, the campaign includes an exciting national consumer promotion where Guinness lovers stand a chance to win a weekly KShs 1 million cash prize as well as thousands of instant prizes – free 300ml Guinness beer and KShs 250 cash.
Leading local artistes Nameless, Big Pin and Mike Rua were on hand to keep revelers entertained during the Guinness Football Challenge recruitment event, an event that was attended by thousands of Guinness consumers and football fans from the wider Central province.



Across Africa, Guinness has built a strong equity around football, and gained the popular distinction as a brand of choice for football lovers. The Guinness Football Challenge brings the brand one step closer to delivering timeless experiences to football fans and Guinness lovers across the country.

KERI HILSON FOR REDSAN'S OCTOBER ALBUM LAUNCH

Ragga heartthrob Redsan will be relaunch his Versatility album besides American siren Keri Hilson in October. This comes after launching the same album last December launched his flanked by Jamaican sibling duo Brick and Lace.
The Yule Pale hitmaker explained why his album hasn’t hit the streets yet since then. “There were massive delays with the management and distributors that were handling the album, even I don’t have a copy,” He said.


The album is the fourth attempt by Redsan released under Dutty Sounds Records, Monalisa Entertainment and Miami Vibe.
“The album, like it’s name describes the diversity in the genres of music and artistes featured in it.” The album boasts of collaborations with music industry heavy weights like Brick and Lace, AY, Collo, Shinde of Tattu and Kiss 100’s Sanaipei Tande.”
Redsan's US based management company Monalisa Entertainment and Miami Vibe are responsible for Keri Hilson’s concert in Nairobi.

Brick and Lace during the December launch

Keri recently told MTV News her travels to Africa would influence her next album, No Boys Allowed, slated for a late-2010 release.
"I've been to Nigeria, I've been to South Africa, three cites in Africa [in all]. I gather music from these regions, and African music is very drum-heavy. It was very inspiring. I'm definitely going to be using some of that inspiration."

KERI HILSON FOR REDSAN'S OCTOBER ALBUM LAUNCH

Ragga heartthrob Redsan will be relaunch his Versatility album besides American siren Keri Hilson in October. This comes after launching the same album last December launched his flanked by Jamaican sibling duo Brick and Lace.
The Yule Pale hitmaker explained why his album hasn’t hit the streets yet since then. “There were massive delays with the management and distributors that were handling the album, even I don’t have a copy,” He said.


The album is the fourth attempt by Redsan released under Dutty Sounds Records, Monalisa Entertainment and Miami Vibe.
“The album, like it’s name describes the diversity in the genres of music and artistes featured in it.” The album boasts of collaborations with music industry heavy weights like Brick and Lace, AY, Collo, Shinde of Tattu and Kiss 100’s Sanaipei Tande.”
Redsan's US based management company Monalisa Entertainment and Miami Vibe are responsible for Keri Hilson’s concert in Nairobi.

Brick and Lace during the December launch

Keri recently told MTV News her travels to Africa would influence her next album, No Boys Allowed, slated for a late-2010 release.
"I've been to Nigeria, I've been to South Africa, three cites in Africa [in all]. I gather music from these regions, and African music is very drum-heavy. It was very inspiring. I'm definitely going to be using some of that inspiration."

SUDANESE BASKETBALL STAR DENG HEADS HOME

Luol Deng branded by BBC as the multi-millionaire face of the Chicago Bulls, and one of President Barack Obama's favourite basketball players, is heading back home to Sudan.
The Team GB basketball team was last home 20 years ago, after he and his family fled the civil war in Southern Sudan.



BBC reporter Tim Franks followed Luol Deng to Kenya to meet Sudanese refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp before he embarked on an emotional return to his home country, where people are preparing to vote in a referendum on independence from the north.
Luol Deng's visit to Kenya and Southern Sudan will be featured on the BBC World Service on September 2.

SUDANESE BASKETBALL STAR DENG HEADS HOME

Luol Deng branded by BBC as the multi-millionaire face of the Chicago Bulls, and one of President Barack Obama's favourite basketball players, is heading back home to Sudan.
The Team GB basketball team was last home 20 years ago, after he and his family fled the civil war in Southern Sudan.



BBC reporter Tim Franks followed Luol Deng to Kenya to meet Sudanese refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp before he embarked on an emotional return to his home country, where people are preparing to vote in a referendum on independence from the north.
Luol Deng's visit to Kenya and Southern Sudan will be featured on the BBC World Service on September 2.

FC INTER BAKU STRIKER ALLAN WANGA IS A DADDY

Football star Allan Wanga has scored one as a daddy. Allan and long time girlfriend Brenda Mulinya – a journalist working with NTV - are proud parents of a baby boy, whom they named Jayden Johari Wanga.
Baby JJ was born early Monday August 23 morning at Aga Khan hospital.
Allan was a striker for FC Inter Baku in Azerbaijan and he is credited for helping the team qualify for the European Champions. He currently plays for Sofapaka and Kenya's national team Harambee Stars

FC INTER BAKU STRIKER ALLAN WANGA IS A DADDY

Football star Allan Wanga has scored one as a daddy. Allan and long time girlfriend Brenda Mulinya – a journalist working with NTV - are proud parents of a baby boy, whom they named Jayden Johari Wanga.
Baby JJ was born early Monday August 23 morning at Aga Khan hospital.
Allan was a striker for FC Inter Baku in Azerbaijan and he is credited for helping the team qualify for the European Champions. He currently plays for Sofapaka and Kenya's national team Harambee Stars

HAWA’S SOUL BOY AT FIRST EVER AFRICAN WOMAN ONLY FILM FESTIVAL

Kenyan filmmaker Hawa Essuman will showcase her latest film festival sensation Soul Boy, at the first ever-African woman film festival.
Hawa is one of the 23 female filmmakers who will make history at the first Women of the Sun Film Festival (WoS Film Festival) which will feature 25 films from 15 African countries with 15 of the filmmakers present at the screenings.
The seven-day festival to celebrate women filmmakers in Africa will be screened at The Bioscope, Johannesburg, South Africa from September 2 to 9 and is staged in conjunction with the Goethe Institute, the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) and the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC).
The WoS organissers say the festival offers a unique opportunity to see great films and to meet the exceptional women behind them.
“The time is ripe to change the widely held belief that filmmaking is a male domain,” says Eve Rantseli, Director of Women of the Sun. “Women in film have much to say and are saying it with unique vision and flair. The launch of this annual women’s film festival will be the start of getting women filmmakers and their works part of the mainstream.”


Soul boy is directed by Hawa, written by Billy Kahora and produced by Marie Steinmann and Tom Tykwer.
It is a story about 14 year-old Abila who lives with his parents in Kibera, one of the largest slums in East Africa. One morning the teenager discovers his father ill and delirious. Someone has stolen his soul, mumbles the father as he sits huddled in a corner.



Abila is shocked and confused but wants to help his father and goes in search of a suitable cure. Supported by his friend Shiku who is the same age as him, he learns that his father has gambled his soul away in the company of a spiritual woman.
The teenager doesn’t want to believe it and sets about looking for the witch. When he finally discovers her in the darkest corner of the ghetto, she gives him seven challenging tasks to save his father’s lost soul. Abila embarks on an adventurous journey which leads him right through the microcosm of his home town
Guests include Jyoti Mistry (South Africa), Tagreed Elsanhouri (Sudan), Fanta Nacro (Burkino Faso), highly acclaimed Algerian director Djamila Sahraoui, Zimbabwe’s award winning novelist and film director, Tsitsi Dangarembga, and the first Angolan woman to ever make a feature film, Maria Joao Ganga.

HAWA’S SOUL BOY AT FIRST EVER AFRICAN WOMAN ONLY FILM FESTIVAL

Kenyan filmmaker Hawa Essuman will showcase her latest film festival sensation Soul Boy, at the first ever-African woman film festival.
Hawa is one of the 23 female filmmakers who will make history at the first Women of the Sun Film Festival (WoS Film Festival) which will feature 25 films from 15 African countries with 15 of the filmmakers present at the screenings.
The seven-day festival to celebrate women filmmakers in Africa will be screened at The Bioscope, Johannesburg, South Africa from September 2 to 9 and is staged in conjunction with the Goethe Institute, the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) and the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC).
The WoS organissers say the festival offers a unique opportunity to see great films and to meet the exceptional women behind them.
“The time is ripe to change the widely held belief that filmmaking is a male domain,” says Eve Rantseli, Director of Women of the Sun. “Women in film have much to say and are saying it with unique vision and flair. The launch of this annual women’s film festival will be the start of getting women filmmakers and their works part of the mainstream.”


Soul boy is directed by Hawa, written by Billy Kahora and produced by Marie Steinmann and Tom Tykwer.
It is a story about 14 year-old Abila who lives with his parents in Kibera, one of the largest slums in East Africa. One morning the teenager discovers his father ill and delirious. Someone has stolen his soul, mumbles the father as he sits huddled in a corner.



Abila is shocked and confused but wants to help his father and goes in search of a suitable cure. Supported by his friend Shiku who is the same age as him, he learns that his father has gambled his soul away in the company of a spiritual woman.
The teenager doesn’t want to believe it and sets about looking for the witch. When he finally discovers her in the darkest corner of the ghetto, she gives him seven challenging tasks to save his father’s lost soul. Abila embarks on an adventurous journey which leads him right through the microcosm of his home town
Guests include Jyoti Mistry (South Africa), Tagreed Elsanhouri (Sudan), Fanta Nacro (Burkino Faso), highly acclaimed Algerian director Djamila Sahraoui, Zimbabwe’s award winning novelist and film director, Tsitsi Dangarembga, and the first Angolan woman to ever make a feature film, Maria Joao Ganga.

LIZ OGUMBO ON STUDIO 53

Kenyan ex-model and designer Liz Ogumbo who seems to have relocated to South Africa will be featured on Studio 53.
The singer who headlined one of the eviction shows for the ongoing voyeuristic Big Brother All Stars, will talk about her change of career from a qualified computer scientist to trotting the globe as a model, gracing catwalks from Paris to New York.
Liz came back home from the US in 2005, she started a modeling agency but it did not take off as she had hoped it would. She decided to diversify into another realm of the fashion industry and thus Imani House of Fashion was born.
She invested in fabric and a number of sewing machines, and then set about scouting for a tailor to interpret her designs. The first dress she designed was for herself but she promptly ploughed back the Sh5, 000 estimated value of the outfit into her fledgling business. “I later sold the dress to friend and used the money to buy more fabric,” she recalls.

Another strong beautiful woman featured in this season of Studio 53 is South African songbird Lira who has landed a dramatic acting role in a full-length feature film. ‘The Italian director Antonio Falduto spotted my picture on the cover of a magazine and he said ‘I want her to portray a particular character in my movie’, which just happened to be the supporting lead role,” said Lira.

LIZ OGUMBO ON STUDIO 53

Kenyan ex-model and designer Liz Ogumbo who seems to have relocated to South Africa will be featured on Studio 53.
The singer who headlined one of the eviction shows for the ongoing voyeuristic Big Brother All Stars, will talk about her change of career from a qualified computer scientist to trotting the globe as a model, gracing catwalks from Paris to New York.
Liz came back home from the US in 2005, she started a modeling agency but it did not take off as she had hoped it would. She decided to diversify into another realm of the fashion industry and thus Imani House of Fashion was born.
She invested in fabric and a number of sewing machines, and then set about scouting for a tailor to interpret her designs. The first dress she designed was for herself but she promptly ploughed back the Sh5, 000 estimated value of the outfit into her fledgling business. “I later sold the dress to friend and used the money to buy more fabric,” she recalls.

Another strong beautiful woman featured in this season of Studio 53 is South African songbird Lira who has landed a dramatic acting role in a full-length feature film. ‘The Italian director Antonio Falduto spotted my picture on the cover of a magazine and he said ‘I want her to portray a particular character in my movie’, which just happened to be the supporting lead role,” said Lira.

XYZ MEETS YOUSOUR NDOUR, PLAN TO START FRANCHISE IN SENEGAL

Gerald Olewe, Gado, Youssou N'Dour, Lilian Geturo and James Kanja

Kenya's veteran newspaper cartoonist Gado and the brains behind TV show XYZ, blogs about his recent visit to Dakar where he meet with musical great Youssou N'Dour.
Gado writes, "As you know, XYZ is a show about Kenya, produced by Kenyans, for Kenyans. And yet, it manages to get attention from people all over the world. And we are always very happy when our 100% Kenyan show crosses the borders!"
Apparently the award winning singer saw the XYZ show and extended and invite for four of the production team members behind the satirical show.

On the XYZ blog, Gado says, "The purpose of the visit was for our team (XYZ production manager Lilian Geturo, director James Kanja, head puppet maker Gerald Olewe and myself) to conduct a 2-day workshop for TFM TV, a Senegalese television station owned by Youssou N’Dour. Yes, TFM TV is planning to produce an XYZ cousin there!
"Youssou, who also owns a newspaper and radio station in Dakar, is a fan of XYZ and has been following the show’s progress. We had been in touch for a while, looking for ways to collaborate.


"The next step will be for members of TFM TV to come visit our Nairobi studios and be trained by our puppet-making team here. Youssou believes that this kind of pan-African collaboration is the way forward for media projects in Africa, and I certainly hope that this is the beginning of a long and beneficial relation between our two teams and our two countries."