NAVIO RECORDS WITH CANADIAN POP STAR

Uganda’s Hip Hop sensation, Navio of Talent 256 International and ROCKSTAR 4000 has teamed up with Island Def Jam’s Pop/Rock star, Fefe Dobson, on the remix to her hot new single Stuttering.
Stuttering was produced by heavy weight producer J.R. Rottem (Britney Spears, Sean Kingston, Jason Derulo, and Leona Lewis) and since its release the single has been climbing North American singles charts (US Top 40 and Canadian Top 10). It is the 2nd single from her highly anticipated album, Joy, released through 21 Music and Def Jam / Island Records on November 30, 2010 (North America only...rest of the world in 1st Quarter 2011).
The original music video for Stuttering has received over 3 million YouTube views and in January 2011, a remix version ft Navio will be released.



Navio’s unique flow blends seamlessly into the Pop/Rock song and showcases his creative ability. As an artist, he has proven his versatility...in addition to Fefe Dobson, Navio has showcased his ability on the AIRTEL ONE8 group’s hit single, Hands Across the World, that was written and produced by R Kelly and ROCKSTAR 4000 / SONY MUSIC featuring R Kelly, Navio, 2Face, Fally Ipupa, 4X4, Movaizhaleine, Amani, JK and Ali Kiba.



Navio’s music and brand continues to cross borders as he establishes himself as one of Africa’s great entertainers. With his role in the Airtel ONE8 project, his signing to Rockstar 4000 / Sony Music and his latest album called African Hustler Music ready for release; sky is the limit for Uganda's hottest export.
Fefe Dobson is a pop/rock singer signed to 21 Music and Def Jam / Island Records. She is managed by music mogul Chris Smith, whose efforts have launched the international careers of stars such as Nelly Furtado, Brick and Lace, and Tamia. Fefe was born in Toronto, Ontario...her mother is of English, Native Canadian, French ancestry and her father is of Jamaican. Before being signed, she admitted to being stereotyped as contemporary R&B or pop singer instead of a rock musician due to her race, often being compared to Brandy and Britney Spears.

NAVIO RECORDS WITH CANADIAN POP STAR

Uganda’s Hip Hop sensation, Navio of Talent 256 International and ROCKSTAR 4000 has teamed up with Island Def Jam’s Pop/Rock star, Fefe Dobson, on the remix to her hot new single Stuttering.
Stuttering was produced by heavy weight producer J.R. Rottem (Britney Spears, Sean Kingston, Jason Derulo, and Leona Lewis) and since its release the single has been climbing North American singles charts (US Top 40 and Canadian Top 10). It is the 2nd single from her highly anticipated album, Joy, released through 21 Music and Def Jam / Island Records on November 30, 2010 (North America only...rest of the world in 1st Quarter 2011).
The original music video for Stuttering has received over 3 million YouTube views and in January 2011, a remix version ft Navio will be released.



Navio’s unique flow blends seamlessly into the Pop/Rock song and showcases his creative ability. As an artist, he has proven his versatility...in addition to Fefe Dobson, Navio has showcased his ability on the AIRTEL ONE8 group’s hit single, Hands Across the World, that was written and produced by R Kelly and ROCKSTAR 4000 / SONY MUSIC featuring R Kelly, Navio, 2Face, Fally Ipupa, 4X4, Movaizhaleine, Amani, JK and Ali Kiba.



Navio’s music and brand continues to cross borders as he establishes himself as one of Africa’s great entertainers. With his role in the Airtel ONE8 project, his signing to Rockstar 4000 / Sony Music and his latest album called African Hustler Music ready for release; sky is the limit for Uganda's hottest export.
Fefe Dobson is a pop/rock singer signed to 21 Music and Def Jam / Island Records. She is managed by music mogul Chris Smith, whose efforts have launched the international careers of stars such as Nelly Furtado, Brick and Lace, and Tamia. Fefe was born in Toronto, Ontario...her mother is of English, Native Canadian, French ancestry and her father is of Jamaican. Before being signed, she admitted to being stereotyped as contemporary R&B or pop singer instead of a rock musician due to her race, often being compared to Brandy and Britney Spears.

AMANI DOES AIRTEL

Singer Amani is currently recording some songs together with one of the male heartthrobs from the One8 group. Can't say who (coz my source would kill me), but i will try and get the photos of the video shoot.
Anyho, she is on today's papers in the Feelanga free ads by Airtel.

AMANI DOES AIRTEL

Singer Amani is currently recording some songs together with one of the male heartthrobs from the One8 group. Can't say who (coz my source would kill me), but i will try and get the photos of the video shoot.
Anyho, she is on today's papers in the Feelanga free ads by Airtel.

VALERIE KIMANI ON PAM AWARDS AND COMEBACK

Though singer Valerie Kimani missed out on receiving the Ugandan Pam Award for Best Female Kenya which went to Wahu, the nomination is “rewarding” for her.
The Besame Mucho star told Hot Secrets, “To be nominated is a real honour, and especially to be placed in the same category with heavyweights such as Wahu, Amani and Suzanna Owiyo is quite a reward in itself. The prospect of my music getting into new territory is also very rewarding for me as an artist. And after being
away from the industry for quite some time it's such a wonderful welcome.”
Valerie was one of the performers at the Sierra Jazz Festival at the Bomas of Kenya early this month which was headlined by jazz maestro Jonathan Butler.
“I'm mainly focusing on getting my fans to see and hear more of my work. I'd like them to experience my band and my sound more. I feel I have grown and I'm challenging myself to soar to even greater heights,” she said.

VALERIE KIMANI ON PAM AWARDS AND COMEBACK

Though singer Valerie Kimani missed out on receiving the Ugandan Pam Award for Best Female Kenya which went to Wahu, the nomination is “rewarding” for her.
The Besame Mucho star told Hot Secrets, “To be nominated is a real honour, and especially to be placed in the same category with heavyweights such as Wahu, Amani and Suzanna Owiyo is quite a reward in itself. The prospect of my music getting into new territory is also very rewarding for me as an artist. And after being
away from the industry for quite some time it's such a wonderful welcome.”
Valerie was one of the performers at the Sierra Jazz Festival at the Bomas of Kenya early this month which was headlined by jazz maestro Jonathan Butler.
“I'm mainly focusing on getting my fans to see and hear more of my work. I'd like them to experience my band and my sound more. I feel I have grown and I'm challenging myself to soar to even greater heights,” she said.

R KELLY ON FIRST SINGLE RELEASE BY ONE8

This is Hands Across The World, the first single from African Supergroup ONE8 featuring. R.Kelly, Amani, Ali Kiba, Fally Ipupa, TuFace, JK, Movaizhaleine, Navio and 4x4. Hands Across the World is written and produced by R. Kelly and released by Rockstar4000 and Sony Music.



Hands Across the World was released today to radio stations and clubs across Africa and worldwide.
The star-studded gathering of African musical giants has continued to gather mass momentum with 8 of Africa’s rockstar legends combining their star power and talent into the continent’s first supergroup. Now Rockstar4000 and Sony Music Worldwide are proud to announce the last signing to the group – international mega-star R. Kelly and the release of the group’s first single.



R. Kelly recently joined in the world famous Chicago studios by the members of ONE8.
Speaking from his studio in Chicago, the RnB guru said,“I love projects like this . As I hear the music of these artists and meet them in person I can feel myself connect. Somehow I can feel the excitement and adrenaline through them and then the ideas and everything around this track just comes together. This is probably one of the greatest things I have ever done, I can just feel it in me.”
The group also recorded a video and documentary which will be released shortly.

R KELLY ON FIRST SINGLE RELEASE BY ONE8

This is Hands Across The World, the first single from African Supergroup ONE8 featuring. R.Kelly, Amani, Ali Kiba, Fally Ipupa, TuFace, JK, Movaizhaleine, Navio and 4x4. Hands Across the World is written and produced by R. Kelly and released by Rockstar4000 and Sony Music.



Hands Across the World was released today to radio stations and clubs across Africa and worldwide.
The star-studded gathering of African musical giants has continued to gather mass momentum with 8 of Africa’s rockstar legends combining their star power and talent into the continent’s first supergroup. Now Rockstar4000 and Sony Music Worldwide are proud to announce the last signing to the group – international mega-star R. Kelly and the release of the group’s first single.



R. Kelly recently joined in the world famous Chicago studios by the members of ONE8.
Speaking from his studio in Chicago, the RnB guru said,“I love projects like this . As I hear the music of these artists and meet them in person I can feel myself connect. Somehow I can feel the excitement and adrenaline through them and then the ideas and everything around this track just comes together. This is probably one of the greatest things I have ever done, I can just feel it in me.”
The group also recorded a video and documentary which will be released shortly.

OGOPA: WE ARE NOT WORRIED OF AMANI DEAL WITH R KELLY!

Yes, it’s been whispered in entertainment circles that Amani will be in the studio with the King of RnB, R Kelly. The singer who left the country for the US late last month, will record a song with the World Greatest hitmaker.
Ogopa Deejay’s manager Emmanuel Banda told Hot Secrets, that Amani’s success also reflects on them.



“It feels good that we are getting recognized and in the process the artistes profile also raises,” Banda said.
Asked what they would do if Amani impressed R Kelly and gets poached from the Label. “We will cross that bridge when we get there,” he continued, “This deal is a collaboration between Amani, Ogopa and Sony. Let me cut the chase and state this, Sony approached us and it has been our strategy to work with international distribution companies. It so turned out they also had similar strategies.



“As for the revenue, we will be following the intellectual property law. With that in mind I do not see any conflict as the laws are clear”
Amani joins seven other male acts from Africa in a musical unit dubbed One8 under the world-renowned music label, Sony Music. The acts include Uganda’s Navio, Tanzania’s Ali Kiba, DRC’s Fally Ipupa and Nigeria’s TuFace Idibia.



The eight will be in Chicago for a month at which time they will record an album under the pan-African record label Rockstar 4000 an affiliate of Sony.
Impeccable sources claim R Kelly will also co-produce a music video together with Brian-Michael Cox who produced Trapped in the Closet, which is set for a world wide November release.

OGOPA: WE ARE NOT WORRIED OF AMANI DEAL WITH R KELLY!

Yes, it’s been whispered in entertainment circles that Amani will be in the studio with the King of RnB, R Kelly. The singer who left the country for the US late last month, will record a song with the World Greatest hitmaker.
Ogopa Deejay’s manager Emmanuel Banda told Hot Secrets, that Amani’s success also reflects on them.



“It feels good that we are getting recognized and in the process the artistes profile also raises,” Banda said.
Asked what they would do if Amani impressed R Kelly and gets poached from the Label. “We will cross that bridge when we get there,” he continued, “This deal is a collaboration between Amani, Ogopa and Sony. Let me cut the chase and state this, Sony approached us and it has been our strategy to work with international distribution companies. It so turned out they also had similar strategies.



“As for the revenue, we will be following the intellectual property law. With that in mind I do not see any conflict as the laws are clear”
Amani joins seven other male acts from Africa in a musical unit dubbed One8 under the world-renowned music label, Sony Music. The acts include Uganda’s Navio, Tanzania’s Ali Kiba, DRC’s Fally Ipupa and Nigeria’s TuFace Idibia.



The eight will be in Chicago for a month at which time they will record an album under the pan-African record label Rockstar 4000 an affiliate of Sony.
Impeccable sources claim R Kelly will also co-produce a music video together with Brian-Michael Cox who produced Trapped in the Closet, which is set for a world wide November release.

TRACKING AMANI IN CHICAGO

Kenya’s own superstar Amani is now in Chicago, she left the country over the weekend to join the other members of the Pan-African super group ONE8, a group set to revolutionize music in Africa. The One8 project is a coming-together of some of African best musical talent.



Amani is one of the artistes chosen for the super group along with Nigeria’s talented superstar TuFace Idibia, Ugandan hip hop artist Navio, Zambia’s biggest super star JK, Tanzanian heartthrob Ali Kiba, Ghanaian trio 4x4, Gabonese duo Movaizhaleine and DRC’s hot sensation Fally Ipupa.
The power and excitement around this collective of African stars is so big that ONE8 will be not only be joined by one of the biggest global megastars and icons in music for its first single and video, about to be recorded in Chicago, USA, but this superstar, who’s played a crucial role in defining R&B and Hip-Hop as we know it, will produce the song and video together with some of the biggest names in music and music video production in the world today. It is taking centre stage on this project and working hand-in-hand and as equals with the Chicago based international megastar and his team who are very excited to be working with such amazing talent.



As these artists record the song and video in the USA, millions of fans will experience this music revolution and historic journey as it happens. They will also experience their favorite stars up close and personal and roam where no fan has roamed before with digital ALL ACCESS PASSES delivered personally by these superstars to their fans. They will be connected with them around the clock through the website, mobile site or mobisite, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and live webcasts on location. The collaboration on the single and video will also shatter the typical mode of Africa / Western projects. The all star group is taking the best music from Africa to the global stage, connecting millions of fans through the universal language of music. All the artists are working together to create a song that is truly Pan-African. The group will also shoot a video in Chicago which will be released globally with the first single in November, alongside a full album and DVD soon after.



This all star group ONE8 is produced and managed by the first major pan-African record label and 360 music company, ROCKSTAR4000 within the family of the world’s number 1 recording company Sony Music. ONE8 is destined for greatness, shattering perceptions about African music as it builds networks and excitement across the pan-African music landscape and across the world.ONE8 is the ultimate music force that will single-handedly change the face of the African music industry.

TRACKING AMANI IN CHICAGO

Kenya’s own superstar Amani is now in Chicago, she left the country over the weekend to join the other members of the Pan-African super group ONE8, a group set to revolutionize music in Africa. The One8 project is a coming-together of some of African best musical talent.



Amani is one of the artistes chosen for the super group along with Nigeria’s talented superstar TuFace Idibia, Ugandan hip hop artist Navio, Zambia’s biggest super star JK, Tanzanian heartthrob Ali Kiba, Ghanaian trio 4x4, Gabonese duo Movaizhaleine and DRC’s hot sensation Fally Ipupa.
The power and excitement around this collective of African stars is so big that ONE8 will be not only be joined by one of the biggest global megastars and icons in music for its first single and video, about to be recorded in Chicago, USA, but this superstar, who’s played a crucial role in defining R&B and Hip-Hop as we know it, will produce the song and video together with some of the biggest names in music and music video production in the world today. It is taking centre stage on this project and working hand-in-hand and as equals with the Chicago based international megastar and his team who are very excited to be working with such amazing talent.



As these artists record the song and video in the USA, millions of fans will experience this music revolution and historic journey as it happens. They will also experience their favorite stars up close and personal and roam where no fan has roamed before with digital ALL ACCESS PASSES delivered personally by these superstars to their fans. They will be connected with them around the clock through the website, mobile site or mobisite, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and live webcasts on location. The collaboration on the single and video will also shatter the typical mode of Africa / Western projects. The all star group is taking the best music from Africa to the global stage, connecting millions of fans through the universal language of music. All the artists are working together to create a song that is truly Pan-African. The group will also shoot a video in Chicago which will be released globally with the first single in November, alongside a full album and DVD soon after.



This all star group ONE8 is produced and managed by the first major pan-African record label and 360 music company, ROCKSTAR4000 within the family of the world’s number 1 recording company Sony Music. ONE8 is destined for greatness, shattering perceptions about African music as it builds networks and excitement across the pan-African music landscape and across the world.ONE8 is the ultimate music force that will single-handedly change the face of the African music industry.

KENYA’S AMANI TO JOIN SUPER 8 PAN AFRICAN GROUP

SONY music affiliate record label Rock 4000 is putting together a super African music group called One8 and from what I heard in the corridors of the entertainment industry, Amani could well be joining the fray.
Among the acts chosen for the project is Ugandan rapper Navio who is joined by R&B star JK from Zambia, Bongo Flava King Ali Kiba from Tanzania, Ghana's 4 by 4 and Paris based hip-hop duo from Gabon called Movaizhaleine. All these artists who are very talented and popular in their home countries will come together to form the super group One8.
The word on the street is that they will work on a major collaboration and will go round the continent on a tour of the eight countries joined by an international artiste. Big tings I tell you.
So far, the latest act to be signed is DRC’s acclaimed sex symbol, singer and songwriter Fally Ipupa has been revealed as the sixth member of the much-talked about growing phenomenon, ONE8. This leaves two vacant spaces to be occupied by Nigeria and Kenya, before the international top act that would join the African music supergroup to create the buzzing hit song is revealed.

KENYA’S AMANI TO JOIN SUPER 8 PAN AFRICAN GROUP

SONY music affiliate record label Rock 4000 is putting together a super African music group called One8 and from what I heard in the corridors of the entertainment industry, Amani could well be joining the fray.
Among the acts chosen for the project is Ugandan rapper Navio who is joined by R&B star JK from Zambia, Bongo Flava King Ali Kiba from Tanzania, Ghana's 4 by 4 and Paris based hip-hop duo from Gabon called Movaizhaleine. All these artists who are very talented and popular in their home countries will come together to form the super group One8.
The word on the street is that they will work on a major collaboration and will go round the continent on a tour of the eight countries joined by an international artiste. Big tings I tell you.
So far, the latest act to be signed is DRC’s acclaimed sex symbol, singer and songwriter Fally Ipupa has been revealed as the sixth member of the much-talked about growing phenomenon, ONE8. This leaves two vacant spaces to be occupied by Nigeria and Kenya, before the international top act that would join the African music supergroup to create the buzzing hit song is revealed.

NAMELESS AND SAUTI SOL GET AMA NODS

Three Kenyan artistes have been nominated for the UK based African Music Awards (AMA) that will be held Friday October 15th 2010 at the Wembley Arena, London. Nameless, Sauti Sol and Amani have all placed in highly competitive categories against other African acts. Amani got one nod in the Best Female Artist a category Wahu won last year.



Sauti Sol has been nominated for Best New Artist/Group and Best Group where as Nameless is up for the African Song Of The Year, Sunshine which features Habida and East African Artiste Of The Year.
The AMAs is Europe’s premier annual awards ceremony for African musicians and music makers. The main aim is to achieve mainstream recognition for big selling African artists who have sold millions of records in the African market, yet remain under-exposed to the Western world.
Eric McKaiser, CEO and founder, said “The AMAs are changing the perception surrounding African music. We aim to bridge the gap between the West and African musicians. Congratulations to all the 2010 nominees, and in my eyes you are all winners”.
The hosts for the awards are Nollywood's favorite actress Genevieve Nnaji and English singer-songwriter and actor Simon Webbe.
Voting on your favorite artists can be done between the September 6 and October 10 on AMA`s site.

NAMELESS AND SAUTI SOL GET AMA NODS

Three Kenyan artistes have been nominated for the UK based African Music Awards (AMA) that will be held Friday October 15th 2010 at the Wembley Arena, London. Nameless, Sauti Sol and Amani have all placed in highly competitive categories against other African acts. Amani got one nod in the Best Female Artist a category Wahu won last year.



Sauti Sol has been nominated for Best New Artist/Group and Best Group where as Nameless is up for the African Song Of The Year, Sunshine which features Habida and East African Artiste Of The Year.
The AMAs is Europe’s premier annual awards ceremony for African musicians and music makers. The main aim is to achieve mainstream recognition for big selling African artists who have sold millions of records in the African market, yet remain under-exposed to the Western world.
Eric McKaiser, CEO and founder, said “The AMAs are changing the perception surrounding African music. We aim to bridge the gap between the West and African musicians. Congratulations to all the 2010 nominees, and in my eyes you are all winners”.
The hosts for the awards are Nollywood's favorite actress Genevieve Nnaji and English singer-songwriter and actor Simon Webbe.
Voting on your favorite artists can be done between the September 6 and October 10 on AMA`s site.

KENYAN STARS RECORD SONG FOR THE PROMULGATION

On Friday, August 27, Kenya will be celebrating the signing of the new constitution, a milestone in our history.
On the day, a number of Kenyan celebrities will also be part of the promulgation celebrations at Uhuru Park, together with other choirs and traditional dancers.
The celebs who include Jua Cali, Nameless, Amani, Eric Wainaina, Suzanna Owiyo, among others have recorded a song specifically for the day dubbed Oh Kenya, My Kenya.
They were brought together by Afro fusion great Achieng Abura but the idea was conceptualized by Suzanna Owiyo.

KENYAN STARS RECORD SONG FOR THE PROMULGATION

On Friday, August 27, Kenya will be celebrating the signing of the new constitution, a milestone in our history.
On the day, a number of Kenyan celebrities will also be part of the promulgation celebrations at Uhuru Park, together with other choirs and traditional dancers.
The celebs who include Jua Cali, Nameless, Amani, Eric Wainaina, Suzanna Owiyo, among others have recorded a song specifically for the day dubbed Oh Kenya, My Kenya.
They were brought together by Afro fusion great Achieng Abura but the idea was conceptualized by Suzanna Owiyo.

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.

KENYAN CELEBS REMEMBER JACKO

As the world mourns the death of the greatest pop icon ever, Three Kenyan celebs give their own thoughts on the same. Michael Jackson, 50, died early Thursday afternoon after suffering a cardiac at his Holmby Hills home. Paramedics were unable to revive him.


RUFFTONE – VITA500 BRAND AMBASSADOR, PRODUCER AND MUSICIAN
“I think it is a funny thing that he has become an instant hero now that he is dead. I saw on TV a fan who almost fainted when they were told Michael Jackson is dead. For me, it is a difficult lesson to learn that you are never indispensable and there are really never any superstars. Look at Jackson’s life. He died in a rented house, his home was repossessed, he lived in a foreign country, Bahrain, for a long time after America and the world had forgotten him. After his child molestation trial his musical career was brought down just like that. The UK tour was to help him make a financial comeback, now he’ll make a musical one. Despite his musical success people ditched him and now that he is dead people are still thinking of ways to cash in. It is a big lesson for me as an artiste that there is nothing like a super star.”


PIERRA MAKENA – ACTOR AND FILMMAKER
“I’m terribly crashed by his death. He was the big star I listened to growing up. I was also waiting eagerly for his South African tour, because I heard last year that he was going to do one. The world did not treat Michael the way he should have been treated. You know what Quincy Jones said, ‘It’s a surprise that guys were not really nice to him when he was alive, and now that he is dead they are all teary and sad.’ I think people should have just treated him as a star; after all we all have our weaknesses. And for that people judged him harshly. Despite all that he is still my hero.”

AMANI – SINGER
“I still look up to him. I’m a pop artiste and he is the Kind of pop. I loved listening and watching his performances during his world tours, he was my inspiration. I still believe he will make a commercial come back. The only other pop icons that equal his legendary status in my opinion are Mariah Carey, U2 and Madonna.