WWE, SuperSport Sign Pact To Air Live Programming In Sub-Saharan Africa

Wrestling enthusiasts in Africa have a thing to smile about as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and continent’s premier sport channels provider, SuperSport, have today announced a new multi-year agreement to broadcast WWE programming live for the first time in more than 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Starting August 28, this year, DStv and GOtv customers will have access to the world’s biggest wrestling entertainment when SuperSport airs WWE’s flagship shows Raw and SmackDown, as well as WWE specials such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam.

READ ALSO: DStv Viewers To Get A Glimpse Of What It's Like Being Bonang

“WWE is a global phenomenon, so securing the broadcast rights for SuperSport is a terrific coup. The athletes involved are larger than life figures who command huge followings. At long last our DStv and GOtv viewers will get to share in this entertainment spectacle in high definition. I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with WWE,” said SuperSport Chief Executive officer Gideon Khobane.

DStv Premium, Compact+ and Compact customers will enjoy their wrestling drama live while DStv Family and Access will also enjoy same-day rebroadcast of the events which will be available on SuperSport channels S7, S9 and SS10. Viewers can look forward to Raw on Tuesdays and SmackDown on Wednesdays offering both live telecasts and same-day re-airs, as well as all WWE specials live, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series and Royal Rumble. GOtv viewers will have access to the wrestling action on Select 3, available to GOtv Plus customers.

“SuperSport is a best-in-class partner who shares our vision and passion for engaging with and entertaining our fans. Televising WWE programming live in sub-Saharan Africa for the first time an important milestone for us, and we look forward to working with SuperSport to cultivate new fans in the region,” said WWE Executive Vice President, International, Ed Wells.

READ ALSO: Elani Set For Comeback At Inaugural Tudishi Feastival

“We’re delighted to bring our DStv and GOtv customers yet another sport that’s going to keep them glued to their TV and mobile screens. This addition to our sports offering will certainly bring more value for our customers and ensure that SuperSport remains their go-to World of Champion and home to the world’s biggest sports. This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that our platforms deliver only the best entertainment to our customers,” said MultiChoice East Africa Regional Director, Stephen Isaboke.

All programs will be available with English commentary and on demand. To celebrate the new partnership, SuperSport will televise the prior week’s episodes of Raw and SmackDown on Monday, August 28.

Comic Eric Omondi Tickles Bidco Africa For Sh0.5 Million!

Sensational Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi is laughing all the way to bank! This comes after he penned down a deal worth a staggering Sh500,000 with giant consumer goods manufacturer Bidco Africa.

Eric Omondi

The fast-moving Thika-based company has signed on as the title sponsor of the popular Untamed 10, the popular one-man stand-up comedy series created by and starring Eric Omondi. As part of the sponsorship deal, fans of the popular comedian stand a chance of winning Golden Fry gift hampers during the event to be held on Saturday July 30, 2017, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.

“We love Eric Omondi. We love his unique and fun approach to comedy and content creation. He focuses on making his fans happy which is totally in line with our happy healthy living philosophy. Bidco is a company that supports local innovation and talent and this show exudes both of those qualities tremendously,” said Chris Diaz, Bidco Africa Group Sales and Marketing Director.

Eric Omondi with Bidco Africa Group Sales and Marketing Director Chris Diaz

Eric Omondi thanked the company for its support saying, “I am so glad a company I already admire has stepped forward to support me. Not everyone understands what I am doing, but Bidco is a company of vision and guts. I could not be more thrilled to have them as our sponsor.”

Eric is one of Kenya’s biggest comedians and he has continued to deliver big laughs even after his departure from the Churchill Show. After leaving the largest stand-up comedy collective, Eric Omondi branched out and has made a name for himself with the Untamed shows.

Fashion Meets Tech: Glitzy Affair As Oppo F3 Black Is Launched In Kenya

It was a great evening for upcoming fashion designers as they showcased their creations at a colourful event to mark Oppo F3 Black's entry into the Kenyan market. The smartphone's 'Limited Edition' launch event dubbed Oppo Fashion Night was held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Upperhill, Nairobi, on Wednesday.

Various models took to the runway in a glitzy display of style and elegance that was attended by top personalities in Kenya’s fashion and entertainment industries. Guests took in designs from Ian Omondi and Brian Mathews of Taisere Design, Carol Oyugi of House Korasewn and Hellen Githinji from G_ by Githinji in a two-hour display.

With Kenya’s fashion industry being one of the most vibrant in Africa, the Oppo Fashion Night was established to showcase how mobile technology has enabled the fashion industry to break new ground in regards to designs, job creation, marketing opportunities and influencing popular culture.
A prime example of how mobile technology has impacted fashion is the heightened use if social media platform Instagram which has greatly enhanced the popularity of fashion influencers like Diana Opoti and Joy Kendi

“This is a great opportunity to work with a company like Oppo because it is my first corporate collaboration. I’m excited that they believed in me. It’s also fantastic for the fashion industry because it shows it is growing and the opportunities are endless. We usually just have stand-alone fashion shows but to combine a show with a phone launch says a lot. My inspiration comes from literally anything-be it a picture, a vision or even a phone- I get influenced by what is around us,” said Githinji.

With the new Oppo F3 Black Limited Edition offering a new direction in regards to style, Oppo is banking on the device to help them make inroads in the premium smartphone segment. The designs on the runway were heavily inspired by the device’s matte black colour, sleek curved design and cutting edge technology. The creations also represent Oppo’s vision of being trendsetters and being at the forefront of technology and lifestyle industries.

“This show is more than just launching the Oppo F3 Black Limited Edition. We are giving new designers the opportunity to show the world what they are capable in a very competitive industry. Today’s event mirrors the same philosophy that we take with our products which is being edgy, stylish and catering to various tastes. The matte black colour is in response to our users varied lifestyles and fashion preferences,” said Oppo Mobile Kenya Brand Director Jessie Wu.

The new version, which will be available at authorised resellers, comes with a pre-installed screen protector, jelly case, fingerprint reader, a 16 megapixel front camera and a two years official warranty for added value and protection. The F3’s 16MP lens creates high quality selfie plus an 8MP lens for wide angle group selfies. With both lenses working in tandem, users are guaranteed a new level of selfie experience in the modern and social lifestyle.

It also possesses other leading design features including the ColorOS 3.0 operating system, thin body design with 6-inch screen dual-slot card tray and an octa-core processor backed by 4GB RAM. A 4,000mAh built-in battery gives the F3 and endurance of more than 17 hours. It will retail for Sh32,990.

DStv Viewers To Get A Glimpse Of What It's Like Being Bonang

This July, after years of anticipation, Africa is finally getting a glimpse into the life of Bonang Matheba, one of Africa’s most sought after media personalities. The multi-award winning South African is widely regarded as one of the most elusive superstars around.

Bonang Matheba

For the longest time, fans have yearned for a deeper look into the life of the 30-year-old woman they so much adore, and now Vuzu Amp is giving her admirers an exclusive look into her exciting life in the reality series Being Bonang. The show will feature Bonang in her day-to-day business interactions alongside manager Jay Badza, snippets of her romance with AKA, her very close bond with her mom, the interwoven and often exhilarating relationship with her cousin Tebogo “Pinky Girl” Mekgwe and good times with her friend Lorna Maseko.

The production will also highlight how the now, more well-rounded, more successful Bonang has transcended beyond her ‘it girl’ status, with a successful radio show, massive public persona and thriving emceeing career.

Bonang, a former host of The Front Row radio show on SABC's Metro FM, is finally at a point in her life where she’s comfortable to give her fans a glimpse of what they’ve been so eagerly anticipating. Viewers will see her outright versatility: juggling business success with family, romance, and all out stardom, and for the first time, DStv customers will get to see Bonang the daughter, entrepreneur, lover and confidant.

Among the awards she has won during her career includes Glamour Awards, New African Woman Magazine, You Spectacular, Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, SA Style Awards and Channel 24 Social Media Awards.

Being Bonang is on Vuzu Amp every Friday at 6.30pm EAT, with a repeat on Mondays at 11.30 EAT.

Ukoo Flani's Fujo Makelele's New Solo Video A Statement

Ukoo Flani, with its roots and base in Kenya's Coastal city of Mombasa, is one of the country's pioneers of radical hip-hop music. Over the years, the group has had close ties with its Nairobi (faction) Mau Mau, another pioneering hip-hop outfit based in Dandora estate.

Ukoo Flani

One name that stands out among the many members of Ukoo Flani is Fujo Makelele. He is among the founding members of the hardcore hip-hop group. Among other members are Nguchi P, Chiznbrain, Alai Kenti, Sharama, P.O.P, Lavosti and Cannibal. Some of their most popular hits includes Burn Dem and Hip Hop Halisi ft Nazizi.

However, Makelele has remained heavily an underground artiste for the longest time, even after releasing a debut solo album titled Hip Hop Revolution, seven years ago. The album took him to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he stayed at the TMK Halisi Camp. This saw him work with some of Tanzania's best hip-hop artistes such as Juma Nature, BK, Bob Q and Daz Baba.

The rap guru has just released a solo video for his single Niko Juu Top. In the video, the rapper is out to make an announcement that he is still in the game of rap. He insists that a lot of people might claim that he's lost it, but according to him, he's very much at the top of his act.

The video was produced by szemvideo, but the question is, is Fujo Makelele finally coming out of the cocoon?

Fujo Makelele

Watch it here:

Elani Set For Comeback At Inaugural Tudishi Feastival

Popular Kenyan pop group Elani will make its awaited music comeback at the debut edition of Tudishi Feastival slated for August 6 this year at Kunste Gardens in Nakuru. The unique outdoor event aims at celebrating Kenyan/African cuisine and music.

"Our rich culture has much to offer and we are set to create a platform to wine and dine while celebrating our diverse Kenyan/African cuisine and music that makes up our culture. Our main campaign is to preach peace especially during the election period in one of the areas affected by the post-election violence in 2007," says the organisers.

Elani, comprised of Wambui Ngugi, Brian Chweya and Maureen Kunga, will be the headline act at the event, which will mark their official comeback. The trio released its debut single titled Jana Usiku in November 2013, which became a great success, creating a pavement on their subsequent singles. In 2014, Elani released numerous singles in the making of their debut album Barua ya Dunia. The group is currently working on a new album that is poised to be officially released at the Nakuru peace concert.

Tamasha Band will also be among the entertainers at the event.

Tamasha Band

Founded in 2011, the band consists of young vibrant members from Nakuru namely, Faith Mwende, Robert Riziki, Anthony Njagi, Gideon Musyoka and Robert Mwambonu. The band also runs a music school called Tamasha House of Music, which trains, records and mentors rising artistes.

Tudishi Feastival will be hosted by Nick Mutuma, a multi-talented Kenyan actor, model, television host and emcee. Drop Deejay will be on the decks.

Nick Mutuma

Tickets are available for Sh1,000 by dialing *229*88# or visiting www.haiya.co.ke. Gates open from 12pm-10pm. 

Kenyan Hip-hopper Insectdudu Releases Patriotic Single

Lyrical, soulful and conscious hip-hop maestro Kelvin Kiprono aka Insectdudu has released a patriotic song about truth, justice and reconciliation, aiming to bring cohesion to Kenya ahead of the upcoming General Election.

Insectdudu

 The single, titled Kenya Ni Kwetu, features Ciro Githunguri (one of Kenya’s most sought after voiceover artistes), Do Clan’s Mc Blaq hip-hop artiste and activist Hustlajay Mau Mau and Mystic Breed, children from Riaira Springs Academy.

The song was produced by the ever-consistent musical genius, Short Wave, whose beats and musical arrangement has been the signature of all of Insectdudu’s hit singles.

“Kenya Ni Kwetu's mandate is to shift the mind of the Kenyan from focusing too much on tribal leadership and concentrate more on fighting corruption. Kenyans must instil a sense of ownership and personal responsibility of our bountiful nation Kenya, preserving peace, equal rights and justice for all people,” he says.

Insectdudu’s music blends a mix of genres and seeks to tell life’s tale with all its joy, hardships and struggles. The artiste, who launched his solo career in 2005, has recorded with various producers and collaborated with different artistes such as Cece Sagini, Dempsey, Nafsi Huru, Zakah Ukooflani and Kantai. He’s currently working on his much anticipated solo debut album slated to be released later in the year.

Insectdudu

Busy Signal Geared Up Ahead Of Nairobi Concert

One of Jamaica's best reggae and dancehall stars Reanno Devon Gordon aka Busy Signal is excited about his upcoming Free Up Peace concert in Nairobi. The much-awaited event will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on July 28.

Busy Signal

"I’m gonna be live performing in Kenya with my band. It will be a celebration of greatness, the 33rd Anniversary of Shashamane. I’m just awaiting to be there to represent for Kenya," the 38-year-old told his fans via a video recording this week.

The organiser, Papa Bingi confirmed that everything was set for the show saying: "Busy's band members will be jetting into the country on July 24 and Busy Signal will be arriving on July 26."

Bingi assured reggae enthusiasts that the concert’s main priority is security and lots of entertainment.

He said, "The security will be beefed up just like Romain Virgo show last year. Busy Signal is a very good entertainer and he is ready to rock the Kenyan audience plus I'm also trying to promote our own homegrown reggae artist and they will be able to showcase their talent."

Busy Signal

Bingi continued: “This will also be Shashamane International 33rd Anniversary in the business plus we are trying to educate the youths to be peaceful during and after the election and that is why the show is Dubbed Free Up Reggae Concert."

Busy Signal is known for his hits such as Free Up, Come Over, One More Night, Reggae Music Again, Bedroom Bully, Night Shift and The Gambler, among others.

See Busy Signals video message to Kenyans here:

Akothee Unveils Her Latest Video For 'Baby Daddy'

Award-winning Kenyan singer Akothee has released a new video for her latest single, Baby Daddy. The mother of five says she hopes the song will highlight the struggle of single parenthood in poverty-stricken environments.

Akothee

"The video envisions social and economic transformation due to paternal figures abdicating their roles in the family unit. You will see these cases daily in the news where men throw out their women on the streets and the domino effect of this actions impact negatively on the children," says Akothee.

Akothee plays the role of the single mother, who was thrown out of her home with her children. The video hopes to increase awareness on the impact of poverty on children, and the overall effects of single parenthood in poverty-stricken environment.

Akothee, and 'her children', is 'kicked' away from home

She adds, "A single mother has a backbone made of steel and a heart of gold."

Additionally, the video highlights challenges women face to secure food security and welfare of their children in absence of their fathers. Baby Daddy was produced by Akothee's personal producer Herbert Skillz who is based in Manchester, UK.

Watch it here:

Here Are Kenya's Jack Daniel's Brand Ambassadors Finalists

American whiskey brand, Jack Daniel’s, has shortlisted the three finalists in the search for a Kenyan brand ambassador conducted through the 'Gentlemen Wanted' campaign. The campaign, launched in May this year, received over 2,000 applications that underwent rigorous processing by a panel of judges and observers to narrow down to the three finalists, namely: David Mutunga, Blessing Lung'aho and Fidel Maithya.

“When we launched the Gentlemen Wanted campaign two months ago, we received an overwhelming number of applications and we are pleased to report that we are down to the final three. We are now calling on the public to help us select the best of the three by voting through our Facebook page”, said Zara Kuria, Jack Daniel’s Kenya brand manager.

The Gentlemen Wanted campaign was targeted at charismatic Kenyans above 21 years with the ability to embody the spirit of the brand and its values of authenticity, independence and integrity. The first selected group comprised of 100 of the best applicants who were then narrowed down to top the 24.

From Left: Finalists David Mutunga, Blessing Lung'aho and Fidel Maithya

The top 24 were then invited to attend one-on-one interviews, where they were given the opportunity to convince a panel of judges, including rugby star Humphrey Kayange and actress and media personality Eve D’Souza, on why they should be Kenya’s Jack Daniel’s Brand Ambassador.

The voting phase started on July 18 and closes on July 31, after which the winner will be announced. The ambassador will then travel to the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, USA, where he will be shown the same whiskey making process that Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel himself used, before heading back to Kenya to officially take up his role.

The Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg is situated in and around a hollow known as "Stillhouse Hollow" or "Jack Daniel's Hollow", where a spring flows from a cave at the base of a limestone cliff. The limestone removes iron from the water, making it ideal for distilling whiskey (water heavy in iron gives whiskey a bad taste). The spring feeds into nearby East Fork Mulberry Creek, which is part of the Elk River watershed. Some 1.9 million barrels containing the aging whiskey are stored in several dozen barrel houses, some of which adorn the adjacent hilltops and are visible throughout Lynchburg.

The distillery is a major tourist attraction, drawing more than a quarter of a million visitors annually. The visitor center, dedicated in June 2000, contains memorabilia related to the distillery and a gift shop. Paid tours of the distillery are conducted several times per day and a premium sampling tour is also offered.

Five Kenyan Speakers Selected For TEDGlobal Talk In Arusha

The organisers of TEDGlobal 2017 have announced the speaker program for its Arusha, Tanzania, event scheduled to held from August 27-30. Kenyans Eric Mibuari, Kamau Gachigi, Kisilu Musya, Nabila Alibhai and Washington Wachira are all featured on the speaker list.

TEDGlobal 2017 marks TED’s first official return to Africa in 10 years, and will feature roughly 40 speakers sharing ideas in the form of short, powerful talks that last 18 minutes or less. The theme of the event is "Builders. Truth-Tellers. Catalysts."

"Africa has experienced spectacular economic, demographic and creative growth, and has made exciting progress toward its rightful place in the world. Yet, many African nations are beset by challenges, and the stakes have never been higher. As populations continue to surge, both opportunity and danger are rising," sites TEDGlobal.

The organisers continue: "At TEDGlobal 2017, we’ll bring together an incredible group of speakers, who can collectively help shape how this plays out. Dreamers and doers. Technologists and entrepreneurs. Business leaders and creatives. The event ten years ago felt like history in the making. The ideas and connections forged then have had untold impact. We want to reignite those sparks and invite anyone passionate about the future of Africa, and the future of the world to come and be part of something special."

Among other speakers at the event includes: Paul Kagame (President of the Republic of Rwanda), OluTimehin Adegbeye (Writer and activist), Qudus Onikeku (Dancer, choreographer), Gus Casely-Hayford (Cultural historian), Meron Estefanos (Refugee activist), Kingsley Moghalu (Political economist) and George Steinmetz, an Aerial photographer.

Rapper King Kaka Releases New Video For Koth Biro

One of Kenya's best rappers, King Kaka, has released the video to his latest single, Koth Biro featuring legendary singer and prolific Nyatiti player Ayub Ogada. The single is from his album Success Begins Now.

King Kaka

Koth Biro, which in Dholuo translates to 'Rain Is Coming', was inspired by the rapper's trip with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Kenya to Turkana to visit their programmes. UNICEF is a United Nations (UN) programme headquartered in New York City, USA, that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.

"I saw kids walking half a day just to get a five-litre jerrycan of water. I saw kids who had malnutrition, a family who had not had a descent meal in weeks surviving on a fruit called Makoma, which keeps their tummy full. In the same country, people throw away food, leave taps running and money meant for drought relief is embezzled. Play your part, make a difference," says King Kaka.

Koth Biro was produced by Kevin Provoke, one of most avant-garde sound engineers in Kenya. After working as a ghost writer and producer, Provoke went on to start his own production facility and studio called Provoke Music.

In the recent past, he teamed up with other music professionals in a project he initiated dubbed Dance Africa, with an aim of promoting the continent’s diverse music to showcase it to the world. The project has caught the interest of artistes and other music professionals across the content such as South Africa’s HHP, Angola’s Maya Zuda and Nigeria’s Olamide.

Kevin Provoke

So far he has been able to work on various music projects with top Kenyan artistes such as Wangechi, Fena, Karun, Dela, King Kaka, Avril, Jay A, Madtraxx, Octopizzo, Camp Mulla, Mejja, Kenny Young, Collo and Marushka, among others.

The video for Koth Biro was directed by Johnson Kyalo for Empire Films.

Ayub Ogada

Watch it below: