Grief As DNA's Son Dies In School Swimming Pool

Singer Dennis Kaggia popularly known as DNA is mourning the passing on of his son, Jamal Waweru. The nine-year-old, a Class Three pupil at Kitengela International School, died after drowning in the school’s swimming pool on Wednesday afternoon.

DNA.

Jamal was pronounced dead at Nairobi Women’s Hospital in Lang’ata, Nairobi, where he was rushed after the fateful incident. His body was later taken to Shalom Funeral Home.

“He was a good boy,” a shattered DNA told the writer, a few moments after Jamal’s untimely death.

Jamal was DNA’s child with his ex girlfriend whom they dated during his Banjuka hey days. Our deepest sympathies to DNA and family during this difficult period.

Rick Ross Confirms His Nairobi Performance (Video)

American rapper Rick Ross has officially confirmed his Kenyan performance through a video drop released this afternoon quashing doubts of his performance in the country next month.

Rick Ross.

The So Sophisticated hit maker is set to perform at the much anticipated NRGWave concert to take place at Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi on April 28 this year.

Check out his video drop below:

Sauti Sol Release Collabo Single With Rapper Khaligraph Jones

Award-winning Kenyan music group Sauti Sol has released the fourth single from their Afrikan Sauce LP, featuring rapper Khaligraph Jones. To accompany the release of the single titled Rewind, the band also unveiled the video on its YouTube channel.

Sauti Sol.

The song is a fusion into Hip Hop into Afro beats. Written by Sauti Sol and Khaligraph Jones, co-composed by Humphrey Otieno and Joe Mutoria, it was produced by Sauti Sol and mixed and mastered by Humphrey Ndomboka. The video was shot and directed by Sesan in collaboration with Nate Thomas as the Director of Photography in Nairobi.

Speaking on his first collaboration with Sauti Sol, Khaligraph said: “I’ve been pushing for a collabo with Sauti Sol for about four years now. At that time I still wasn’t ready, until recently when I talked to Bien and Savara but I still needed to get the concept ready. One day Bien called me for a jam session, which was a first for me. I have never gone through that type of music making process before with anyone and it was amazing. I felt alive, the vibe was organic and we ended up recording Rewind the same day,” he added.

Khaligraph Jones.

Sauti Sol's Polycarp Otieno said, "Working with Khaligraph was flawless. We brought him into our world of making live music where we jammed with our band first, got the desired vibe and jumped into studio immediately after. He fit right in and we had the song done the very same day. He is a phenomenal artiste.”

In response to fans’ feedback and requests for more new music Sauti Sol has also embarked on a bold monthly release schedule, which will allow fans to enjoy new music from its latest LP each month until the entire LP is released. Sauti Sol was last month named creative directors of the music streaming service, Songa, a collaboration that will see them work closely with Safaricom and other stakeholders in the industry to ensure greater participation and ownership among the music fraternity.

“Safaricom has been a firm supporter of the Kenyan music industry throughout our 17-year history. When we launched Songa by Safaricom we promised to focus on creating a platform that would spur and support the growth of the Kenyan music industry by working closely with artistes, as well as contribute to the growth of African music by showcasing the talent on the continent. Our collaboration with Sauti Sol shows that we are on track with fulfilling our promise. It also speaks to our brand spirit of Twaweza, which is that when we come together, great things happen,” said Safaricom's Director – Consumer Business Sylvia Mulinge.

Sauti Sol fans using Android devices can stream and download their favourite tracks on Songa by dialling *812*3#.

You can watch the Rewind video here:

Manu Dibango To Headline International Jazz Day Celebrations In Nairobi

Iconic African jazz musician Manu Dibango is expected in Nairobi in a few weeks’ time, when he will headline Safaricom’s International Jazz Day celebrations in Nairobi on May 1. This will be Dibango’s maiden performance on the Safaricom Jazz stage, at a concert that will launch the 2017-2018 Safaricom International Jazz Festival calendar and highlight the role of jazz in uniting people across the globe.

Manu Dibango.

Born in Douala, Cameroon, in 1933, Dibango is most well-known for his Grammy Award-winning track Soul Makossa. The song topped the charts in 1973 and went on to be sampled by various musicians including the late King of Pop Michael Jackson and US-based Bajan star Rihanna.

With a catalogue of over 40 albums and several film soundtracks to his name, Dibango has enjoyed a music career spanning several continents over five decades, during which he has worked with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrel and the late Grammy Award nominee Hugh Masekela.

Manu Dibango.

“It’s a privilege and a dream come true for us to host Manu Dibango as we kick off the events that will lead up to the 6th edition of the Safaricom International Jazz Festival next year. Not only is he well known and loved world over, he brings to our stage an energy and fire that has been well stoked through a lifetime of passion for jazz, and puts us in the same league as some of the biggest jazz festivals on the continent,” said Festival Founder and Safaricom C.E.O Bob Collymore.

Dibango will be joined by his band – the Soul Makossa Gang – and a sterling line-up of Kenyan jazz artists including: Mwai & The Truth, Afrosync, Edward Parseen & The Different Faces Band, James Gogo, Swahili Jazz Band, Chris Bittok and Eddie Grey. Also set to perform are husband and wife duo Jacob & Kavutha Asiyo, Shamsi Music, Limericks, Mambo Tribe, Ghetto Classics and Nairobi Horns Project, who will be performing with Africa Plus from South Africa.

Chris Bittok.

“This will be a celebration of local jazz talent and an opportunity for us to honour all the Kenyan bands that have been a part of the Safaricom International Jazz Festival on one stage. They have played a big role in making this event what it is today, so it’s only fitting that we celebrate them in this way,” said Mr. Collymore.

Safaricom has a rich history of supporting local music talent over the last 17 years, having invested hundreds of millions of shillings in the industry through concerts, sponsorships, collaborations and more recently, with the launch of its music streaming app SONGA By Safaricom.

Ghetto Classics.

Last month the company marked the fifth anniversary of the Safaricom International Jazz Festival, which has since 2014 donated close to Sh40 million in proceeds from the event to the Ghetto Classics music programme. The funds have been used to expand the music programme in low income neighbourhoods in Nairobi and Mombasa, teaching music skills to over 1,400 young boys and girls with the aim of nurturing talent and providing them with an alternative source of recreation and income.

Femi One And Mejja Team Up To Release New Jam (Video)

Femcee Femi One has teamed up with storyteller Mejja on a hot new banger, Zaga Zaga. This is the first time the two artistes are coming together on a song.

Femi One.

Femi One had this to say about the song and working with the powerhouse that is Mejja: "Working with Mejja has always been my dream and when he accepted to work with me, it was a dream come true. Zaga Zaga is a feel good song dedicated to anyone who wants to have a good time after a stressful episode, thus the line, "watu wangu wote wa Eastlando ukiskia hii ngoma weka shida zako kando."

On his part, Mejja had this to say about the new project, "Working with Femi One was a good experience. I am glad that we got to do this amazing song together. Zaga Zaga is all about having fun and letting go."

Mejja.

The song was produced by Jack Jack on The beat and recorded at Kaka Empire Studios. The video was directed by Johnson Kyalo for Empire Films.

Watch the video below:

'Our Perfect Wedding' Winning Couple Finally Tie The Knot (Photos)

Nancy Mutava and Carlos Zani, the winners of Maisha Magic East’s Our Perfect Wedding competition show have finally tied the knot! The couple got married on Saturday, March 10, 2018 in a lavish Swahili-themed wedding set in upmarket Karen area of Nairobi.

Nancy Mutava and Carlos Zani say "I do."

The venue tagged in red and gold drapery and dotted with lighting had all guests stunned by its beauty as they celebrated the new couple. Mr and Mrs Zani were announced winners of an all-expense, stress free wedding by Maisha Magic East early January 2018.

Speaking during the wedding ceremony, Head of Channel Maisha Magic East Margaret Mathore said, “OPW is all about the glam and shimmer that comes with weddings. It is a delight to reward one couple each season with an all-expense paid wedding of their dreams. We recognise that weddings are a large part of the Kenyan culture and as the leading producers of local content in the country, our main aim is to connect with our audiences around the things that matter most to them.”

The love birds could not hide their excitement and joy during the wedding. “Thank you, Maisha Magic East, for giving us our perfect wedding. We have always wanted to get married in church and have a beautiful wedding reception where our families can some together and celebrate with us. What Maisha Magic East and OPW have given us is beyond our dream wedding. We are ecstatic and we thank God for this opportunity. If anyone had told us that we would finally get married and not have to spend a single cent a time like this last year, I’d have laughed and not believed them,” said an elated Nancy.

As OPW Season Two returned , it promised to be bigger and better. This season, the top three couples who were shortlisted each won an all-expense honeymoon to top destinations in Kenya as part of the competition. Throughout the 26 weeks that the show was on air, one lucky weekly winner also won a holiday package for two to Voyager Hotel in Mombasa.

Our Perfect Wedding is a reality show that follows Kenyan couples through their love story and wedding planning process, exploring the true definition of the Kenyan wedding culture. The show aims to showcase the drama and excitement that comes with planning for a wedding, not just focusing on the wedding day, but also the introductions, meeting the in-laws, the dowry sessions, the search for the perfect wedding gown, and the meltdowns that come along the way.

DStv and GOtv, through Maisha Magic East, have been on the frontline of promoting local content in the country. The channel is the first and only one in Kenya with 100 percent local content. Since its launch in 2014, Maisha Magic East has been committed to bringing viewers the best of local dramas, series, comedy, lifestyle, reality shows, telenovelas music and many more.

See more photos below:

Timmy TDat Debuts Radio Career As NRG Radio Goes Live

Today, NRG Radio went live on 91.3 FM with popular singer Timmy T Dat officially launching his radio career on the station. The surprise radio debut by the Trikide hit maker will see him host a daily show dubbed Transit from 3pm-7pm alongside celebrated radio and TV presenter, Mwalimu Rachel.

Following his bold move, the Kaka Empire-signed Timmy said he was excited to venture into radio and further progress his career as an entertainer. He also notified fans that he will still continue making music and they should watch out for his next projects.

The artiste has released a number of hit songs in the past including Kasayole, Wembe, Wele Wele, Blander, Nataka More, Yii Haa, Usiogope, Usinikazie, Shigidi, Tumekubali, Dus Nyau and Trikide. He has also collaborated with other artistes such as Otile Brown and Khaligraph Jones among others.

Timmy TDat.

Mwalimu Rachel also expressed her excitement citing that she is ready to offer next level entertainment to her fans through the platform. Mwalimu who has been on our airwaves for a decade, brings with her to NRG vast experience gained over the years. Her passion for engaging with and mentoring youth has seen her grow a huge following, where she always has a lesson or two to offer.

Timmy Tdat and Mwalimu Rachel become the very first presenters to officially launch the radio station as it seeks to revolutionalise the media industry in Kenya and Africa. NRG Radio will offer the very best of the airwaves by providing a fused radio, digital and social experience.

Timmy and Mwalimu Rachel.

Fans can now catch up on 'What's hot', listen and watch live stream online to their favourite hits in genres such as Mashups, Dancehall, Trap, EDM, the latest of Local and African hits.

For more information visit www.nrg.radio

NRG Radio Takes On The Competition!

NRG radio has recently been causing ripples in the entertainment scene through the NRG experience with celebs like bongo star Diamond Platnumz, Robert Burale, Bahati and Eric Omondi popping in for a tour of their state of the art studios for an NRGized dose.

Diamond Platnumz at NRG studios.

Word on the street is that the new radio kid on the block is set to run the biggest, funkiest talent drive ever, giving fans interested an opportunity to join the NRG movement. NRG, which doubles up as a media and entertainment company provides a radio, digital and social experience that fuels #NRG!   Fans can catch up on 'What's hot' via live stream as well as listen to and watch their favourite hits in genres such as Mashups, Dancehall, Trap, EDM, The latest of Local and African hits on 91.3 FM - 24/7.

Robert Burale.

Last year NRG held Kenya’s biggest jump-off party, dubbed #NRGwave which took place on December 31 at Wild Waters in Mombasa. NRG is indeed pulling all stops to redefine the entertainment scene!

Comedian Eric Omondi.

Singer Bahati.

Diamond Platnumz.

For more information visit www.nrg.radio

MultiChoice, Africa Magic Announce 2018 AMVCAs

Following months of speculation and anticipation, Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice, are proud to announce the call to entry for the 2018 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), the prestigious initiative that honours film and TV talent across the continent. Billed to hold on September 1, 2018. This year’s edition is sponsored by Konga and supported by Nokia and Heritage Bank.

The AMVCAs were created to celebrate the contribution of African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry and with the success of the previous five editions, preparations are in top gear for the 2018 edition. Entries for the AMVCAs open on March 1 and close on the April 30, 2018.


Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Director for M-Net West Africa, said: “Nearly one year after the last AMVCAs, we are pleased to announce the call to entry for 2018 edition of the Awards. The African movie and television industry is brimming with exciting talent, and at Africa Magic we contribute to the industry by not only giving these talents the platform to showcase their skills and passion, but by celebrating their achievements whilst also encouraging them to continue honing their craft.”


The AMVCAs celebrate filmmakers in different categories ranging from acting and directing to scriptwriting and cinematography. This year, a number of awards in different categories will be presented ranging from acting and directing to scriptwriting and cinematography. Other categories will include: short film or online video, soundtrack, costume designing, sound and lighting amongst others. For 2018 there are 27 categories in all, with seven open to viewer voting and 20 decided by the respected AMVCA panel of judges.


John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, expressed his delight at the growing success of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, saying: “We have been inundated by calls from filmmakers across Africa with everyone asking when the AMVCAs would return for another edition. After a brief hiatus, we are thrilled to announce that 2018 will indeed mark the sixth consecutive year of MultiChoice and Africa Magic successfully hosting the AMVCAs and we remain proud of the improvements seen in the industry since the inception of the awards as we know that these cannot be ignored or overstated. Furthermore, our continued investment demonstrates our dedication in helping unearth and celebrate talent on continent and we believe that the 2018 edition of the AMVCAs will leave an even bigger impact on the African film production industry than the previous five.”

Entry for the AMVCAs is free and the closing date for submissions is the April 30, 2018. Films, made-for-television movies or television series previously entered into or nominated for an award, or awarded a prize in another film and television competition are eligible to be entered for the AMVCAs, and all films, made-for-television movies or television series are eligible for entry to the AMVCA if they are broadcast or publicly screened during the period of October 1, 2016 to March 31, 2018.