2018 Groove Awards With Safaricom Winners Unveiled (Photos)

The 13th annual Groove Awards with Safaricom went down on Sunday, in a colourful celebration held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.

Fashion, pomp and colour graced the red carpet black-tie event, whose style was largely inspired by this year’s theme – Rebuild, which focuses on the message of unity in rebuilding and restoring the glory of the gospel industry and the country at large.

Guardian Angel of Nadeka hit song bagged the Artiste of the Year Award which was the most coveted award of the evening while Odi Dance by Timeless Noel, Jabidii and Hype Ochi won big by bagging four awards in Song of the Year, Collabo of the Year, Dance Style of the Year and Skiza Ringback Tune categories respectively. The awards for Teen Choice Song of the Year went to Master Piece for his song Chini Ya Mwamba.

“This has been a different year and an amazing one at that. We made a myriad of changes in how we have run the awards previously for more public inclusion and we are so happy that the changes were received very well both by the artists and the public. We have seen a larger participation and ownership of the awards process especially tonight which is a great honour. This is the biggest production in Kenya and by far Africa involving artistes, dancers, deejays and top producers,” said Groove Awards Founder, Kevin Mulei.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to shape youth culture positively and are very proud of the work the Gospel artistes continue to put in to advance the kingdom business. We are even more proud today to be able to celebrate them, those that took home an award and those that did not alike,” he added.

The Awards, which were first launched in 2004, are held annually to celebrate gospel artistes both in Kenya and in the region, and have over the last decade grown into a highly anticipated feature of the gospel industry calendar. Among the highlights of the ceremony were throwback gospel old school show-stopping performances by Mercy Masika, Joyce Omondi, Mercy Wairegi, Pitson and Rebecca Soki, among others, who took to stage some of Kenyan biggest hits supported by the Groove Band.

Other performances that carried the night included Mash ups of 2017/2018 big hits by among others, Moji Shortbabaa, Master Piece and the big win dance, Odi Dance by Timeless Noel, Jabidii and Hype Ochi which scooped four awards.

Winners in each category were selected based on number of votes by the public, a two-week process that began soon after the Groove Nominations Night earlier in the month. To protect the integrity of the voting process, all votes were assessed by leading audit firm EY.

Speaking during his acceptance speech, Guardian Angel, who scooped the Artiste of the Year award called upon gospel artistes to produce more music that glorifies God saying Nadeka came to him at his lowest and it became the song that got him the recognition that he had so yearned for years.  He urged them to be keen on content asking them to wait on God as his timing is the best.

A surreal moment engulfed thousands that were in attendance, as the Late Angela Chibaloza was honoured with the Contributor to the Industry Award and there after a tribute performance.

A winner’s concert is slated for July 8, 2018 at The Embu Municipal Council Stadium and will see all winners meeting their fans to celebrate their wins whilst appreciating their support during the nomination and voting process.

Find below the complete list of winners and more photos:


ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

GUARDIAN ANGEL


SONG OF THE YEAR

ODI DANCE - TIMELESS NOEL, JABIDII & HYPE OCHI/ Producer : David Saidi


TEENS CHOICE SONG OF THE YEAR

CHINI YA MWAMBA - MASTERPIECE


BREAKTHROUGH ARTISTE OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR

JABIDII

HIPHOP SONG OF THE YEAR

CHEKI VILE - EKO DYDDA


REGGAE/RAGGA  SONG OF THE YEAR

SHOOT SATAN - JABIDII


PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR

HUNIACHI - REUBEN KIGAME FEAT. GLORIA MULIRO

COLLABO OF THE YEAR

ODI DANCE - TIMELESS NOEL, JABIDII AND HYPE OCHI


MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

JIGI JIGI - WILLY PAUL / Video Producer : Sammy D


DANCE STYLE/SONG OF THE YEAR

ODI DANCE - TIMELESS NOEL, JABIDII AND HYPE OCHI

MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

DJ MO


HYPEMAN/MC OF THE YEAR

TIMELESS NOEL


BREAKTHROUGH DJ OF THE YEAR

DJ TERROTS

WESTERN COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

INGABO - GLORIA MULIRO


EASTERN COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

KIWANGO KINGI - WILBERFORCE MUSYOKA


RIFT VALLEY COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

ARUSI - CYRUS KOECH

 COASTAL COUNTIES  SONG OF THE YEAR

WATANGOJA SANA - ANNASTACIA MUKABWA


CENTRAL  COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

IREMA - SHIRU WA GP


NYANZA COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

COME TO ME - FENNY KERUBO

 OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO THE INDUSTRY

ANGELA CHIBALONZA


SONGWRITER AWARD

REUBEN KIGAME


SKIZA RINGBACK TUNE

ODI DANCE - TIMELESS NOEL, JABIDII & HYPE OCHI/ Producer : David Saidi

AMVCAs Nominations To Be Announced June 30

Nominees for the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) will be announced via a televised broadcast on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv on Saturday, June 30 at 9pm EAT.

The nominees for each category will be revealed by popular Ghanaian actress and TV host, Joselyn Dumas, and Nigerian comedian and actor, Bovi. The 2018 AMVCAs is brought to viewers across the continent by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice Africa and the sponsors, Airtel and Konga.

Bovi and Joselyn Dumas

Speaking on the milestone telecast, Channel Director, Africa Magic, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, revealed that close to 3,000 entries were received across the continent. She also said that the judging panel spearheaded by veteran film maker, Debbie Odutayo, painstakingly reviewed each of the entries to arrive at the final shortlist of nominees.

“We are honored to showcase and celebrate the creative industry each year on the platform of the AMVCAs. In the past five years, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to nurture and showcase indigenous talent from across the continent. Join us on Saturday, June 30 we reveal the nominees for the sixth edition of the Awards,” she said.

Launched in March 2013, the AMVCAs continue to celebrate the contributions of African filmmakers, actors and technicians to the success of the continent’s film and television industry. For the 2018 edition, several awards will be presented in 27 categories, with seven categories open to public voting and 20 being categories to be decided by the AMVCA panel of judges.

The full list of nominees will be published on the Africa Magic website, www.africamagic.tv and social media platforms following the reveal. Viewers can join the conversation using the hashtag #AMVCA2018 and follow @dstvng, @gotvng and @africamagictv for live tweets.

Watch the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) Nominee Announcement on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv on Saturday, June 30 at 9pm EAT.

Cartoon Network Urges Comedians And Comedy Creators To Submit Content

If there’s one thing Africans do really well, it is the ability to laugh at themselves! Taking advantage of Africans’ humorous streak, and incredible storytelling abilities, Cartoon Network Africa is proud to announce the launch of their brand new initiative, Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab, an African venture designed to bring innovative, local short form content to the channel, and its digital platforms, while reinforcing the local relevance of the brand.

In this ground-breaking move, the leading network in the kids’ entertainment industry, Cartoon Network is taking another bold step in addressing the gap in locally relevant content which offers a viewing experience that resonates with its African audience. The initiative will encourage African talents: creators, writers, graphic artists, animation students ... in fact anyone who loves kids’ content, to explore their creative, animation and production talents and have the chance to produce a short-form animated comedy to make Cartoon Network viewers across Africa laugh out loud!

“As sponsors of the Discop 2016 Animation Pitching Programme, we were exposed to some really inspiring local animation projects,” says Ariane Suveg, Head of programming and acquisition Turner kids Africa. “We were so impressed by Cape Town-based Punch Monkey Studio’s amazing creative energy in the winning entry, Cloud Life, that the project has been traveling through the Turner group and is now in a development process with the Turner Asia Pacific production team! This just reinforces our need to invest in local content and our commitment to further mentoring talent in the African animation industry.”

Entries for the Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab will be open from 7th June until 31st August 2018 across the continent. African residents, aged 18 and over, or any African-based company, can submit their one-minute to three-minute creative short project which must be in the genre of comedy and fit with Cartoon Network’s values of funny, random, irreverent, smart and contemporary humour. Editorial guidelines can be found on www.CartoonNetworkAfrica.com/CreativeLab.

Ten projects will be short-listed in September, and the local creators will get the opportunity to pitch their work to Cartoon Network Africa’s content programming team. The winner and two runners-up will then be revealed at DISCOP Johannesburg at the end of the year.

The winner and runners-up will be given the opportunity to get their project produced as a pilot with Cartoon Network Africa which will then premiere on Cartoon Network Africa and its digital platforms in 2019.

“We are honoured to be supporting local African animation talent through the Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab. We look forward to seeing the entries and hope to see the winners flourish in their career as content creators, following the footsteps of some of Cartoon Network’s greatest talents.” concludes Ariane Suveg.

NRG Radio Expands To Eldoret And Mombasa By Launching Frequencies

NRG Radio has embarked on its expansion plan launching two frequencies in two key cities in the country, Eldoret (98.4 FM) and Mombasa (96.3 FM), as it seeks to reach a greater audience.

The Eldoret official launch is to take place on Saturday, June 16, at Club Timba where a host of NRG deejays and presenters will host a party with fans from across the county to celebrate its entry to the county. Since its launch in March, the station has grown its operations with the inclusion of new shows and the absorption of #NRGetic MVP’s in the radio routine, giving fresh talent an opportunity in the media realm.

The radio station that is keen on youth culture, has adopted the social audio-visual trend that seeks to capitalize by tapping into the internet penetration’s steady increase. It's model and flexibility allows it to be a launch pad for up and coming local artists as well hence the intention to reach a wider audience in other counties in addition it has a vision and a desire to make a difference while delivering a great music experience.

NRG Radio presenters Timmy T-Dat and Mwalimu Rachel.

NRG Radio brings to Eldoret ad Mombasa a fused radio, digital and visual experience that fuels #NRG for real music lovers. In Nairobi, catch NRG Radio on 91.3 FM.

DStv Treats Subscribers To Enthralling 2018 FIFA World Cup Opener (Photos)

MultiChoice, in its commitment to continually offer its subscribers the best viewing experience, last evening gave them a spectacular treat during the official opening of the 2018 FIFA World Cup live from Russia. DStv subscribers had the chance to view the opening ceremony and maiden match pitting the host nation Russia against Saudi Arabia, in a match that Russia won 5-0.

Hundreds of DStv subscribers experienced an incredible live and in HD match on SuperSport at a viewing ceremony that was held at Nairobi’s Impala Club. The viewing hosted by DStv’s Connect with Greatness brand ambassador Victor Wanyama saw fans excited about the World Cup and the experience that DStv would deliver throughout the month-long tournament. Ahead of the kick-off games, Victor Wanyama took over 80 children from Makini Sports Academy, Moi Educational Centre, and Mainstream Sports Academy through a football camp where he trained them on various football and ball handling skills as part of his efforts in training future footballers.

MultiChoice Kenya Managing Director Eric Odipo said the firm’s key priority was to put subscribers' needs at the heart of everything by providing the highest quality viewing experiences on the TV and across devices for the biggest and best moments of the World Cup from Russia.

“MultiChoice is committed to delivering value to customers through the best football tournament experience on television and on-the-go across portable devices. All DStv viewers, like no one on the continent, will connect with greatness as they experience all 64 matches live and in High Definition on a dedicated SuperSport channel - SuperSport 14, throughout the world cup season. DStv subscribers will also experience additional benefits such as Swahili commentary and on-the-go viewing via the DStv Now and SuperSport apps for an enhanced viewing experience,” Said Eric Odipo, MD MultiChoice Kenya.

Odipo said MultiChoice will constantly strive to deliver value for money to customers by offering them an unmatched viewing experience across our platforms. Be it the best local and international content available from around the world or the 2018 FIFA World Cup, we are committed to delivering the best experience for our subscribers.”

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will also be available to DStv Customers via DStv Now and the SuperSport apps which are available for download via the Android and iOs mobile stores. DStv subscribers will also have a dedicated news channel available throughout the tournament on the SS Blitz Channel.

See more photos from the screening below:

GOtv Subscribers Enjoy Stadium Experience As FIFA World Cup Kicks Off In Russia (Photos)

Last night, GOtv subscribers were relishing the official 2018 FIFA World Cup opening match in style, as they were treated to unmatched front-row viewing of the opening match pitting the host nation Russia against Saudi Arabia at 6pm. Russia humiliated their Asian opponents by thrashing them 5-0 in a one-sided match staged at an 81,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

GOtv subscribers had a full Russian experience at the Panari Hotel along Mombasa Road in Nairobi, where they had a chance to watch the game live from Moscow in the absolute Russian temperatures. They also experienced a range of activities including Russian food, drinks and entertainment in the full GOtv promise of ‘Bringing Russia Home’. Over 200 subscribers took part in several activities including the traditional football face painting of country flags and a number of indoor football games associated with the tournament.

GOtv Kenya General Manager Simon Kariithi said, “Football has a way of bringing people together around shared passions. That is why GOtv remains committed towards ensuring our subscribers access the very best football leagues and tournaments from across the globe at the most affordable price. The World Cup is therefore no exception. GOtv Customers will not miss a minute because GOtv has brought Russia home!"

Kariithi said all GOtv customers will have a chance to get the World Cup experience, with all 64 games available to GOtv Max and GOtv Plus customers at no extra cost. GOtv Max customers will experience Russia live on SuperSport Select 4 with full matches, full highlights, build-ups, interviews, analysis and magazine shows. GOtv Plus customers can watch the live games and shows on Select 1 and Select 2. All build ups to the World Cup will be available on Select 1 and Select 4. GOtv Value customers will also enjoy 56 games while GOtv Lite customers will enjoy a select number of games available on FTA channels.

He said this exciting football bonanza is guaranteed to keep GOtv customers glued to their screens for the month long viewing experience.

More pictures from the live event below:

Region's Biggest Cake Festival Is With Us!

This Saturday, June 16, you have a chance to change someone’s life for the better, as the annual Cake Festival gets underway. The fest, arguably the biggest cake fest in the region, is an all year series of events that culminates to an annual event that treats the public to different cakes and desserts that are available in the market.

This year’s festival, which is the ninth edition will be held at the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters on Lang’ata Road in Nairobi from 9am to 6pm. It seeks to offers a unique opportunity for industry gurus, home based traders, as well as start-ups to open up their service and products to thousands of visitors (up to 5000), and to establish links in the industry under one forum.

The Cake Festival is open to amateur bakers, home based bakers, hobbyists, professional bakers, cake artists and pastry chefs and other stakeholders from hospitality, wedding business, dessert to beverage and kitchen equipment industries all while raising money for a worthy cause. The festival is the perfect place to reach and interact with a significant segment of the public, retail or foodservice buyers and decision makers and give your clients and potential clients an opportunity to a one on one experience with your products and services.

The Cake Festival is a fundraising event organised by the Edumed Trust, a Kenyan trust founded in 1996 with the objective of educating bright needy students. The trust has supported over 363 students, with over 200 past beneficiaries presently in Kenyan public universities and three on full scholarships in universities in Czech Republic, United States of America and China.

Advance tickets are selling at Sh800 for adults and Sh500 for children, Sh1,200 for adults at the gate and Sh700 for children. So, make sure you don’t miss this edition, which promises to offer a lot of fun, while raising money for a good cause!

Maisha Magic East’s Varshita! Cast Meets Fans (Photos)

In line with providing its viewers with the best local entertainment, Maisha Magic East recently organised an exclusive meet-and-greet for fans of its popular show, Varshita!

The comedy show led by lead actor Eve D’souza (Varshita) and Maqbul Mohammend (Donnovan) has grown to become one of the most popular shows on the channel, appealing to viewers of all ages. The Varshita! meet-and-greet event, held at Garden City in Nairobi, attracted children and adults alike who were excited to meet the actors.

Speaking at the event, Head of Channel Maisha Magic East Margaret Mathore assured the viewers and fans of Varshita! of the unrelenting commitment by the channel to continue to serve up the best local content.

She said, “Maisha Magic East has grown to become a popular local content channels across East Africa because of the support of our viewers. Varshita! adds a rich comedy menu into the channel’s offering and has grown to be loved by the young, old and the different cultures represented in our country. It is also a great experience to make our offering tangible for our subscribers as we strive as we improve our customer experiences and engagement. This cast meet-and-greet is just one of the ways we strive to use the power of entertainment to inspire and enrich the lives of our viewers.”

The family event saw over 400 viewers and fans of Varshita! spend an afternoon with the full cast members including the lead actors Eve D’Souza (Varshita), Maqbul Mohammed (Donnovan), Vaishali Morjaria (Mrs Bhatt), Vikash Pattni (Mr Bhatt), Juna Vidyarthi (Manish), Geeta Vidyarthi (Mrs Singh), Mukami Njiru (Mrs Wangombe), Frank Kimami (Mr Wangombe), Kieran Popo (Bobo), Dennis Musyoka (Mutinda), Angella Nancie (Wahu), Shirleen Kiura (May) and Sanaipei Tande (Eva).

Over 100 children who were in attendance had their faces painted and took part in outdoor games. All guests got a chance to take pictures with their favourite cast members and have them autographed.

Varshita! is a comedy show that airs exclusively on Maisha Magic East. It brings to fore the challenges of inter-racial marriages, coupled by the traditional and cultural clashes that exist between an Indian and African family that find themselves in a situation that proves difficult to untangle. The Bhatt’s, an Indian family and the Wangombe’s discover that their children Varshita and Donnovan have been secretly dating for 10 years even as the Bhatt family has been planning a traditional wedding for their daughter to another Indian family.

The situations the couple and their families find themselves in make for a crazy but usually hilarious comedy that depicts a crazy, pathetic and tragic relationship of two lovers who find themselves in an unexplainable love affair. Varshita! airs on Maisha Magic East every Saturday at 7.30pm on DStv (Channel 158) and GOtv (Channel 4).

More photos from the event below: