MaaFleva Partners With The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Entertainment outfit Maafleva Entertainment is set to partner with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kajiado Chapter in a youth programme that aims at increasing youth participation in business.

MaaFleva, which has been undertaking several community led projects, will put to paper the deal, which will seek to promote youth led businesses in the county. According to the unit's CEO Tom Kimintah, while the government and other financial institutions have been pushing for more participation by the youth in business and entrepreneurship, there is little assistance when it comes to capacity building.

MaaFleva CEO Tom Kimintah.

"By partnering with the chamber, MaaFleva Entertainment is able to create a platform where the youth can develop strong business links, leveraging on the expertise accrued over the years, and also given the Chambers specific mission to promote entrepreneurship and increase business membership," he said.

The Search Is On For The Ultimate Comic

Maisha Magic East in partnership with Kenya's comedy king Daniel ‘Churchill’ Ndambuki is in search of Kenya’s ultimate comic. The new reality show dubbed Ultimate Comic is a televised stand-up TV comedy show, which aims to find one rib-cracking stand-up comedian between the age of 18 and 50, to perform comedy acts on stage, created by themselves.

The hunt will begin through auditions in four major towns in Kenya beginning in Mombasa from September 22 and 23, then Kisumu City on September 29 and 30. Auditions will be held in Nakuru on October 6 and 7 and finally Nairobi on October 13 and 14.

Maisha Magic East Head of Channel Margaret Mathore says, “The Ultimate Comic is a platform that Maisha Magic East is offering, for local comedians to showcase their talent. We strive to deliver the shows that people love into their hands and their living rooms while using our influence and resources to play a positive role in Africa. We remain committed to helping to grow our local people and creative industries. This show is a continued sign of that commitment by Maisha Magic East.”

Following the auditions, 40 successful comedians from across the country will be shortlisted to take part in the knock out stages and live shows before the grand finale scheduled for March 2018. In the winner-takes-all show, The Ultimate Comic will have a hefty task of not only bringing rib-cracking stand-up comedy to convince the judges of the show that they are the funniest person, but will have to win the love of the whole country to garner votes for the top position.

Judges include renowned comedians Tony Njuguna, Felix Odiwuor aka Jalang’o and radio host Massawe Japanni. The short listed comedians will also receive mentorship by various top personalities among them Charles Bukeko beter known as Papa Shirandula, MC Jessy, Abel Mutua, Sammy Mwangi, Victor Ber, Carolyne Adong’o and Obillo Ng’ongo.

Daniel "Churchill" Ndambuki.

The show aims to grow new talent in the comedy industry and accord a chance for both the young and old alike to realise their dreams. The winner of The Ultimate Comic will not only have the title Ultimate Comic, but they will also walk away with a TV contract, one million shillings and a brand new car.

It will air on Maisha Magic East from November 4, 2017 at 8.30pm. It becomes the fifth of the 15 local shows to launch on Maisha Magic East for the year 2017/2018 in an aim to promote local productions and in turn support local talent in the film industry. The new comedy reality show will air exclusively on Maisha Magic East on DStv channel 158 and GOtv channel 4, every Saturday at 8.30pm.

Kenya's Exclusive Local Content Broadcaster Raia TV Set For Launch

The migration from analog to digital transmission in broadcasting has opened up a new world of possibilities. This has made it possible for many Kenyans to realise their dreams which before was just but a mirage.

Among those who have benefited from this are two renowned producers of local Kenyan content; Ann Hamberger and Henry Lenga. The two are renowned for their exciting and entertaining Swahili movies and series which have previously aired on our local stations and also on Maisha Magic. Out of the limited airplay given to the Swahili local content, the two felt the need to start their own station to bridge the gap.

Raia TV CEO Ann Hamberger and Executive Director Henry Lenga.

On October 6 this year, a new free-to-air TV station that will be airing local Swahili entertainment is set to be launched. Raia TV will be broadcasting 100 per cent pure local entertainment, showing movies, series, soaps, comedies, dramas, reality shows, talk shows and features back to back. The station is aimed at promoting and give opportunity to the local content producers giving them a platform to showcase their talents. True to its name, Raia TV, is targeted to resonate with the normal mwananchi –Raia.

Though broadcasting from Mombasa city, Raia TV will also be viewed in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Meru and Nyeri, before rolling out countrywide viewership.

"Others will also be able to watch us on the online stream and soon we shall be launching a Video On Demand (VOD) platform," says Hamberger.

This station will increase uptake of local content, and hence, more job opportunities for the youth in Kenya. Raia TV will make it possible for Kenyans at large to enjoy the digital dividend.

The new station is the brainchild of of Ashiner Pictures' Ann and Henry, who are the CEO and Executive Director of Raia TV respectively. The two have been producing swahili local content for over a decade, with TV series shows such as Majaliwa, Cheche, Udhalimu, Almasi, Sumu, Kashfa, Nyota and Utandu, among others. A majority of them have gone ahead to win awards locally and internationally.

Others are movies such as Sakalakata, Nafsi Lawama, Kisase, Haini, Wazuzi, Consequences, Gift from the Curse, Lulu, Taswira and Heart and Soul, which have all aired on Maisha Magic Swahili, and also on Tanzania's Azam TV. It will broadcast on the PANG signal and the channel number will be revealed during the launch.

Singer 2GB Diva Teams Up With Zikki In New Jam

Dubai-based Kenyan singer, songwriter and performing artiste 2GB Diva jetted back in the country a few weeks ago to work on a number of projects, something she calls keeping in touch with my roots.

As part of her artistic duty, to be the mouthpiece for the society, 2GB teamed up with Mombasa-based artiste Shephard to unveil Amani, a single that aimed to preach peace during this year’s election period.

Releasing her latest single dubbed Nikujue, a Swahili word for I want to know you. In this new track, the very talented young star joins forces with Take It Slow hitmakers Zikki. Nikujue, a soulful Afro pop track that is set to take local airwaves by storm is smooth, laid back and vey relatable. It tells a story of two young lovers who would love to advance their relationship as love and attraction keep growing.

While conservative 2GB Diva maintains her style of music, which is mostly Swahili influenced, Zikki’s urban style brings in the street love feel in this joint and the results are impeccable.
Produced by So Fresh, the song is accompanied by stunning visuals starring 2GB Diva and Zikki which were directed by Zezzoh Monts for NF Inc.

Watch the video below:

DStv Lines Up Special Programmes To Celebrate The Life Of Princess Diana

DStv is joining the world in commemorating the life of Princess Diana in a series of documentaries that will be showcased on various channels this August and September. There has been a lot of intrigue surrounding the Princess of Wales before and after her death aged 36 on August 31, 1997 following a tragic high-speed car crash in Paris; from speculation on her personal life, to various conspiracy theories about the tragic accident that led to her death.

Tune in to DStv for some insight and a commemorative look back at Princess Diana‘s life, as well as the tragic death from a variety of media personalities and biographers. Below are some of the highlights dedicated to the 20-year tribute of Princess Diana’s death:

The Last 100 Days of Diana: Retracing what was a touching event of Princess Diana’s first and last summer as a single woman. In between romance, paparazzi and her tragic untimely death in a car accident. The two-hour long documentary hosted by former ABC News co-anchor Martin Bashir. Tune in on Friday, August 25 20:30 EAT on M-Net. You can also catch Princess Diana: Her Life - Her Death - The Truth, hosted by Gayle King - coming to M-Net on September 1 at 20:00 EAT.

Death of Diana: This extraordinary untold story unlocks the answers to Diana’s fate through a series of shocking revelations. The car she was travelling in on that fatal was badly damaged in crash and declared a write-off more than two years before the Alma Tunnel tragedy. It also reveals how the car was spared the scrapheap and came to join the Ritz’s limousine service. The film features exclusive testimony from contributors and witnesses, including members of the investigation team and emergency services who were first to arrive on the scene of the crash, with some speaking out for the first time ever. Tune in on Sunday, September 3 at 21:15 EAT on the History Channel.

Diana and the Paparazzi: The People’s Princess and darling of the media, Diana was the most sought after and photographed woman in the world, with newspapers and magazines paid fortunes to get hold of circulation boosting pictures of her. Diana and Paparazzi looks into the Princess’s love-hate relationship with the peoples who courted and hunted her. Those closest to Diana will reveal how she enjoyed using the press for her own ends and told stories through pictures. Airs on Thursday, August 31 at 21:00 EAT on iTV.

Diana: The Day the World Cried: Kate Winslet’s narration Diana’s Funeral is the story of the day, as told by people who were there. From famous faces at Westminster Abbey to those behind the scenes such as the funeral’s chief architect Sir Malcolm Ross who had just six days to plan the whole event; chief pallbearer Captain Richard Williams who had the weight of the nation on his and his men’s shoulders plus the former Royal Protection Officer who looked after Diana and the two Princes and travelled in the hearse with Diana’s coffin. Tune in on Friday, September 1 at 21:00 EAT on iTV.

Princess Diana: Tragedy or Treason: Diana, Princess of Wales, was both the style and substance, fashion idol and a humanitarian. The documentary series examines new evidence and features exclusive interviews from insiders to shed new light on the life and death of one of history’s most beloved figures. She redefined what it meant to be royal, so much so that many feared she would ultimately bring down the monarchy. Instead, through her legacy, she ended up saving it. Tune in to TLC Entertainment from Thursday, August 31 at 21:00 EAT.

Kalasha International Film & TV Festival 2017 Calls For Entries

Registration has opened for film, TV and creative players to join this year's edition of the Kalasha International Film & TV Festival & Market. Kalasha International is an initiative of the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), bringing under one roof a film festival, film and TV awards and market.

It offers all film, TV, creative professionals a unique platform to discuss, collaborate and develop new business opportunities in the fast growing East African region. KFC is urging interested players to submit their films and registrations before the stipulated deadlines.

Deadline for submission of films is September 15. The festival and market is scheduled to run between October 16-21 in Nairobi. The Kalasha Film & TV Trade Show will held on October 18 & 20, will showcase Kenyan, East African and pan-African companies under pavilions, while the TV and film players will attend as participants.

The film festival will be held for the period in various venues throughout Kenya. Eligible entries will be from the entire continent and screenings will be organised in various theatres and venues. The 2017 Kalasha Film & TV Awards ceremony will bring down the curtains on the five-day event on October 21.

According to KFC, the range of the categories has increased to incorporate a new category called East African. Filmmakers in the region can follow the link www.kalashainternational.com

to enter films for the awards ceremony.

Apass: Kenya's Avril Is Simply Amazing!

Ugandan award winning Reggae and Dancehall artiste Apass has described sexy Kenyan singer and actress Avril as "amazing". He has spoken at a time when the two have just released a collaborative single dubbed Babiee.

Avril

The song is an upbeat feel good song that gets your head bopping. It's the first time the duo is working on a project together.

"Saint P and I came up with the song when we were jamming in studio and thought it would be a really great song," says Avril.

"The song was a different concept and it was something I wanted to do. When the song was presented to me, I instantly liked it and felt like jumping on it," says Apass.

He adds: "I was so humbled to work with Avril and her whole team. It was amazing. It is amazing how music works, you don't know someone, they don't know you, but they know your music and like what you do and you happen to like what they do as well. It was a very good project to do. I give thanks." 

"Working with Apass was amazing. His work ethic and great spirit just made everything work so well. I am humbled to have worked on a song with him," adds Avril. 

Apass

The two artistes have not ruled out working on another project together in the near future. Babiee was produced by Saint P and the video was directed by J Blessing. 

Apass is best known for hits such as Gamululu and Marianna. Four of his songs were featured as soundtracks in the acclaimed Disney Film Queen of Katwe, which starred sensational Hollywood and Oscar winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o.

Watch Babiee below: