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In Camp Mulla’s Shoes: International Artistes That Fell Victim To Strict Visa Regulations

It is unfortunate that Camp Mulla will not be able to travel to the U.S. for the BET Awards. But the subject of artistes missing chances to showcase their work at big stages is not new. Bigger artistes have missed bigger shows. Usually timing and logistical issues are to blame in such scenarios.

Lilly Allen had her Visa revoked after getting involved in a fight with British paparazzi just as she was about to appear at the MTV Video Music Awards. A reason was never given but it is believed to be due to her arrest after the incident.

Earlier this year, Spanish star, Pitingo found that his name was on a “no fly” list after going to pick up his Visa for an already planned show in the U.S. The singer unfortunately shared a name with a known terrorist. Even though the Embassy in Madrid knew he wasn’t the one, they had to follow rules and freeze the process.

The story closest to Camp Mulla is Amy Winehouse’s. She could also not get her Visa processed in time. It finally was but it was too late to travel for the biggest music awards show where she had been nominated for six Grammies. She had to not only receive her awards but perform via satellite. Winehouse’s Visa was approved barely 48 hours before the Grammy telecast. It had previously been denied due to a drug violation, which Winehouse had apparently breached.

Thanks to 9/11, Visa regulations have not only become stricter but there are very few special considerations. The U.S. Embassies around the world are more wary and leave no space for slip-ups. In case anything goes wrong, their considerations will be treated as blunders.

UH-OH: TPF’s Jackson is already a professional musician

Ladies and gents, you heard it here first!

This TPF cycle’s Jackson (from Rwanda) is actually a professional musician.

An anonymous source tipped us to the existence of the Rwandese contestant’s song titled “Number One” which was released about a year ago -actually, exactly a year ago tomorrow. The proverbial plot thickens like Papa Bear’s porridge as it has also come to light that the track features Shanel who was the TPF judge in Rwanda’s round of auditions.

JACKSON TPF

This whole affair is dodgy at best seeing as the whole premise of the show is that it introduces amateur acts to stardom.

 

 

 

So here the music video is, check it out!

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Camp Mulla’s Visa Hitches: A Case of Missed Opportunities

So, news hit the Interwebs that Camp Mulla might not perform at the BET Awards. But this is not the first time this is happening to the group. The group seems to run into bad luck every time they have to make big appearances.

A few months ago, the group was considered good enough to perform at the opening of the biggest shows on the continent, Big Brother. But a few days to the show, it was reported that the group would not be able to perform at the premiere of one of the most watched shows in Africa. They managed to later perform at one of BBA’s eviction shows, though.

Barely two months later, it has happened again. The date the group was scheduled to interview for Visas was too close to the awards ceremony. They unsuccessfully petitioned to have the interview deferred to an earlier date. An awards show appearance is not a case serious enough for the U.S. Embassy to treat with special consideration.

Their BET nomination and appearance was a much hyped affair, with the young group getting a lot of airtime on media and fueling debate on the group’s success on social networks. The group has missed the two biggest chances of their career, but they talented. In the end, that’s all that matters.

Here Are Translations To The Alleged Kikuyu Hate Speech Songs

For the many who cannot hear Kikuyu, our friend Evans has translated snippets of the songs and in Demathew’s case explained the nuances as he sings in parables. You can ask your Kikuyu friends to translate further.

Uhuru ni Witu (Uhuru is Ours) – Kamande wa Kioi

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Translated snippets:
Greetings people of the house of Gikuyu and
Mumbi. I bring you a message from all Kikuyu
musicians. This is a message from God. Uhuru
is the Moses of the Kikuyu nation. He is meant
to move Kikuyus from Egypt to Canaan. Do not
agree to be divided. Let all votes go to him. He
is ours. He is anointed by God, poured oil on.
Raila, there is a call. Go to Mama Ngina’s
house, a king has been born there. Once
there ask where Uhuru is seated and pour oil
on him. Just like Samuel did for David in the
Bible. Stop chasing the wind Agwambo, go to
Icaweri and anoint Uhuru.
You thump your chest about Hague, is Hague
your mother’s? There is a curse from God.
Philistines who do not circumcise cannot lead
Israel. When Abraham stressed God, he was
told to go get cut, even you General of
Migingo, your knife is being sharpened.

Hague Bound – Muigai Wa Njoroge and Muhiko

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Translated snippets:
Question: If it was you who is being pushed
to The Hague what would you do?
Answer: I would call my family and divide up
my property and then ask my mother to pray
for me.
Question: What if you knew that Hague you
are being pushed there by an uncircumcised
man who wants to push you there and take
over your wife and all your wealth? A man
who can do anything to ensure you are in
problems.
Answer: There it is better to die. Things for a
man are not governed by an uncircumcised
man. I would kill him. Its better they increase
my charges.
Question: What would you tell your crying
supporters as you are being shipped to
Hague?
Answer: I would tell them to pray for me and
know I am being persecuted for my love of
my community.
Question: When you get to Hague how you
would ensure the white man does not cheat
you?
Answer: I would ask for proceedings to be
done in Kikuyu.
Question: When on the dock what would you
be thinking of the uncircumcised man who is
the source of your predicament?
Answer: I would ask God to forgive him. I
would also ask that he gets circumcised so
that he matures mentally. I would also ask
Kenyans to be very wary of that man.

Mwaka wa hiti (The year of the hyena) – Demathew

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Translated and explained snippets:
As Demathew I prophesize and let the stones
hear me if men wont.
It is now the year of the hyena. Who will teach
you and your ears are blocked?
When a man is seated he sees further than a
boy on top of a tree.
You are like a greedy hyena seeing a man
walk and following him hoping that his arm
will drop off. You follow him till he boards the
train and the arm does not drop and you
never eat. (A reference to all that may benefit
from ICC)
Before Jesus was crucified He stood in the
court Judge Pilato and he answered all
questions, Judge Pilato said Jesus is free but
the crowd asked that a thief be freed instead.
(ICC will show Uhuru’s innocence)
Where are you (Peter Kenneth) from? If you
were one of us, you would be pained by the
people burnt in Kiambaa church. My brother
lost his property in Kisumu, how can you tell
us he (Raila) is our community’s friend.
Father (Jomo Kenyatta) I feel sad when I see
your son (Uhuru) being persecuted by men of
ill-will and a woman (Martha Karua) is
carrying their bags.
In-law (Kalonzo) things are not going well for
you now. You are clueless and your matters
are now being discussed by women in the
market. But I still remember how you saved
me (after 2007 elections) when leopards had
attacked me.

Art & Beer Fest is Back

Art & Beer Festival is back. The cultural event celebrates Kenyan culture as it raises awareness on community development. They organizers are focusing on youth development and children’s rights. The event also seeks to recognize Kenyan heroes and reward them.

Art & Beer Fest is a 48-hour spectacle that features–among others–art exhibitions, food and drink, auto and motorcycle art, fashion and even a midnight lingerie show. It gives upcoming and established artists a platform to showcase their work and facilitates the promotion of local culture.

The festival hopes to stage reputable events for a local and international audience as it raises awareness on Kenyan culture and trends. They also seek to raise funds for community development projects.

The first event took place on 10th and 11th March this year and the second edition returns on the 28th and 29th of July at the Ngong’ Racecourse.

Suzanna Owiyo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Oliver Mtukudzi Hook Up For Collabo

Suzanna Owiyo will be recording a track with Oliver Mtukudzi of Zimbabwe and South Africa’s Yvonne Chaka Chaka. The song is being recorded as part of the Plan International’s Because I Am A Girl campaign and it aims to sensitize the public on girl child issues.

Suzanna Owiyo started singing as a child and joined Sally Oyugi as a back-up singer in the late ’90s. She went on perform at some of the biggest stages on the planet, including a Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Oliver Mtukudzi is one of the hardest working musicians in the world, with over 50 albums released over a 34-year period.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka has been active in the African music scene for over 20 years and is responsible for some of the continent’s most recognizable pop songs, from Thank You Mr. DJ to Umqombothi. Amason Kingi, the Minister for Industrialization launched the campaign in Nairobi.

“Alpha Was a Challenge to Work With” says UMG’s and TPF Judge Foster

Gerrard Forster, the Head of New Business Development for Sub-Saharan Africa for UMG International, who is also the fourth judge in Tusker project fame 5 has come out strongly over remarks by former TPF contestant Alpha in the media this week.

“Alpha was a challenge to work with. First of all he went missing for six months and Gallo could not find him. He also refused to take up the contract so I don’t see how EABL could have sponsored his Rwanda concerts when he had already rejected their first offer,” Gerald told Word Is.

Alpha was claiming that EABL do not support the stars that they produce from the leading reality TV show in the region, going on to state in a Facebook post that other TPF products such as Valerie Kimani could attest to such but do not willingly come out and say it.

Click here to read more about Alpha’s post

Gerard also went on to state that the faculty and the judges have the toughest job in Tusker Project Fame because they saw growth and progress in the musicians and had to mould them to be the best.

The fifth edition of Tusker Project Fame now features a narrowed down list of ten contestants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Southern Sudan and Burundi battling it out for the top prize – a  KSh5 million cash prize and a recording deal worth KSh10 million with Universal Music Group, one of the world’s leading music production and merchandising companies.

 


Kikuyu Musician Kamande Wa Kioi To Be Charged In Court

According to our sources, Kamande wa Kioi will be charged in Court next Tuesday after National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) completed investigations into alleged hate speech in one of his songs.

Kioi was presented at the NCIC offices by an officer from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) where he recorded a statement and was also made aware of the charges he will be facing.
A commission officer who spoke to Capital FM News on condition of anonymity said that the NCIC had used a translator to know the content of Kioi’s song, ‘Uhuru ni Witu’ (Uhuru is ours).
“We have had him for close to three hours, in line with natural justice we summoned him to appear, he did and he has been informed of the charges against him,” said the officer who refused to disclose the charges to be preferred against the musician.
After he was made aware of the charges he was arrested and taken to the Kilimani police station. He was later released on a cash bail of Sh10,000.
The source said: “Kioi has pleaded with the commission not to recommend his arrest and had wanted to be taken back to Kilimani and be released on bond.”
Kioi who was also accompanied by a man said to be his manager refused to speak to the media who had camped outside the NCIC office in Upper Hill.
Two other musicians John DeMathew and Muigai wa Njoroge also under investigation failed to honour summons to appear and police are said to be looking for them.
The NCIC flagged the songs, ‘Mwaka wa Hiti’ (year of the hyena) by DeMathew, Muigai wa Njoroge’s ‘Hague bound’ and ‘Uhuru ni Witu’ by Kamande wa Kioi after public complaints.
According to the National Cohesion and Integration Act, if the musicians are found guilty of hate speech, they will be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or a fine of Sh1 million or both.
“A person who distributes, shows or plays a recording of visual image or provides, produces or directs a programme which involves use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour commits an offence if such person intends thereby to stir up ethnic hatred or having regard to all the circumstances, ethnic hatred is likely to be stirred up,” the Act states in part.
A radio station that plays the music would be liable to a fine not exceeding Sh1 million according to the Act.

Kenrazy Drops His Mixtape Today!

Kenyan rapper KenRazy drops his mixtape, the Best Lyricist, today and will be retailing only at Kshs. 100. Keep it Ghafla! for more information on where the mixtapes will be available and for a review of the tracks on the limited edition.

What are your expectations of Kenrazy’s new music?

Video Release: Rabbit’s Swahili Shakespeare

The video for Rabbit’s Swahili Shakespeare is finally out. The video matches the tracks mellowness and captures the thoughtfulness of the rapper’s sombre lyrics. The video was shot by Crimson Son of Tattuah Films and the song produced by Kaka Empire Studios’ Sappy. The song is off the mixtape, The Last King Of… Rabbit a.k.a Kaka Sungura also unveiled the lyrics to the song on his Facebook page. Check out the video below.
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VKP, Adawnage and Zidi Band To Help Out Orphanage

Kenyan gospel group V.K.P will visit children at the Riruta Shade Orphanage on the 30th of June 2012, together with friends and fellow gospel bands Adawnage and Zidi the Band.

The visit is dubbed ‘SEEDLINGS KWA MA SIBLINGS’ and is meant to set up a kitchen garden for the orphanage to curb the expenses of purchasing vegetables from now and then which proves rather expensive for the home. 

The bands, set to perform as well, plan to host a party for the kids so they may have a fun day and share in teh celebration.

To contribute or be part of this mission, it’s highly appreciated to do that through monetary support or the donation of foodstuffs. The forray happens to be open to anyone with a big heart for charity and the kids.

To get in contact with the coordinators, call the numbers 0710910515, 0726271062 or 0723423280.

ATTENTION HIPHOP HEADS! HOT NEW MUSIC FROM COOLA GANG’S KAPELLA!

This is for all you hiphop heads out there who have been getting rather thin off the diet of real ill hiphop!

Coola Gangs general Kapella has just unleashed a monster of a hiphop jam for all of you!

The wait is over! It would seem that these guys aren’t playing around! After dropping a mixtape titled “The College Handbook”, these guys aren’t letting up and Kapella is leading the onslaught!

Kapella’s new track is titled “Sticks and Stones” is just what the doctor ordered and i believe that if they can keep this up, they will soon be the ones representing the country at BET!
Give the track a listen.

OMG! Another hot cypher already out

First thing’s first, I love the beats on this cypher. Awesome work Suspect Zer’o. It just defines and reflects on hip hop and goes with any kind of flow that a rapper may choose to rap with.

With the number of cyphers currently flooding the social media, your’s has to be really good to actually be noticed, and that is exactly what this is.

The ‘Class in Session Cypher‘ contains rappers, Konkodi, Mindless, Robatoz, Bluntts, Don Gotti, Lyricist, Stage Freak, Binadam, GKV, Elisketch and Ojiji.

You might recognise Elisketch and Ojiji from many freestyle sessions from way back. They may just qualify to be two of the best rappers around.

Check out the video below.

Pic Of The Day: Chris Kirubi Is 100% #TeamCampMulla

Business man and industrialist Chris Kirubi came out early today fully supporting Kenya’s hip hop group Camp Mulla for their BET nomination.

On his twitter feed this morning, Mr. Kirubi wrote:

@CampMulla My friends,I wish you all the best as you represent Kenya & EastAfrica. I’m a 100% ‪#TeamCampMulla‬ ‪#BETAwards

Attached to the tweet he posted the picture above.

Sauti Sol performing tomorrow at Sheebeen

One of Kenya’s favorite bands will once again thrill fans with their awesome performances that usually leave them begging for more.

Sauti Sol will be performing at the Sheebeen Bar, Upperhill, Menengai Road, this Saturday the 30Th from 7PM till midnight.

Entrance will be free and open to all.

Grapevine Host Anyiko Featured on the Cover of ‘Healthy Woman’

Celebrated magazine show host and label manager Anyiko Owoko appears on the cover of the July edition of Healthy Woman magazine.

Anyiko, who is the new regional label manager at leading record label Penya Africa, features on the fifth edition of the magazine which was launched into the market earlier this year by Atlas media. Healthy Woman is the first of its kind in the region.

Kenyan media personally Catherine Kasavuli was present at the launch in March 2012 which was held at the Royal Club and endorsed the magazine.

Anyiko is the host of KBC’s popular Grapevine urban show as well as the regional label manager at Penya Africa, on to which Kenyan maga-stars like Sauti Sol and Dela are signed.

Here’s a peek at the cover:

Music concert in the UK to raise funds for Kenyan children

More than 150 musicians from various genres of music including Broadway, Opera, Cinema and The Welsh Cannon will be coming together in performance this Saturday 30Th June, according to sources.

The event meant to raise funds for The Kenya Children of Hope organisation will be held at Brangwyn hall, Swansea, in The UK.

The highlights of the day will include performances from Hallelujah Chorus and Phanto of the Opera.

The event kicks off at 7PM and all the proceeding will come back to Nairobi for the Kenya Children of Hope children’s home.

Video Release: STL’s Bad As I Wanna Be

The video for Stella Mwangi’s Bad As I Wanna Be is finally out here. The trailer was released a few days ago and all the signs pointed to a seriously bad-a** video. It doesn’t disappoint. The audio teaser pointed to a high tempo song but the video starts out mellow and slowly eases into the main track.

The video is directed by Christian Bastiansen and mostly features sporting shots, even STL reps the Bulls in the video.  The song was released a few hours ago on iTunes and a couple of other sites for purchase. The teasers for the other videos she shot in the country are yet to be released. The rapper is expected to perform the song live for the first time tonight at a yet-to-be confirmed venue.

Juliani’s documentary to be launched this Sunday

Juliani is all set and ready to launch his much anticipated documentary that is set to be launched this Sunday, July 1St.

The documentary will take us through the life of Juliani as a youth in Dandora, and how he ended up becoming a rapper and joining the Ukoo Flani Hip Hop group. It will also cover the time he spent on a road trip with five lucky super fans.

The launch will take place at the Dandora Stadium, Tom Mboya Grounds, Dandora from 2PM until 5PM. The event will have Fred Omondi as the MC and various hip hop artistes will be performing, including Juliani himself, Wenyeji, Washamba Wenza, Mashifta, Zaka and Agano just to name a few.

Entrance is free and pick-up will be available at the KICC, parking lot area from 1:30PM.

Kenya’s First Professionally Done Flash Mob?

Following a recent branded campaign in Uganda by Bharti Airtel and featuring a flash mob that did a fantastic job, Kenyans have been wondering whether we could pull off our very own flash mob.

Blogger and Event Organizer Buddha Blaze put together arguably Kenya’s first professionally done flash mob at a series of shopping centers around the city in a drum up to an event set to take place this coming weekend.

Click here to check out the Ugandan flash mob

The flash mobs took place at the Westgate Shopping Mall and at the Village Market in Nairobi’s leafy northern suburbs. These were set as promotions for an upcoming Michael Jackson tribute concert at the Carnivore.

Click here to read more about the Tribute concert

Check out the flash mobs helow…

Another one from Rosy Ohon. Already?

This must be the most hard working gospel artiste so far. Just last week we told you guys about her latest track and how she has released an English version of it, ‘Bless me‘.

Now, she has just done the video of one of her songs that was released quite some time ago and is already one of her fans’ favorite songs. The video for ‘watoto’ is as educational as the lyrics.

Basically, the song talks about the mistreatment that children often face in the hands of their single parent’s spouse and is a real eye opener.

Have a look at the video below and get the lyrics here.

Awesome. Check out the Demarco, Wayne Wonder and Madtraxx’s concert promo

So, you already know about the huge concert that is set to take place this August 18Th in Uganda. Jamaican artistes, Demarco and Wayne Wonder will be performing alongside Madtraxx and this has been predicted as the biggest concert to ever happen in Uganda.

A video promo has now been launched, just to give you a taste of what to expect at the concert. This is just awesome. Check it out.

Ghafla! Top 7 Chart (29th June 2012)

The Ghafla! Top 7 Chart has a new single claiming the top spot this week as a couple of ‘All Stars’ make a strong entrance into the chart for the first time.

DNA’s Maswali Ya Polisi seems to be getting mad love with all the enquiries and votes, pushing it to an enviable position on the chart as Keko and Madtraxx slip down but hold steady.

We’re listing the most popular LOCAL music in Kenya, based on radio airplay, tweets/comments and requests, lyrical searches right here on Ghafla! Lyrics as well as through weekly polls which we will feature soon.

Here are the current TOP 7 tunes ruling the airwaves and request lines in Kenya for the final week of June 2012. Remember, you can also vote for your favourite songs simply by looking up the lyrics to the songs on our website, commenting on our Facebook page Ghafla! Kenya, tweeting us your favourites to @ghaflakenya with the tag #ghaflatop7, or voting for them in the comments section below.

Here’s this weeks Top 7 chart:

1. Vile Inafaa – Muthoni the Drummer Queen feat. Octopizzo

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2. Make You Dance – Keko feat. Madtraxx

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3. Maswali Ya Polisi – DNA

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4. Mbona – Daddy Owen

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5. Class in Session Cypher – All Stars

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6. Girls Night Out – Habida

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7. Mwambie – M.O.G

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This week, as an extra bite, we’d love you to have a look at a brand new gospel video by artiste Grace Muna.

Check out the video below:

Hakuna – Grace Muna

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Check Out This Hot Abass Freestyle

Abbas started as one half of one of the most iconic groups in the Kenyan music industry and the pioneers of contemporary local music, K-South. The artiste has managed to not only be consistent but has found success as a solo artiste, producing some of the most memorable tracks in the Kenyan music space.

Here is a freestyle the rapper did for Ghetto Radio earlier this year. Apart from cementing his credentials as one of Kenya’s finest lyricists, he also calls out the haters and intimidates beef-ers. Check out the freestyle below.

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Goldie: I have forgotten all about Prezzo

It seems that Goldie has finally broken away from the chains that were Prezzo’s charms. She is finally free and you can even see the glow in her face as she tell this to Biggie in her diary session.

a jovial Goldie walked into the diary room and when Biggie asked her about her relationship with Prezzo, with a smile in her face she said, “I have forgiven him but I have also forgotten him”.

This is quite surprising considering that most of the viewer and housemates were expecting a sad and grumpy Goldie with tears all over. I’m sure Prezzo is as confused as we all are and obviously a little disappointed since he always thought he was her rock as he recently stated “if something should happen to us, she would die.” Guess not.

Goldie is finally back to her real self. Let’s watch and see if she can hold it together.

STL’s Bad As I Wanna Be Track Finally Out

One of the most awaited tracks of the year is out. Stella Mwangi’s Bad As I Wanna Be is now available on iTunes for 12.00 Kroner, same as most of her tracks on the media purchasing site. The amount is equivalent to about 170 Kenyan Shillings.

The video for the much anticipated track is also expected to come out later today. You can check out the teaser for the video here. You can listen to the teaser for the audio track below, then head over to iTunes here and buy the full track. The track is also available for purchase on Spotify, WIMP and platekompaniet.
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New Music Alert! Eko Dydda Celebrates the ‘Beautiful People’

2012 Groove Awards Male Artiste of the Year Eko Dydda is on a (holy) rampage with the highly anticipated video release to the single ‘Beautiful People’.

In an a growing trend by local gospel artistes highlighting issues which affect the society, Beautiful People seeks to address the ugly head of tribalism in Kenya. Eko advises Kenyans to look beyond cultural and ethnic differences and appreciate each other for the ‘beautiful people’ that we are.

Beautifully shot as well by Link Video Global and shot primarily along Kenyatta Avenue, the video will surely be a success for the seasoned artiste. Here’s the video….

Jannette: I don’t love Malonza. I am just attracted to him

Speculations have been that Uganda’s Jannette is madly in-love with Kenya’s Malonza. It is just yesterday that she made clear what she feels for Malonza, at-least she says so, but we know better.

During her diary session with her partner, it was exposed that Jannette is in-love with Malonza. Kyle, her partner, stated that she had told him this earlier. Jannette denied this allegations and said that the feeling were history and that she no longer carries those feelings.

“Am just attracted  to him but I don’t love him,” Jannette told Kyle. She explains the kisses she has shared with Malonza as just simple attraction and nothing more.

I have a feeling that Malonza will be more than happy to hear about this as he is obviously interested in more than just Jannette as we all know by now.

Ghafla! Movies This Weekend (29th June 2012)

It’s that time of the week again when we bring you highlights of what to catch at cinemas around Nairobi. There’s one premiere this week as most of the other screenings remain unchanged, but rest assured that summer is here in full swing, though it’s absolutely cold in Nairobi, but expected releases are in abundance.

Animation franchise Madagscar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted slipped to second place on the International Box Office, succeeding to newcomer and rival Pixar’s Brave which scooped an impressive $66million (approximately Kshs. 5.6 Billion) on its opening week, after close to a year of anticipation. 

Below is the bouquette of titles you can enjoy at the theatres from the weekend of June 29th-July 1st 2012: 

The regional premiere of:

MIRROR MIRROR

Genre: Adventure, Comedy

Starring: Lily Collins and Julia Roberts

After a beloved King vanishes, his ruthless wife seizes control of the kingdom and keeps her beautiful 18-year-old stepdaughter, Snow White, hidden away in the palace. But when the princess attracts the attention of a charming and wealthy visiting prince, the jealous Queen banishes the girl to a nearby forest. Taken in by a band of rebellious but kindhearted dwarfs, Snow White blossoms into a brave young woman determined to save her country from the Queen. With the support of her new friends, she roars into action to reclaim her birthright and win back her Prince in this magical adventure comedy that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.

movies - mirror

SHOWING AT:

Fox Cineplex Sarit Center

*****

MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE’S MOST WANTED (IN 3D)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Starring: (the voices of) Jada Pinkett Smith and Ben Stiller

Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman are still trying to get back to the Big Apple and their beloved Central Park zoo, but first they need to find the penguins. They travel to Monte Carlo where they attract the attention of Animal Control after gate crashing a party and are joined by the penguins, King Julian and Co., the monkeys and a new arrival: a performing llama. How do a lion, zebra, hippo, giraffe, four penguins, two monkeys, three lemurs and a llama travel through Europe without attracting attention? They join a traveling circus.

movie - mada

SHOWING AT:

IMAX XX Century, Mama Ngina Street

Fox Capital Center

Fox Cineplex, Sarit Center

*****

PROMETHEUS (IN 3D)

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Horror

Starring: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall Green and Michael Fassbender.

A team of scientists journey through the universe on the spaceship “Prometheus” on a voyage to investigate Alien life forms. The team of scientists becomes stranded on an Alien world, and as they struggle to survive it becomes clear that the horrors they experience are not just a threat to themselves, but to all of mankind.

movie - prometheus

SHOWING AT:

Starflix Prestige

Nu Metro Westgate

*****

MEN IN BLACK III (IN 3D)

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Comedy

Starring: Will Smith, Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones

An alien criminal kills the young Agent K in 1969, altering the timeline, changing the Agency and placing the Earth in danger. Veteran Agent J (Will Smith) must travel back in time to 1969 to before the murder and work with the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) to save him, the Agency, the Earth and humanity itself.

movies men in black

SHOWING AT:

Nu Metro Westgate

Fox Cineplex Sarit

Starfilx Prestige

*****

GOOD DEEDS

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Starring: Tyler Perry and Gabrielle Union

Ghalfa Rating: 7/10

Businessman Wesley Deeds is jolted out of his scripted life when he meets Lindsey, a single mother who works on the cleaning crew in his office building.

movies - good

SHOWING AT:

Starflix Prestige

*****

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrisson and Jennifer Lopez

Ghafla Rating: 5.5/10

Inspired by the perennial New York Times bestseller of the same name, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is a hilarious and heartfelt big screen comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood. Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don’t stand a chance against the surprise demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and advocate Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy’s husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who’s expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler. Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn’t so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a “dudes” support group..

movies - what

SHOWING AT:

Starflix Westgate

*****

THE AVENGERS IN 3D

Genre: Fantasy, Action, Sci Fi

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L Jackson

Ghafla Rating: 9/10

A 2012 American superhero film produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures1, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. It is the sixth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film was written and directed by Joss Whedon and features an ensemble cast, which includes Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, and Samuel L. Jackson. In The Avengers, Nick Fury, director of the peacekeeping organization S.H.I.E.L.D., recruits Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, and Captain America to save the world from destruction.
Development of The Avengers began when Marvel Studios received a grant from Merrill Lynch in April 2005. After the success of the film Iron Man in May 2008, Marvel announced that The Avengers would be released in July 2011. With the signing of Scarlett Johansson in March 2009, the film was pushed back for a 2012 release. Whedon was brought on board in April 2010 and rewrote the screenplay that was originally written by Zak Penn. Production began in April 2011 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before moving to Cleveland, Ohio in August 2011 and New York City in September 2011. The film was converted to 3D in post-production.

avengers

SHOWING AT:

Nu Metro Westgate

Fox Cineplex Sarit Center

Starflix Prestige

*****

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure

Starring: Christen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth

Ghafla Rating: 7.5/10

Snow White is the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen. Unable to tolerate the insult to her vanity, the evil queen decides that Snow White must die. The queen sends a huntsman to kill Snow White. However the huntsman finds himself unable to murder the innocent young woman, and instead ends up training her to become a warrior capable of threatening the queen’s reign.

movie - snow

SHOWING AT:

Starflix Village Market

Fox Cineplex, Sarit Centre

*****

ONE FOR THE MONEY

Genre: Action, Comedy

Starring: Katherine Heigl and Jason O’Mara

Ghafla Rating: 5/10

Jersey girl Stephanie Plum after losing her job, is broke. Needing a job she is told that her cousin, a bail bondsman, needs someone to help out in the office. But all he has are skip tracers. She learns that Joe Morelli, a guy she knew intimately years ago, is one of them. She eventually finds him but wasn’t really prepared so he gets away. Another bounty hunter, Ranger tries to teach her. Eventually she finds him again but he claims he is innocent of the crime he is accused of and he is trying to prove his innocence. Eventually Stephanie thinks he’s telling the truth so she stakes out the person who can help him but she only finds herself in trouble and Morelli saves her. She tries to find someone who can prove his innocence but problem is shortly after meeting with them they’re killed or attacked.

movie - one for the

SHOWING AT:

Nu Metro Westgate

****

21 JUMP STREET

Genre: Comedy, Action

Starring: Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum

Ghafla Rating: 7/10

In high school, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) was a dork and Jenko (Channing Tatum) was the popular jock. After graduation, both of them joined the police force and ended up as partners riding bicycles in the city park. Since they are young and look like high school students, they are assigned to an undercover unit to infiltrate a drug ring that is supplying high school students synthetic drugs.

movie - 21

SHOWING AT:

Starflix Village Market

Nu Metro Westgate

*****

THINK LIKE A MAN

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Gabrielle Union, Chris Brown, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart

Ghafla Rating: 8.0/10

Four women have given up on getting their men to do what they want until they find a how to book written by Steve Harvey. They start using his advice about relationships, and their men start falling in line, until the men discover what the women have been doing, then the war is on.

think

SHOWING AT:

Starflix Prestige

Fox Cineplex Sarit Center

Fox Capital Center

*****

THE MUPPETS

Genre: Animation, Comedy

Starring: the Muppet Cast, Amy Adams, Jason Segel

Ghalfa Rating: 7/10

When 3 Muppet fans learn that Tex Richman wants to drill under the Muppet Theater for oil, Gary, Mary and Walter set out to find the Muppets who have been split up for years so that they can put on one last show and save the Muppet Theater. Kermit the Frog now lives in his own mansion depressed in Hollywood, The Great Gonzo is a high class plumber at Gonzo’s Royal Flush, Fozzie Bear performs with a tribute band called The Moopets, Miss Piggy is the plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, and Animal is at a celebrity anger management rehab center in Santa Barbara.

movie - the muppets

SHOWING AT:

Starflix Village Market

Starflix Prestige

*****

AT THE TOP OF THE BOX OFFICE is:

BRAVE (IN 3D)

Sadly Kenya may have to wait until mid-August 2012 to watch this animated film at the cinema.

movies brave

*****

A release we’re looking forward to in Kenya next week:

THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN (2012)

Genre: Adventure, Action

Starring: Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield

Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy, and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr Curt Connors, his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero..

movie spider

 

*****

Ever pictured President Jomo Kenyatta coming back from the dead to rid Kenya of ogres? Well director Timur Bekmambetov has ressurected US President Abraham Lincoln to rid the USA of vampires in this sci-fi fantasy thriller. Check out the trailer to ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ in our movie highlight this week…

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Raising the alarm on Rally party beasts

If you have ever attended one of the Kenya National Rally Championships, then you know how awesome it can get and also how risky it is if you are not careful on the road.

Lots of lives have been lost and some have suffered many severe injuries after partying hard on the roads, and later driving against the traffic of the rally drivers for fun.

This has now gotten out of hand as this video clearly illustrates. Some leave the rallies, wasted beyond vision and still take to the wheel, endangering the lives of the passengers as well as those of other on the road.

A crisis meeting has been called by the stake holders in the industry to find a solution to this madness.

Take a look at this coverage by KTN’s Saddique Shaban.

Tahidi High Actress’ Gospel Video Finally Out

Gospel artiste Grace Muna’s video for Hakuna is finally out. The song was released back in 2008 but is only just getting a video. The video is beautiful, with good styling, costuming and props. The half-Argentinian, half-Spaniard singer also stars as Tulele on Citizen TV’s Tahidi High.

The song was produced by R-Kay, who has previously produced Kora Award-winning singers and various other gospel artistes. The video is directed by Enos Olik. Check it out below.
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And now, the East Africa Cypher

When I first heard the name of this cypher, East Africa Cypher, I expected to see and hear rappers from Uganda, Tanzania and of-course Kenya. I was however surprised to find out that it has six rappers, five of them Ugandan and only one Kenyan. Still, they killed it.

The East Africa Cypher is produced by Batabazi and all the rappers are based in the US. Four of the rappers are based in Boston and the other two, in Dallas (including the Kenyan- Daddy V).

I love the rawness of the video and how they all blend with each other so well. The ladies in this cypher, according to me, are even better than the guys, no offence. They just flow so well and original.

Check out the video right here.

Nameless set to collabo with D’Banj

Just got wind that Nameless and D’Banj have been working on a track.

 And the track titled “Take My Heart” is set to be released real soon as they are just now fine-tuning it.

According to Vibe Weekly, the two used their distinct styles to come up with a Naija/Kapuka medley that if their recent jams are anything to go by, i think will be quite the interesting listen.

D’Banj is currently riding his “Oliver Twist” jam all the way to the bank and Nameless who has been musically quiet is known for his rather dusty track “Coming Home” is still getting love and traction.

I for one can’t wait to hear what the two will come up with!

The boys in Upville admit they miss sex

It’s about time the boys opened up their hearts and talked about what’s really eating them up, in this case, I think it’s so obvious. I mean, seven weeks?

Last night as the three Upville boys chatted the night away, they ended up discussing intimate information about their lives. Opening up like never before. Keitta was the most entertaining in this topic as he filled everyone in on his relationship with girlfriend, Mildred who was evicted a few weeks back.

Keitta let the guys know how much in-love he is with his girlfriend and that he has no interest whatsoever of hooking up with anyone in the house. He said that every time he sees a girl, he doesn’t get any intimate thoughts at all as his mind and body is locked on Mildred. This sounds really sweet, but I still couldn’t help but think that he was just saying this because he knows Mildred might be watching. Ha ha ha. I’m just saying. There’s only one way to play these cards and it is all so familiar.

Prezzo and Keagan on the other hand just expressed how much they miss getting intimate and now that Prezzo has broken up with Goldie, I think he better get used to this.

29th June 2012 – 10 Things You Should Know This Morning

From a list of Kenya’s most creative music videos to the possibility that the region’s first ever BET nominees may not be there to witness the ceremony itself, yesterday was a whirlwind of news in the entertainment industry. Here’s ten things you should know this morning of June 29th 2012:

1. It’s unclear what exactly went down at the American embassy, but news is that Camp Mulla may just have to wait a little longer to get their visas. Problem is the BET Awards might already have taken place by then.

2. Octopizzo is a Kenyan-born and Kenyan-bred artiste who’s defying the norm and doing what he does best…making good music and adding a creative flavour. Check out his latest video.

3. The Gold-rezzo relationship in the Big Brother House has been on the rocks,, so now can we say that it’s finally over for good?

4. It’s sad that as the world over celebrate the loss (or existence) of their great musicians, Kenya is left behind. Why don’t we honour our own so elaborately?

5. Great news for movie lovers from the CBD’s IMAX theatres… students have a flat rate offer that’s here to stay!Liza Mucheru-Wisner

6. There’s a bountiful of creative videos in Kenya; we’re listing what we think are the top 5

7. We have a long history of being snubbed or overlooked by international stars who go to neighbouring countries…well the norm continues as this celerated American artiste flies over Kenya

8. Ever imagined what a Raila rap with beats by Dr. DRE would sound? Check it out

9. In a unique turn of events, a Kenyan has been picked as the brand ambassador for megastar Justin Beiber’s new fragrance

10. ‘Viva Riva’, arguably one of the best films out of Africa is set to screen again in Nairobi soon.

A Letter to Camp Mulla’s Management

Dear M-Tech,

We have neglected the fact that the country you hail from, Nigeria, has been ranked as the most corrupt country in the world several times. Us Kenyans accepted you into our country to do business as managers of our top artists.

We celebrated the ‘Party Don’t Stop’ video, among others, shot by your fellow countryman, Clarence Peters.

We have accepted M-Tech’s messaging service business in our country, despite Nigeria’s reputation for sending scammy mail all over the world.

We have refused to publish negative stories about you, despite getting various calls and e-mails about the working conditions at M-Tech.

So after all that, when you mess up the two biggest moments of Kenya’s brightest shining stars, we are going to be pissed.

Camp Mulla had two extremely big opportunities this year to announce themselves, and Kenya, on the worldwide stage: the opening ceremony of Big Brother Stargame, and the BET Awards.

They missed out on both these huge opportunities due to your company not organising their Visas on time.

If you want to be seen as credible artist management, you’ve got to take care of such basic requirements. Failing at this simple task once may be forgivable, but missing out on Visas TWICE in the space of a month is borderline unforgivable.

In my opinion, the mature thing to do as of now would be to offer a written, public apology to Camp Mulla and all their fans. That way, Kenya can know that their biggest stars are in the hands of professionals.

Over to you, M-Tech.

Signed,

#TeamCampMulla.

Photo Gallery: Eko Dydda’s Behind the Scenes Photos For Upcoming Video

Eko Dydda’s next single, Beautiful People, is coming soon. Today, the PAWA 254 Facebook shared the artiste’s behind the scene photos for the video which was shot at their headquarters. The gospel rapper, multiple CHAT and Groove Award winner is currently enjoying airplay for his track, Ghetto. Check out the photos below.

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You can check out the rest of the photo’s here.

CAMP MULLA’S DREAMS CRUSHED!

Have you heard the news about Camp mulla’s dreams of attending the BET Awards being crashed?

If you haven’t, you need to read the story as it was broken by Ghafla here!
So apparently, Camp Mulla ran into a hitch in their visa application and this means that they will not get to be going for the BET awards! They will have to contend with watching the award ceremony from the comforts of their homes like the rest of us.
This is a cruel twist of fate as it directly means that Kenya’s ambassadors to such a prestigious global event will not be flying her flag high! That is too big a blow for the rest of the entertainment industry to bear and indeed for their fans!
This is the one time when i will sing the oh too worn out national song of “tunaomba serekali iingilie kati na ichunguze maneno haya ione kama itaweza kuwasaidia”! Think about it, they would have been hobknobbing with the elites of the industry and those heavy weights would have been able to shine a light on the Kenyan industry. That exposure would have been immensely valuable to our industry as a whole!
If there is anyone who can help sway the American’s decision, you will have done the Kenyan entertainment scene a great favour.
Check out the tweets that cast a light on the whole affair!

BUDDHA BLAZE TWEET

Buddha Blaze’s tweet says it all! How truly sad for these young talented Kenyan emcees who had been ramping up their fans’ psyche!

 

And check this out aswell…

CRUEL: Camp Mulla Denied Visas. No BET Awards For Them

So, Kenya’s most happening group right now, Camp Mulla, the band that made the country proud by getting a BET nomination might not make it to the awards show. The group will now have to be content with knowing their fate, whether they’ve won or not from home.

According to unconfirmed reports, the group couldn’t get their visas processed in time for the ceremony. They then decided to apply for special case Visa, citing, apparently, “major awards show nomination” as the reason. Special case Visas only apply to those traveling for medical reasons, political asylum or political administration appointments (e.g. diplomats). They decided to go for an interview earlier than scheduled to give them more time before the awards. They were apparently told that they could not interview before the scheduled date.

The group can still get Visas but at a later date, which will be after the conclusion of the awards and the winners have been announced. The group consisting of Taio Tripper, Shappaman Kass, K’Cous and Miss Karun were the first East African group to be nominated for a BET Award.

A ‘New Dawn’ As K24 is Set To Rebrand

As Kenya’s television stations brace themselves for a digital cross over which is certain to alter the viewers experience, K24 is set to undergo an extensive makeover to position itself as one of the leading broadcasters in the region.

K24 have been giving viewers teasers of what to expect with a series of short clips meant to rouse expectations, in a move aimed at updating studio equipment, redesigning the television studios as well as possibly introducing brand new news anchors and presenters to give the channel a fresh appeal.

Other leading stations in the country such as NTV, KTN and Citizen TV have already undergone rebranding to position themselves with cutting-edge technology and appealing studios as there are newcomers such as GBS which feature up-to-date technology.

There has been widespread speculation that some radio presenters as well as television anchors who left other stations are set to make a debut on the rebranded and fresh K24 but that is yet to be confirmed.

The ‘new dawn’ of K24 is expected sometime in the next week. Stay tuned! Here’s a snippet…

SAD! KENYANS DON’T HONOUR DEPARTED ARTISTS!

Kenyans do not honour their dearly departed entertainers!

And here i don’t mean radio stations playing one or two random jams to commemorate their departure, here i am talking about a celebration of their lives a la Tupac and Biggie!

Aye, i for one am tired of us treating our national entertainers, people who fly our flag sky high in international musical festivals and concerts being treated like a dark shameful secret once they have departed!

We should have a street and at this point i would even settle for an alley named after E-sir! That is how much he impacted urban culture! And such an alley would anyway have been bestowed with a better name than “Panya lane”!

artists like Wiki Mosh and Dry Gin& Frakas died paupers yet we still dance to their legacies. It is shameful! We nshould acknowledge their contributions to more than urban culture. One way or another they even influenced the words we speak! Wiki Mosh gave us “Atoti” and Krupt should be honoured for putting his hood Nbi West on the map.

Come on people, are we such a thankless bunch? Think about it.

This is my humble opinion!

Introducing: The Anto Neosoul experience!

A short while back, i was fortunate enough to have a sit down with Anto Neosoul.

First of, i was amazed by how humble and grounded this talented artist is. His energy is boundless and that fact comes across from the get go which went a long way towards making me less star-struck and nervous.

Watch the video and experience the man behind the artist!

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Celebrate Kenya and France’s Friendship With a Free Concert

Tonight at the Alliance Francaise, come witness a celebration of the friendship between Kenya and France. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. There will be A One-Man Show by comedian and emcee, Larry Asego. It will be followed by one of the country’s most electrifying performers, Makadem. Entrance to the event is free.

Makadem is most famously known in Kenya for Mr. Lololova, a song he released back in 1999. His other popular Kenyan track is the song that some found controversial due to its blasphemous nature, Obama Be Thy Name. However, the Ohanglaman is popular abroad and in the alternative Kenyan music scene, thanks to his satirical music and charismatic stage performances.

The Alliance Francaise de Nairobi seeks to foster cultural exchange and sharing by providing French lessons, faciliating and promoting cultural events.

IMAX Says Kshs.500 Offer For Students is Here to Stay

IMAX Kenya had recently introduced the concept of a dedicated Student’s Week where anyone with student identification would be able to catch a movie at the IMAX XX Century at the reduced rate of Kshs. 500 on stipulated week.

The management of IMAX have just announced that the offer was so successful that they have decided to make it applicable for any show!

If you’re a student with valid identification then you can catch a film at the Mama Ngina theatre anytime at the rate of Kshs. 500.

Currently IMAX has the offer of watching the first two films of the day at a reduced rate of Kshs. 400, a move which has been well received b movie enthusiasts. Now showing at the IMAX 3D screen is Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted with the next expected premiere to be the Amazing Spiderman.

Click here to find out what else is showing at the movies in Nairobi cinemas