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Here’s How You Can Help an NGO That Does Nothing Get On Air

Whether Kenya’s first ever mockumentary TV show will ever be made is in your hands. A new comedy show needs funding so that it can get off the ground and get on TV screens.

The Samaritans centers around the absurdities of a dysfunctional NGO. The setting for The Samaritans is the Aid for Aid Kenya field office. It follows the NGO staff who have to deal with the odd demands and decisions of the head UK Aid for Aid office and hopelessly inept local bureaucrats while trying to write as many useless reports as possible, all under the guise of ‘saving’ Africa.

The film has so far achieved 46% of the target they need to get the show off the ground. With 21 backers, the project has managed to raise $4,600. You can help by checking out how you can contribute here. See the makers explain their project below.

Here’s How You Can Help an NGO That Does Nothing Get On Air

Whether Kenya’s first ever mockumentary TV show will ever be made is in your hands. A new comedy show needs funding so that it can get off the ground and get on TV screens.

The Samaritans centers around the absurdities of a dysfunctional NGO. The setting for The Samaritans is the Aid for Aid Kenya field office. It follows the NGO staff who have to deal with the odd demands and decisions of the head UK Aid for Aid office and hopelessly inept local bureaucrats while trying to write as many useless reports as possible, all under the guise of ‘saving’ Africa.

The film has so far achieved 46% of the target they need to get the show off the ground. With 21 backers, the project has managed to raise $4,600. You can help by checking out how you can contribute here. See the makers explain their project below.

Here’s How You Can Help an NGO That Does Nothing Get On Air

Whether Kenya’s first ever mockumentary TV show will ever be made is in your hands. A new comedy show needs funding so that it can get off the ground and get on TV screens.

The Samaritans centers around the absurdities of a dysfunctional NGO. The setting for The Samaritans is the Aid for Aid Kenya field office. It follows the NGO staff who have to deal with the odd demands and decisions of the head UK Aid for Aid office and hopelessly inept local bureaucrats while trying to write as many useless reports as possible, all under the guise of ‘saving’ Africa.

The film has so far achieved 46% of the target they need to get the show off the ground. With 21 backers, the project has managed to raise $4,600. You can help by checking out how you can contribute here. See the makers explain their project below.

Want to Win Original Beat by Dre Headphones? Here’s How You Can

Do you want to own original Beat by Dre – Detox headphones? You can now do so just by attending an event.

Beat Culture is an electronic dance music show that will bring together the best EDM DJs to ensure fans experience an epic night. As if that is not enough, they will also give three lucky attendants a pair of Beat by Dre headphones for free.

The organizers of the event want to ensure fans get to enjoy the beat at the event and also at home. And all you have to do is like the Beatboyz Ent. fanpage on Facebook and follow their Twitter page. Make sure your presence is felt by the organizers on those pages.

If you make that much of an impact, yours might just be one of the three lucky names that are called out on the 6th of October during the event. The winners will be announced by DJ Chuckie, Barney Barrow and DJ K. Find more details about the event here.

Kenyan Island Def Jam Group Releases Bleak New Video

Cr3w Teflon are one of the hottest young groups in the country. Even before they grew their fanbase, they were spotted by Island Def Jam who signed them. Now, they have a new video out.

With tracks like Kilimani’s Barz, it’s easy to see why the group got noticed. The track is one of the best local hip hop track you’ll ever hear. And the video is one of my favorite Kenyan vids of all time. Check it out here.

At only 17, it’s obvious that the members of Cr3w Teflon have a bright future. The group is made up of Accurate, Kavi, Timmy Tim and Dinka Bior. The group was formed in 2011 by Accurate. Kavi, the singer, joined later.

Here is the group’s second 2012 release, Children’s Anthem. The song was produced at Cypher Studios by Globesolute. The song will be released by Island Def Jam Digital for joint global campaign. The video for Children’s Anthem is finally out, check it out below.
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Kenyan Island Def Jam Group Releases Bleak New Video

Cr3w Teflon are one of the hottest young groups in the country. Even before they grew their fanbase, they were spotted by Island Def Jam who signed them. Now, they have a new video out.

With tracks like Kilimani’s Barz, it’s easy to see why the group got noticed. The track is one of the best local hip hop track you’ll ever hear. And the video is one of my favorite Kenyan vids of all time. Check it out here.

At only 17, it’s obvious that the members of Cr3w Teflon have a bright future. The group is made up of Accurate, Kavi, Timmy Tim and Dinka Bior. The group was formed in 2011 by Accurate. Kavi, the singer, joined later.

Here is the group’s second 2012 release, Children’s Anthem. The song was produced at Cypher Studios by Globesolute. The song will be released by Island Def Jam Digital for joint global campaign. The video for Children’s Anthem is finally out, check it out below.
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A Musical Sharing the Magic of Kenya in Europe

Out of Africa: The Magic of Kenya is a Kenyan play that will begin staging today. The first venue is in Zoetermeer in The Netherlands.

The Kenya Tourism Board has facilitated the musical that is being staged in Europe in the hopes that it will spur the audiences to flock the country to experience local culture.

Out of Africa: The Magic of Kenya will premiere at the Stadstheater Zoetermeer this evening. The play features a full Kenyan cast who are charged with marketing the country’s cultural heritage through music and dance.

Out of Africa is produced by Peter Ultee Productions which began preparations earlier this year for the show that will play 70 times across Europe. After Netherlands, the play will then travel to Belgium, Denmark and Luxemburg over a three-month period.

Enjoy an Extraordinary Night with Smirnoff

#Team521 is a Smirnoff Vodka movement that is geared at making extraordinary nights happen.

On Saturday the 29th of September, join the party at Santa Fe Lounge at The Mall in Westlands and experience an extraordinary night.

DJ Protege will be on the decks all night mixing the best of local and international hits to keep you on the floor all night. The dress code is white and a hat. The party starts at 5:21 p.m. and goes on all night. Entry is free.

Enjoy an Extraordinary Night with Smirnoff

#Team521 is a Smirnoff Vodka movement that is geared at making extraordinary nights happen.

On Saturday the 29th of September, join the party at Santa Fe Lounge at The Mall in Westlands and experience an extraordinary night.

DJ Protege will be on the decks all night mixing the best of local and international hits to keep you on the floor all night. The dress code is white and a hat. The party starts at 5:21 p.m. and goes on all night. Entry is free.

This is the reason @DopestChiQa tweets crazy: GANJA!

Dopest Chiqa (@DopestChiQa) is one of the many Twitter celebrities from the KOT. She is known for her crazy, controversial and explicit tweets that sometimes end up trending. This is some influence she commands, but do you ever wonder what motivates her to tweet whatever crazy tweets she is probably tweeting right now?

Well, we do, and that is why we had to get an interview with her. We got to learn a thing or two about her that shed some light to some of the suspicion that we had in the office.

Apart from her confirming her sexual orientation that she so fondly jokes about (she is a proud lesbi*n), we got to uncover the catalyst for the crazy and out of this world tweets… ‘weed’ aka marijuana aka ‘ngwai’!

Yes sir! She gets all up in it, or should I say, “it gets all up in her”. That, and some little bit of alcohol as she confused when Ghafla asked whether she has ever tweeted under the influence of alcohol or any other drug.

“I love weed! Most of the times I tweet under the influence of either it, or alcohol. Who doesn’t?”

At this point, professionals would say, “admitting you have a problem is the first step towards recovery”. I would say she’s on the right track.

Nyambane & His Second Wife Emcee at Same Event (PHOTO)

It seems Nyambane and his second wife just can’t get enough of each other. Recently, the two lovebirds were commentating to an energetic crowd at an exclusive party at the Sunrise Casino at the Junction Mall, Nairobi.

Nyambane and Linda Muthama kept the revelers laughing the entire time as they umpired models during the oil bath event. With 40,000/- cash reward at stake, the models did not mind submerging their erogenous figures in the oil.

nyambane
It is however not the first time that Nyambane and Linda have worked together as they have previously undertaken HIV activations across the country and especially in Institutions of Higher Learning and highly populated areas.

 

 

Photo props to Standard Digital

Photo Gallery: Ochieng Nelly at the ‘Thursday Night Live @ Choices’

This week’s ‘Thursday Night Live @ Choices’ had Ochieng Nelly perform for her loving fans. Just like every other Thursday Night Live that takes place at the Choices Club along Baricho Road, this was one epic performance.

Live band, soulful artiste and a vibrant crowd… the perfect concert. Check out how the event went down in photos courtesy of Quaint Photography.

KOT’s Dopest Chiqa: I am not an attention seeker. I am just enjoying myself on twitter

Lately, we have been going H.A.M on these tweeter bigwigs with the aim of finding out how the tweeter ‘fame’ works for them and how they actually make a living out of tweeting stupid (some of them get paid to tweet, for those of you who don’t know).

Most of these twitter celebrities have proved to be very interesting, one of the most being Dopest Chiqa (@DopestChiQa). She is know for tweeting controversial, crazy and sometimes explicit stuff that most of KOT (Kenyans On Tweeter) find very interesting and entertaining.

Asked about the worse tweef (beef on twitter) she has ever, among other series of questions from the Ghafla crew on our recent interview, Dopest Chiqa revealed that it was with the mighty and merciless KOT.

According to her, KOT once attacked her claiming that she is just an attention seeker. She however maintained her ground and has been a twitter boss since then, saying that she just enjoys twitter and that’s just about it. No attention seeking agenda. Could this be?

Vote for Your Best Social Media Personality

For the last two years social media activity in Kenya has been on the rise thanks to people’s interest to network. Well, someone has realized this and decided to create a reward mechanism for all the big shots on the Kenyan social media scene.

Named the Kenya Social Media Awards (SoMA), the event will honor the who-is-who in social media. Social media enthusiasts, Marketing and Communication managers and Information Technology experts are among those who will be taking part where the best among them in terms of contribution and impact will be rewarded.

 

SoMA will focus on the three most popular social media forums, Facebook, Twitter and blogs. The public will be invited to nominate their favorite social media personalities in the different categories. The proposed candidates will then be shortlisted and presented to the public for voting.

 

The event will be held on 10th November 2012 at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi.

What To Check Out At the Movies This Week

A movie about the life of a legend and end of a legend. A movie about a man slowly figuring out his life and a man who is not sure if his is real. From Marley to The Dark Knight Rises. From Bourne Legacy to Totally. Here are the schedules for films you should check out between Friday, 28th September to Thursday, 4th October.

STARFLIX, PRESTIGE CINEMAS

Screen  1
Ice Age 4: Continental Drift – Daily: 12:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
Ted – Daily: 4:15pm, 9:15pm
Marley – Daily: 6:30pm

Screen 2
Bourne Legacy – Daily: 12:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m.

Click here for more details on Bourne Legacy.

STARFLIX, VILLAGE MARKET

Screen 1
Total Recall – Daily: 11:00 a.m., 1:50 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 9:00 p.m.

Screen 2
Expendables 2 – Daily: 11:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.
The Dark Knight Rises – Daily: 8:00 p.m.

Screen 3
Brave – Daily: 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., Fri – Sun: 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m.
Savages – Mon – Thurs: 4:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m., Fri – Sun: 6:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m.

Screen 4
Marley – Daily: 12:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:45 p.m.

For more details, 0716 883 872

STARFLIX, KISUMU
Screen 1
Catch 44 – Fri & Sun: 4:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m., Sat only: 11:00 a.m., 4:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m.
Joker – Fri – Sun:  1:15 p.m., 7:00 p.m.

Screen 2
Marley – Fri – Sun: 2:00 p.m.
Seeking Justice – Fri only:  4:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m., Sat – Sun: 12:00 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m.

For more details, contact 0712 347 772

Legendary American Soul Singer in Thika

Grammy award winner and soul music prodigy James Ingram was in Thika yesterday visiting the Thika School of the Blind. He was accompanied by his wife and manager, Debbie during the visit.

TheThika School of the Blind has close to 300 students all of whom have visually impairment. The school provides amazing opportunities to the children setting them up to function in normal jobs or further education.

“Having been part of the We are the World Charity Programme before we are aware that some of the fund collected from the project did not get to all the right places we targeted and that’s why we hope that after this visit we can identify ways in how we can help these children,” said Debbie.

James Ingram will be performing tomorrow from 4PM at the newly refurbished Kasarani indoor arena. Regular tickets cost 5000/- while the VIP will be 10,000/- and are available at all Nakumatt outlets.

 

Could K-South be re-uniting?

If you were present at the King Of Bold Launch at Prestige Plaza rooftop some weeks back, then I know you will attest to the electrifying and and very well synced performance that Bamboo and Abbas did. The only other performance that was as hot as this on that night, was when the two joined Prezzo on stage for his performance.

So, it is evidently clear that these two are a perfect musical match. Only a retard would disagree. Each’s flow, lyrics and attitude define the other’s. All their collaborative efforts back in the days were all very well received and when news came in that Bamboo was coming back to the mother land, everyone was like, “are these two going to team up again? I sure hope so.”

Though still unclear, there are signs that suggest these two are slowly moving closer again what fireworks they would create if it were to happen. K-South should be re-born and I have a feeling they are thinking the same thing. These two are simply one in music, and yes, I am hoping they will get to read this. Hopefully, it will become a reality and not speculation anymore.

Starflix Premieres Bourne Legacy Tonight

Starflix Prestige will be one of the first cinemas in the country to premiere the highly anticipated espionage thriller, Bourne Legacy.

The film is the fourth in the Bourne series that previously invcluded the Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum. The Bourne Legacy is a reboot of the films which came after previous director, Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon dropped out of the franchise.

The new film and preceeding projects will star franchise-inheriter (also taking over Mission Impossible) is multiple Academy Award nominee, Jeremy Renner. The actor recently appeared on Avengers and Thor as Hawk Eye. He got Oscar nominations for his lead role in The Hurt Locker (won Best Picture) and supporting role in The Town.

The film also stars Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) and Edward Norton (Hulk). Taking over from Greengrass is director Tony Gilroy who has previously worked on all the Bourne films as a writer. He also co-wrote and directed Duplicity, Michael Clayton (Best Picture nominee). He also co-wrote the space actioner, Armageddon.

The 135-minute film will show at Starflix Prestige daily at 12:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m.

Nyota Ndogo Now Goes For Donkeys

It seems singing is not the only passion for taarab-influenced pop musician Nyota Ndogo . After successfully doing a hot collabo with Sauti Sol back in July, the Coast-based songbird is back to her ambassadorial ways.

For some time now, the enthralling singer has been leading a campaign that fights for the rights of donkeys. Dubbed Mtunze Punda Akutunze, the initiative aims at encouraging donkey owners to treat the animals benevolently. Nyota Ndogo urges everyone to report anyone who mistreats their donkey(s) to the police or nearby chief’s office.

Nyota Ndogo has in the past been involved in a similar initiative only with a different goal. She was a goodwill ambassador championing the fight against drugs at the coast.

 

Kantai to feature in Halaiki Family’s new video (photo)

Amid the completion of his latest album, Kantai has been collaborating with other artistes in the music industry and has so far been featured in quite a number of tracks, especially by the hip hop group, Halaiki Family.

Just when you thought he wasn’t very serious about his music and that he is just having a good time, he and Halaiki Family go and do this video for their latest track, ‘Am tired’. The video has not yet been released as it is still in the works but the track is all set and ready and you can have a listen to it below.

Whatever Kanta’s musical plans are right now, I just hope he has the names Abbas and Bamboo in them. This would be a really hot collaboration, just like back in the days.

Esther Wahome Now Preaching Peace

Gospel songstress and Mrs. Universe Kenya, Esther Wahome was recently named one of the peace ambassadors by Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) and has already hit the ground running.

Speaking to 1FM, the Kuna Dawa artiste said the initiative will be launched next week on Tuesday at the Carnivore.  Dubbed MCSK NI SISI PEACE INITIATIVE, the peace campaign is aimed at sensitizing Kenyans on why they should maintain Peace.

Having effectively participated in the Mrs. Universe pageant whose running motto was “Against violence”, Esther is expected to bring on board the expertise she acquired from the same considering the two courses share same objective.

This initiative is entirely managed by artistes since they have more influence on the public. So far, the MCSK ni Sisi Artistes are currently visiting areas that were heavily affected by the 2007 violence and the I.D.P camps in Kenya so that they may get an actual feel of the violence.

Big up Esther and MCSK.

After the Kshs. 2 Million Video, Cartel Still Going HAM

Katenga the guy who recently gave us a Kshs. 2 million is about to come out with another one…and another one…and another one.

The Katenga Sirkal recently indulged Ghafla! in their latest project. Right after releasing Cartel’s new video for Dady Dady, the movement is about to shoot three new videos. Dady Dady was shot in Dubai. The new videos will be shot in different locations around Malindi.

“We are trying to avoid the normal one location video shoot. We want to make watching our videos interesting to the viewers, want to do something that has not  been witnessed before,” said the Sirkal head, Cartel Katenga. Check out the Dady Dady video here.

Kiss Bandit Prevented from Kissing Rachel Shebesh (Photo)

Yesterday, John Telewa, Kenya’s first kissing bandit, was barred from accessing the Parliament buildings. The Kiss Bandit intended to get into the august house to kiss the female Members of Parliament.

Disappointed, the Kiss Bandit took to his Facebook page to express his dissatisfaction. “This is me being kept out of Parliament today by the guards in my pursuit of those female MPs 🙂 Kisses! Kisses! Kisses!”

The Kiss Bandit would have had an extraordinary chance to kiss some of the most recognized individuals in the country like Martha Karua, Rachel Shebesh, Charity Ngilu, Millie Odhiambo among others had he been allowed into the premises.

kiss bandit
So far, the guy has kissed 668 women among them local celebs like Kiss 100’s Caroline Mutoko, singers Avril, Mimmoh and Wahu, actresses Sarah Hassan and Brenda Wairimu, One FM’s Pierra Makena and Coast promoter Beyonce in his bid to kiss his way into the Guinness Book of Records. Telewa is recognized worldwide having received coverage on international media like the Radio Netherlands Worldwide, BBC and Showbiz Africa.

The Kiss Bandit hopes to kiss a million girls in a span of three years. He is the only one in his category. All the best bruh.

Just-A-Band to Rock Jo’burg This Weekend

Experimental local band, Just-A-Band will perform Jo’burg this Saturday for STR.CRD, a cultural event taking place between the 27th and 30th of September. The event focuses on fashion, music, sneakers, graffiti, skate and dance on the continent.

Besides Just-A-Band, other artistes include Jesse Boykins III, Joey Elgersma, Lee Stuart, Yu Ming-Wu, Wendy Lam and King Adz among others. The event is supported by WAD, OkayAfrica, Mutta Shoes, Patta, Claw Money and Freshness.

Before they head over to Jo’burg, today the band will perform in the Reunion Islands at the Kaloobang Festival. Just-A-Band recently announced the release of their third album. Check out the details here.

Just-A-Band have performed at numerous shows abroad this year including the SummerStage Festival in New York together with Amadou & Mariam and Theophilus London. They had previously performed together at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas earlier in the year.

CLD Defends His Choice to Marry a Granny (Photo)

For some time now, most “struggling” artistes especially from the Coast have been hooking foreign elderly Caucasian women in a quest for a befitting lifestyle and subsequently status. Truth be told though, most of them are in the practice just for the money, but not so for one CLD.

The Kabinti hit maker may have sung about looking for a “kabinti” and his wish just became a reality. According to One FM, the Mombasa-based artiste is married to a foreign white woman. She is of advanced age but to CLD, “age ain’t nothing but a number.”

CLD2Recently interviewed concerning the marriage, CLD had this to say, “A marriage is a marriage and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve tied the knot to a granny or a tot. I married out of love and not money.”
On the face of it, the comfort that older white foreign women come with is irresistible for most youth from the coast going by the number of guys who are ready to do anything to wire up these grannies.

 

 CLD’s caucasian wife

But, really there is a very thin line between love and the cash involved. So, you be the judge.

Nonini is At It Again!

Just a day after revealing that he will be releasing a new video today at the Asmara Lounge, rapper turned radio presenter, Nonini has made it known that he will be releasing a new hit single.

The Godfather of Genge declared that he will be unleashing the new single on 2nd October on radio. Coincidentally, the “raprenuer” will be celebrating his birthday on the same day and as such he is says the song will be a birthday gift to his fans. Nonini is remembered for churning out massive tunes which have propelled him to where he is.

The award-winning rapper is also known for being a dedicated philanthropist with his latest initiative being the #PamojaConje initiative aimed at supporting boxer Conjestina Achieng back to her feet. Nonini is also attributed for being one of theartistes who brought to life one of Kenya’s biggest and most influential recording studios, Calif Records.

Over and above, we can only wait for another massive tune from the genge rapper having been in the industry for close to 12 years.

TPF5’s Ruth Matete and Jackson in a Collabo

Few months after winning 5 mil after the culmination of the 5th edition of Tusker Project Fame, Ruth Matete is not sitting pretty. The 26 year old singer is about to release her first single with former fellow contestant and the second runner up, Jackson Kalimba.

“Yes we already have the song written and laid down,” revealed the Daystar University student to Campus Social. She further said that they are planning to do a song that will be universal. Ruth further divulges that their project will be a wedding song.

Ruth admits that although much has changed for her since winning the coveted prize, she still frequents the places she used to be a patron prior to TPF5. “I can do lunch at local fast food outlets since winning. I have actually gone to Sanford, Moi Avenue twice”. Ruth told her fans to expect her album before Christmas (a Christmas present perhaps?)

It is expected that the two singers will come out with a stunning work of art, that is, if their music prowess during their stint in the TPF5 academy is anything to go by. For now, let’s wait and see.

28th September 2012: Ten things you should know this morning

Yippee!! The weekend is here people. On that super note let’s take a look at top of the morning;

#1 Check out these photos of DJ Define trying to kiss Avril.

#2 Sauti Sol’s Range Rover illuminated. Check out.

#3 Rabbit AKA Kaka Sungura endorses Gor Mahia.

#4 Here are the top five hot new songs you should be jamming to right now.

#5 Did you know that Nairobi Cinema is now a Gospel Club?

#6 KTN Okays the hijab. Take a look.

#7 Once again, we miss Rick Ross by a whisker. Find out which East African country he’ll be visiting.rozzay

#8 Camp Mulla recently dropped a brand new Single with Nigeria’s Wiz Kid. Check it out.

#9 Calling out on all “Andu a Nyumba”.

#10 Check out this new band member that Sauti Sol has hired a from Dutch.

 

Now you know. Have yourselves a great weekend ahead and of course keep it Ghafla! for more entertaining news.

ZONE FAM shoot music video for hit single “Contolola” in Nairobi

Zone Fam, the biggest Hip Hop Group in Zambia were in Nairobi shooting their music video!!! 

Who are Zone Fam? Familiar with the song Contolola? Well it is currently ruling radio airwaves since it dropped on Monday 24th September 2012. Its video was shot in Kenya and features some cameos from well-known personalities in the industry such as Wyre, Isis. 9Con, and DJ Kaytrixx. 

DSCN0994 opt

Zone Fam with Wyre at video shoot in Nairobi

Zone Fam has four members; Dope G, Jay Rox, Yung Verbal and Thugga. The group was formed in 2007 and is managed by Taurus Musik.
Zone Fam’s latest hit single Contolola has already started receiving favourable airplay from radio stations.
Contolola means “control” in Zambia. The song was composed to articulate a principle that Zone Fam live by which is : To have control, dominate and influence your surroundings.

Ghafla! spoke to Albert at Taurus Musik. He said “Taurus manages the group and we are currently working on releasing the video for this single. Some people may be unaware, but in 2011 Zone Fam was nominated for the CHANNEL O “MOST GIFTED NEWCOMER” Award. We are proud to be working with Zone Fam and are excited to showcase yet another international act from the Taurus family.”

Presenting: The Snag

Tonight at the Office Lounge on Mombasa Road all engineers in this industry will be converging not to design and build structures, machines and such things but to partyyy!!

People say engineers can’t dance, I don’t know how true that is but one thing is sure though; those who will attend will have a ball!! Behind the decks will be Deejays Namosky, Klash and Nemesis.

What’s more is that there will be free bitings and shots will be on sale at reduced rates. Oh, did I mention that the entrance is absolutely free?

Don’t miss!!!

Is Kenya Ready for the Oscars?!

2012 has indeed been a rather patriotic year for Kenyans, at least through entertainment and sports. Let’s forget about politics for a few minutes!

First off, Camp Mulla set the ball rolling by getting nominated for a BET award. Sadly, they didn’t make it to the award show. However, they still put their names and Kenya’s name on the map. To keep the ball rolling, our President turned Ambassador Prezzo made us vote rampantly for the BBA final and the jury is still out on whether that election was rigged or not. Read about the loss here.

In the world of sports, Rudisha ngarishad the world records and set one of his own at the London Summer Olympics. Needless to say, it has been quite the patriotic year for Kenyans and then came the stupefying news that Nairobi Half Life is Kenya’s official submission for the Oscars.

Wow! A Kenyan movie might get nominated for an Oscar??? What??? How??? These were the questions I had in mind when I read the Ghafla! article. Of course these are the questions I had since I hadn’t watched the movie. But I’d participated in a team discussion at Ghafla! and I had some small insight.

So, of course after the Oscar article, I set out to watch the movie and see what all the hulabaloo was about. Albeit being slightly late for the movie by about 5 minutes, I caught up with the storyline which drew me in by the actors speaking in authentic sheng. I must admit I have watched a Bollywood movie and I recall suffering reading the sub-titles and watching at the same time. I’d like to know what fellows in Germany think about the sub-titles that run through most of the film. Read about the film’s German schedule here.

Another thing that stood out for me was the great use of local actors or thespians. I recognised most of the faces from plays I’ve watched at Phoenix and Alliance Française.

The storyline of this movie has been highlighted severally on Ghafla! but nothing prepares you for the great picture quality, soundtrack and good acting (yeah, none of that Tahamaki scary music and Nigerian movie witchraftness), it’s a downright relatable story of a young boy trying to make it in Nairobi. Read Adam’s review here.

So, in my view, is Kenya ready to win an Oscar??? Hell yeah! I truly wish the Oscars were a situation where we, the viewers, could vote. But as we all know, the Oscars are voted for by an Academy. But hey, don’t take Team Ghafla’s word for it, go and watch the movie. They recently extended its screening period in Kenya.

All in all, we at Team Ghafla truly feel patriotic having this great film and hope for the best in the voting. Fingers crossed.

Article by Suzanne

Is Kenya Ready for the Oscars?!

2012 has indeed been a rather patriotic year for Kenyans, at least through entertainment and sports. Let’s forget about politics for a few minutes!

First off, Camp Mulla set the ball rolling by getting nominated for a BET award. Sadly, they didn’t make it to the award show. However, they still put their names and Kenya’s name on the map. To keep the ball rolling, our President turned Ambassador Prezzo made us vote rampantly for the BBA final and the jury is still out on whether that election was rigged or not. Read about the loss here.

In the world of sports, Rudisha ngarishad the world records and set one of his own at the London Summer Olympics. Needless to say, it has been quite the patriotic year for Kenyans and then came the stupefying news that Nairobi Half Life is Kenya’s official submission for the Oscars.

Wow! A Kenyan movie might get nominated for an Oscar??? What??? How??? These were the questions I had in mind when I read the Ghafla! article. Of course these are the questions I had since I hadn’t watched the movie. But I’d participated in a team discussion at Ghafla! and I had some small insight.

So, of course after the Oscar article, I set out to watch the movie and see what all the hulabaloo was about. Albeit being slightly late for the movie by about 5 minutes, I caught up with the storyline which drew me in by the actors speaking in authentic sheng. I must admit I have watched a Bollywood movie and I recall suffering reading the sub-titles and watching at the same time. I’d like to know what fellows in Germany think about the sub-titles that run through most of the film. Read about the film’s German schedule here.

Another thing that stood out for me was the great use of local actors or thespians. I recognised most of the faces from plays I’ve watched at Phoenix and Alliance Française.

The storyline of this movie has been highlighted severally on Ghafla! but nothing prepares you for the great picture quality, soundtrack and good acting (yeah, none of that Tahamaki scary music and Nigerian movie witchraftness), it’s a downright relatable story of a young boy trying to make it in Nairobi. Read Adam’s review here.

So, in my view, is Kenya ready to win an Oscar??? Hell yeah! I truly wish the Oscars were a situation where we, the viewers, could vote. But as we all know, the Oscars are voted for by an Academy. But hey, don’t take Team Ghafla’s word for it, go and watch the movie. They recently extended its screening period in Kenya.

All in all, we at Team Ghafla truly feel patriotic having this great film and hope for the best in the voting. Fingers crossed.

Article by Suzanne

KTN Okays The Hijab

If you are keen enough you must have noticed that not a single news presenter at KTN wears a hijab when on air. Well, things are now set to change after the new Standard Group CEO, Sam Shollei, restored the right of female Muslim presenters to read news while wearing hijabs.

Shollei who took over from Paul Melly has re-introduced the hijab in a move aimed breaking from the “secular” dress code that for several months effectively barred the wearing of Islamic head coverings. The previous management had banned female presenters from reading news on KTN wearing hijab, at a time when a court ruled to bar a female student from wearing hijab to school.

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”Shollei has restored the right of Muslims to present news, report on camera and be generally seen on KTN with a hijab for those who would like. Everyone has a choice of religion and everything, he said,” a source quoting the CEO told Jackal News.

 

Veiled female presenters like Mwanahamisi Hamadi and Jamilla Mohammed of Citizen and NTV respectively have been presenting regular night news on their respective stations so this news would be greatly welcomed at the Mombasa road-based media giant.

Way to go KTN.

Are you ready for the ‘Africa Rise Up’ concert?

Another well-meaning concert is on its way to the Michael Joseph Centre, along with numerous artiste who are going to perform at this event. The concert dubbed ‘Africa Rise Up’ is set to have Alisha Popat as the main performing artiste. Remember her from Mustafa’s ‘Mena Pyaar Kiya’? A romantic hit right there.

 

 

Well, she and a couple of other artistes will be performing at the ‘Africa Rise Up’ concert on the 29th of September 2012 from 7PM till 9PM. Among the artiste to perform alongside Alisaha Popat are Carlene, Fauz Noir of Murfy’s Flaw, Sentimental Floetry and Kevin Samuel, just to mention a few.

 

Entrance fee to the concert is Sh. 500 and all proceedings will go to Amara Trust.

Calling Out On All “Andu a Nyumba”

Tomorrow, you’ll all get a chance to enjoy the greatest live bands of the Kikuyu community showcase their talent at the Mugithi Nite.

Get ready to dance all night to the sounds of Lois Kim, Musaimo, Mike Rua, Kamande Wa Kioi, Muigai Wa Njoroge & John De Matthew who will be performing live.

Don’t miss this chance to twist to resonant Kikuyu tunes as you enjoy tasty and authentic traditional meals and brew for only 500/-. All these will be going down at Carnivore’s Simba Saloon from 6PM.

 

This event is powered by Safaricom, Inooro FM and the Carnivore.

Chris Kirubi & Bez Are Ready for Tonight’s Tusker Malt Concert

Nigerian afro-soul star, Bez held a press conference today at the Southern Sun – Mayfair Hotel to talk about his show at the Museum tonight. The event will feature a fusion performance from Kenya’s Sara Mitaru and Nigeria’s Bez.

Capital CEO, Chris Kirubi said, “We are proud to invite one of our own–from Africa–to come and entertain us. This is for the people to know that not only one part of this continent can produce artistes. We want to make Bez one of the best known artistes in Africa. We do hope that this event will be good and everyone will enjoy. The last artiste we had, he gave the people two hours of his best time so we hope if your schedule and music library allows, you will do your best. We will keep feeding you with water to ensure you do it. Kenyans are very passionate about music and we hope [to Bez] that you’ll be able to entertain them.”

Bez expressed his joy at having to perform in Nairobi again before saying, “During my stay in Nairobi, I’ve experienced Capital FM, I’ve experienced Southern Sun, I’m yet to experience Tusker. I hope to experience that tonight. It’s really overwhelming to have all the partners involved. I’m a member of African Leadership Network and what we do is think of ways to create prosperity and wealth for Africa in every way: in entertainment, business, politics and it’s overwhelming being here. I’d like to thank Tusker Malt, Southern Sun, Capital FM and the Kenya Tourism Board.”

Tusker Malt 100 Club is the discovery of  African musical talent. It is aimed at inspiring talent that hasn’t had the opportunity to perform on a world stage. Registration for the Tusker Malt 100 Club took place last week and members will get to enjoy the first concert this today.

It will give a community of Tusker Malt drinkers an opportunity to relax and unwind with like-minded people and enjoy some of the finest music from the best talent on the continent.

Members’ benefits from the membership include entry for two to the Tusker Malt 100 Club events. It also gives members the opportunity to network and join the social conversations  on the Mobi site i.e. www.tml100.com which is accessible through mobile phones.

Sauti Sol Hires a New Band Member From Dutch

Just 48 hours after unleashing their video, Sauti Sol signed a new member of their band from Netherlands and you can’t believe who it is: a rooster!!!

The white rooster appears in numerous scenes in video. He is first seen being chaperoned by the old Caucasian woman outside the warehouse. The rooster is again seen with the model (Nella Ngingo) in the bathroom area when she is undressing and eventually when she takes a bath – while still wearing her stilettos. It finally ends up perching on Bien’s shoulder during meal time and when he is left alone after the card game.

Unable to settle on a name for the rooster, Sauto Sol took to their Twitter handle to call for name suggestions. With suggestions like Kuku Mfalme and Van der Rooster only goes to show how much love the rooster has received.

The new “Dutch member” is a specially trained rooster for hire. The controversial chicken has been explained to be a symbol of Sauti Sol’s new coat of arms which is also used on their album artwork. The group even jests that they managed to convince the cockerel to be in their video since of them are Luhyas.

Talk of going “kuku” about their music.

Sauti Sol Hires a New Band Member From Dutch

Just 48 hours after unleashing their video, Sauti Sol signed a new member of their band from Netherlands and you can’t believe who it is: a rooster!!!

The white rooster appears in numerous scenes in video. He is first seen being chaperoned by the old Caucasian woman outside the warehouse. The rooster is again seen with the model (Nella Ngingo) in the bathroom area when she is undressing and eventually when she takes a bath – while still wearing her stilettos. It finally ends up perching on Bien’s shoulder during meal time and when he is left alone after the card game.

Unable to settle on a name for the rooster, Sauto Sol took to their Twitter handle to call for name suggestions. With suggestions like Kuku Mfalme and Van der Rooster only goes to show how much love the rooster has received.

The new “Dutch member” is a specially trained rooster for hire. The controversial chicken has been explained to be a symbol of Sauti Sol’s new coat of arms which is also used on their album artwork. The group even jests that they managed to convince the cockerel to be in their video since of them are Luhyas.

Talk of going “kuku” about their music.

Once again, we miss Rick Ross by a whisker

For the second time, we miss this huge musical sensation’s presence right here in our country. On the bright side though, at-least this time it’s not as painful as it was the last time he travelled passed right through us to perform in another country. When Rick Ross was headed over to South Africa for his performance, he stopped by Kenya and even tweeted about how much he enjoyed the food that KQ had to offer.

This time, Rozay is once again moving right passed us, on his way to give an electrifying, unforgettable, big time performance in Tanzania. Yes, Tanzania. May I remind you that these guys also got Jay Z to perform for them a few years back.

What is it with our promoters and event organisers? I don’t mean to be so bitter about this but as a fan, I am really offended that Kenya cannot get these guys here yet our next door neighbour Tanzania can… Seriously? Before the promoters claimed that the artists didnt want to come to Africa. And they would give a myriad of reasons (low turnouts, insecurity, low sales) But it seems quite clear the artists themselves are willing to perform in Africa. So why are they skipping over us, over and over again?

I bet, he will still visit Kenya either before or after the show in TZ, just for fun. How sad… for us! (Maybe he will give some lucky fans a couple impromptu bars at the airport, then we can now say he has performed in Kenya…)

One important thing artistes should understand before going on tour

Artistes just love to be touring the country, performing their famous songs and getting more groupies along the way. Who wouldn’t want that? I know it’s exciting and all, but I think artistes should be really thinking this through before committing all their time and energy to these tours.

What is the most relevant reason for an artiste to tour a country/continent/world? I tend to think it is the promotion of a newly launched album. This makes sense bacause fans get the opportunity to get familiar with all your songs and the new album. Hell, they even get to buy it directly from you, autographed and all. This is good motivation for the fans to purchase your album.

However, the thirst for fame that exists in some of our lovely artistes causes them to go for tours with not more than six songs under their name. What the hell? Just because your first three songs hit the charts (and that is really awesome by the way) it doesn’t mean that you can now tour the country. How long will you be on stage? Fifteen minutes for your three songs? Come on, get real. Patience. At-least get done with your album then start talking about tours and meeting your fans countrywide. Even they will be more excited by then. In the process, you actually get to sell some of your albums (we all know how hard it is to accomplish that in Africa).

Sauti Sol’s Range Rover Illuminated

Truth be told, probably you are like me who after watching Sauti Sol’s new video, Range Rover, for the first time did not have the slightest idea what the band was trying to depict. Well, I finally fathomed it. Here is how it plays out;

Fast off, Range Rover is highly stylized and the storyline – all about the “volitility of wealth” – is more abstract. Shots of the couture-clad band members are interposed with images of a graceful model (Nella Ngisauti sol3ngo) artfully awakening and stepping into a bath. Other shots show the sexy car itself (by the way at first, you might even think the clip is a car ad) and a table mimicking the last supper complete with overflowing with wine, fruits and other delicacies. There’s even a random chicken and an old Caucasian woman stroking it.

 

The storyline revolves around band member Bien-Aime having it all; fame, a new car (Range Rover Evoque). As the story progresses he slowly loses all he has acquired, thanks to his friends who play with his car and his girl and his rooster, before betraying him after sharing a meal with him.

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“Everyone is trying to make money,” said band member Willis Chimano. “Young people in Kenya are trying to hustle, entrepreneur… it’s the point we are at.” The band emphasised that while they thought the entrepreneurial spirit was a good thing, they wanted young people to remember that money isn’t the most important thing. Besides, as this video shows, “one day you have it and the next, it is all gone.”

Whsauti sol emblemat perhaps makes the video difficult to comprehend is that each shot has a hidden meaning. For instance, the rooster represents Sauti Sol’s coat of arms and other scenes represent Bien-Aime’s ephemeral bling lifestyle. The video was shot at an old bullet factory that’s now an official cultural heritage site popularly referred to as “the cathedral” in Netherlands. The old lady, Jeannette –93, was chaperoning the rooster together with its owner Tonny.

Now you know.

 

Five hot new songs you should be jamming to right now

Kenyan artistes have been a busy lot lately and the creativity down here is just mind blowing. Making up new catch phrases and even introducing new dancing styles, our artistes are on their grind.

These are the top five new songs that you should be listening to right now. They are the hottest hits thus far.

5. Bila Mic Remix – Octopizzo, J’Mani, Baby T, Frasha, J-A and Rabbit

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This could go down as the biggest collabo of the year. Octo said that this would happen and his haters were so quick to put him down, and now, it’s become a reality. Hottest rappers on a hot track, what more could you ask for?

 

4. Prices – Camp Mulla feat WizKid

They are the kids making massive ripples in the African music scene and now they command more respect all over Africa than most of the already established artistes who are still big news only withing the country. Camp Mulla got the opportunity to record with this Nigerian prince and this was the outcome. Listen to the track here.

 

3. 254low – Bamboo feat Sugar

Another new song from Bamboo. No slacking at all. In this new track, Bamboo re-introduces us to his old school trade mark flow. I’m loving this. Listen to the track here.

 

2. Mutumia – Bamzigi feat Kora

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It is the Kikuyu song with swag .Who would have thought we would live to see this day when singing in vernacular would actually be cool? But I guess that’s just Bamzigi’s style… unique and vibrant! I especially love the approach Bamzigi takes with the verses. This is truly a hot track and it will probably stay here for sometime.

 

1. You guy – P-Unit feat Collo

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This is officially the hottest new track and as soon as it was released, it went straight to the clubs. Whether you like it or not, the song just has a way of making you move to its beat involuntarily. Yes, it’s that good.

UK Fashion Website Honors Sauti Sol’s New Video

Just days after releasing their Range Rover music video, Sauti Sol has had the new video featured in Celebrity Red Carpet, expert fashion site in UK.

“Kenyan group Sauti Sol’s music video for “Range Rover” is a feast for a fashionista. Each look in the video is as carefully crafted as the notes drawn out by singer Bien-Aime Baraza in the opening sequence of the song,” read the website.

The acclaimed fashion website was full of praise for the video terming it the most far-out sound the band has produced yet as it starts out blues and escalates into an electro beat. The blog also commends the featured model whose clothes have been custom-made to match the attire sported by the band.

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Further, the website is of the opinion that the band has really grown music-wise considering that in the past, Sauti Sol’s videos were “less sleek”. “The pop sound was good and the band members were likeable, but their previous videos retained an amateur look. This video is evidence of the African avant-garde that Sauti Sol is so proud of,” Celebrity Red Carpet made known.