Month: January 2013

Eric Wainaina is one of the top performers in the region having toured all over the world to significant acclaim. He has had a series of performances since the release of his latest album, Love + Protest.

Last month, he performed at Club Legend on Baricho Road in a busy week for him and the Best Band in Africa. Check out photos from the event below.
[Quaint Photography]

Now this is what being a real fan is all about. Creating time to actually give something back to your favorite artiste, besides buying his album.

I’m not sure if Juliani has seen this post by Deejay Perlexy yet, but now he definitely will.

Check this out.

“SI SIRI, kila mtu ameswitch into Xmas mode, mjibambe lakini msicancel ile FRIENDS REQUEST mlikuwa mumesendia God. Tafadhali tega MASIKIO, nakuuliza uko NDANI AMA NJE ya CHURCH ON MONDAY jioni? Usipoenda church weka PULPIT KWA STREET mabelievers wakule MAHEWA hata kama ni via RADIO sababu HIO NDIO SWAGGA. Pia tuchange MTAA MENTALITY sababu KAMA SI SISI sijui ni nani, End month ishafika HELA tushashika, hata kama wewe si SONKO, MIMI NA WEWE tudistribute hizo BAHASHA, tufanye maCONNECTION itakuwa tumefanya SOMETHING MORE kwa wale hawajiwezi ju sio sote tuna BICEPS so tutumie our EXPONENTIAL POTENTIAL kuwapa reason ya kuLIVE. Huo ni mfano 2nd best wa PENDO KWELI after kutiririka kwa DAMU YA YESU. Kama unapanga kulala, kalia KITANDA kwanza, dara PAGES ZA BIBLE, pigia God ju hayuko MTEJA na ataPICK YOUR CALL mwambie HELLO na ufikishe KILIO chako na changu kisha usisahau kuRAUKA. Mtakaotumia maRIMZ TIMZ usiku nitawakumbusha kuKAA RIDHO. Kama nimekubamba NIPE MAKOFI!!!”

If you listen to Gospel music you definitely know Reuben Kigame. The renowned Gospel artist and owner of Eldoret-based Christian radio station, Fish FM, has voiced his concern over the rising number of preachers who don’t focus on spreading the Word but are more interested in the money from the believers. Alarmed by this, he put together a piece addressing the same. Here it is;

In the name of God and of social conscience, I issue this polite warning to all broadcasting houses in the Republic of Kenya regarding their blatant and unashamed dissemination of radio and television programmes of men and women purporting to be preachers of the Christian Gospel, but who are clearly understood as greedy swindlers of unsuspecting citizens, thus robbing them of their hard-earned money and other resources.

Let every free-to-air radio and television station be warned that, if these masqueraders and prosperity hawkers are not taken off air then I, Reuben Kigame, alongside all sensible Kenyans will be going to court to compel them to do so in defense of millions of innocent Kenyans who deserve better, least of which is their right to the true Gospel of Christ and respect for personal earnings, possessions and property. Let me put it plainly, that if these preachers are not taken off the airwaves by 31st January, 2013, then I will shortly institute legal suit against anyone propagating this swindling lies to the public within the Republic of Kenya.

In case someone is still in doubt, then let it be known that I will be going to court to compel broadcasters to desist from sending to the public any pre-recorded or live broadcast of the following and anything related to it:
1. The purchase of artifacts such as anointing oil, holy water, plants, soil, clothing, booklets and pamphlets in the name of divine exchange, blessing or even offsetting of curses, particularly where monetary value is attached to instant spiritual gain.
2. The persuasion of listeners and viewers to conduct Mpesa transactions or blindly surrender hard-earned cash or resources in return for miracles, blessings, the unlocking of the preacher’s oratory/message, etc.
3. The propagation of the lie that if someone is poor or suffers, it is a sign of lack of faith, curse or sin and that money given to the preacher or the group can take care of this.
4. The teaching that money given to a preacher can take care of barrenness, joblessness, sickness, etc.
5. False predictions intended to unnecessarily scare innocent citizens which never come to pass and which are issued in the name of prophecy.

I am a believer in biblical prosperity myself and also believe in a God who works miracles. I believe that God speaks to His people in different ways, chief of which is through His Word, but has also warned that in the last days there will be false prophets and teachers and that we are not to be afraid of them, (Deuteronomy 18:20-21) and must not give in to their deception (Matthew 24:5; 24:11).

I must clarify here that my suit will not be against genuine and biblical teaching on giving to and receiving from God, giving to the poor or to just causes. It is not a suit against alms, acts of kindness or worshiping God through willful giving. It is not a suit against miracles, preaching or teaching per se. It is not about airing religious content. It is about honesty and truthfulness. It is about respecting others. It is about daylight robbery through “spiritual manipulation” through blatant swindling, coercion and manipulation…

In the name of decency and good manners, I will also be including the need to regulate certain mannerisms in the media e.g. a preacher televising filth such as vomiting, foaming at the mouth, lewd pictures, seductive behaviour, and autocratic and negative patronizing behaviour broadcast as spirituality, power games and ministry superiority.

My argument here is that it is wrong for any media house, Christian or otherwise, to earn programme revenues from lies that are then unthinkingly broadcast to the public. That should never be allowed. If it is wrong to con someone, swindle him out of hard-earned cash or any other form of fraud, why should this be permitted in broad daylight with the full knowledge that someone was using spirituality to cheat others out of their possessions? Something wrong does not become acceptable just because it bears the name of God or Christ. As a Christian, singer and preacher of the gospel, I am deeply offended when someone misuses the name of my God, my Saviour or the Holy Spirit or the Word of God. I will not watch as the media continues to air these lies to unsuspecting Kenyans. Whoever misleads any of these little ones, it were better if a millstone were tied to him/her and then they are drowned. Those were the words of our Lord, not mine. James added that teachers will be judged more strictly than those they teach. (James 3:1ff).

For this, I know I will pay a great price, but my conscience towards my Saviour and the Word of God is clear that it is a worthy price to pay. God through John admonished us to test the spirits to see if they are from God. (1 John 4:1ff). Peter warned us of false teachers and prophets in the last days. (2 Peter 2:1-3). Paul warned us of doctrines of demons and of godless chatter, of people following after false teachers because of itching ears. (1 Timothy 4:1ff and 2 Timothy 4:1-5).

If we cannot respect the dignity of fellow citizens as not to swindle them out of their hard-earned possessions, then let us at least respect the Judge of us all, the Lord Jesus Christ, who does not show favouritism and before whom both the preacher, the broadcaster and the listener/viewer will stand. If you are this kind of preacher and have read this message, then please desist from this practice and earn an honest income before God deals with you.

Curse me or bless me: Here I stand!

It was the first song and video to be released this year and it is already getting the attention of most radio and TV stations.

Octopizzo has started off the year with more work and it is clear that we should expect so much more from him this year. The amount of work he’s putting in is just crazy.

His new track, ‘swag’ in which he features HBR Radio presenter and fellow artist Amina is quite a hit and so is the video.

Here, check out the behind the scenes footage below as part of CNN’s documentary on the new music scratch cards.

Ringtone is definitely one of the flashiest personalities in the local music industry. On an interview with 1 FM’s Tina Kagia on her mid-morning show, he explained where he gets all his cash after being asked how he acquired his car.

“I’ve always had cars. Pesa zangu, I get from very few places. Watu huuliza wapi CD yako, nawapatia. Nikienda mbele ya watu, nawaambia shida zangu, watu wananipatia pesa (I get my money from a few places. People ask me for my CDs and I just give them out. I go to people, I tell them my problems and they give me money).”

He further clarified that point, “I’m a motivational speaker kwa mashule (in schools). Mi hu-charge 10k, 20k hapa kule, alafu  na-save zingine (I charge 10,000, 20,000 here and there). He also added that he gets more cash through the sale of t-shirts and other merchandise.

Fredrick Okang’o contacted Ghafla! with a story after gospel music artiste Holy Dave got in a scuffle with him at a party earlier this week:

“It was on Monday, on the 31st, I was at a friends bash in Kilimani. His house is somewhere near Yaya, right opposite Orange House. There were around 30 people at the party.

Then Holy Dave walked in. I wouldn’t have known who he was if my girlfriend didn’t tell me who he is and maybe would never have even remembered him if she didn’t point out that he was a gospel artiste. That was noticeable because he arrived with three women, one of whom I was told is his sister. That and that he was a carrying a bottle of Jameson.

It was bring-your-own-drink bash so it didn’t seem off except for the fact that I’d been told he’s a gospel artiste. After the midnight celebration, I think it was around 1:00 a.m., Holy Dave went outside with his Jameson and started trying to pick out other people’s women, taking them outside offering them drinks.

I confronted him telling him, “Hey, everyone carried their own drinks, who do you think you are offering other people’s chicks drinks?” He was on the phone talking to someone at the time. As I tried to walk away, he blocked me. That’s when I reminded him that he wasn’t invited to this party by anyone who organized it. “The owner of the house doesn’t know you so you better behave.”

He pushed me and caused a scene. He tried picking a fight threw a few jabs just before the owner of the house and host of the party showed up and told him he had to leave.”

Reaching Holy Dave to confirm the story, he readily gave us the night’s details:

“I arrived at around 11:30 p.m. with Joey [Muthengi] and my other sister. The bash was relaxed, it was okay. Some chick came over to introduce herself to Joey and I as a fan. I was fine, I thought it was cool. We chatted for a bit before I needed to direct some other people who were on their way to the same bash so I went outside to make a call.

As I was on the phone, some guy who I had earlier seen with the chick who had introduced herself as a big fan, came over to talk to me. I was still on the phone so I didn’t really know what he was talking about until he said, “you think you can get any woman you want here?”

I finished up with my call and the guy asked me who I was. I’ve been in many fights and I always know when one is about to start. I never start fights. I asked him to leave me alone and that’s when he punched me in the face. I almost fell and when I regained my balance, he held my neck scratching scratching me like a mama.

He was at the doorway blocking my way and that’s when I grabbed him and pushed him into the house. Guys who knew me at the bash came to my rescue, asking me what was going on. I explained to the house owner that I was not there to cause any trouble.

I like and respect people’s parties, I want them to be succesful and so I went back outside to avoid any more confrontations with the guy. I had also dropped my phone during the scuffle and took it from my pal who picked it up before heading back outside.

At this point, Joey had come to ask me what had happened. Then I noticed that the guy had now followed us outside and was standing right behind Joey. You can mess with me any day but don’t mess with my sister. I wondered what had brought him outside to stand right behind her.

He told me that he was going to beat me up. I knew it was going down so I chucked my jacket, I was wearing a white jacket. Some of my pals came and told me to relax. It became a huge deal and everyone came outside to see what was going on. It looked like it was going to be a huge fight so his pals went on his side and my pals came to mine.

I didn’t want any more trouble than had already been caused and so I told my pal to go get the car we had been driven with to the place right at the gate. It was parked a bit down the road. He parked it right by the gate, where I had noticed there was a policeman as we walked in.

I decided to leave the party on my own volition. If I wanted to stay, I would have. As I was walking away, I heard some chick–who I actually know–say, “Who does this guy think he is? You’re going to die tonight.” I’ve been to [other] parties where I saw people flashing guns casually and so I took it very seriously.

We exchanged words for about five minutes before we finally drove off without my sisters. I was worried that if the chick was making a real threat, I didn’t want my sisters to be with me should anything go down. I called my sisters telling them that we would be coming with security to pick them up but they had also already left the bash and gone to Joey’s place.”

On asking him whether he really was drinking the Jameson, he said, “Hell, no. I know that is some PR guy from Nation. He has beef with me from that day and I know he wants to bring me down.” He also clarified that he had been invited to the party and knew quite a number of people there.

Kenyan rapper STL has been chosen by Live Nation – Norway to curtain raise for American RnB sensation, Trey Songz, who will perform in Oslo on the 5th of January.

STL will exclusively share the stage with the singer since there are no other artistes from Norway or abroad that were chosen to perform before the main act. A couple of DJs will play sets before STL gets on stage at 9:00 p.m. just before Trey Songs.

The concert takes place this weekend at the Sentrum Scene in Oslo and will be Trey Songz. The singer is currently on a European tour that will see him perform in Leeds, Birmingham, London, Stokcholm, Ramonville St Agne and Paris among other cities by the end of January.

Whereas he could be out drinking or partying hard, genge godfather, Nonini chose to put a smile on destitute children’s faces. The musician visited the New Life Children’s Home in Mtwapa on the eve of 2013 and donated foodstuff among other basics. The visit also marked Nonini’s Colour Kwa Face campaign, Mombasa Edition. Take a look;

Nonini talks to the boys before handing them sunscreen lotions

Offloading the foodstuff

One of the boys shows what he received

Nonini poses with the boys

Big up Mgenge for having a big heart.

Gospel singer Ringtone was yesterday interviewed by 1 FM mid-morning presenter, Tina Kaggia. They talked about his career, controversies and political career. Tina Kagia asked him, “Will contesting the Dagoretti North seat taint your reputation in the gospel industry?”

“Leadership is like a talent, you are born with it. Kenye inanisumbua ni vile napenda kusaidia vijana, lakini sasa wamekuwa wengi, siwezi wasaidia wote (What troubles me is how to help the youth. They’ve become too many, I can’t help them all),” said Ringtone.

He added, “I’ve looked around, naweza saidiaje hawa vijana wote? Tutawacha kuandamana kwa street (I’ve been wondering how I can help all these youth. We have to stop with the demonstrations in the streets). We have grown up, tuweke msanii ndani ya bunge, niwapiganie wale wako na talanta (We need an artiste in parliament to fight for those with talent).”

When Jua Cali and Sana paired up for the second time to do “Geti Kali”, the track was so hot that fans were demanding for its video. At some point there was even a video but it wasn’t working, but now, the official video of the song is out.

Though it’s months late, the video is totally astounding. The song is about an extravagant chic that the boys really want to have but cannot afford as her demands are way beyond their reach. Complete with a vintage Mercedes Benz and a Harley clone, the video just oozes elegance.

Sana adds charisma to the video with her body-hugging outfits and high-end accessories. Her demeanor in the video also reinforces the message in the song.

Watch “Geti Kali” video below;

2012 saw the breaking out of Octopizzo and Camp Mulla after years of hustling to gain recognition. Not only did they finally get the credit they deserved, but they dominated the industry. It will be hard for a previously unknown artistes taking over like the Namba Nane ambassador and the foursome did.

Still, there is some promise for some artistes who did some good work in 2012 they might expand on in 2013. From rappers, singers and a pop artistes, this might just be the breakout stars this coming year.

1. Uneek
He was really good in Camp Mulla’s SOS and the 25flow Cypher but his real strengths camem out on his solo tracks, Smoking Like A Rasta and the brilliant, maybe best rap song last year, Nai Nights. He has been working with Pro’voke lately, a killer combination that will see the release of his next track which features Nessa.

2. Annette
She featured on Imperfections, the Pro’voke produced and headlined track that had last 2012’s coolest video. The model and law student was also on Nonini’s Pole Pole, making her one of the most high-profile artiste on the list. But she still has the chance to prove herself more than she already has.

3. Michelle Kamau
The 22-year old already has three tracks which have not yet received the airplay they deserve. An RnB artiste who has recorded at Fardeen Productions and Sub-Sahara records, her tracks have the kind of vibe that would appeal to the local pop music market.

4. Pendo
She has a beautiful voice and has the potential of becoming one of the best vocalists around if she applies it to the right genre. Like the rest of the people on the list, she is also currently working with Pro’voke on new material that is expected to come out from very early this year. She was recently nominated in the Most Promising Artiste category at the Nyota Awards.

5. Dogo Biggie
With the backing of Grandpa Records, what is gradually becoming the biggest hitmaker in the country, the young singer might just be on his way to stardom. He was featured on the first ever annual Fimbo Project and with a wide array of artistes at Grandpa to collaborate with, it’s in his hands to make sure takes 2013.

From the creator of hit songs like Kando (Mpango wa Kando), Yesu Iroma, and Sitolia (featuring Willy Paul), the charming Gloria Muliro is back again with another superb song that will sure be a hit this year. Christened “Follow You”, the video was released just before Christmas and already is a favorite.

I first saw her perform the song on Monday night at both Groove Party and Totally Sold Out (TSO) and I thought what a nice song, so inspiring! The chorus goes like; “Where you go I’ll go, where you stay I’ll stay, where you move I’ll move, I will follow U.” Basically, it’s about believing in God.

Shot on location in CBD and sandy shores of the Coast, the video also features some of the top deejays in the Gospel industry like Sadic, Mo and Krowbar. Watch this amazing song below;

One of the top Coast-based artistes, Fisherman is bereaved. The GrandPa Family musician lost his dad earlier today after a long illness.

Fisherman’s dad, Mzee Mwamba Nuru, will be laid to rest this evening, at 4PM, in Mombasa. Fisherman is the artsiste who sings the fifth verse of the hit song Chapa/Fimbo Ya Pili by the GrandPa Family. This morning, Citizen’s Mambo Mseto / Mseto East Africa host, Willy M. Tuva, was among the first artistes to condole Fisherman who is also his close friend. “May God comfort you and your family through this hard time,” said Willy M.T.

Ghafla! condoles with Fisherman in his loss.

Following the racially motivated assault on a Kenyan living in Germany, rapper K-Nel has dared the Kenyan Embassy in Germany to issue a statement on the incident.

According to K-Nel, a Kenyan rapper who lives in Berlin, the Embassy is slacking on its job: protecting the lives and welbeing of Kenyans in Germany. “And not much has been done to chase this case. My call, my concern, my disappointement, my anger is the fact the the Kenyan embassy in Berlin has still not issued a statement addressing this issue.”

And on the victim’s condition so far, “Jimmy is still in the hospital in a very critical condition. His eye has a major cut, it’s looking very bad.” He adds, “I’m posting this video addressing the Kenyan Embassy in Berlin directly addressing the Kenyan ambassador here in Germany to make sure that within the next 24 hours you’re going issue a press statement to the people.”

K-Nel wants his video to major impact on the Web, “This video is going to go viral on social networks: Twitter, Facebook…we will use all platforms that we have.”

K-Nel is about to release a brand new track, Bluffin’ in which he features Liberian singer, Chris Deshield. Check out K-Nel’s statement to the Embassy below.

From Octopizzo’s Toboa to KenRazy’s Kura Burndem, it was expected that there would be a lot of political songs. And here is the the latest one, Erick Omondi – International’s Roundi Hii.

The song was inspired by the over 1,000 Kenyans who lost their lives after the violence that followed that last elections. The song is a homage to his country and the displaced Kenyans following the same violence in 2008.

“Tribalism was, and is still, one of the main causes of disunity in Kenya. This song is specifically dedicated to all Kenyans, including the politicians, to preach a message of peace, love and forgiveness as we approach the elections in March, 2013,” he says.

Check out Eric Omondi – International’s video for his debut track, Roundi Hii,

below.
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Gospel artiste, presenter and MC Hey-Z has been involved in a road accident. The accident took place on the newly finished Thika Road highway. The artiste was with his sisters in the car at the time of the incident.

Speaking to Ghafla! exclusively Hey-Z confirmed the incident and added that he’s fine and that his sister got a small bruise on the arm and forehead but are out of danger. The “Nasonga” hit maker thanked God, DJ Mo, DK Kwenye Beat and his dad who were at hand to help them after the accident.

Hey-Z had recently performed at the Pamoja Peace Concert in Eldoret together with Rufftone, Juliani, Denno, Christina Shusho, Emmy Kosgey among others.

This holiday period, a number of artistes have been involved in accidents with reports of some involving Eunice Njeri, DNA and Refigah in the last one week.

He’s undoubtedly one of the top successful deejays in Kenya right now. And to prove that, DJ Nruff has just landed himself a new radio show with a Swaziland-based radio station, SBIS2. That makes it 6 shows in 6 radio stations in Africa for the award-winning deejay.

DJ Nruff is the founder and CEO of the Union Music Group which is a Recording and Events Company that comprises of a DJ and music producers including himself and Over Doze. He is also the owner and radio show host at Urban Threat Radio (UTR), Africa’s number 1 urban syndicated show. Here’s what under his docket;
·    Host Dub Step Street On Monster Radio
·    Urban Threat Radio Airs Every Saturday From 9pm – 11pm On Radio 10 – 87.6 Kigali Rwanda
·    Host The RNB Mix On Easy FM 96.3 Weekdays From 7:00pm – 8:00pm (March 2012 – Present)
·    Co-Host The Homerun On Easy FM 96.3 Weekdays From 8:00pm – 10:00pm
·    60 Mara Hio Hio Mix On Easy FM 96.3 Weekdays From 7:00pm – 7:30pm
·    Co Host 60 Mara Hio Hio For Coca Cola With Sheila Mwanyigha On Easy FM 96.3 Every Saturday Morning From 9:00am-10:00am
·    Krazy Fire Monthly Dancehall Mix Show On 5FM South Africa

The top deejay has also performed in numerous cities around East Africa and the world with the 25-state DJ tour in the States being the climax of his career.

Ghafla! wishes DJ Nruff all the best in the new job.

It has been a while since we last saw Toxic in a music video. Last time I checked, she was dancing in them. Infact, she was the most sought after dancer in the Kenyan entertainment scene. Be it in music videos or events, she was the ‘it’ girl.

Just like she said she would do, she expanded her boundaries and is now not only a dancer, but a singer. She has been working on her music almost immediately after she gave birth to her first child.

Honestly, I wasn’t too sure about this move. If you spend too much time around/with music, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can sing. But in this case, I was dead wrong.

She collaborated with Tiera Gee in her latest track, ‘Independent’ late last month. Check it out.

The Nyota Awards ceremony took place at the Kenya National Theatre on 21st December and recognized the best of Kenyan entertainment. Check out the winners below.

Male Artiste of the Year
DNA
Mejja
Rabbit
Prof

Female Artiste of the Year
Avril
Xtatic
Qty
Size 8
Kendi
Amileena

Dance Crew of the Year
Miscard Dancers
Tremaz Dancers
Winkers Dancers
Magician Dancers
Flamers Dance Crew
Kipaji Fiti

DJ of the Year
DJ Kaytrix
DJ Flash
DJ Hassan
DJ Peter Adams

Most Promising Artiste
TL-Moh
Pendo
Tiera Gee
Jay A
Amina
Chifu

Best Actor/Actress
Shish
Anto
Brenda
Miss Morgan

Best TV Show
Mseto East Africa
Iz Vipi
Club One
Riddim Up

Radio Station of the Year
Ghetto Radio
Radio Maisha
Kiss 100
Easy FM
Citizen

Presenter of the Year
Mbusi
Willy M. Tuva
Mwende
Shaffie

Collabo of the Year
Party Don’t Stop – Camp Mulla feat. Collo
Fimbo Ya Pili – Grandpa Family
Confusion – MOG & Rufftone
Pole Pole – Nonini & Annette

Best Production House/Producer
Grandpa
Calif Records
Ogopa Deejays
Young Wallace

Best Newspaper/Magazine
Pulse
The Star
Zuqka
Eve

Young Foundation/Organization Recognition
Influx Foundation for Young Talent
Rona – Opti Media Solutions for Charity Events
Qty Foundation for HIV Awareness
Convidence for Confidence

Most Addictive Song of the Year
Why – Amileena

Special Award of Socially Responsible & Business-minded Artiste
Jaguar

Song of the Year
Why – Amileena
Vidonge – Size 8
Fimbo Ya Pili – Grandpa Family
Kitu Kimoja – Avril
Ivo Ivo Ivo – Octopizzo
Maswali Ya Polisi – DNA

Thanks to the increased travelling around the holiday period, cases of accidents are usually higher in the month of December. Our local artistes were not spared in the last festive season.

One of Kenya’s biggest hitmakers, DNA, and Grandpa Records president, Refigah, were involved in an accident on around the Christmas period as they made their way to Diani for a beach party at Kim4Love’s resort. The accident took place somewhere between Kilifi and Mombasa.

DNA and Refigah survived the accident without any serious injuries. Another musician, gospel artiste Eunice Njeri, was last week involved in an accident on her way to Eldoret for the TSO New Year’s concert. Check out the story here.

DNA joined Grandpa Records in 2012 after making the move back to secular music and at the label made two of the year’s biggest hits, Maswali Ya Polisi and Fimbo Ya Pili.

Bamboo came back with a bang and his collaboration with budding singer Sugar was among the first tracks he dropped as soon as he touched down back home.

The track is currently one of the hottest there is right now and by the looks of the behind-the-scenes footage of the video shoot, the video will be equally hot.

There is no playing when it comes to music as far as Bamboo is concerned. Oh, wait… music is his play. Man, don’t you just love this guy and his flow?

Check out the footage, which may also seems to serve as the actual video for the time being below.