Daddy Owen’s birthday is today(29th Jan)
Daddy Owen will be visiting some hospitals today to spend time with the sick, share with them, pray as well as giving them hope.
DJ Mo’s birthday is tomorrow(30th January)
and on Friday(1st February), celebrity journalist Cate Mukei’s will celebrate her birthday as well.
You may drop your birthday wishes in the comment section below:
The nominees for the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs) were announced on the yesterday. The Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards will be held in Lagos, Nigeria on the 9th of March. There were 110 Nominees from 43 different countries.
Spielworks Media, the makers of Lies That Bind, received three nominations for the popular TV series. Maureen Koech who plays the role of Patricia received a Best Actress nomination. Carol Mbugua received a nomination for Best Art Director and both Reg Chuhi and Kevin Ireri received a nomination for Best Picture Editor.
Encompassing 28 awards in 26 categories, the AMVCAs include six categories where viewers will vote for winners and 18 more technically focused categories where winners will be selected by a judging panel. Voting opened immediately after the announcement and closes on 3rd March at midnight. Voting can be done online here or SMS.
Jalang’o recently had a tell-all interview with the Sunday Nation, where he revealed his life story. Celebs are usually coy about announcing their political support for somebody, due to image reasons, but Jalas was not holding back. When asked the touchy question about his preference for presidential elections, this is what Jalas had to say:
“Peter Kenneth has been my friend from long before he declared his intention to vie for President. He is a great individual and an exemplary leader. It’s no secret that I support his candidature.”
So there you have it. Jalang’o has officially announced that he supports Peter Kenneth for the presidency. What are your thoughts on this? I’m really keen to find out whether knowing who a celeb supports politically really affects their fans’ views of them. Leave your interesting or creative responses in the comment section below:
Jalang’o recently had a tell-all interview with the Sunday Nation, where he revealed his life story. Celebs are usually coy about announcing their political support for somebody, due to image reasons, but Jalas was not holding back. When asked the touchy question about his preference for presidential elections, this is what Jalas had to say:
“Peter Kenneth has been my friend from long before he declared his intention to vie for President. He is a great individual and an exemplary leader. It’s no secret that I support his candidature.”
So there you have it. Jalang’o has officially announced that he supports Peter Kenneth for the presidency. What are your thoughts on this? I’m really keen to find out whether knowing who a celeb supports politically really affects their fans’ views of them. Leave your interesting or creative responses in the comment section below:
Ladies and gentlemen, frogs and toads, party people and thrill chasers alike, Uncle Chim Tuna has news about the biggest party the month of February has in store for you!
Do away with Jan-Worry and it’s 65 days! Say hello to the month of love and passion and why not usher it in with the mother of all parties! What am i babbling about? Well, Kenya’s livest and liveliest party crew Ace Cards Entertainment will be holding it down in a huge way!
i’m sure you’re wondering why i say huge aye? Well, which other crew do you know that will be holding it down on the 1s and 2s in not one not two but three countries?
On not one but two days (Feb 1st and 2nd) in three countries; Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda. That is what can only be described as a madness!
Six DJs will be holding it down: DJ Stretch, DJ Slick, DJ Incredible, DJ Kafi, DJ Namosky and DVJ Afshon will be taking Nairobi’s world famous party to the rest of East Africa.
Read the poster for more details!
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Reports reaching me -actually from Insyder Magazine- seem to indicate a split between leading record producer Ulopa Ngoma and Sub Sahara Records.
And he has taken a gem from them and it is quite the coup too! Ulopa has left Sub Sahara Records with Collo. For those of you not in the know, Sub Sahara Records is the stable that Camp Mulla call home.
Actually, Ulopa is credited with mentoring and bringing up Camp Mulla as a musical force to be reckoned with. It’s still unclear under what circumstances Ulopa has left. But one thing is clear Ulopa is ready to soar and has already set up another studio in South B called Side B.
Watch this space for more information as the situation and circumstances become clearer.
It’s yet another bright day and after yesterday’s shower of blessings, i’m feeling refreshed and mightily energized for another great day! And with that, here is what you need to know today as you set out your brekkies be it a cuppa Joe or weetabix.
#1. Mista Majani decided to delve into the argument about whether K24’s Gertrude Mungai’s s3x show is educational and helpful for Kenyans or just soft erotica. Have a look, p0rn or education?
#2. BBA 8 auditions are going down but the deadline is approaching. Here’s why i think Huddah Monroe -Kenya’s Kim Kardashian- should be chosen for Kenya as her representative.
#3. Ghafla ran a poll to try and find out who to crown as Kenya’s King wa Rap and we have a king! All hail the king! Find out who sits on that throne!
#4. Mista Majani was back at it again. This time he sought to find out who is sexier, Julie Gichuru, Michelle Morgan or Lillian Muli. Have you voted? Do so now!
#5. Jalang’o has announced that he intends to get married. Question is, to who? Is it Avril? The nightingale he has been linked to from time-to-time? Find out here!
#6. The Illuminati cypher: Cypher 666 gets explained. All of you who keep calling us asking for a link to the Illuminati need to take not of this as the resident Illuminati expert Adam Wagwau delves into all this.
#7. Have you seen Mejja’s new hilarious track? Well, join Kone Sekou for that! Trust that it’s a rib cracker!
#8. Madtraxx has taken it to the caves with this one and Adam Wagwau follows him right into those caves! Talk about Maddy pulling an Osama!
#9. Adam Wagwau takes us on a tour of what went down behind the scenes of what is billed as Kenya’s next big TV show. Enjoy the photo gallery!
#10 Nairobi’s own Nonini set to take “Manzi wa Nairobi” to delaware. Find out what that’s all about right here.
Talk of artistes using demonic references and symbols to their advantage is not new in the industry. It caught steam in 2012 with the likes of Octopizzo, DJ Creme, Raj and even the rappers who participated in the Crush Groove Cypher.
Some claims were as preposterous as rumors of artistes joining cults or more rational like personalities using the references to stoke conversation about their persona.
Carlos of Fardeen Productions, the studio behind the Crush Groove Cypher spoke exclusively to Ghafla! and cleared the air on why they named their cypher 666.
“We did three cyphers with six artistes each. It was purely coincidental and that is the only reason we named it Crush Groove Cypher 666. There was no mischief surrounding that. In fact, Black Muntu, the producer, is a staunch Muslim and he wouldn’t do anything like that.”
Black Muntu, the man who is also behind the Kisima Cypher concurred. Listening to the five-minute cypher, there is really no other reference to anything mischiveously or seriously demonic, except for Mwakenya using the word Illuminati to complete a rhyme. Take another look at the first Crush Groove Cypher 666 below.
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Nonini’s international tour just kicked off and he is now flying all over the globe, performing shows for the genge lovers.
The Godfather of Genge this 2nd of February will be performing some of his greatest legendary hits like ‘manzi wa Nairobi’ and ‘we kamu’, just to mention a few in Delaware’s Simba Grill Lounge.
He will be heading with deejays E Love and Jaymo on the decks at this much anticipated concert.
The event kicks off at 9PM.
Emerald Events brings you The Gospel Karaoke Night on 2nd March at Timers Restaurant on Kenyatta Avenue opposite GPO from 7:00 p.m. till midnight.
Performers at the show will include Adawnage and MC Kelly. Also performing at the event will be Alabasta Dancers. More entertainment will be provided in the form of DJ mixes and an open mic session. The beatboxers will be Nasara and Beat Marvel.
The prizes for winners include a dinner for two, photoshoot and autographed CDs. Entry to The Gospel Karaoke Night is Kshs. 200.
It’s about that exciting time of the month. The period you disappear and you are suddenly busy for people. That’s just wrong. But as you plan on settling your debts, how about a plan for Wednesday to clear your head?
It’s all about soul music this and every other Wednesday at the Beka Lounge, situated on the third floor of Tribeka. Nothing as refreshing a just kicking back with a cold drink, jamming to the best of soul music.
Legendary DJ Adrian will be holding it down at the Beka Lounge this Wednesday at the event dubbed ‘Spinback Soul’.
Come kick it in the old school vibe with Kenya’s legendary DJ.
Entry is absolutely free.
See you there.
Last week i was impressed by how popular Huddah Monroe was as a choice for the Kenyan representative at BBA 8. It was rather logical really. But i was blown away from what the Ghafla Poll revealed.
Huddah Monroe is a polarising figure. Just like Kim K. But for a show such as the reality TV show Big Brother, who is better suited? Allow me to illustrate to you just 5 reasons why Kenya’s Kim K will do just fine:
#5 She is hot!
Alot of women were angry about the comparison between Kim K and Huddah Monroe that i made last week but i figure it’s just sour grapes and all that! Huddah is as sexy as they come and she knows it. On such a platform, the rest of Africa will be judging Kenya through it’s Reps and looks are a major issue. Men will be too scared to vote her off because then the house would be left rather… uhm… let’s just say the house will be meh!
#4. She will lift up Kenya’s image
Kenya was voted the country with the ugliest Africans last year. So if the women want to change that perception, why not let Huddah do it for you? We don’t need ugly lasses scaring us into voting off the show in an act of mercy for ourselves. Huddah is an attractive Kenyan lass and the rest of Africa will have to sit up and reckon with our beautiful Kenyan sisters.
#3. Huddah isn’t afraid to walk about naked
She celebrates her body. I for one would love to celebrate it with her. Did that come off as pervy? Tough! It’s true and your boyfriend knows it!
#2. Huddah is a hassler
That means that she’s smarter than alot of us give her credit for. Huddah will charm her way into the leprechaun’s pot of gold without anyone realising what’s happening.
#1. Huddah doesn’t shy away from controversy
Being Huddah Monroe means you have to have thick skin. People are constantly attacking you on these damn internets simply because they want your body (for the lasses) or because they couldn’t get you (both lasses and lads). Huddah can handle her own! She will be one of the most entertaining individuals if she got into BBA 8 and that’s no lie!
Now run and tell your aunties that i’ve endorsed Huddah for this year’s Kenyan rep at BBA 8!
Hawa Essuman’s screenplay for a supernatural film, Djin: The Wind of Destiny, won the Director’s Eye prize at the 9th African Film Festival of Cordoba in Spain last October. The accolade comes with a 25,000 euro prize (about Kshs. 3,000,000) to be used in development.
Djin beat out six other scripts which had been presented at the 4th Forum for African Co-production in Cordoba. Special mention went to Salme’s Freedom, another Kenyan story by Mira Tanna-Händel.
Other screenplays in the running were Sweet Justice by Ekwa Msangi-Omari (Tanzania, U.S., Kenya), Kiloshe by Victoria Thomas (Sierra Leone), La Batârde by Uda Benyamina and Malik Rumeau (Morocco, Syria, France) and La Bande à Salomon by Kivu Ruhorahoza (Rwanda).
Essuman has already received an award this year at the International Film Festival of Durban for another script, Logs of War, which has also been selected to screen in the International Documentary Festival of Amsterdam.
The synopsis for Djin, which is a supernatural tale reads:
“Every 30 years, in a village on the coast of Kenya where mythology and tradition prevail despite modernity’s attempts to penetrate, a wind blows, carrying with it a spirit: the Djin. This spirit selects people, urging them to fulfil their aspirations, at the same time eliminating doubts and ambivalences.“
Hawa Essuman directed the highly acclaimed supernatural thriller and first film in the One Fine Day Films Workshop project, Soul Boy. She has worked on Makutano Junction as well as directing Selfish?. The Lift, Cold War and Coming Out.
Last Saturday (26th January), one of India’s greatest singers, Mika Singh was in Nairobi and he gave a breath taking performance.
You know how good those emotional musical scenes in Indian movies look and the effect they leave in you? Who would have guessed it has the same effect at a live concert?
The concert went down at the carnivore, and this is just how good it was as seen by Quaint Photography.
Social media has been abuzz lately with the viral spread of Gertrude Mungai’s segment on K24 called K24 Connect. This is a show where she discusses bedroom matters, as she is a sexologist. The most heated debate was generated when Gertrude recently went ahead and showed a LIVE demonstration of positions for “Mombasa Raha”(her terminology for sex). Here is the video for those who may have missed it:
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The debate around these videos centres on morality. Should these sort of videos be shown on TV?
The conservatives amongst us say that these are private issues between a man and his wife, and they are not for public display. Further to this, Kenya is a Christian country, hence promotion of sexual activity is a thin line to step on.
The liberals on the other hand, say that these are realities of life, and should be openly expressed. Sex education is vital, and there is nothing wrong with showing a man and a woman how to express their love for each other.
What say you, dear Ghafla! fans? Is Gertrude Mungai’s “Connect” show too hot for TV, or is it just what the doctor ordered? Leave your interesting or creative responses in the comment section below:
Did this guy ever consider being a comedian? He would have killed it and given the likes of Eric Omondi a run for their money.
Mejja has never failed to crack ribs with his songs. Better yet, his videos. He has a way of acting out/illustrating his lyrics word for word. Infact, I think this might just be the funniest Kenyan rapper that ever lived. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Recently, Mejja decided to venture into house/trance music and with this new objective, he recorded and launched ‘Over my ex’, which was basically his first feel good track. The video has been pending ever since.
Just two days ago, Mejja released the video and after watching it, I think it was indeed worth the wait. Forget about the quality of the video. With all the comical acts going on, you won’t even notice the quality.
It starts by Mejja literally diving into a car (through obvious graphic effects) in a desperate attempt to escape his girlfriend who is just about to become ‘the EX’.
This video got me laughing from the moment I clicked play. You just can’t help it. Resistance is futile.
Check out Mejja’s latest video, ‘Over my Ex’ below. Hilarious stuff!
Sometimes when you look at the lineup of news presenters at Citizen TV, you may be forgiven for thinking that they hire based on looks. ALL the Citizen presenters(bar Belinda Obura) are smmmoking hot. Today let’s do a comparison, and see who is the fairest of them all:
Julie Gichuru: the veteran of the bunch. Julie’s strong Christian values make her ‘wife material’
Janet Mbugua: the Twitterati have been going crazy over this woman’s hips lately. Rumor has it, she’s paid 800k to get her sexy self on your screen:
Lilian Muli: She did exceptionally well to maintain her figure after having a baby. Check it out:
Michelle Morgan: the newcomer in the bunch. She’s got that tall, light and beautiful vibe going(yes, I just made that up):
So who do you think is the flyest? Vote in the poll below and leave a comment as well:
{loadposition citizenmamispoll}
Have you watched Django? If you haven’t then you should probably run down to the nearest Starflix to check it out. Or you could grab a fake copy and watch it alone but that will not impress your lass.
Trust me when i say that you’ll earn more brownie points with the lass if you man up and head on down to Starflix. But back to the matter at hand. Django. Alot has been said about this movie but i figure it’s time i weighed in with my opinion.
The cast boasted the likes of Leornado diCapri and Kerry Washington and ofcourse the man fortunate enough to be mistaken for an older Uncle Chim Tuna; Jamie Foxx. That just goes to tell alot about the standards of the performances.
But Adam Wagwau will go into all that hogwash. I’d prefer to concentrate on my experience at Starflix. The seats are rather cush, just right for my tush. The prices of the condiments and confectioneries isn’t exorbitant. Popcorn is 150/- and a soda goes for 100/-. The staff are friendly and helpful.
This actually made watching Django easier. Some scenes brought out anger i didn’t know i had at the whole tragic affair that is slavery. I say is out of respect for those that went through it. Slavery will never be swept under the rag. I watched as Django went through his adventures in an attempt to get back Brunhilda, his wife (played by Kerry Washington).
Some scenes were funny, others morally challenging. In the end *spoiler alert* everyone died! Nah, i’m just playing! Django’s horse survived. Seriously though, you should make your way down to Starflix with your date and enjoy Django!
The new TV drama that is slated to hit television screens this year has already begun production. We had earlier announced that the show had already cast Raymond Ofula, David Mulwa, Lizz Njagah, Ainea Ojiambo and Gerald Langiri.
The showrunner for Two Sides is Mutethia Peter and written by Waweru Paul. The show’s producer is by Busaka Jackton. Shooting took place at the Kenyatta University where the auditions had also taken place for child actors to join the cast.
Check out photos from the shoot below.
So yesterday, Jalang’o had a very revealing interview with the Buzz Magazine, where he talked about his history in the showbiz game. When it came to his relationship status, this is what he had to say:
“I’m in a happy relationship and if all goes well we will be tying the knot this year. We have a two-year-old daughter whom I love so much. I don’t like mixing Jalang’o and Felix though; so I’d prefer if my personal life remains out of the public domain.”
Now we are all wondering who this mystery woman is. Time for a Ghafla! Investigation.
Some time last year, Pulse started rumors that Jalang’o and Avril may be dating. They came to this conclusion after seeing the two get cuddly during one of the Pulse getaways in Naivasha. However, she couldn’t be the one he is marrying, as he says the girl he is marrying has a two-year old daughter with him. Last time I checked, Avril was childless.
Anyway, after the whole Pulse fiasco, we got in touch with Jalas, who then revealed to us who his REAL girlfriend was:
The comedian’s baby mama is a runway model and businesswoman named Cheptoek Boyo. Ms. Boyo came fourth in the 2009 Miss Kenya competition. She is a lingerie model with nairobisecrets.com and owner of fashion house, Salika.
Investigation over.
Jalang’o is getting married to Cheptoek Boyo later this year.
On Friday, members of the media were invited to take part in a pool tournament at K1. The tournamentbrought together some of the best media houses such as Standard, Nation, Capital, Ghetto Radio et al.
I’m still trying to figure out why they invited the ruffians from Ghafla to attend and actually even play -diversity must have been what they sought. But anyway, because Ghafla was there, it was only expected and fairly so i might add that we brought the house down!
While some of us lack basic skill, we more than made up for that with our enthusiasm -read being noisey. The 1st game we played saw us beat Michezo Africa in a clean sweep! Yep, so resoundingly were they beaten that when it was all done they refused to accept our congratulations. Thing is, we decided to congratulate them for having been resoundingly beaten at 3 games yet still managing to maintain some level of decorum. Plus who better to lose to than to Ghafla!Kenya anyway? I troll. Nothing so dramatic happened. They were excellent sports actually and they accepted our congratulations by cheering for our next opponents.
Capital FM were next. Ghafla was cast in David’s shoes and Capital in Goliath’s sandals and loincloth. The atmosphere was pregnant with tension! So electric was it that none of the other games mattered! Everyone flocked round our table to cheer the team that would undoubtedly clinch the title… Ghafla!
But such a fairy tale was not to happen. In the 1st game, Baba Ghafla saved face by going down to a 4-baller margin! It would seem his entire energy had been used up during the day as he tirelessy worked to build up Ghafla -the end of the month is here and i am doing my best to earn a raise so i shall be as shameless as i possibly can be about sucking up!
Baba Ghafla wasn’t to be alone in his shame for too long! Chege got hammered to a 7-baller margin! That was quite a pitiful display of horrible pool! We managed to get a foot back into the match when Jerry my brother won his round. Then i stepped up to the table.
I was matched up against the pro from Capital’s team. So scared were they that i’d beat them that they sent a bevy of beauties to distract me! Being both Luhya and Igbo, gravity can be very cruel! But i played down to the last 2 balls when my opponent whom i suspect was aided by the gods to thwart our brave march to victory won. But not to be worry people, i got 4 girls’ numbers and a date with one the next day.
Here are some pictures from Friday night!
Baba Ghafla valiantly leading the team.
Adam led the cheerleading squad.
Me reacting to what i thought was an impossible angle. I potted not one, but two balls.
The team reacting to my shot!
Your uncle leading the charge!
Baba Ghafla playing while your uncle Chim Tuna is distracted.
Incase you missed the memo, Changes is the new IT spot! And if you weren’t there on Thursday for their #PlatinumThursday, you should make an effort to show up this Thursday to find out what exactly it is you’re missing.
Here are some pictures of how it went down!Due to the fact that my colleague has the camera and is out on the field, i can’t post the photos i took till slightly later today. But these well done photos by Azariah Photos should give you a feel of what you missed!
Always had that dream of becoming a star? Being everyone’s eye candy? Cat walking on the run-way, looking all glamorous? This is that chance for you, well, that is if you live in Mombasa.
This Tuesday, 29th of January, Sanaa Casting Agency will be heading over to the Coast to look out for their next top models. Only female models though.
Auditions will be held at the Milele Beach Hotel, Mombasa-Malindi Road, opposite Bamburi Cement.
Meanwhile, you can also send your application forms telling Sanaa Casting about yourself, with two photos attached, to reuben@sanaacasting.co.ke
Requirements:
Can do runway/catwalk and bikini wear
Height should be 5.5 and above
Must be beautiful and confident (OBVIOUSLY!)
Good luck!
So, one of the most soulful musicians Kenya has, Anto Neosoul is just on the verge of finishing his debut album, which will soon be launched.
Being the dude with the amazing vocals, he can never go wrong in collaborations, unless ofcourse he just makes a terrible choice of partnership.
Having collaborated with most Kenyan artistes, be it rappers and fellow singers, Anto has proved that he can make a hit from any regular song, and it gets even better when he gets on stage to perform them. Just amazing.
Anyway, Anto Neosoul is giving his fans the opportunity to suggest the best artiste that he should collaborate with on his debut album. This is that chance you get to make your favorite artiste collaborate with yet another one of your favorite artistes.
You can contribute to this by commenting through his TL right here.
Jason Corder is an actor and rock artiste who dabbles in other music genres. Last Saturday, the Kuona Trust was the venue of his video launch for his single, Lovin’ This Home.
The MC at the launch was award-winning fellow MALI castmate, Mkamzee Mwatela who plays Usha on the show. The 43 year old singer and visual artiste who plays Farouk on MALI, has explored different places including Corsica, Ireland, Senegal, Ethiopia and Kenya. He is currently based in France and Kenya.
The video was directed by Kwame Nyong’o who received great acclaim and many awards for his animated film, The Legends of Ngong’s Hills. Kwame was an intern at Industrial Light & Magic, the world’s most respected visual effects company, before moving back to Kenya and working as an art director for the award-winning Tinga Tinga Tales.
Check out Lovin’ This Home below.
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The GoDown Gig will take place this Saturday, 2nd February at the GoDown Arts Center in South B between 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The show will feature live performances by Nina Ogot, Afrosimba and Anto NeoSoul. More entertainment will be provided by DJ Young Jockey at the free event. Nyama choma and drinks will be on sale at the afternoon show.
Anto NeoSoul and Nina Ogot just recently came back from tours abroad. Nina Ogot was chosen as a representative artiste on the One Beat tour and performed in various cities across the U.S. Anto NeoSoul was part of the Out of Africa musical that toured Europe for most of the last half of 2012 promoting Kenya as a tourism destination.
Kwani? Open Mic takes place on Tuesday, 5th February between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Entry is Kshs. 200.
The event has now moved to Arfa Lounge on Mama Ngina Street (since late last year), not far from its former home, Club Soundd. Arfa Lounge is at the XX Century IMAX Cinema.
The MC is still radio presenter Cindy Ogana this edition focuses on poet, Benson Kimani. The event has previously featured Esther Poyer, Moraa, Ian Kamau, Checkmate, Joshua Ogutu and Larry Liza among others.
This Thursday, 31st Januray, Roots International hosts experimental music and art outfit, Just A Band. The show takes place between 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. at Choices Pub & Restaurant.
The band started out in the mid 2000s and received great acclaim for their 2008 debut album, Scratch To Reveal. Their second record, 82, got them noticed after the release of their second single off the album, Ha-He. The band is currently working on a video for a track off their third album (Sorry For The Delay), which came out last October.
Thursday Nite Live is a free weekly event that showcases the best of local acoustic and jazz music. Previous performers include Eric Wainaina, Winyo, Eddie Grey, Barbara Guantai and Makadem among others.
Last week we carried out a poll to try and find out just who our readers feel Kenya’s King Wa Rap is. And as always, the topic of the title of who Kenya’s finest rapper is drew alot of emotions.
Kinda like when Jay Z claims the title King of New York’s rap scene and he gets challenged by everyone including their aunts. This was no different. The comment section was rife with some colourful comments about just who people are feeling (or not) and why.
But at the end of the day, another day ended and i can finally crown Kenya’s most skilled and proficient rapper. And according to your votes, here is how Kenya’s best rappers chalked up:
#5. Bamboo
#4. Octopizzo
#3. Collo
#2. Abbas
#1 with an overwhelming majority was Rabbit a.k.a Kaka Sungura!
Statistics:
| Collo | |
| Votes: 55 |
15.3% |
| Abbas | |
| Votes: 58 |
16.2% |
| Bamboo | |
| Votes: 33 |
9.2% |
| Rabbit | |
| Votes: 159 |
44.3% |
| Octopizzo | |
| Votes: 54 |
15% |
| Number of Voters | 359 |
Madtraxx is back with a brand new track and video…or at least his alter ego is. Known for his urban culture songs and bar-set videos, looks like he has taken a new direction.
The rapper has moved his set out of clubs and into the caves. For them to go through all that trouble and have it almost entirely shot there, you don’t see it that much. I wish they would also have hid the wires to give it a more natural look. But the video has some pretty nice lighting effects.
The track was produced by the super-producer himself at the Red Republik Studios. The psychedelic video was directed by Enos Olik. Check out Kumerera below.
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Bamboo and Sugar’s 25flow video is finally out. The track followed the rapper’s previous efforts, Africa’s Calling and Tribal Dance with Isis.
The trackis incredibly is catchy and the flow is tight. It’s one of those songs you naturally find yourself bobbing your head to. I’ll give it to the producers for the tight production and to Bamboo for keeping up with the track.
The song was produced at Phoenix Records by K Da Great–who also produced the rapper’s Africa’s Calling–and engineered by Hiram. 25Flow samples Jay-Z’s Kanye-produced Izzo. Check it
out below.
The executive producer for the video is Phoenix Recordz and the production company is RazorWire. It was produced by Phi-Ny and directed by A. Macharia. Check out the video below.
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It’s been a minute since i posted 10 Things you should know this morning but it’s just like riding a bike; you never forget! So join me on the most essential literary journey of your morning!
#1. It would seem aspiring Othaya MP Mary Wambui nearly swallowed Larry Madowo whole! Find out more about that here!
#2. Adam Wagwau gave us an interesting piece on Kenya’s 20 most active tweeps which you can find by reading the article.
#3. If you thought Suzzanna Owiyo was as Luopean as they come, you will want to read this piece written by our favourite expert on everything Luopean Jeff Omondi!
#4. Jaguar is throwing a huge party for his house warming! Yep, and you know it has to be a huge party befitting the price tag of the house!
#5. After Willy Paul demanded 100,000/- per collabo, guess which rapper is now demanding 10,000/- proper pepe for every feature.
#6. Here’s another fascinating fact about the blogger everyone loves to hate, Robert Alai.
#7. Bamboo had this to say to anyone questioning his political affiliations.
#8. Kenzo responded to allegations that he had stolen a fellow artists track “Matatu”.
#9. PLO Lumumba was in the kitchen preparing a meal like a Boss! Watch him flaunt his culinary skills here.
#10. Chege Miati had a burning question to ask you; “Is It right to use a traumatic incident such as rape to propell your career as a media personality?”
Earlier this week, it emerged that Kenzo’s latest release, Matatu, might have been stolen from a coast-based group, Tuff Shutters Crew. Since one of the group members even held the copyright to the “original”, it looked like Kenzo would have to face the authorities over the matter.
Today, the Ogopa singer appeared on Mambo Mseto to explain the whole incident. One of the things explained during interview with Willy M. Tuva is that he is not really the owner of the song and that he was just a featured artiste. The main artiste on Matatu is K-Mess, who was/is a member of Tuff Shutters.
Kenzo explained that Tuff Shutters went to Ogopa with a demo. The producer, Lucas Bikedo liked Matatu and asked Kenzo to help the crew polish it up. Midway through the production, Bassil had issues and wanted a new contract with new terms. Since the work had already started, Kenzo finished his parts just in case the crew came to an agreement with Ogopa.
K-Mess agreed to finish the track and that was what was released and was also on call during the interview to reiterate Kenzo’s version of the story. So, according to Kenzo and K-Mess, the track was not stolen. An existing demo was just polished up and all parties were aware of what was going on. Check out the two versions of the tracks here.
Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti , commonly known as Seun Kuti, is a Nigerian musician, and the youngest son of legendary afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Seun leads a 12-man band named “Egypt 80” which he inherited from his father.
Seun and his brother Femi are the two successful sons of the late Nigerian afrobeat innovator Fela Kuti. Like his father, Seun has continued to produce songs that speak out against the evil ways of the Nigerian government. The influential saxophonist, sometimes referred to as a “Minister of Music” has been quoted by Beyonce as an inspiration to her. He recently jetted into the country and is being hosted by Kenya’s “Peace Commissioner” Buddha Blaze. Rumor has it that he is staying in Nairobi’s Westlands area. Here are some photos of his trip so far:
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Seun Kuti arriving
Seun Kuti(left) having breakfast with his entourage.
The cover from his latest album
In band practice in Nairobi
The XYZ Show, Boniface Mwangi’s Picha Mtaani and leading Kenyan cartoonists will take the public on an artistic journey of reflection and action as Kenyans prepare to vote in the March General Elections.
The initiative is in partnership with InformAction, a not-for-profit human rights organization which focuses on civil rights to encourage action, understanding and the desire for real change.
Dubbed Kesho Imefika, the citizen festival on elections and leadership will take place between 28th January and 1st February at the Alliance Francaise. Entrance is free.
Issues of unity and diversity will be addressed by critical eyes and voices: through the films of InformAction, live performances and exhibitions of editorial cartoons and Picha Mtaani photographs. Artists and commentators tackle corruption and impunity, land issues and reform, governance and leadership, and engage Kenyans in the urgent need to demand political and social accountability.
All films will be followed by audience discussions moderated by Maina Kiai, former Chairman of the Kenya National Human Rights Commission and UN Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Assembly and of Association.
Here’s the festival schedule.
Mon. 28 January – Alliance Francaise Gardens – 7:00 p.m.
FILM: Disputed Fields (2012) – 30 mins
OPENING LIVE PERFORMANCE by Eric Wainaina + The Best Band in Africa
Tue. 29 January – Alliance Francaise Auditorium – 7:00 p.m.
FILM: No Man’s Land. Ni Yetu (2012) – 30 mins
Wed. 30 January – Alliance Francaise Gardens – 7:00 p.m.
FILM: Project Lamu: Development or Disaster? (2012) – 30 mins
PERFORMANCE by The XYZ Show Voice talents
Thu. 31 January Alliance Francaise Auditorium – 7:00 p.m.
FILM: Getting Justice: Kenya’s Deadly Game of Wait & See (2009) 60 mins
Fri. 1 February Alliance Francaise Auditorium – 7:00 p.m.
FILM: Unfinished Business: in Central Kenya (2013) – 30 mins
CLOSING LIVE PERFORMANCE: Winyo’s album launch
If you love acoustic, roots, Afro soul, live band music, ‘Thursday Nite Live’ is the place to be every Thursdays.
The event goes down at the Choices Pub and Lounge and last night, Eddie Grey graced the stage and gave a soulful performance. Other singers also joined in the small concert.
Here is the event in pictures as seen by Quaint Photography.
This was the question that came to my mind after I saw the photo below of the lovely Adelle Onyango that was causing a ruckus among Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) yesterday afternoon.
Tweets by these Twitter trolls below brought the matter to Team Ghafla’s attention;
“@MediaMK – Is using your traumatic incident (rape, being robbery) to build your celebrity, wrong?”
“@Madonah12 – @sickolia_ hahahaha seriously thats just self marketing what ? Smh .“
“@sickolia_ @Madonah12 lol.people putting on tragedies as badges of honour.Lame”
I have also noticed that AdelleO’s bio on Twitter/Facebook also reads the same as the photo above. What I get from this situation is that we need more brave women like AdelleO who can wear badges of their pain every day, all day. Remember we live in a country where victims of sexual abuse spend the rest of their days in silence, seclusion and eventually depression.
Abuse of the “Rape victim” tag would maybe amount to AdelleO using it to pursue her career interests, but frankly I haven’t seen this yet. It is vital to note that AdelleO is not the only victim of such a traumatic incident among the Kenyan celebrity circles. Some have come out, some have not. Why haven’t this other celebrities added the traumatic incident to their bios I don’t know!
Since this is turning out to be an emotional roller coaster on my part, I’ll let you leave your interesting responses in the comments section below..
Bamboo along with two of his fellow rappers who also happen to be his close pals, Abbas and Chiwawa most recently released their latest track which is basically a rendition of Gidi Gidi and Maji Maji’s ‘Unbwagable’ track.
The song is dedicated to preaching peace to the youth as the election period draws nearer and has gone deep into endorsing TNA who by the way, are still negotiating on buying it.
As usual, when a Kenyan artiste endorses a political figure or party, fans go all out on them. Bamboo will however not be perturbed by any of those kind of remarks as we found out during our interview with him.
“There’s always guys who’ll disagree but at the end of the day, we needed a platform to promote our peace campaign. Those campaigns were not cheap. Some companies want us to promote their products but we want to promote peace. We wan’tto fight ukabila. Ukabila ni ujinga!” Bamboo said.
So, just recently, we managed to get two of the most consistent and reputable rappers Kenya has ever had, Bamboo and Abbas, in the Ghafla offices.
A lot was discussed concerning beef, song aping among other things that you, the hip hop head, would find very interesting. All that and more has been revealed in our interview with K-South, which is now available on our YouTube Channel.
Meanwhile, take a look at this freestyle session that they ‘ghafla’ dropped for us after the interview.
See video below.
Who would have thought that controversial blogger Robert Alai is a hip hop head!
I must say he has a good taste of music. I thought he would play zilizopendwa or benga (no offence) when he presented his playlist to Amina of HBR in their interview this morning.
Here are some of the blogger’s favourite hip-hop songs; this is typically how his playlist would look like;
1. Niokoe – Kalamashaka
2. Mama – Tupac
3. Money, Power, Respect – The Lox
4. Ante up – MOP ft. Busta Rymes
5. Big Poppa – B.I.G.
Bamboo’s latest track, which is a collaboration with Abbas and Chiwawa has not received much love from some of their fans, seeing that it is a rendition of Gidi Gidi MajiMaji’s ‘Unbwogable’ track.
The rage came from the fact that, apparently, Bamboo did not seek permission from the owners of the track to do a rendition of it. Word is that even Gidi himself is not happy at all about that.
Personally, I don’t see what all the fuss is about. This happens all the time with Kenyan artistes, whether they do it on an international hit song or a Kenyan hit song. Thing is, I think all this hate is coming from the fact that these three guys are about to make some huge amount of money from this rendition which they turned all political, endorsing TNA (which according to Bamboo, are thinking about buying the song).
But enough about what I think, we wanted to know what Bamboo thinks about it and so we had him over for an interview.
“First of all, we’d like to give Gidi Gidi Maji Maji props for that song. Big up for that. What we basically did was give it the ‘election feel’. We did a rendition of that song and the guys in TNA loved it and they want to use it. People do renditions of other tracks every time so I don’t see what the problem is. This song will assist us in the peace campaign,” Bamboo told Ghafla!Kenya.
On Gidi’s rage over the issue, Bamboo says, “He wasn’t happy. I mean let’s just be honest, maybe Gidi thinks that there is a bunch of money being made and he wants to make some of the money. Period. There’s nothing else. Si niwaambie tu ukweli, ama niwadanganye?”
A profitable movie doesn’t just do well at the box office.
Toy Story 3, for example, is the highest-grossing movie of 2010 so far, with a worldwide take of over $600 million. However, its budget was $200 million, meaning that it has only made three times its investment. Even the mighty Titanic, the second highest grossing film of all time, could only realize a 900% return on its budget.
What follows is a list of the 15 most profitable movies of all time, based on worldwide box office receipts. These movies made back their money over and over again, and while there are some acknowledged blockbusters here, there are also those that came out of nowhere and surprised everyone with their performance at the box office.
So read ahead to see which movies, in order, are the most profitable of all time.
Return on investment: 1008%
Budget $111 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $1.1 billion
The Lord of the Rings trilogy was a huge gamble. All three films were shot simultaneously in order to keep to the scheduled yearly release of each film. Had 2001’s Fellowship of the Ring not been successful, the studio would have still been stuck with two almost-done films to finish, promote and release, and the losses involved could have been devastating.
Luckily, there was no need to worry. Fellowship of the Ring was a huge hit, as was the follow-up, 2002’s The Two Towers. However, the final film in the trilogy, The Return of the King, was the most profitable of the three, grossing over $1.1 billion, over ten times what it cost to make it. It was also notable for winning every one of the eleven Academy Awards for which it had been nominated, matching the records set by Titanic and Ben-Hur.
Return on investment: 1160%
Budget $38 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $441 million
Cross-dressing has been the subject of successful movies for years. But while Some Like it Hot won all the critical accolades and Tootsie boasted the quality writing and serious method actors, the Robin Williams vehicle Mrs. Doubtfire was the most commercially successful of all.
Since its 1993 release, the movie earned over $441 million dollars, almost twelve times its cost. Not bad for a movie whose biggest laughs come from funny voices and from a pair of prosthetic breasts catching fire.
Return on investment: 1194%
Budget $31 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $370 million
There’s Something About Mary really put the “gross” in gross revenue. The 1998 Farrelly Brothers comedy about love lost and love regained had something to offend everyone, from jokes about bodily fluids to laughs at the expense of the mentally retarded.
The movie was so raunchy that it stood a good chance of alienating audiences with its relentlessly lowbrow humor. However it was genuinely funny, and good word of mouth buoyed the movie to earnings of almost $370 million, almost twelve times its budget.
Return on investment: 1297%
Budget $36 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $467 million
The Hangover is the ultimate tale of a bachelor party gone horribly, horribly wrong. Released in the summer of 2009, the comedy was intended to serve as comedic counter-programming to such blockbusters as Terminator Salvation and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and was given an accordingly modest budget.
Both of the blockbusters broke even, but their huge budgets made it impossible to make much of a profit. The Hangover, on the other hand, became the sleeper hit of the summer, earning over $467 million and exceeding its $35 million budget by almost thirteen times.
Return on investment: 1308%
Budget $36 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $471 million
Prior to 1975, Steven Spielberg had directed four films, none of which performed that remarkably. However, his fifth film, Jaws, made him a household name. It so terrified filmgoers with its depiction of a shark’s reign of terror that it was responsible for more empty beaches than BP.
Based on the Peter Benchley book of the same name, Jaws had a relatively low budget and the constant breaking down of the mechanical shark forced Spielberg to keep it off camera for the majority of the movie. This led to the unbearable tension for which the movie is still famous and for the giddy payoff of its final reels, when we see the shark in all its glory. Word spread quickly about the terrifying new movie, and to date it has grossed over $470 million, over thirteen times its cost.
Return on investment: 1446%
Budget: $35 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross Revenue: $506 million
1990’s Ghost starred Patrick Swayze as a yuppie who lives with Demi Moore, who has a passion for making pottery. When he’s murdered in a robbery attempt, his ghost enlists the help of a medium played by Whoopi Goldberg in order to find out why he was killed.
The movie was made on a modest budget, but the love story at its center resonated profoundly with audiences who went back to see the film again and again. The movie went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1990, and earned almost $506 million, over fourteen times its cost.
Return on investment: 1590%
Budget $30 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $477 million
Like most of the movies on this list, the movie that made Macaulay Culkin famous was never expected to achieve blockbuster status. But Home Alone did exactly that, and today it resides in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest-grossing live-action comedy of all time in the United States.
The movie centers around an eight year old boy who has accidentally been left home alone, while his family flies off to vacation in France. Two inept burglars menace Culkin’s character but he outwits them at every turn with a series of booby traps reminiscent of those used to thwart Wile E. Coyote. The movie-going public couldn’t resist the crime-fighting machinations of the tow-haired imp, and they flooded the movie with box office earnings of almost $477 million, nearly sixteen times the movie’s budget.
Return on investment: 1749%
Budget: $35 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross Revenue: $612 million
After Mel Gibson got tired of acting, he was a noteworthy director. Having previously won an Oscar for 1995’s Braveheart, he decided to get behind the camera once again for a project that was close to his heart, the story of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus Christ.
The Passion of the Christ was released in 2004, and it was greeted with more than its share of controversy, from allegations of anti-Semitism to criticisms of the film’s vast oceans of gore. Nonetheless, the film struck a nerve with the untapped community of Christian moviegoers, who combined with curiosity-seekers to earn the movie almost $612 million. The movie, which is the highest grossing non-English language film of all time, earned over seventeen times its budget.
Return on investment: 1780%
Budget $20 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $356 million
Like several of the movies on this list, American Beauty was a sleeper hit. A character-driven satire about the suburban middle-class lifestyle, it starred Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening as a miserably unhappy married couple in the full throes of midlife crisis. Not exactly the sort of thing that sells a lot of tickets.
When the movie was released in 1999, it was received with nearly unanimous critical raves, and it won multiple Oscars, including Best Actor, Best Director and Best Picture. This all served to bolster its box office performance, and to date the movie has grossed over $356 million, almost eighteen times its budget.
Return on investment: 1938%
Budget $40 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross Revenue: $775 million
For over 30 years, the words Star Wars have been synonymous with lines outside of movie theaters that stretch for blocks, full of comic book collectors and gamers dressed up as Boba Fett. However, the first movie in the saga had trouble even getting made. Almost all of the major studios passed on the project, but finally 20th Century Fox took it and, not expecting much, gave it a modest budget.
The rest, as they say, is history. The film’s worldwide gross to date is over $775 million, more than nineteen times its budget. And of course, that’s to say nothing of the toy, comic and t-shirt empire the movie spawned, as well as the two sequels and three prequels, all of which continue to make money to this day.
Return on investment: 1975%
Budget $20 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $394 million
The 1978 movie musical Grease was based on the 1971 stage production of the same name. It starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, both of whom were major stars at the time, and the film studio had every reason to believe that they would see a good return on their small investment.
The return ended up being better than good. The movie was beloved by fans worldwide, and the soundtrack became a permanent fixture at drunken karaoke nights everywhere, whenever there were two people willing to trade parts on “Summer Lovin’.” All told, the film grossed almost $395 million, a return of almost twenty times its cost.
Return on investment: 2013%
Budget $23 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $463 million
1990’s Pretty Woman was the delightful tale of a wealthy businessman, played by Richard Gere, who hires a prostitute to serve as his date for a variety of business and social events. The prostitute, played by Julia Roberts, is given lessons in etiquette and table manners, while she shows the Gere character how to find his better nature.
The movie was not exactly well received by critics, but audiences didn’t care. They loved the movie and they loved the romantic chemistry between Gere and Roberts. Today the movie is regarded as a classic romantic comedy, and its ongoing status as an audience favorite has helped it earn over $463 million, a return of over twenty times on its investment.
Return on investment: 2520%
Budget $15 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $378 million
At first glance, Slumdog Millionaire probably didn’t seem like it had the makings of a particularly profitable film. After all, the premise of a Bombay street urchin’s rise to fame as a game show contestant doesn’t exactly scream “huge box office success.” In fact, Warner Bros. was so unconvinced about the film’s commercial prospects that the studio had considered not even giving it a theatrical release, preferring to release it directly to DVD.
However, the movie premiered at the 2008 Telluride film festival and generated very strong buzz among festival attendees. The film was given US distribution, and eight Academy Awards later, including Best Picture, it was well on its way to massive earnings. Ultimately the film made almost $378 million on its $15 million investment, a return of over twenty-five times.
Return on investment: 3172%
Budget: $25 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross Revenue: $793 million
Steven Spielberg was a successful director when he made E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. He had helmed Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Raiders of the Lost Ark, an impressive resume that virtually guaranteed a built-in audience for anything he did. But rather than use his creative blank check to make an astronomically expensive film, he made a relatively low-budget movie about a boy and his adorable alien buddy.
The film went through the roof. It experienced across-the-board success but was especially popular with children, who went back to see the movie over and over again until it was finally yanked from the cold, dead hands of the movie theaters that had been running the film for months. Its earnings of almost $793 million represented a return of almost thirty-two times on its investment, but the filmmakers weren’t the only ones who made money — the Hershey’s Company saw its profits rise 65% due to the product placement of Reese’s Pieces in the film.
Return on investment: 6150%
Budget $6 million (inflation-adjusted)
Gross revenue $369 million
My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a 2002 romantic comedy that women loved and their boyfriends suffered through. The story of a Greek-American woman’s relationship with a non-Greek man and the clash of civilizations that ensues was made on a very small budget and opened in limited release. But its performance grew slowly and steadily, and the movie developed over time into a popular crowd-pleaser that far exceeded expectations.
Despite its status as a small independent film, and despite never holding the number one spot at the box office, the movie went on to earn almost $369 million, a staggering, unbelievable return of over sixty-one times on its investment. For that reason, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is the most profitable film of all time.
Courtesy: CNBC
Looks like DJ Mo’s System Unit is headed to the Middle East. The Christian entertainment outfit’s tour Qatar has been confirmed.
The tour will feature DJ Mo himself, artiste and prophet Scepta, Sari Sari star DK Kwenye Beat, Elijah ‘de’ Prince and teenage sensation, HopeKid. They will perform in Doha for the upcoming Talanta Awards and finish off the tour in Dubai.
Others expected to join the tour include Apostle L. Muthami from the U.S., former Miss Africa NY, Angie Maina and Pastor Lilies Njenga, who is also an artiste. The official launch of the 1st annual Talanta Awards Qatar on Friday, 29th March and Saturday, 30th March at Crowne Plaza Hotel.