Month: March 2013

With the General Polls conducted peacefully with no single incident of violence, budding rapper Influx Swagga has just done a song to address them. “Come Twende”, a song originally done to encourage youth power in the just concluded general election.

It’s rhetorical in the lyrics which are specifically written to represent the voice of a Kenyan youth and even calls for peace at the end of verse and two. The voice over has been done by influx in a danceable beat.

The video was directed by Charles Luche and highlights the celebration after an achievement. Calling fellow youth to a house party and obviously getting some who come to the party to loot; from shoes, phones, money and fragrance.

Verse 1 brings an after party sensation, some guys sleeping in the toilet after the heavy dancing and drinking night, girls sleeping on the floor and Infux waking up to the after party surprises. Verse two and three is simply the flash back of the previous night showing all that had happened down through the end of the video.

The video is just comical and worth watching.

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Until now, the name Cece in musical circles has been synonymous with the Winans scion and very few can hold their own against Whitney Houston but she did. Comfortably. Until now.

Trust me to spend my free time on youtube as if I’m getting paid to. Actually I am…moving along swiftly…Kenya’s got her own Cece, thanks to the ongoing sauti academy competitions. Cece Sagini is what you call a triple threat, a dashing damsel, amazing vocalist and an accomplished pianist. Take that lip synchers!

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She recently posted a video of herself singing her own rendition of stay by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko. My God if her beauty doesn’t make you steal a thousand glances, her voice will arrest you, that I guarantee. If she however decides to let music go like these ladies here did, then TV is something that she should definitely try because she has looks for days!! Watch her video here, and share it, this video deserves to go viral. I just wish she was bold enough to go higher on the vocal scale like Rihanna does towards the end of the song. The adlibs I mean. Third times a charm so I’m patient, I have this feeling this is only the tip of Sagini Iceberg!

Sge describes herself as as a marketer, event organizer, radio presenter and vocalist. The USIU like Sauti academy seems to be producing many musicians among them Bien, Fena Gitu, Kagwe, Muthoni DQ, and even Sikin, who I wrote about here yesterday. *Dashes to USIU* Cece bears an uncanny resembelance to Sarah Karay, I wonder if they are siblings. I’ll fill you in when I find out.

In the world of music, musicians go by monikers eg Snoop Dogg, or mononyms like Beyonce or Brandy if you’re world famous. Deejays however, are shrouded in mystery, pseudonyms replace orthonyms, so I can safely bet you ten Gs that you can’t name ten deejays’ real names!

So it’s definitely newsworthy when a top deejay decides to make his ‘brand name’ his government name. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Deejay Joe Mfalme!! Btw I wonder if the government knew that he was involved in a threesome at Amboseli Gardens.

Deejay Joe Mfalme has been in the news lately for all the right reasons. Chimwani reported that he was among select Kenyan deejays nominted for The African Global DJ Awards. (Best Radio DJ And Best East African DJ) Clearly the world is recognizing his mastery of the decks. He’s shared a twit pic of a legal document confirming that he’ now recognized by the system as DJ Joe Mfalme. Yes sir!!

He recently showed Ugandans how it’s done, if you missed that article, read about it here. This new development my friends, is totally epic! Speaking of real names, do you know what Xtatic, Rabbit or Abbass are called? Read that here.

Not all that glitters is gold. Sometimes, polished brass glimmers just as brightly. And therein lies the trap for most people trying to get into the entertainment scene. The business is ruthless! And i have compiled a list of some of the jobs that suck in the entertainment circles. ask your friends and they’ll tell you how things go! But for now, check out the list below:

#5. Being an event photographer

This task sucks because you have to remain focused and sober at a party! I’ve tried it at Changes and i always end up having to give out the camera when the thirst gets real! And as if that’s not bad enough, everyone and their aunties want a photo. And when the photo comes out looking less than appealing, they blame you asthough their faces didn’t factor into making the photo horrible.

The upside however is that you get to meet alot of new people.

#4. Being a radio comptroller/ producer

This job sucks because you have to sift through tons of tracks and decide which ones gets played. That means that you have to shatter dreams. And then then the phone calls start. Your cousin’s girlfriends sister’s flame wants to know why you aren’t playing his track.

#3. Being a groupie

Before you knock the hassle, try it for a day. Don’t knock the hustle though because some people’s vacation is working horizontally and even that is exhausting work. It’s really hard. I often watch lasses pander for attention from celebrities then get tossed aside like stale gum. The books i could write!
The groupie also has the task of stroking even the most washed up artist’s ego. Talk about multitasking, stroking two different things at once!

#2. Being a personal assistant

There are some celebrities with very random and peculiar requests. This is the lot that would ask for water from the Himalayas. Ok, so maybe that doesn’t exist in Kenya. But have you ever tried working with a man-child? The type of celebrity whose diary is organized by a personal assistant/manager only for the chap not to bother to show up. Nothing is as unappreciative as that!

#1. Being in direct competition with Ghafla

Think about it. Which other entertainment site do you know? Check their Alexa ranking. We crushed them. We take no prisoners. Unless they are as funny as this tractionless lad X-Calibur who took shots at Ghafla. Read about that here.

I saw his tweet and i was shocked. If you don’t know who i’m talking about, i actually don’t blame you. Little known Kenyan rapper Xcalibur has taken shots at the machine called Ghafla!

Gasp! Igad! So Sad! Maybe it’s an attempt to gain notoriety. Maybe it’s a cry for love and attention. Here’s a hug from your dede Chim Tuna coming your way my dear nephew. Now actually release songs.

You can read of his exploits at the Nokia don’t Break The Beat competition in which he bested the crowd favourite Ojiji here. But atleast his attempts to take shots at Ghafla were cute.

Here’s what he had to say:

“When the news articles you read is status updates and ua favorite articles are @GhaflaKenya and @dailypost rumors …then I excuse u.”

I first heard of Nanjira when she was the lead singer for mA3 band, and personally I’m intrigued by people with very unique names. I told myself the day I meet her, I was gonna ask her what her name means. I forgot. Back to the title, yes she did leave after Maqbuli roughed her up…I’m talking about the new video “Walking” directed by Macharia.

Nanjira is now a solo artist, and recently launched her much awaited debut single ‘Walking’ produced by Blackman. Blackman is the producer behind Sarah Mitaru. Have you watched walking unplugged version? It’s the truth! Her voice is like candy coated raindrops that sink into your skin. Okay you get the drift. Well she’s released the video and being the vain guy that I am, I had to make it the highlight of your day! Watch it here.

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Nanjira is a ‘jane’ of many trades. She’s an acturial scientist/new media strategist/consultant. Her resume would read something like this ‘worked with Sandstorm Kenya, Sprint Interactive, Deviate Kenya, UN-Habitat, UNEP etc’ Campaigns involved in include Mzalendo: Eye on Kenyan Parliament, Kenya Feb 28, Africans Act 4 Africa etc…” Who said musicians aren’t Einstein-esque?

As a singer/songwriter, she has worked with the creme de la creme of the Music business. They include Eric Wainaina, Ma3, Sarah Mitaru, Atemi Oyungu, Juliani, DNA, Tusker All Stars among others. She even spread her tentacles across globally and sang with Lady Jay Dee(TZ), Omar Lye-Fook(UK), Javen Campbell(USA). Indomitable.

The video is simple but that in no way dilutes its awesomess. It features media great Maqbuli, actor and radio personality, a cast of two coz hey, three is a crowd!  Below is the unplugged video that I was talking about, awe inspiring. Read a candid interview with her here.

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Saliva Vic (real name – Jeremy Odhiambo) is just one of those people who aren’t afraid to speak their minds regardless of who they might offend. They usually say whatever pops into their minds and damned be the consequences

And yesterday while on air, he had some choice words for Kenya’s gospel music. According to him, “Every one knows what I think of gospel music. It is average to say the least. But this song is just the one. Imenimaliza.” seems to me he was keeping his opinion sanitary because he was on air but damn! He said this during the segment “Hit or Miss” with JB, after playing “Spreading The Love” by Jackie Mukirai which was trashed by the 1FM listeners.

Harsh! But you can read about more Saliva Vic shenanigans here.

Alicios Theluji set her musical ball rolling in very high speeds, when she launched her debut song with the equally stunning Juliana Kanyomozi. She’s been on an upward trajectory since then.

Her maiden song like we wrote about earlier, was about being engulfed by envy. It was produced by music magician Rkay.

Well yesterday, she launched her new song ‘Mobimbo’, a duet with PUNIT on Mambo Mseto. While this track has not been shared on online platforms, we anticipate that it shall be made available very soon. PUNIT as you know launched on of the biggest song this year, ‘You Guy’, and their video introduced to y’all miss Vera Sidika.

A few facts about her, She was born Alice Zeluji Niyonsaba in DRC in November 1987. Her mother was actually a singer, so it is clear the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. At age ten, her family moved to Nairobi to be reunited with the rest of her kith and kin. She’s based in both Stockholm and Nairobi, and is pursuing Business adminstration in BTH university. Some other artists she has collaborated with include Kidum and Collo. Her other songs include Posa ya bolingo, mpita njia and niko poa.

Read about her humble beginnings here.

Earlier this morning, she tweeted a picture with the words ‘Mobimbo photo shoot’, see below.

Makadem is undoubtedly one of the most underated yet remarkable artistes Kenya will ever have! This maestro is the ‘proverbial’ prophet, whose feats are unsung at home yet is so celebrated outside it’s cray!

After jetting in from Europe after a couple of concerts, and headlining the peace concert held at Uhuru Park (details here), he returned and gave fans an unforgetable show. The pictures are courtesy of Culture Connect.

And last but definitely not least, a video of his performance last week. This week, Winyo will be on stage, read about him here.

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Indulge me for a second, have you heard our Chimwani rant and rave about Santa Fe? This is evidence. Chances are, you have interacted with this awesome lady Sikin. Anybody who describes herself as abnormally normal, is awesome in my eyes. But i digress…

Born Elizabeth Rege, Sikin is a student, radio presenter at Usiu radio, as well as the head of marketing at Santa Fe Lounge. Girl has got it going on!

Currently a student at Sauti academy, this brookhouse alumni has proven with this video that India Arie can indeed be replicated albeit to a degree. Her voice is awesome why lie, and so are her strumming skills eh, yawa that guitar requires practice and she seem to have spent ages honing her skills! Sauti academy is quickly proving to be the launching pad for up and coming talent, churning out new stars every waking moment. Seemingly… Her video already has 2,890 views so it’s clear this lady already has traction. watch her rendition of India Arie’s ‘I am not my hair.’

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Her bio reads: As a Kenyan native raised in Ethiopia, Sikin had the opportunity of growing up and being exposed to a variety of musical influences. Her love of music began at a very young age.
At the mere age of 4, Sikin was enrolled in a music school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where she learned to play piano.” Sigh, stars are made of this stuff.

It continues to say “Her family moved back to Nairobi at age 10. A year later, she took up flute lessons in her new school. At 15, she took up voice lessons and with the help of a friend, taught herself how to play the guitar. In the years that followed her passion and talent in music gained her the lead roles in a few school musical productions and a position as one of the heads of the choir and orchestra.

She joined the Kenyan National Youth Orchestra in 2010 and to date continues to play for them. In University, she met musician Fena Gitu, who offered her the opportunity to share a stage with her at Blankets and Wine as her background vocalist. Loosing her mother in 2011 following a long battle with cancer, Sikin’s determination to share her message was fueled. In 2012, fellow student and upcoming musician Kagwe Mungai, offered Sikin another chance to perform as a background vocalist. She sang backing vocals for him on several occasions, mainly Sheebeen and for the second time, Blankets and Wine. Coincidentally, Fena and Kagwe collaborated on a track, dutch, read and hear it here if you havent.

After some pressure, this piece is back.

We have received word that upcoming singer and socialite Pendo has been accused of theft. The socialite’s erstwhile friend turned nemesis who happens to be a lass at Sauti academy has gone to the police to report the alleged theft of her clothes by Pendo.

And it doesn’t end there. The lass in question whom i cannot name due to legal implications contacted Baba Ghafla with some damaging allegations. Other than the theft of clothes, the lass went further and claimed that Pendo isn’t who she claims to be. Apparently, she doesn’t even have a house let alone live in Hurlingham area.

The lass claimed that Pendo allegedly couch-surfs. That means that she sleeps in different people’s houses. She basically skips from house to house when she wears out her welcome. And that is how Pendo’s accuser claims the clothes were stolen.

And unfortunately for Pendo, it doesn’t end there. Her alleged creditors have ganged up demanding pay for debts they allege Pendo has accrued. Amongst them is a taxi driver who plies the Hurlingham route who claims that Pendo allegedly skipped out on one too many bills. The accusers lodged a complaint with the police and filled a report and were awarded a certificate called an APB which basically makes Pendo a fugitive.

The APB is a document that calls for her arrest on site and unless she presents herself to the police, she will be considered a fugitive from the law.
 

In yet another rather bizarre incident, a karaoke dancer identified as Mwanzia was recently arraigned at the Central Police Station in Nairobi after residents became suspicious of his behavior.

According to reports, Mwanzia was accused for allegedly impersonating a woman and conning men of
their hard-earned cash. The residents claimed that Mwanzia has been wearing women’s clothes, make-up and using feminine names.

However, Mwanzia denied the claims and held that he is a karaoke dancer and was heading to a local bar to perform. 

Do you think he was saying the truth?

When I saw this press release, I gasped! I’m not kidding. As in how now???

It is not everyday that I get a press releases saying Alisha Popat has done a song with Peter Hollens, Zolani Mahola of Freshly ground, Moipei Sisters and Teto!! Yes people, our very own artistes are on a very amazing trajectory! Who is Peter Hollens you ask?? Google!! You should know people!!

Oh Africa is a remake of Leonard’s Cohen’s ‘Halleluyah’, made famous recently by Alexandra Burke. The song has input from Ulopa Ngoma and Kimani Wanyoike. The song features background vocals by the amazing Moipei Quartet and singer Tetu Tutuma. This song is one of those peace songs that I wish was released a week ago! It’s aim is to engender peace and showcase Africa in all its splendor, something that we all should strive for.

The song will be released on 15th March. Just today while listening to the radio, Maina Kageni gave a hundred thousand to a guy who correctly guessed that the secret song was Halleluyah. Coincidence much?

Peter Hollens is an American pop singer-songwriter-producer. He has been heavily involved with a cappella music since 1999 when he co-founded (with Leo da Silva) the University of Oregon’s award-winning a cappella group On The Rocks, known as the first official collegiate a cappella group in Oregon. All the artists were hosted at The Tribe while the song was being recorded. Part of the video was shot at Maasai Mara.

One of the dozen radio vernacular radio stations owned by Royal Media Services (RMS) may soon find itself in trouble for comments allegedly made by callers during one of its shows.

This morning on Egesa FM during the breakfast show hosted by Sorobvi Moturi Erastus and Petronila allegedly allowed callers to claim on air that the elections were rigged. According to Television Viewers and Radio Listeners Association of Kenya Facebook page, such comments are bound to create animosity, bad blood and distaste between supporters of Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.

The statement continued saying, “We have already informed the Head of Operations at Police headquarters and the Media Complaints Committee at Media Council of Kenya.”

Here’s the verbatim statement on Television Viewers and Radio Listeners Association of Kenya Facebook page;

The BREAKFAST show this morning by Sorobi Moturi Erastus and Petronila Getena in which people are claiming on AIR that the ELECTION was RIGGED is tantamount to create animosity,bad blood and distaste between supporters of Uhuru Kenyatta on one hand and those of Raila Odinga on the other hand in Gusiiland.
We have already informed the Head of Operations at Police headquarters and the Media Complaints Committee at Media Council of Kenya.

So, the hashtag on twirra during the elections was #KenyaDecides. And decide Kenya did, peace has echoed across the land much to the ‘chagrin’ of foreign journalists.

Sarakasi Trust has a penchant for peace concerts like this hiphop one held last month. And because a leopard never changes its spots, this friday they are ‘rewarding’ you at Sarakasi Dome. Dubbed ‘ONE LOVE KENYA’ the event being staged is because y’all emerged from the ‘tempestuous storm’ named elections 2013 ‘unscathed’.  On stage will be the lively  KIDUM AND BAND, the ever blazing Sarakasi all-stars, Deejay Kace (Netherlands) and MC Dr. Eppy. Entrance is absolutely FREE. Event begins at 7.30 pm all through Midnight. Mark your calenders.

The concert is a celebration of Kenyans’ ‘peculiarity’, as former Safaricom’s CEO Michael Joseph called it. Preferred dress code is ‘Kenyan’.

Drinks will be at 140/= and tots at 100/=

Kidum FYI was the only artist in Kenya to win a KORA award last year. Read about that here.

It seems wedding bells will not stop chiming in the Adwanage Band anytime soon. After three of its members got engaged last year and two since tied the knot, the third member said “I do” recently.

Following in the footsteps of Rossie (Roselyn Mwihaki), Robert Njuguna AKA Robe wedded his sweetheart, Emily Nyambura on 9th February in a colourful ceremony graced by various entertainers in the Gospel industry.

Here are some of the images from the wedding held at the SamDove Grounds;

Photo props: Uliza Links

I just published the story about Matatizo, Just A Band’s latest video. Read about that here.

Well below is a photo gallery courtesy of Jim Chuchu of Just A Band, and Lucille Kahara of Muse KE who brought them to my attention. The main character is Eric Thimba also known as Thimbaland on twitter.

Just A Band is one of those groups that needs no introduction!! So I’ll just get on with it.

Last week they gave a sneak preview of Matatizo video to people who attended the screening of Argo. I wrote this here, Argo was screened at The Nest By Muse Ke. Muse KE by Lucille Kahara is a film club targeted at an audience that is passionate about movies. They’ll be having screenings every Friday evening at The Nest. Doors open at 5:30pm and the feature of the week starts at 7:00pm. This is a FREE event.

Well today JAB finally released the video, here’s is what they said on their staus update…

“Good morning! Here’s “Matatizo”, the first video from our third album, “Sorry For The Delay”. We dedicated this song to Issa Juma (who composed the song), and all the Kenyans who have given their hearts and bodies so their children can be free.” Read about their upcoming documentary here, and watch their video below.

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After decamping from Kiss 100 to Standard Group’s Radio Maisha comedian Jalang’o has been off the limelight doing his orientation. However, the management seems to have been satisfied with his proficiency because he was officially unveiled today.

This morning, the witty Jalang’o finally went on air on Radio Maisha. Though he had been off air for some time after leaving Kiss, for those who tuned in to the morning show on the station will agree that his chemistry with radio is still in check.

“Haiya ….officially starting on Radio Maisha today…tune in and share your thoughts….Nairobi 102.7 Kisumu 105.3 Mombasa na Meru 105.1 Nakuru 104.5….”, declared Jalang’o on his Timeline.

Jalang’o now joins Mwakideu and fellow Kenya Kona comedian, Mshamba on the breakfast show. Jalang’o was replaced by fellow funnyman Eric Omondi on Kiss 100’s breakfast show.

One of my biggest dreams is to watch Salif Keita live on stage. That said, there’s only one other guy I know who makes me feel like I’m listening to Salif Keita vicariously.

Winyo is an amazing vocalist, this guy sings and you just watch in awe. He commands the airwaves with his voice, which has clarity so pure small wonder Judy Kibinge, Mungai Kiroga and the Something Necessary team selected his song as the soundtrack for Something Necessary.

So, Winyo will be at TreeHouse club this Thursday, and if you wanna hear awesomeness personified, troop there!! I guarantee you, if you’re into that aunthentic African sound delivered in divine dholuo, this is the event for you. Thank me later! Winyo by the way has a brother who is a part of Inka, another awesome band you guys should keepyour eyes peeled for. Below is a duet between Winyo and Maurice Kirya titled Nitie Kwe. Tree House is along that Museum Hill, entrance is absolutely free.

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For any caring man family comes first and rapper Octopizzo knows that too well. Already, we’ve seen him hang out with his sweetheart and most recently write a very touching dedication to his daughter, Tracy, on her birthday.

Well, recently Octo, his wife and daughter had a family day out and from the photo you can tell they enjoyed each moment of their time.

Today in the morning i came to appreciate just how hard Maina and King’ang’i’s jobs are! They have to play Sigmund Freud to some of Kenya’s most twisted and sexually perverse minds! Today’s topic touched on men who have slept with underage girls or as Baba Ghafla and i call them, jail-bait!

Jail bait refers to lasses who are maybe 16 but look 21. The lasses you find at clubs drinking nothing but soda until you offer to buy them a drink. The lasses who look legal but in reality aren’t. That is as Americans call it, statutory rape.

Bleurgh! What shocked me more than the lecherous leprous leering disgusting men calling in to brag about their conquests were the women who called in to say that they were once said girls and that being that girl was a badge of honour for them.

The male callers generally called in to say they had been in situations where after a one night stand with a lass, they found out that the lass was only 16yrs old when the mami comes to let the chap know she’s pregnant.

Don’t get me wrong, jail-bait scenarios are regrettable. They suck. And the victim really is the lad. Period. The lass in question is a young Jezebel in training. Period. The foolish men’s only crime is not using a condom with a one night stand! They are only guilty of stupidity.

But today’s cadre of callers were people saying they had actively pursued girls as young as class 7 pupils! Why? They called in to gloat about falling inlove with and carrying on with girls who were in form 1.

Only 2 callers were Kenyans i’m proud to call compatriots. The first was a man who called in to say he loaned a class 8 pupil his phone and found that she was setting up a shag date with her boyfriend. He reported her to her father. The second was a mother who called in to say that her daughters thank her for protecting them from the predatory men around.

And for the record men, Uncle Chim Tuna has to get a word in edgewise. A man is a hunter. A hunter is only famous for bringing down the most dangerous, difficult and biggest prey. Not for hunting cubs and rats. If you abuse children, you are simply a disgusting rat-catcher. A blight to Kenya’s conscience! Read more Maina and King’ang’i in the morning stories here.

What do you get when you put Kanja, Collo and Mimmo? A musical tryst, a very awesome one!! 

It’s possible is the new video released by the trio, and is based on the story of Solo 7, better known as Solomon Muyundo. You may not have heard of him, but Kibera hails him as a hero of sorts. In 2008, after the debilitating violence of 2007/8, he decided sans caution, to paint peace slogans. During the fever-pitch election campaigns in late February cum early March, he was at it again. Relentless, he has made peace his mission, his anthem, his song. This, is what It’s possible is about.

This very very catchy song was composed by Kanja Muchoki and Paul Kibukosya, and penned by Kanja, Collo, Mimmo and Jason Bruckner. Jason also doubles up as the video’s director and and the song’s publisher. Additional footage in the video were provided by Judy Kibinge, she of something necessary and dangerous affair. Watch the video below.

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Kanja is one of those artists with amazing traction, read about that here. Mimmo was recently involved in another musical, this time with Eko dydda and Kenrazy, read about that here. Collo and ulopa were recently in the news after leaving Subsaharan Studios, read about that here.