Month: April 2013

I am sick and tired of the political rhetoric and empty threats being issued by government apparatus about hate speech. We have been entertained to spectacularly orated verbal circuses and we have heard that investigations are ongoing but we have not really seen anything worth writing home about. Hate speech has become such a nightmare that even we at ghafla!Kenya had to focus on eradicating from the site and facebook page. Read about that here.

To me, all this has been a smoke screen. No one cares and nothing will happen. If there was any real action, there wouldn’t be pages such as Mjinga Mkuu Raia Odinga. There wouldn’t be any disgusting ethnic vitriol being spewed. and what is scary is the fact that those perpetrating the worst forms of tribal hate speech are young people.

It is no longer the old foggies speaking trash, it’s the young generation. And that is scary. If the next generation is so unbelievably tainted, there is almost no hope. Which is why i am advocating for punitive action against Gwhiz Steve.

That is the administrator of the page i mentioned earlier. I am all for freedom of speech but it is never meant to undermine national cohesion. that constitutes abuse of civil liberties. The hate speech follows the usual path of circumcision and theft. It is time for the authorities to actually take a stand. stop shirking around and actually arrest these hate mongers who are threatening the very fabric that holds this country together: cohesion. maybe you should have a look at Caroline Mutuko’s rules of engagement on how to combat hate-speech here.

Uncle Chim Tuna is done ranting.

At last weekend’s MTV African All-Stars party, we were treated to a host of top notch artist performances from all over Africa, including STL, Camp Mulla, Big Nuz, DJ Tira and others.

What stood out for me when watching the performances, was these swanky mics they were using during the show. The mics in question had a camera mounted on top of them so that they could record the artist’s performance up close and candid. I’d never seen that before, and when I asked around the office, everyone agreed that they’d never seen that in a Kenyan concert, so I decided to share it with you guys. Here are some photos of the said microphones:

Photos courtesy of Rizwan Ibrahim from Kenya Nights

Today is exactly a day after the new president of the republic of Kenya and what a bright day it is! Hope you’ve had your brekkies or are atleast preparing your breakfast and i also hope you have your sunglasses and umbrella at hand. But away from the mundane, back to the exciting. Here are the ten things you need to know this morning:

#1. Busted’s Ciku Muiruri Embroiled In Controversy Once Again! This Time Jicho Pevu On Her Trail!

#2. Ciku Muiruri “Busted” Cuddling With Artur Brother

#3. Missed Jicho Pevu’s Ghururi Ya Saitoti? Watch It Here. 

#4. Collo Performs “Floss Na Wewe” For The First Time

#5. Kenyans Turn Their Wrath On Ciku Muiruri!

#6. TV Stations Might Not Show Uhuru Kenyatta’s Inauguration(UPDATED)

#7. Wet T-Shirt Contest At The 2nd Edition Of The Circle(PHOTO GALLERY)

#8. After Revealing Her Near-Death Experience, Kambua Makes A Comeback To TV

#9. Remember The Star Reporter Who Died Under Mysterious Circumstances? His Cause Of Death Has Been Determined!

#10. Wet T-Shirt Contest At The 2nd Edition Of The Circle(VIDEO)

This is one of those stories that you read twice before you share. It’s true though, media personalities Julie Gichuru and Patricia Amira have been picked as key note speakers for the inaugural WIE symposium in Cape Town, South Africa from May 5th to 7th 2013. 

This symposium focuses on indigenous achievements and human interest stories across Africa. WIE Africa will be the first women’s symposium on the African continent to bring together female leaders from the worlds of politics, business, philanthropy, media, fashion, entertainment and the arts to empower and inspire the next generation. It’s the first time, that the WIE Symposium founded by Dee Poku and June Sarpong will be venturing into Africa, and breaking new ground by bringing together the continent’s stars and emerging young female leaders.

Joyce Banda, President of Malawi, humanitarian campaigner Graca Machel and Wellbeing Foundation President, Toyin Saraki have been confirmed as the headline speakers. Her Excellency Joyce Banda, Africa’s third ever female head of state will open the women’s symposium and Graca Machel, humanitarian and the wife of Nelson Mandela will close proceedings.

Founded in 2010, WIE is a global annual conference and online community designed to empower the next generation of women leaders. WIE Africa is timed to coincide with the World Economic Forum Africa and will showcase the women taking a central role in shaping the Africa of tomorrow. Following Cape Town, the pan African event will occur in a different African city annually.

When requested to take part in the event, Julie was so humbled and grateful.

“I was very humbled to be approached by aequitas about the Wie Symposium. It’s amazing to see the African woman being appreciated and recognized worldwide. I will humbly carry the Kenyan flag everywhere I go,” she commented.

Patricia couldn’t hide her delight either; “This, to me is a great opportunity that I could not turn down. I am very thankful to aequitas for including me in the symposium. The African woman is definitely on the right path worldwide and we will continue with the same spirit. I look forward to the event and am very grateful”.

Following the symposium, WIE will host a fundraising dinner to benefit the Graca Machel Trust. The Graca Machel Trust fosters and promotes African women’s leadership and contributions in economic, political and social frameworks in national, pan African and international arenas; and to improve the lives of children through the promotion and protection of their rights.

Julie Gathoni Sumira Gichuru is a Kenyan journalist and News Anchor. She initially worked at Capital FM before moving to television as a reporter and News Anchor at Kenya Television Network, part of The Standard Group. During her time there, she the investigative series ‘The Inside Story’ focused on corruption, crime injustices and inequity in Kenya. She later worked at NTV before moving to Royal Media Services.

Patricia Amira, most people refer to her as ‘Africa’s own answer to Oprah’. The Kenyan-born media personality is one of the continent’s most popular talk-show hosts. Her daytime talk show, The Patricia Show is broadcast in over 45 African countries and watched by over 10 million people.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa: Established in 2003 by Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) seeks to create real and sustainable change for families in Africa by working with communities across the continent to build capacities and empower women. Toyin Saraki’s aim from the start was to reverse the debilitating cycle of poverty in society by creating a state of wellbeing, or in her own words, “a satisfactory condition of existence in health, happiness and prosperity”.

All I can say to this news is wow, what an awesome opportunity that these two women have been accorded.

In a country where celebs are hell-bent on ensuring that their babies are kept out of the limelight, one lady has decided to swim againt the current.

Meet Hanako Takaishi, you probably remember this gorgeous belle from the Chips Funga video by Anto Neo-Soul. She played Anto’s love interest, the philandering one that made Anto’s heart break to smithereens in the song.

Well she recently delivered a child, and stoked by the new development opened a facebook page! Titled Ella Nana, it comes complete with baby photos, instagrammed ofcourse, showing the baby in oh so cuddly shots. I think I want babies.

Take a look at some of the pictures, they really are adorable. Her life is now etched in in our memories, her every milestone I’m guessing will be documented as a diary for other mothers. This my friends I believe is how you get advertisers gushing over your baby. Take notes people. Read more about Hanako here.

I will not even pretend to know these guys, today I’ll do the lazy journalist thing and post the press release verbatim. I shall however attempt to exonerate myself, by sharing one of their songs so that you know what to expect should you decide to go check them out.

The press release from Choices states, ‘The Jam Signal are: Osborne Matengenzara (saxophone), Mutsawashe Gudhlanga (drums), Abel Maunga  (keyboard). The high energy 3 piece jazz outfit has been together since September 2012, with their music and unique blend of styles ranging from soft jazz, swing, blues, samba, funk, house, afro jazz, r’n’b, latino and traditional music. Their sound is recognized with intensely catchy melodic lines, groovy funk rhythms and the skillful instrumental solos.

The pure amalgamation of 3 passionate musicians is evident of their live gigs, whether they are playing a fast afro groove or a light whimsical side of western jazz. Part of the success of the band relies on their mutual respect and understanding of each other’s musicality as every member takes an active role in the band. With their musically diverse backgrounds and tastes all adding to the creative mix, their songs emerge from their lengthy lam sessions.

The group has performed in Maputo Mozambique and this is their second performing visit to Nairobi . They represented their country and received certificates awarded by the UMOJA CFC International. In 2013 they aim to record their first album and tour Africa and Europe. This band is on its way to success and they will defiantly rise and become one of the best jazz bands out of Zimbabwe.”

And what do you know, from the picture above, they seem to know Kenyan singer and spoken word artist Asali. The video below is peace song they did for Kenya, check it out.

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Where were you on Saturday? I, spent my afternoon at Godown Arts Centre!

Godown has a gig every last Saturday called Godown Gig, and this past event was graced by Kidum, Steve Nyabwa and Fena Gitu. I wrote about it here, so you best read about it. Below however, are pictures by the amazing photographer Eric Saganda of Fotogeric. The clarity of his pics, do a better job narrating the story that was the Godown Gig. The first few are of some of the fans that were in attendance.

The host of the day was none other than the beautiful Ziki, singer, songwriter, guitarist and actress. Who knows, may be the one will see her ditch the Emceeing job for the mic and guitar.

The first singer of the day was Steve Nyabwa, former TPF contestant. He was backed by among other former fellow contestant Juveh. His benga jams were out of this world, and the best part was when Steve called his lady to lead the audience in doing the shuffle. I can tell you this for a fact, this guy has a lot of music coming out this year, be on the look out for that. Here’s one of his songs.

The second artist of the day was Neo-soul queen Fena Gitu aka Fena-menal. She opened her set with Nairobology, before taking us down memory lane. Her special moment I believe, was when she paid homage to the late Esir and K-rupt. The deafening screams that erupted when she said she was done, were silenced when she did Africa Massive. She’s supposed to play at Choices this thursday, if that is confirmed I will let you know, she runs these streets!

The last artiste of the day was the incomparable Kidum. Now, check out the first picture below to see what his guitarist was doing! Kidum had everyone singing, hanging on to his every word. The most memorable part, was him doing pushups on stage and letting his three female backup vocalists all have their turn to wow the audience. They, not wanting to steal his thunder, actually randomly picked audience members to sing with them. The two kids did not disappoint especially the boy who sang Zahara’s Loliwe! Awesome awesome show.

The surprise artist of the day, was this lady from Tanzania who looked like she was channeling Tina Turner with her cray hairdo! She was oozing energy in copious amounts and she shut it down. She lip-synched though, but she more than compensated for that with the vigorous hip jerking. Sadly, I did not get her name, but if I find that clip I shall definately share it with you.

Tonight, Changes is giving you an excuse to celebrate. Irrespective of the side of the coin you were on, we can all agree on something: We love to party!

And the inauguration is tomorrow. Why should Uhuru Kenyatta get all the fun? I intend to dance the night away to Joe Mfalme’s wicked mixes. Happy hour today runs from 5pm to 8pm and you do not want to miss the party!

so come out to changes because you know you’ll be out anyway and have a blast!

Last week, this was arguably the biggest event in Nairobi apart from The Circle. I was looking forward to seeing STL perform but sadly, I didn’t make it.

If you didn’t read my piece, see that here. All pictures are courtesy of Ace of Eyecon Photography.

I wonder whether you remember the article i put up about The Star journalist Bernard Wesonga who had passed on under mysterious circumstances. Read about that here. Well, the autopsy was carried out last week on Wednesday and the results are out.

The thing about the late Bernard Wesonga’s death is that he had received death threats from unknown people in connection to a story he had contributed about fertilizers.

Turns out his death wasn’t so mysterious afterall. the late wesonga -may his soul rest in eternal peace- died from a pre-existing coronary ailment. No foul play was detected.

I was at the Circle this past Saturday, and it was alot of fun. If you missed it, you missed out on quite alot(including the wet t-shirt contest)! Kenyans have just been paid so everyone was going out on alcohol. The frothy liquid of the gods was imbibed freely and people mingled uninhibitedly.

Collo had a performance pending, where he was to perform his new song “Floss na Wewe” alongside STL and Mimmo, and Shaffie took the time to focus him on that. Collo took the stage and busted a few freestyles to an enthusiastic crowd. Later on, he was joined by STL and Mimmo and they performed “Floss na Wewe” amongst others.

Earlier on, we had reported that the presidential inauguration ceremony was in jeopardy because the exclusive broadcasting rights had been given to a local DJ.

However, this issue has been swiftly sorted out after the director of the Presidential Press Service recently met with high-ranking officials from all the TV stations at Kasarani and removed the embargo on the private signal. All TV stations will now be free to air the inauguration directly.

I love doing posts like these that would otherwise bypass you. When someone pays homage, to a great that has all but been ‘forgotten’ by the current generation that is not concerned with the cornerstone stone layers, something’s gotta be done. Thankfully I have the platform to, so read ahead.

Kenyan music has come a long way, and is predicated upon people who paved way for the artists we have today. Some fell by the way side due to a myriad of reasons like death, family obligations or simply choosing to pursue other proffessions. I’m talking about people like Kalamashaka, the late Poxi Presha (R.I.P), Mercy Myra, Hardstone, Five Alive etc. Another artist that I believe needs to be put on a pedestal is Kantadda aka Kantai. Man this guy’s flow was sick! And someone who agrees with me is another hiphop great in my eyes Khaligraph Jones.

Yesterday, way before the whole Jicho Pevu saga was aired, he took to his Facebook page to pay homage to the great Kantai. Why do I repeatedly call him great? Because he is that’s why. Read the verbatim post below. Mad respect Khaligraph, you clearly understand what it means to acknowledge the giants on whose shoulders we ride on. Khaligraph Jones by the way had a bone to pick with Octopizzo a while back, read about that here.

Watch one of Kantai’s songs below and reminisce.

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The Circle is turning into Kenya’s premier VVIP event. Many important people were there, including Sarah Hassan, Brenda Wairimu and Avril. Part of the appeal is that it is a place where the social elite can let loose without a strict moral code getting in the way.

This is where the wet t-shirt contest comes in. It has become one of the many highlights of the event organised by Bernsoft. When we reported about socialite Pendo’s participation in the last wet tee competition, people went crazy. Earlier this morning, we gave you the photo gallery of the latest Circle’s wet t-shirt comp, and that was the ndrama. Now here is the vindeo:

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Yesterday, Kambua made her return to the silver screen when she re-appeared on the “Kubamba TV” set.

Alongside DJ Moz and company, Kambua hosted the show well for all those who were too hangovered to go to church. She had taken a small break from TV during which she revealed about a near-death accident  that had traumatised her. She spoke about the incident here, but basically she was admitted for three months in hospital. Kambua also took the chance to get back into the music studio and record the hit song ‘Bado Nasimama’ among others.

What do you guys think of Kambua as a TV host? Hot or not? Leave your interesting or creative responses in the comment section below:

The Circle is turning into Kenya’s premier VVIP event. Many important people were there, including Sarah Hassan, Brenda Wairimu and Avril. Part of the appeal is that it is a place where the social elite can let loose without a strict moral code getting in the way. This is where the wet t-shirt contest comes in. It has become one of the many highlights of the event organised by Bernsoft. When we reported about socialite Pendo’s participation in the last wet tee competition, people went crazy, so here are some more pics of the one that happened this last weekend:

If you missed out… POLE

Now that you’ve seen the pictures, click here to watch the video of the wet t-shirt contest

They say what we do in the past can sometimes come up to haunt us. I’m sure Ciku Muiruri thought nothing about associating with the Artur brothers. Afterall, she was at a party that they had hosted for the media.

It all came back yesterday with the Jicho Pevu bit aired on KTN. But the beautiful Ciku Muiruri has now come out swinging to defend herself because she believes that she was unfairly portrayed on the clip aired yesterday because she asserts, last night’s Jicho Pevu was premised on half truths. I can understand why she has come out to defend herself by giving her side of the equation given the fact that a Facebook page has already decided to kill her.

Here’s what the comely Classic FM presenter had to say:

Ciku Muiruri

“Yes, that was me with Atur!!!!! That’s an old story, LOL! But for those of you seeing it for the first time, it was shot at a bash that the Atur brothers threw for the media back in the day when their activities in Kenya were still a mystery. I was then the Editor of Pulse magazine of the Standard newspaper. Aware that I was attending said bash, was my boss, the then Managing Editor of the Standard, Pamela Makotsi. I was of the opinion, when it came to the Aturs, that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar and she acquiesced. We were both vindicated, albeit I was in a different media house by then, when I eventually landed the interview of decade. More on that in a bit. Back to the bash where, standing next to me and cut out of the shot, I’m sure on purpose (Perhaps for drama? tut tut) was Eve D’Souza and Sheila Mwanyigha. Also at the bash was the then Buzz (Sunday Nation) Editor, Adhiambo Odera. Pinky Ghelani was also there and numerous others. Atur lifted me onto a counter to make space for all of us to take a picture. I don’t see the relevance of putting that particular clip (of me only) in today’s program unless Mohammed Ali was upset that I refused to give him Winnie Mwai’s number when he called asking for it recently – Dude, you uncover numerous conspiracies and can’t get a simple phone number??? :).

The exclusive interview with Winnie (after the brothers were deported) was on the easy fm breakfast show (which I hosted at the time) and was also filmed by NTV, who subsequently played it on the evening news. Funny thing is that this particular interview was also aired by Jicho Pevu a few months ago (No credit was given to easy fm or NTV or to me). Did they buy the footage or how does this work? Perhaps I should investigate Jicho Pevu myself. Mohammed Ali, please investigate this media bash further and get the original raw footage that has ALL the journalists and radio presenters that were in the shot. Half truths should not be allowed on a program that seeks to have a reputation for uncovering the entire truth. And the next time you run an interview that neither you nor your media house did, perhaps you can CREDIT your source? The name is Ciku Muiruri. Thank you, doll.”

Today at 9 am, Team Ghafla will be holding it down with Miss Mandii discussing a hot topic: Kenyan Socialites.

This comes after a media madness piece on the same in which the writer decried the appearance of socialites whom he accuses of being “Attention Hoes”. And given just how extensively we have covered these so called socialites, it only made sense that the team would be invited to discuss the same.

Mista Majani even did a piece on the qualifications needed to be a socialite and i have given quite the extensive discourse on how to properly drool when around one… And here’s an example of one such piece of work done by our resident fapper.

But away from all that, you do not want to miss this hot morning conversation! Act like you know!

Ladies and gentlemen, today is a morning that has indeed dawned beautifully! And i believe that your morning cup of tea will go down real well today. These are the morning Ice Cube sang about on his track “Today was a good day”. And trust that Uncle Chim Tuna can make it even better with todays ten things you should know this morning.

#1. Read well over seven thousand times (7,581 to be exact!), Mista Majani’s write up on “Meet The NaxVegas Sisters, and Find Out Why They Were Kissing In Public.”

#2. K24 Losing Reporters! The Staff Turnover Is Too High! Read about the story that was nipping at Mista Majani’s article here.

#3. My good lord Pulse has some of the most fantastic photographers! They really do know how to be on their paparazzi tip! Check out the photo gallery we got off their Facebook page here “More Photos Of What You Don’t Get To See Of NaxVegas Shenanigans!”

#4. Prezzo Asks Uhuru Kenyatta For A Post! Read about what El Prezidente himself had to tell the president.

#5. Oh goody! Another article from me! Good lord knows i only know how to dominate! But enough of my braggart self. Colonel Mustafa’s Girlfriend Speaks Out About His Gay Sex Drama! That is a must read!

#6. Camp Mulla Producer Explains Why Their Album Didn’t Do So Well. If you’re a fan or an artiste, this is a must read!

#7. FREE MUSIC: Download All Octopizzo’s Songs For Free Here

#8. Listen To Collo, STL And Mimmo’s Latest Release Floss Na Wewe.

#9. Mike Rua’s Response To ‘Deportation’ Allegations.

#10. DEAR HATERS: Redsan Did Not Steal The Beats For “Badder Than Most”

Phoenix Theaters I said needs to be given props for keeping the embers of art from dying down. 

So has Usha found love? Read on. I watched the last play Fathers day and my oh my, that was awesome acting! A man reconnects with his ex wife who is married after the son impregnates a sixteen year old girl! Durama! Well this time, they are back bigger and better! See the synopsis below.

Oh Usha’s real name is Mkamzee Chao Mwatela and she’s back on the phoenix stage….together with a brilliant cast which includes Charles Ouda, Samson Psenjen & Jack Gitonga….This play directed by Robin Denault promises to be a page ripped from awesomeness’ diary!

Synopsis: A collage of three of the Bard’s most recognized plays: Romeo and Juliet, Othello and A Midsummer Night’s Dream… Some of the characters from A Midsummer Night’s Dream have escaped the world of Shakespeare, that scoundrel, and stumbled onto ours. As luck would have it, they wander onto a stage where coincidentally an audience is standing by. They will spend the next hour and a half convincing this assembly of theatre goers that love is but a game for fools and Shakespeare, that scoundrel, masterfully exploited that foolishness to create some of the best and deadliest love stories ever told.

Below is the star-studded cast.

By the way I happen to dig just a bit and I found a video by Charles J. Ouda at Bogof. Watch below and know why he was selected for Cocacola Popstars back int he day.

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