Month: April 2013

Lately I’ve written a lot about Sauti Academy. Last week I went to an event, and posted about it, if you were not there yopu missed out!

If you did not read about that, do so here. Fret not however, there shall be a second offering next week.

Well tomorrow, a whole Sauti Academy class graduates and to celebrate turning over a new leaf, they shall hold a concert. What will be doing in the evening? How about you make a date with these guys. It shall be at Safaricom’s Michael Joseph Centre, Waiyaki Way, next to the D.O’s office. 

The event bio reds, ‘Family, friends, lovers, are all strong bonds that we cannot do without. We however easily forget one bond. A knot that binds us all together; that knows no color, divide or age. A knot that’s universal and timeless. A tool that speaks volumes and whose capability is often undermined. MUSIC!

Nurtured by Penya Africa’s talent development programme, Sauti Academy, a new breed of singers, songwriters and performers are ready to take to the world’s stages.

PETER NYABUTO, an AfroSoul/Pop singer, saxophonist and guitarist taking a music degree at Kenyatta University makes music in his own unique way. He says, “Music is the ultimate expression of human beings”

NDILA, singer-songwriter, budding Pianist. Her music, a fusion of Indie, Pop and RnB and heavily influenced by Black American soul music. For Ndila music is life and life is music.

WAITHERA, a soulful crooner who believes in music with a message is musically influenced by the eclectic sounds of Jazz, Afro-fusion and Neo Soul. For Waithera, music is a safe haven, a release from excesses of life.

NDILA, singer-songwriter, budding Pianist. Her music, a fusion of Indie, Pop and RnB and heavily influenced by Black American soul music. For Ndila music is life and life is music.

SHIRO, a silky voiced and seasoned pop singer and songwriter. Among her biggest influences is British singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas. She brings out of her magic bag a richness in writing and a soulful delivery.

CHEDDAZ, honey comb lyricist, rapper and alter ego guru has horned some useful skills in his craft. Rapping to a beat on African drums, this electric performer will bring anyone on his feet with his unique delivery and different sound.

ANDREW WAMBUA, reviewed by Kenya Buzz as one of Kenya’s finest artist and Ghafla Kenya as a seasoned singer, performer and voice coach, he brings onto stage a wealth of experience, sewing together western music with African guitar riffs and drums.’

The bio is tantalizing in its description so I felt no need to alter or add to it.

Tickets Information: 300 advance, 400 at gate
Venue: Michael Joseph Centre, Safaricom Headquarters, Waiyaki way
Date: 6th April 2013, Saturday.
Time: 7pm – 10pm

Tickets on sale at Michael Joseph Centre, Penya Africa, or call any of these numbers
0722 626 169,
0725 416 507,
0721 884 672,
0728 652 204,
0733 507 136,
0726 751 822

Nick Mutuma seems to have a new found love for fashion. Either that or the next time we hear of him, he’ll be launching an eponymous fashion line.

So he recently helped a young lady set up a fashion event and that went well. Now he’s back on that fashion grind, but this time he’s judging a pageant. Pressure galore. The annual Mr & Ms University of Nairobi is slated for this Friday, the 5th of April 2013 at Charter Hall, CBD.

He said ‘UON students are a tough crowd, but they are real and I love being surrounded by that kind of energy. I can’t wait to see the creativity of the contestants’

Venue: Charter Hall Date: 5th April (Friday) Time: 7:00pm – late Dress Code: Smart  Entrance: Regular 250 , VIP 500 Performances by Kenya’s biggest entertainers.

Read about what else he was upto here.

I have said this before, one of the perks of being a writer here is that you get to attend events and hobnob with people that you had only previously seen on TV. Like STL, I unashamedly stae that I cannot wait to see on stage! 

This evening, the MTV all stars concert finally goes down at Tree-house club! Treehouse like I said in this earlier article seems to be the happening joint in town. Tree House happens to be on Westlands road, Museum Hill.

I get very excited when I read an email saying, “You are invited to the MTV Africa All Stars press briefing and concert on Friday 5th April, from 8pm at the Tree House, Museum Hill. Press briefing is from 8pm with all talent (MADTRAXX, STL, P-UNIT, CAMP MULLA, KANJA, BIG NUZ & DJ TIRA) as well as Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom Media Networks.”

That basically summarises my article. Music authority MTV Base is to set Nairobi ablaze with an all-star urban club night featuring performances from Madtraxx (@madtraxx), STL, P-Unit, Camp Mulla and Kanja and with special guest appearances from South African urban giants Big Nuz (@BigNuz_Afro) and DJ Tira (@DJTira). Again the end!

MTV Africa All Stars brought to you by The KwaZulu-Natal Province”, taking place on Friday 5 April 2013,  is part of a sensational new pan-African music and youth empowerment campaign that salutes the star quality and widespread appeal of contemporary African musicians, providing exposure to the continent’s hottest musical innovators and pacesetters.  Hosted jointly by MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and the KwaZulu-Natal Province, MTV Africa All Stars also aims to raise the international profile of KwaZulu-Natal as a premier destination for tourism and economic development.

MTV Africa All Stars offers a range of diverse platforms through which music fans can connect with and experience the extraordinary talent, variety and craftsmanship of the continent’s most exciting contemporary musicians.”

MTV Africa All Stars – Nairobi takes place at Tree House, International Casino Complex, Museum Hill, Nairobi on Friday 5 April.  STL has a brand new song out. Read about it here, it’s by Collo featuring Mimmo Wanjuhi and her.

They say photos are worth 1000 words aye? So then, allow these photos to write up an essay about why you should be at this month’s edition of The Circle:

All these photos are from Niaje. Except for the first one that is.

Any Jazz fans around? Ever heard of Ethiopian Jazz? Me neither. Well Roots International, the ‘makers’ of Thursdays Live at Choices Baricho Road bring you an event to remember! 

Teaming up with Zelalem Mulat, they present Addis Acoustic Project Live in Nairobi. My friend tells me he’s watched these guys play and play they do no holds barred! This however shall be a special sundowner concert at the Tree House Museum Hill (Intl Casino Complex). What’s in store? Unique sounds of Ethiopian Jazz and Popular music as presented by some of the best instrumentalists in Addis Ababa. Doesn’t that just whet your musical appetite?

The press release says that doors swing open at at around 4pm, whilst the concert itself commences at 6pm. Tickets are a paltry 1500ksh, paltry because this is a renowned jazz ensemble that has thrilled fans globally for a while now.  here to get them you ask? Nairobi Java House branches (Yaya, Junction, Gigiri, Sarit Ctr, ABC, Valley Arcade).  For more information please call 0733 374 885. Sunday 14th April.

I love press releases because they make my work easier, and also ensure I don’t cook up my own facts. This is what the group is described. ‘Comprised of some of Addis Ababa’s finest acoustic musicians, the “Addis Acoustic Project” brings forth Ethiopia’s popular tunes from the 1950s and 1960s in a new light. Directed and arranged by guitarist Girum Mezmur, the “Addis Acoustic Project” unfolds Ethiopian music from the past in a contemporary way. The group’s musical style has influences of traditional East-African, Jazz, and Latin.

The Band is composed of veteran musicians such as Ayele Mamo (Mandolin) and contemporary musicians Girum Mezmur (Guitar/Accordion/Arrangement), Henock Temesgen (Double Bass), Nathaniel Tesemma (Drums/Percussions), Aklilu Woldeyohannes (Clarinet and Flute), and Misale Legesse (Kebero/Percussions). 

The band has performed internationally at renowned festivals such as WOMEX 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Selam Festival in Stockholm, Sweden as well as TFF Rudolstadt Festival in Rudolstadt, Germany. “Addis Acoustic Project’s soft, jazzy versions of Ethiopian vintage classics drift upwards… it’s a gentle groove with carefully rounded edges played on mandolin, accordion, clarinet, double-bass and drums.”  On taht day, the DJ Set by Zelalem.

TreeHouse seems to have cemented it’s place as the mecca of events in Nairobi. Here are some of the most recent events that have been held there. There was Tyranny Of Benga featuring Dan Aceda, Eric Wainaina, Atemi, Dela as well as The villagers. Just a fortnight before, Dela herself had a concert there. Read about it here, and see pictures here. 

To get acquainted with their music before hand, just listen to them on Youtube.

I just wrote about the first ever christian event to be held in Doha Qatar! I’m still in shock that this actually happened, or are all those stories I hear about Arabia untrue?

Oh well, below are some of the photos courtesy of mc Njugush of Systems Unit. Read the article here.

And oh, ever wondered what the world’s largest handmade football would look like? See below.

What about an aerial view of Dubai?

The last article i did seems to have generated alot of heat under my seat! Good! I like my chair warm and toasty anyway. and if you don’t know which article i’m referring to, here’s the link. But remember, don’t drop the link!

And you can also read the rejoinder to that piece on why they were kissing in public. Here’s the link.

The thing about NaxVegas is that it gives Nairobians an excuse to party without inhibitions… Unfortunately for them, The Pulse photographers were around and this is what their cameras caught:

But it wasn’t all gloom and doom, these were the highlights:

I lied.

That was fast! We already have winners! And this time it’s a lad and a lass. Well done niblings!

Today’s tickets have been won by:

Allan Kapten

This email took me by surprise because never in my wildest dreams would I have envisaged christians being allowed to congregate in Qatar. Clearly I need to travel.

Well believe it or not, there was an awards show in Doha!  Dubbed Talanta awards, it’s an international christian award ceremony. Deejay Mo Mfalme actually scooped Talanta deejay of the year when it was held in the States. Remember Deejay Mo Mfalme (Topadetop)’s bio reads ‘2010 DJ of the year groove awards, 2010 Mfalme runners up, 2011 USA Talanta DJ of the year, Head of DJ, System unit, The Sound Dj on Capital FM and Crossover 101 Host VDJ every Sunday.’ Clearly people don’t sit on their laurels!

Held on the 29th and 30th of March in Doha Qatar, the Systems Deejay outfit was tasked with ensuring that music was served full dose. System unit as they call themselves consists of Dj Mo, Mc Njugush, DK kwenye Beat and Scepta. According to MC Njugush, this was the first Ever Gospel Concert in Qatar Doha. It registered an overwhelming turnout with people from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Indonesia, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Deejay Mo was on the decks like I informed earlier, and the hypeman of the day was, of-course MC Njugush.  Scepta was the guest artist and he brought the house down with his massive hit Nawa For You.  As if that Friday night wasn’t enough, there was a ‘second helping’ on Saturday where revellers were treated to a sumptuous dinner where dessert was, more music by Dj Mo! Kenyans run the world man.

“Different Forest, Same Monkeys”

This is the hilarious name of the new play that will is currently showing at the home of Kenyan theatre, Alliance Française. As usual it is Heartstrings Kenya who are behind it and in the past they have been known not to disappoint in very entertaining plays some of which you can read about HERE

A brief synopsis of what to expect…

This is a gut-busting original comedy that will arguably put into focus the society, which is made of Kenyans. We have found ourselves demanding for great changes: new constitution, elections, no corruption, transparency etc, etc. We have done this so that our lives can change for the best. But the big question is, have we, ourselves as Kenyans changed? We are quick to ask for a change, but we have refused to conform to the change. Are we making the change ourselves? We have made this great changes but we remain the same old liars, immoral, dirty, tribalists, haters, corrupt, thieves, the list goes on and on.
This gut-crushing comedy will hilariously show how we are asking for a good life but there is no effort on our part in making the change in ourselves as Kenyans.

More details;

Directed by: Sammy Mwangi and Victor Ber
Dates: 2nd – 14th April 2013
Venue: Alliance Française
Times: 6.30pm weekdays, 3 & 6.30pm weekends

This Saturday, don’t waste your time hitting parties that you know you’ll end up having to leave. hit the liveliest party this side of Uhuru Highway! Scratch that, the hottest party anywhere!

After you hit The Circle for some mischievous fun, why not hit Santa Fe for the unofficial after-party? And i say unofficial because technically, there is no after-party which sucks. but all the livest people know to hit Santa Fe for a sick after-party.

The DJs will be spinning some of the sickest tunes. Be they Afro pop, House or Hiphop, you will have a blast and that is a Ghafla guarantee!

Good prices, sick music and an awesome crowd! Trust that this is just the plan!

Yesterday, i gave you the opportunity to win 2 pairs of tickets in this article. From that article, 2 beautiful ladies won themselves each a pair of tickets.

And trust your Uncle Chim Tuna when i say that if you are dating one of them and you do not get offered a ticket, you are merely the kachumbari in her life. But away from that, Uncle Chim Tuna has another pair of tickets to give away to a pair of lucky readers.

Today’s will be a little more tricky. Today’s question is, what was Ghafla’s C.E.O Baba Ghafla studying in JKUAT before his education was truncated?

Yeah. Gerronit! As usual, the 1st two readers to get the answer correct win themselves a pair of tickets.

Yesterday, there was a story that caused a stir. Pulse caught out two sisters who were kissing in public at the recently concluded Nakuru 10s rugby tournament.

Well, after such a story breaks, you can count on me to do a proper Ghafla!Investigation. I followed up on the sisters and found out who they were. Here are their profiles:

– The light girl in the photos with the weave is called Carol Kasyoka. She attended high school at St. Angelas Girls Kitui, and then went to college at University of Nairobi. Currently, Carol works sales at the Sports Stadia Management company, which basically maintains sports pitches around the country. 

– The darker woman in the sister pair is named Imani Ndits. From what I could dig up, she went to Our Lady of Assumption Tawa Girls, and now works at international fashion chain Marks and Spencer.

Here is a photo of comedian Eric Omondi hanging out with the sisters:

According to Carol, her and Imani had just had a fight, and took the opportunity to kiss and make up afterwards. It just so happened that they were in front of photographers at that moment. Apart from NaxVegas, the two seem to be big fans of Blankets and Wine, which has also had it’s fair share of ndrama and vindeo.

NaxVegas is now getting known for consistently bringing the drama. Last year Shaffie Weru was unceremoniously hauled out of the event looking rather dusty, remember?

On this Friday morning where gridlock galore is the anthem, it is evident that Kenyans love debauchery! Check out our top ten stories below.

Our biggest story yesterday: The two girls caught on camera locking lips oh os sensually. Yikes! Here.

2. Avril caught on the wrong side of the law. Read about that here.

3. Our president unveiled a new radio station for the Maa speaking people. More here.

4. The fabulous Lizz Njagah strutted out of an interview, snap!

5. Mugithi maestro Mike Rua was allegedly deported, deets here.

6. Meet the four celebs who don’t give a hoot here.

7. Popular ‘prodigal’ news anchor returns home. Find out here.

8. Read about DNG’s new baby here.

9. Wanna know how to be a socialite? Here.

10. Here of the allegations made against a certain gospel artist? Read his retort here.

So yesterday I shared an abriged list of the artists expected to perform at the inauguration bash. Today however I received the complete list of artists expected to perform.

If you didn’t read my earlier article, do so here. I’ve shared three images with you courtesy of Daddy Owen. Three of them were taken at the rehearsal earlier today. It’s seems the gods heard my rant koz Jaguar is actually performing which I’d talked about in the last article.

Among those expected to perform areDaddy Owen, Jaguar, Emmy Kosgey, Rufftone, Ringtone, Abass, V6, Sauti Sol, Sarakasi Dancers, Madtraxx.

Others are Elsie and Visita, the people behind the Jubilee theme song, as well as Ally B, Gkon, and Kavi Pratt.

The official Djs are DJ Space & the MOB Dj’s.

Abbss it seems is making money every waking moment. Read about his latest paycheck here.

Earlier today i wrote an article about giving away a pair of tickets each to the first two commentors who got my question correct. Read the article here.

And the winners of today’s pair of tickets are:

• 

  Anduro Omwanda

   

   

• and 

   

   
  
• Eve Mwangi

   

  I will be contacting you shortly through the Ghafla Facebook page to get your details and organize how you’ll get the tickets.

Forget Birds! Tonight, that is not the word! The only word is Changes. Ok, maybe a couple of words: Changes, Platinum and finally Thursday! This is the only plan worth having. Ok, maybe that and getting laid but then again if you hope to get laid, Changes definitely features in your plans!

Platinum Thursday, the only place where you get that Platinum credit card treatment without all the expenses. From living it up (on the cheap what with their affordable drinks) to the red carpet entrance to the V.I.P treatment, trust me when i say that this is just the plan. It’s all about having fun with the grown folk. None of this NaxVegas ratchet behaviour is tolerated. Find out what i’m talking about by clicking this link.

But away from all that, check out the photos below to see what to expect:

I was just alerted to the existence of some pictures Pulse has posted online. These photos will probably appear on tomorrow’s Pulse so make sure you grab yourself a copy. Why you ask? Well, you just might get to see your sister on her most ratchet behaviour! But enough of the chitchat, check out the photogallery below:

If you want more pictures, make sure get yourself the Pulse Magazine tomorrow!

Ever wanted to see Fena, Kidum and Steve Nyabwa on one stage? Well you have the chance to.

Come Saturday, the three of them shall be on stage to thrill you at Godown arts centre in South B. 6th April from 2.30 pm to 7 pm, for free might I add, you get access to these guys’ music. Drinks and Nyama Choma will be on sale at the premise. 

Fena started out as a back-up vocalist for Muthoni the Drummer Queen and Dela in 2009 before pursuing a solo career in 2010. She has since performed at several events in Nairobi and across Kenya, most notably: FENA LIVE AT SHEBEEN, FENA LIVE AT CHOICES, and Blankets and Wine. Others include Kilifi Arts Festival, Molo Footloose Festival for Peace, Arts and Beer Festival, Kinanda Arts Festival, just to mention a few. FENA has had the pleasant opportunity to share the stage with both local and international greats such as; Sauti Sol, Dela, Muthoni, Neema Ntalel, Harry Kimani, Kidum, and international icons; Fally Ipupa (Sawasawa Festival, May 2011), Vivian Green (Lounge Unplugged, September 2011), and UK-based singer/rapper Lush (Molo Footloose Festival for Peace, February 2012).

Steve Nyabwa needs no introduction. To listen to his new song produced by Dan Aceda, go here. According to his bio, he emerged as the 2nd runners up in the recently concluded Reality. Singing TV series Tusker Project fame. He has had affiliations with Sarakasi trust and the Norwegian embassy as an ambassador for the Amani Lazima campaign. This campaign aimed at changing the mind set of youth in the slums to embrace unity and Kenyanness. The aim is promoting alternative ways to life and promoting talent development in these areas.

He also teaches dance and voice techniques at Teen touch Vocational schools to children aged 3-14 years. He has a 5 piece band is currently working on his debut album and has worked with various producers. They include Silas Kwaka (8 mile Records), Willie G( Ketebul Studios), Jonah Uzele( Dream catcher productions), Brian Oluoch (Dalana entertainment) and Dan ‘Chizi’ Aceda.

Kidum recently had a perormance in town, read about that here.

Juliani is a walking brand. Really, this guy in my subjective opinion is a magnet for success and that NGO money that artists only dream of. He has talent, wields influence like kings of yore held the sceptre and he is so down to earth he’s ‘buried six feet under’.

First things first, did you watch his documentary launched last year? Here is the link. His song was number two, in a list I compiled about top ten peace songs prior to the elections.  Read about that here.

Well this goodwill ambassador of NCIC, Vision 2030 and peace, has launched an initiative dubbed ‘MTAA CHALLENGE’. According to the press release sent, the initiative is part of his KAMA SI SISI attitude change campaign. This campaign began two years ago, and aims to use music and creative space as well as young people hell bent on engendering palpable change in their respective environs.

Mtaa tours began with fans also known as Juliani Jeshi (The Juliani Army) coming together to buy his album, then invite Juliani to perform in their hood. That gave different Mitaas/hoods a Juliani live experience. A very awesome concepts me thinks. Last year, these estates got to invite the street king as many call Juliani, where he had focus group discussions on national issues through lunches dubbed ‘Mtaa Lunches’

In 2013, The Mtaa tour team has gone ham so to speak. Collective responsibility is the word that lets this genie out of the bottle. What genie? Register, get hooked up with like minded people from your mtaa. Compete and whichever team emerges victorious, and with their ingenuity trounce the opponents wins the money. That easy. Now register register register! More details on the poster.  

It would seem that blessings just keep raining down on this lad! Fresh from minting that TNA campaign money and even getting his housing situation pemanently sorted out with an investment somewhere along the highway Kibaki renovated and expanded, DNG is now a father!

The lad who recently got saved and shaved his locks of is the proud father of a bouncing baby named Dawn! The congratulations have been pouring in fast and i for one also want to extend the congratulations on behalf of Ghafla!Kenya.

Read about how DNG reaped the TNA millions here. And how much he raked in relation to other artists here.

On the last episode of The Circle, this happened:

And if you’re a hot blooded lad like me, you will be at the next one for sure! As sure as Ghafla is the hottest brand in Kenyan entertainment right now! KABOOM!

Yeah, you’ll get to hang out with these celebrities.

And ladies, fret not! This is some of the eye candy your can look forward to seeing:

And this time, you can look forwad to jamming with these beauties;

With that said, Uncle Chim Tuna will make your attendance possible without you having too part with the requisite 1,000/-. How? Well, i am your Uncle Chim Tuna aren’t i? Plus magic looses it’s magneticism when the magician has to explain his tricks.

So for a pair of tickets, who are the 4 hosts who will be holding it down this Saturday? The 1st two people to answer correctly in the comment section each get a pair of tickets. Leggo!