Month: April 2013

It’s pretty much obvious that every artist wants their music videos to be the best in the game when they are doing it. And that’s why they go out of their way to hire the top video directors like the talented J. Blessing (read why he’s the best HERE) and camera crew just to make sure their videos come out just the way their fans anticipate.

However now, Kenyan artists seem to have noticed a new way to appeal to their fans in their music videos. In what may be a game changer, artists have shifted from boardrooms, flaunting in sleek cars, fronting highly energetic dance crews and sexy video vixens to playing the big boys’ game in their music videos.

Already, we’ve witnessed Jaguar taking to one of the best golf courses in town to shoot the upcoming video of his recently released single ‘Kipepeo’ (check out behind-the-scenes photos of that HERE). in the same breath, Gabu of P-Unit is seen playing golf with a model in the just released the video of their collabo with Alicios, ‘Mobimba’ (watch it HERE).

Jaguar playing golf

Gabu plays the “richman’s game”

So, is playing golf in music videos the newest trend for musicians? Or is it a sign of opulence on the artists’ part because, let’s face it, renting just a section of a golf course for a video shoot is quite expensive let alone playing the sport.

DJ Joe Mfalme is arguably the top deejay right now and his success in entertainment speaks volumes about that. From his mad mixes on Capital FM to the numerous gigs he has played at, only goes to prove how good Joe is at what he does.

Last weekend, at the Smirnoff party in Naxvegas (#thenightnax), I had a chat with the talented deejay and wanted him to confirm something my interestingly spooky colleague, Uncle Chim Tuna had whispered to me earlier in the week. So after he was done working up the crowd with his crazy mix, I approached him.

DJ Joe at a past event

Chim had told me that DJ Joe, like Size 8, is saved and that’s why he doesn’t drink. Yes, Joe doesn’t drink, he’s a complete teetotaler. So I sought to find out why he doesn’t drink and that’s when he revealed that he has a heavy drinker for fours and got to a point and decided to just quit the bottle completely. He was even taking a Stoney soda at the event which he promptly flashed at me to substantiate his statement.

On whether he is saved, Joe pointed out that he is a devoted Christian who follows the teachings of the Bible. Just so you know, Joe never misses Church never mind that he has gigs every Saturday night that most times go into the wee hours of the morning. “Tomorrow, at 8 I will be at Church,” divulged DJ Joe.

You all know Mambo Mseto! Don’t even act like you don’t.

Well Mzazi Willy Tuva is like royalty in the musical streets, thanks to his uber popular show on both Citizen radio and television everyday. It was Tuva who first broke the Size 8 story, of her crossing over. Baba Ghafla happened to be on air that day. He also scored the first on air interview with Mr Nice! the picture was taken before a concert at Kampala International University.

Last Friday, head honchos from GrandPa Records DNA and Refigah led a host of other artists, guests, friends and fans of Grandpa among them Jaguar, Mr. Nice, Miss Kenya Shamim, Kibra MP Hon. Ken Okoth, Warda, Pizo Dizo to visit St. Cathrine’s Children Home in Soweto, Kibera slums.

The group donated food stuffs and clothes with ‘Urban Bites’ donating biting for the children. The programme to support orphans and children homes will be on every 2 months and has been dubbed “Grandpa for Children”.

One does not have to be a Grandpa Records artist or affiliate to work with the stable on the charity mission just the way Wyre, Jaguar, Shamim and many others did. Grandpa invites artists, friends and fans to come together to make a difference in someone’s life. Here are some of the photos from the low-key event;

Mr. Nice disembarks from the matatu

Jaguar alights from the jav

(L-R) Mr.Nice, Refigah, DNA (partly hidden), Miss Kenya Shamim & Jaguar

DNA & Jaguar chat on the way to St. Catherine’s

DNA points out at part of the sprawling Kibera slum to Jaguar

The kids at the home

The ‘goodies’

Mr. Nice, Kibra MP Hon. Ken Okoth and Refigah donating the food stuff

Mr. Nice, Refigah, Jaguar, DNA, Miss Kenya Shamim, Hon Ken Okoth (in glasses) pose for a group photo with the children

Jaguar, DNA, Refigah, Hon. Ken Okoth & Mr. Nice

P-Unit enlisted the help of Alicios to make their new track in an attempt to go international. The track is a rather danceable tune and you can read about it here.

I don’t want to go into the track because it’s already been talked about and that would be a back track. My aim is to move forward.

And that being said this video was on a monumental scale. They got dancers and acrobats, cordoned off an entire street and the colours! Can someone, anyone say vibrant? The colours are an explosion! The type only found at African festivals and if you asked me it worked to enhance the video rather well.

Watch the video below:

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When a man becomes a father, everything in his world changes. You can make that change either a positive one or a negative one. Men of substance change for the better. Their aspirations become loftier. They realize their children are the only legacy worth writing home about.

And I am proud to say DNG is in that category. Today he made a simple statement about the change he’s undergone since the birth of his daughter Dawn.

Here’s what he said:

“This year, God gave me a new reason for living. #Dawn, my focus; my new agenda. Everything else can go take a back seat!”

You can find more DNG stories by clicking this link.

The thing about music, is that every musician has a story.

Meet Bahati Kevin, a 19 year old orphan brought up in A.B.C children’s home. He is saved, young, passionate about music with dreams of making it in music. He made his entry into the arts through reciting swahili poetry in school and church.

In 2010 he represented St. Teresa’s Boys Eastleigh, in the Music Festival National Level held in Nakuru where he performed a solo presentation playing the guitar.
He tells me that his musical journey, began nearly 9 months ago when he released his first single and video SIKU YA KWANZA. The song received considerable airplay.

Later Bahati did WANGU alongside Mr. Seed, with the video directed by Young Wallace. He is just about to release his 3rd video entitled MAMA audio produced by R. Kay. Some of the events Bahati has showcased include: 2012 Groove Party at the Nyayo Stadium , Pamoja Peace Concert in Nakuru, Mwafaka Tour Nakuru Edition, Make it or Make launch at P.C.E.A St. Andrews, System Rave hosted by the System Unit

Some of the interviews Bahati has appeared include:Crossover 101 NTV, Tukuza Show KTN, Morning Breakfast ONE Fm, Replay Show Truth Fm, Inuka Show Hot 96, Iz Vipi XL Radio Maisha. It is clear that this young man is set to take the scene by storm! listen to his duet below. 

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Of late, Juliani and Bob Collymore have become bosom buddies. Looking at their exchanges on social media, it seems to have reached the point where the Safaricom CEO has been inviting Juliani and his girlfriend Brenda Wairimu to his digs for supper.

#BOSS.

It seems Bob is using Juliani as a guide to the ghetto life in Kenya, as the two went on a fish finding mission. What do you think of an esteemed CEO hanging out with local celebrities like this? A refreshing change, or too much for a man of his stature? Leave your interesting or creative responses in the comment section below:

Mombasa singer Tiera Gee (Stephanie Khatiera) was recently involved in a serious road accident. At the time of the incident, the sassy singer was on her way home from a family function at South B in her Subaru Forester.

Apparently her car was involved in a collision with a truck that was moving in the same direction shoving her car out of the road. The accident took place near General Motors on Mombasa Road.

In a message, Tiera Gee thanked God for her life as well as her fans for the get-well-messages. “Been reading ur mails lovely ones, it is true that i was involved in an accident with my little monster on Msa Rd. Thanks for ur concern and well wishes: i am doing fine. I had neither minor nor major injuries. I thank God above all that i am alive!”

Now that she’s confirmed she’s fine, we say “pole” for that misfortune.

Upperhill Secondary school, seems to be the eden of Nairobi’s musicians. It seems that all the best male vocalists in Nairobi had their genesis in this school.

From Anto Neosoul, to some of the guys in Sauti Sol, members of Pentamony, Andrew Wambua, and even Sco the violinist, the list keeps increasing. Well true to their roots, the school is still churning out stars, albeit in form of the school choir. They recently collaborated with the founding member Phllip Tuju and Scott to record this amazing song. Sco the violinist by the way shall be playing at suits and mics, read about that here. I suspect that the guys in Aziza and Chweya in Elani wa salso in Upper hill. I am not sure.

This is the first original song, done by the very talented EWFX CHORUS from the UPPER HILL SCHOOL CHOIR. They collaborated, with the choirs founder and director Philip Tuju and Scott the Violinist. So scared is a gospel song, simply seeking Gods help in a difficult situation. This song is featured in the ‘Every Dream’ album, by Pentamony and produced by Philip Tuju. It can be found online at Itunes.

Watch the video below.

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East Africa’s premier Gospel music awards showcase, Groove Awards has grown in leaps and bounds since inception recognizing, honoring and promoting Gospel artists, music writers and producers in the region.

With Groove Awards just around the corner, here are some the things you probably never knew about the region’s biggest Gospel music awards.

#1 Established 9 years ago, 2004.

#2 Has honored over 600 artists and groups and handed out hundreds of accolades presented to musicians in East African region.

#3 Groove Awards is run by Mo Sound Entertainment Ltd, the company that also brings you Groove Party.

#4 Groove Awards promotes and connects Gospel artists across Africa.

#5 Together with Skiza Groove Awards seeks to Promote, Expose and Celebrate Gospel talent across Africa.

#6 Opens doors for upcoming aspiring singers, songwriters and musicians.

#7 Promote local gospel artists and their music to a global audience

#8 Unite gospel musicians through celebrating excellence in music.

It’s now clear that Jaguar is the most affluent entertainer in the game which just confirms what Mista Majani already told you HERE. Just three days after Kibali revealed to you his newly acquired machine, a convertible Bentley, complete with customized plates, the “Kigeugeu” singer has once again pulled another first.

According to credible sources, Jaguar recently acquired himself an aircraft! Yes, you read right, an aircraft! It is believed that the soft-spoken artist bought this plane during the campaigns and he has been using it especially over the weekends to fly to different places.

The source continues that Jaguar has used the light aircraft to fly down to Diani and Great Lake Resort in Naivasha. The 6-seater plane bears the name “Air Jaguar” and is expected in Jaguar’s upcoming video for his song “Kipepeo” (Check out behind-the-scenes photos of the shoot HERE).

Props: Standard Digital

remember when we told you Mwalimu Rachel is pregnant with rapper K-Letta’s child? We have photographic evidence.

The beautiful Rachel Sonnie has taken a photo of her showing off her belly in this sexy yet classy picture that is simply a woman appreciating the beauty of motherhood. Check out the photo below:

A couple of years back, Bobby Mapesa was ruling the airwaves. He was the hottest artist out and for good reason. He was releasing hit after hit and wherever he went, his name rang! he was constantly being appreciated and applauded by fans. Then he pulled a Mase.

For the uninitiated, that means that he disappeared. He just vanished. The next time he surfaced, an upcoming artist was accusing him of swindling him. Read about it here.

But he’s back on the right track! No more scandals, just good music. His latest musical submission is called, “Ringa” and rather than give you any hint as to what to expect, I’d rather let you sample it for yourself and appreciate it. Then you can let us know what you think about the track. Enjoy:

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Pictures shared, video shared, what else is left in this unfolding story? The man himself. That information is courtesy of his page, I take no props for that.

His bio reads: UN ambassador, first ever Ugandan artist to win East Africa’s most celebrated awards “Kisima Awards. He is also had one of East Afrca’ best selling album”Natamani’,. He was a headlining artist for Actionaid get on board campaign, as well as Oxfam’s eradicating poverty campaign. That was what I shared earlier here. More info on him below, more pictures of him here. 

‘Not many Gospel acts can attest to being featured alongside international stars
in a global effort. Ambassada can! Lined up with acts such as Black Mambazo, P Diddy, Bono and Yossour N’Dour, this young man’s music was featured in a promotion for the recent global call to action against poverty.

About Ambassada:
2002, he was contracted by the biggest distribution label in East and central Africa (Sound Africa) to record a 10 track album “Natamani” which was released in 2003 and had hits like Natamani, Watoto Inkane, Yaweh and ebyensi.

2003, he swept to fame with his massively successful inspirational single, Watoto Inkane, which advocated for children’s rights. Its video, featuring children from Nairobi’s Nyumbani Home, has remained a favorite on numerous African TV broadcasts. Since then, he has been a prominent figure in the African music scene with one of East Africa’s bestselling album ever.

2004, he managed to get 13 nominations Africa wide including Kisima Awards, Paba Awards plus BBC one and became the first Ugandan to win in East Africa’s most celebrated Awards “Kisima Awards” in the Best East African video category.

He managed to renew his contract with Sound Africa, went back to record his 13 track “Yaka” ( SHINE) album which wasn’t released until 2006 and had hits like Sio, Warunva, Selehe and Anyina which was also feature in the East African collection “East African Essential Hits” as he continued to be ranked as one of East Africa’s youngest, best selling, best performing and highest paid artist.

He released his second album, entitled Yaka at a colorful ceremony at Nairobi ‘s Carnivore Restaurant. His new album is full of groovy beats, emotional lyrics and catchy tunes. He describes it as a smorgasbord of genres Afro-pop, Rap, Calypso, Latino and African Praise.

“Yaka” catapulted him to a different caliber as per vocal and artistic prowess. In the same year, Ambassada also teamed with Kenya president H.E MWAI KIBAKI, the first lady and the Kenyan cabinet as he headlined the Actionaid “Get On Board” Aids eradication campaign after which he was called on board by Oxfam Kenya as a headline artist on the G8 poverty eradication campaign as mentioned above and Nacada for the drug free Kenya campaign.

He registered his NGO (Inkanetwork for children and women in Africa), teamed up with miss Kenya and the miss Kenya organizing committee “Ashley’s” to do charity work plus donations in slams and children homes around Kenya.

After having a historical interview with Reuters, he received two calls that changed his life. One from Unicef acknowledging him as a UN Ambassador a follow up on his Watoto Inkane hit and the charity works that he did for children’s homes and NGOs and another one from BBC Nairobi asking him for permission to use his above mentioned song as a theme song for the world children’s day.

After all this he again renewed his contract with Sound Africa to record a 14 track album “Sababu Yako” which has only been released online and in stores worldwide.Ambassada is yet here with his new release “AYAYA” a Midas Touch audio, Sakata video and Inkanetwork production . Praising the lord for all he has done and still doing in his life.

Listen to his new song here.

This is for Kenyan music lovers. Bernsoft Entertainment wants to reward you. And it’s as simple as ABC. In fact winning has never been as simple as this.

Thing is, this is a brand new song from Bernsoft about to be released but want you to guess which artist it is.

All you have to do is watch the short clip below and identify the artist performing the song playing (in the background) and then tweet your answer to @bernsoftgroup. If your answer is correct, you stand a chance to walk away with KES10,000! Just like that.

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The winner will be announced tonight at 6.30PM, so will the name of the artist as well as release the full song. So get on that and channel your correct answers. Tick tock, tick tock, the clock is ticking…

Last evening, Genge godfather Nonini was at 91.5 Hits FM with his 10-month old son Jason AKA Jay during Nick Mutuma’s show, Chill Spot.

This is the first time that Nonini has been photographed with Jay from the confines of their home. Doesn’t this father and son just look so adorable?

I just shared with you a photo gallery to prove to you that Ambassada is back.

I, like you know by now, love to whet your appetite. No need to overwhelm your senses, I  like to give you a whiff, a taste, a bite then the whole meal dessert included! See more pictures of him here.

Okay I’ll stop. So Ambassada is back like I’ve repeated ad nauseam, and he has a new song. It is titled take me back, sang in his signature style.

His bio reads: UN ambassador, first ever Ugandan artist to win East Africa’s most celebrated awards ‘Kisima Awards’.

He is also had one of East Africa’ best selling album”Natamani’,. He was a headlining artist for Actionaid get on board campaign, as well as Oxfam’s eradicating poverty campaign.

More about him later. Listen to his new song below.

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Remember Ambassada? He of the Ninatamani and Watoto inkane fame? Well he ‘s back! First things first, a photo gallery before I tell you of his recent musical exploits.

I don’t judge. Lord knows I don’t judge -I lack the moral authority. But with that being said, even I know that salvation is no joke. It’s a commitment to be made with a sober mind.

This lass isn’t the first gospel artist to be proved to have engaged in fornication. There was M.O.G’s Tony who had drama from here to Timbuktu a couple of years ago. He was actually initially accused of rape. read about that story here.

The thing about gospel is that you are praising God and being associated with His ministry so you are put under more scrutiny. The gospel artist in question goes by the name Jenny Msanii.

Lass is spotting a baby bump (seriously though, how do some phrases get absorbed into the dictionary?) but see, Uncle Chim Tuna doesn’t judge. So to Jenny Masanii, congratulations! Be a good mother.

Check out some of Jenny Msanii’s music below:

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