Month: April 2013

This is such as auspicious day! One of our top musicians is celebrating their birthday.

Of course me being a sucker for birthday parties, I’m posting this article with the hope that his team will call me for one! Nothing much to say, okay maybe a birthday poem, corny poems once in a blue moon are okay. Juliani has a new mixtape out, read about it here. He also has an ongoing project, the winners from it get 100,000 bob. Read about that here!

Juliani, happy birthday,

From health may you never stray.

The end. Speaking of Juliani, read about the lady that sang the chorus to bahasha ya Ocampo here.

A disgruntled music producer from the coast, this morning took to his Facebook account to externalize about the MCSK.

The early morning vent by Tabasam Records’ Bably A. Omar was rather candid. I have quoted the post verbatim below.

“MCSK ati collecting royalt they are ripping us OFF..I have been a composer and a producer for 13years never ever received a cheque for the work I have done . SOLUTION
1. we need to have our own Mombasa county collection point for the royalties to benefit the artist ,promoters and composer in MOMBASA
2. Artist and producers and Promoters in The MOMABASA COUNTY need to come together to make number 1 work.
3. Our Governer MR HASSAN ALI JOHO should put it as on of his priority agendas to make sure number 1 works
4. If number 1 does not work then we are done”

Tagged in the post were other top players in the Coastal musical circles, a clarion call I presume. MCSK the producer has a bone to pick with you, what say you?

Good morning people, how are you? Niceties sorted, here are ten things.

Uncle Chim’s response to Pulse got quite the response.

Find out the voice behind Kula happy. Here.

Ever seen this beautiful diaspora diva? Meet Miriam Chemoss.

Find out your verdict on Size 8.

Royal media lawsuit thrown out. More here

See what Orange Kenya’s CEO has been upto

Dennis Oliech’s mum was admitted to hospital for cancer. Please read that here.

Joey Muthengi’s gets a new role on KTN’s PREM

Avicii hinted that he might be coming to Kenya. Might. More here.

And finally, see what party was the hottest last week.

For those who don’t know, Avicii is one of the world’s top House DJs. His song “Levels” was one of the most (over)played songs last year. Worse still, when Flo Rida sampled “Levels” for his song “I Got A Feeling,” it was like everywhere you went, the music mix had to play “Oh, sometimes, I get a feeling,” at some point.

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Anyway, today, Avicii sent out an amazing announcement to all his Kenyan fans through his Facebook page, saying,

 

“Hey KENYA! What do YOU think about the new album songs? I would love to hear YOUR thoughts specifically!

https://soundcloud.com/aviciiofficial/avicii-promotional-mix-2013

Hope to see you soon!“

House music fans are speculating that since the impending Mat Zo concert is generating so much hype in Kenya, that has picked Avicii’s interest in also visiting our beloved country. For now, Avicii fans and followers can leave their thoughts on his new album here.

Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is an epic night! It’s one of those nights when there is a plan anywhere you turn. My phone has been blowing up with people either inviting me for a party or people asking where the party is at and I’ve told all of them the same thing; I’m headed up to The Mingle then from there all roads lead to Santa Fe in Westlands at The Mall.

Tonight is infectios Saturday and the DJs are Trancic and Nitto and they promise you nothing but the hottest Afro, Pop and House jams out right now. And believe me when I say they will keep you dancing all night long.

And there are special offers on shots and tots going at 150/-. Yep, that covers Jack Daniels, Johnnie Walker Black, Jameson and J&B and sheesha is only 600/- so you have no excuse not to attend -if only for the music and sheesha. And you don’t have to worry about lining your tummy with food because they offer meals at very affordable rates and trust Uncle Chim Tuna when I say they are tasty.

With that said and done, I’ll see you at Santa Fe later tonight!

Ladies and gents, I have an update on the number of advance tickets left for The Mingle. And from the look of things, if you really want to go, you should pick yours up ASAP!

And the update is as follows:

 

South C remaining 36 tix.
Village Market remaining 35 tix
Ngong remaining 5 tix
Wabera remaining 26 tix
Mall remaining 25 tix
Donholm TSO!

 

The update is for The Mingle tickets that were being sold at Steers outlets. Maybe you should now turn to ticketsasa.

The weekend is here and as usual, I’m here to remind you of the ones that I know might have escaped you! 

The first five happen today evening.

1. Creatives garage

It will be at Pawa 254, and shall incluide hubs like Ihub etc telling creatives what they do and how they can partner. It starts at five pm and it’s free.  Read about that here.

2. Casablanca at The Nest.

This is a classic hollywood love story, if you can go watch it, it’s free.

3. Slam Africa at Ethiopian Dass.

I shall delve a little deeper into this as I have not written about it.

Another superb edition this is.Bringing you the best and Africa’s most respected Poetry slam.In the search for the 44th Slam King/Queen as we enoy the best ethiopian delicacies in town with Mandela(of sarabi band) holding it down with live music.Amazing poets to grace the stage including former slam kings/queens.Big up to the reigning kings (shira and guffy).

On friday 19th april,7.30-10.30pm at Das Ethiopian Restaurant in westlands along woodvale grove above crooked inn.Entry kshs 400 gate and kshs 300 advance via 0716 300 084.Photography by Wendy Watta.

4. Fahilee live at Sarakasi dome tonight.

It’s free, from 7 pm to midnight.

5. Eve of Poetry presents A new dawn.

This evening at 6pm-8pm, free at St Andrews.

6. Atemi and Praiz in concert

This goes down tomorrow, at the Carnivore grounds. You can still purchase advance tickets if I’m not wrong. Read about that here.

7. Drum Jam on sunday at phoenix theatres,

200 bob, come see the best drummers in Nairobi battle it out for a prize of 30,000 shs!

On Tuesday, we asked Kenyans whether they believe that Size 8 will hack the straight and narrow path demanded by her new found faith and Kenyans weighed in by the ton!

Clearly there are more than a couple of eyes on Size 8. Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I present to you the result:

 

Don’t forget to leave a response in the comment section below as well:

And you can check out the actual poll here.

Gado is back at it again with a satirical take on the lift on the ban on a play that was blacklisted from being performed at the national drama festival.

And what he has said is what has been on my mind and tongue for a long time: freedom of speech!

It would seem the storm is far from over as far as Royal media services is concerned! This is after the High Court judge Lydia Achode threw out a case they had filed against the CCK.

The lawsuit was in reaction to the Communication Commission of Kenya shutting down the stations transmitters in various parts of the country.
 Actually, the CCk had already begun the process when Royal Media rushed to court and obtained the orders on February 3, a day before CCK director general Francis Wangusi said top managers of the media group would be charged in court for using frequencies illegally.

SK Macharia hadn’t prepared himself for this kind of judgement as his media company had applied for permanent orders to quash the decision to prosecute its officials and return all seized opportunities.

CCK had earlier obtained orders from the chief magistrate’s court on January 30 to shut down the transmitters serving Citizen television viewers in Embu, Taita Taveta, Muranga and Migori as well as radio listeners in Nakuru, Narok, Mukuyuni (Makueni) and Mabrui (Malindi).

Source: Career Point Kenya

After quiting her job at Capital FM, Joey Muthengi is now set to make her acting debut on Prem.

The comely lass who used to host Capital FM’s segment ‘Hits Not Homework’ and Channel O VJ will be making a cameo appearance on KTN’s drama television show ‘Prem’ which airs Fridays on the TV channel at 7:30pm.

Joey, who is not new to television screens, having featured on shows such as ‘Changing Times’, broke the news on Twitter early today posting:

Joey resigned last week from Capital FM where she co-hosted ‘Hits Not Homework’.

“While going back to radio is not feasible for me at this time, I recently decided to try something new in the form of 10-15 minute podcasts which I post online for people to listen to or download,” Joey told Channel O’s Vlog. “I call it #JoeyRadio and while I’ve just started, it gives me a little bit of what I loved about my job [at Capital FM] for those 4 years. It’s a brief opportunity for me to connect with fellow music-lovers and share a bit of my life without even having to leave my house!

Amina Abdi now holds down her slot and you can read about how we exclusively broke the news here.

It’s not yet clear what her role will be, but we’ll find out soon enough. ‘Prem’ is a weekly drama which airs on KTN and focuses on intercultural relationships in the Kenyan capital.

 

Source: Kevin Oyugi

I got an email from Joe Mubrui, the executive producer for VIpaG. You can be sure I thought he was punking me!

He alone has the details, so it’s only fair that i use his words verbatim. “We are launching a gospel music talent search dubbed ‘VipaG – The Season of African Praise’. The talent search is probably the biggest gospel talent search of its kind, to have been organized in East and Central Africa. The talent search is open to aspiring gospel singers, rappers, spoken word artists, bands, dance crews,choirs and praise and worship teams.  The winner of VipaG will be rewarded with a grand prize of Kshs 1,000,000 and the title of “Kenya’s Next Gospel Music Sensation”.” Hold up, WHAT!

“The show has no age limits. Registration for audition is on going, and audition registration forms can be found at www.vipagshow.com. The deadline for registrations is 15th May 2013. Auditions will be held in Nairobi, from the 24th to 26th May 2013. During auditions, the participants will undergo training which will cover areas such as copyright and contract laws, branding as well as how to turn music into a business.” Still with me?

Audition charges are Kshs 400 for individuals, and Kshs 300 per person in a group. The talent search is divided into a number of stages, which will run from auditions to group stages, quarter finals, semi finals and then the Grand Finale to be held in a live concert on 20th October 2013.

The whole competition will be tapped and will be appearing as a TV show in a Kenyan TV station beginning of July 2013. The talent search promises lots of entertainment for Kenyans and especially the Christians. The show is created by Joe Muburi and directed by Joy Obuya”

Want to win Kshs 1,000,000? Audition!

Before we begin, allow me to say that I respect Pulse Magazine. Period. I however have no respect for the writer that writes under the nom de guerre “Esscalibar”. I used to read the segment when it was written by her predecessor and I have to say that I used to enjoy it.

When the writers changed I kind of didn’t bother anymore. And before she goes off an a tangent about not reading my work on Ghafla!, allow me to point out that today’s submission is about just that. I only read the segment today because someone called me to inform me about it. With that said, it’s time to check she-egoes.

Today’s write up was a thinly veiled attack on Ghafla!. Granted, no names were mentioned but that’s only because the writer was too scared to take shots like a vertebrate. She took exception at some photos I posted on Ghafla! of two girls at NaxVegas kissing. Photos I got off the Pulse’ own facebook page. here’s what she said:

 

“With blogs pushing the rumour mill world to a whole new high without having to care about the damage or consequences they may have to face from their “caught-out” celebrity victims… (ad nauseum)”

I’m guilty as charged there. The exact amount of concern I have about the consequences one’s own intelligent actions have on them are equivalent to number of titles my beloved Liverpool will win this season. Nil. Nay! I care about the consequences to these people as much as the number of lumbar vertebrae esscaliber has. None.

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(You can read the story I am referring to here) I atleast give my names and contacts on Ghafla! so that when something erroneous is written up I can be contacted and a correction and apology is made. You write under a rather cliche pseudonym. Esscalibar.

Esscalibar went on to say, “Sometimes I think the people who write such gossip blogs are heartless”. I am actually not. The Ghafla! team and I enjoy long walks on the beach as we recite poetry about rainbows, unicorns and fairies as we skip into the horizon hand in hand as the sun sets.

No. I’m as cold and frigid as can be. I am the hatchet man. When a dirty job needs doing, I get it done. Do I enjoy it? Sometimes. Is it necessary? Yes. Do I feel remorse when I post articles about indiscretion? Not when the parties involved have attained the age of majority. For goodness sake, if you’re old enough to vote, you are old enough to reflect on the consequences of your actions.

If I drink and pass out naked, post that picture. Will I get angry? Yes. At you? No. At my friends for leaving me in such a state. I was angry at Robert Alai for posting this alleged picture of me because I was not at Blankets and Wine. Did anyone care that this wasn’t a picture of me? No. Did I cry and moan? No.

And you can read that story here.

I put that picture on Ghafla!. It went super viral. Mother Teresa and the whole host of saints blew up my phone trying to infect me with warm fuzzy feelings and marshmallows so I would take down the picture. They soon realized their efforts were in vain. Here’s a hint though, when you want to appeal to Ghafla!’s humanity, call Kibali Moreithi. He’s the only good guy. The rest of us are rational. Where emotions reign, there can be no objectivity.

If a story runs about a celebrity’s extra marital affairs and there is damning evidence, you can be sure that story will be written by either Mista Majani or myself. Am I therefore guilty of destroying that person’s marriage? No. Will I feel bad? Only the guilty feel bad.

The way I was raised, love and fuzziness is a privilege for only those I hold dear.

“Having watched this, I can only sympathize, not only with the rumoured celebrities, but also with the real investigative showbiz writers whose credibility is sometimes put on the line when bloggers borrow from their items and blow the them out of proportion (blah blah blah)”

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight Ciroc will be throwing down a sick party and perhaps you can learn a couple of pointers on how to party!

Ciroc Ultra premium vodka will be taking over Que Pasa Bar and Bistro tonight from 9pm and they will give out free Ciroc cocktails to the first 50 guests. that means that you should probably try to keep time.

The vodka which by the way is associated with Diddy (I believe he owns shares) will be throwing down one of the sickest parties Friday will witness and if you can make it, you should probably head there!

Check out the poster for more details.

 

 

This is the kind of story that I hate to write about, the heart wrenching kind that makes you feel like the sacred is torn from life. .

Collins Okinyo, a reporter for supersport.com reported yesterday that Dennis Oliech’s mum is suffering form terminal cancer. This is yet another twist to the Oliech family saga.
He reported that that Harambee Stars’ player’s mother, Mary Auma Oliech is admitted at Urgenes Hospital IN Ambroise France. 

He went on further to state that Auma Oliech has been in and out of hospital, in Nairobi until the doctors discovered the disease. that is when they notified the family. how sad.
she was flown to France where oliech is based. she is reportedly currently under treatment with doctors saying she is making good progress.

 Oliech’s sister Elsie Oliech who is taking care of the mother in hospital told supersport.com about the latest developments.

“The doctors discovered that my mother has advanced liver and lung cancer and what were are doing now as a family is keeping her in prayers and we want to thank all those that have sent get well wishes to the family which has been distraught with the sad news.” She was quoted as saying.

His other soccer-playing siblings include the late Steve Okumu who was once the top scorer in the Kenyan Premier League before leaving for the US. Others are Andrew Oyombe, Ken Oliech and Kevin Oliech. I pray that healing finds its way speedily to the mum.

Oliech currently plays for Ajaccio and is the owner of FishBone Entertainment known for some of the biggest concerts in Nairobi!

Ladies and gentlemen, The Mingle is finally upon us. Good!

I have been looking forward to going to this edition of The Mingle after seeing how the last edition rocked like a geologist. And yes, I’m done with the lame metaphors. But moving on swiftly, I am happy to say that tomorrow I will get to play chobo and some footy. It’s been a minute since I played football.

And you can add to that the fact that I love socializing so I’ll be out making some new friends and networking -in a professional capacity ofcourse.

You can still purchase tickets at 1,000/- at any Steers outlet and that will entitle you top a free bottle of Heineken beer. If you’d prefer to buy your ticket at the gate you can do so for 1,500/- and that would entitle you to 2 free bottles of beer.

With that said, read this article for more information.

Friday oh friday, why art thou so gloomy? What art thou so shrouded in mist and heavy cloud?

Oh I watched a play yesterday called Love by Shakespeare at Phoenix theatres, and play has inspired my Elizabethan rant! On to ten things…

1. Maurice Mugisha has apparently returned to Kampala.
2. The government has finally cracked the whip on hate speech. More here.
3. K24 is now being accused of mistreating their journalists. Here.
4. Moipei Quartet made Ian loose his footing on air so to say! See that here.
5. Cess Cess! She discussed an ex’s lack of crucial male parts live on air!
6. Camp Mulla’s K’cous has found love.
7. A standard journalist in trouble with the law. Read the irony here.
8. Avril has now joined the Moipei Sisters? See that here.
9. Kaytrixx gives his two cents on Mr. Nice.
10. Amileena that big-voiced lady scores yet another gig, read about that here.

I wrote about Efya a while back, she will be performing next week, 25th April 2013 at Carnivore.

I saw this on twitter and thus until denied, I’m guessing it’s official, she will be curtain raising for Efya! So now you have a reason to register yourself for the Tusker Malt 100 club, and get to attend this event for free! Yes. Free. Amileena reeased a new song recently, read about that here.

More details on this, when I get them from the Tusker Malt team. Tusker Malt 100 Club, is a community of Tusker Malt consumers providing them with the opportunity, to discover rising African music talent and interact with each other via TML100.com.

Upon registration (taking place in select bars), each Tusker Malt 100 club member is issued with a membership card which contains  a unique membership number that   provides access to information on various events, great African music and other member benefits. What makes it different from Social Media? You can connect with people you share common interests with and invite them for a Tusker Malt.

Tusker Malt 100 Club offers the members an opportunity to relax with like-minded people and discover great African musical talent.

First event took place 28th September 2012 at the Auditorium at the national museum, showcasing Bez from Nigeria. Second event showcased Zonke from South Africa, who performed at the Nairobi Arboretum on 22nd November 2012. She also performed on 23rd Nov 2012 at Emin Pasha in Kampala Uganda. This year, you will enjoy the soulful voice of Efya from Ghana, at the Carnivore Ground on the 25th April 2013.

Read about Efya here.