The Vineyard goes Back To The ’90s.

Come out and re-experience the music of Coolio, Fugees, Will Smith, ODB, TLC and more iconic and classic artistes from the ’90s.

Back To The ’90s takes place this Wednesday, 11th December from 6.00 p.m. till late at Vineyard, which is located on Rhapta Road, Westlands.

Get rewarded for showing up early. Happy hour takes place between 5.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m. Entrance is free.

Beers will be sold at Kshs. 170 with free cocktails for every other cocktail you buy. Jameson shots will go for Kshs. 150, Vodka at Kshs. 100 and Tequila at Kshs. 150.

Legacy Media is a Diaspora owned media company in Dallas Texas.

This year they kicked off their launch with a Jamhuri Day Celebratory Photo Contest. The JITANGAZE – (broadcast yourself) contest is going on now.

In Celebration of Kenya @ 50, anyone and everyone can submit their photo into the contest before December 14th for a chance to WIN Kshs. 25,000. Talk about an early Christmas present.

Now this is not just for professional photographers. It’s for anyone and everyone with patriotism in their heart. Yes, the theme is Patriotism – a love for Kenya. A Tranquil and steady dedication to its development and a deep love for its Liberty. Can I hear an Amen?

So dear Ghaflans, it’s not the type of camera that matters, you can even use your phone camera. It’s the photo content and creativity that counts. If you think you have a winning photo then don’t miss out. The deadline is fast approaching.

Click the link to visit the contest and submit your photos here.

You can view the current entries and vote for your favorite patriotic photo.

Some of you might be wondering where to get the photo inspiration from. Don’t worry; I got you covered there, too. Let’s go through your photo albums together. What do you love about KENYA? How have you celebrated Jamhuri day in the past? A rally, a parade, a game, a safari or a flag somewhere in your view?

Some of you stare right at images of patriotism, development and liberty everyday. Perhaps you already have a patriotic photo of yourself somewhere. Good! Now that you are feeling inspired. Send those photos in! You could be the lucky WINNER of the first Annual JITANGAZE contest.

WINNER will be featured and announced on Ghafla and on Legacy media www.facebook.com/legacymedia this December!

Go here.

Upload your photos on the contest page under the “Enter” tab. The photo has to be your original work. You can submit up to 10 photos to increase your chances of winning. Other rules apply.

Click here to vote for current entries.

“JITANGAZE by LEGACY MEDIA – Showcasing the Genius and Originality of Kenyans”

DATES & ELIGIBILITY
START: November 22, 2013
END: December 14, 2013
ELIGIBILITY: You must be at least 18 years old to enter.
PRIZES
Patriotic photograph WINS Kshs. 25,000 The winner can WIN additional Ksh 5,000 by INVITING their Facebook friends to join the contest.

Legacy Media invites you to join them in their vision to Entertain, Educate and Elevate the image of Africans. They believe in inspiring the youth to achieve their dreams and giving all kenyans a chance to showcase their talents. They hope to provide a stage for the many talented artists in Kenya: writers, photographers, actors, musicians, poets, painters and entertainers from various genres. Take a look at their journey so far. www.facebook.com/legacymedia

The Club Legend Karen will be holding its official launch this weekend.

As the event falls in the middle of Kenya’s 50th commemoration, its theme is Celebrating Kenya At 50. The event takes place this Saturday, December 14th at the Legend Karen from 8.00 p.m.

One of the most prolific afro-fusion to ever come out of Kenya, Eric Wainaina, will be there to perform. Spinning the best of local and international hits will be DJ D-Lite.

Advance regular tickets to the event will go for Kshs. 1,000 and Kshs. 1,500 at the gate. Advance VIP tickets will go for Kshs. 2,000 and Kshs. 2,500 at the gate.

Tickets can be found at various Kenchic outlets including Karen, Ngong’ Road, Hurlingham, Tom Mboya Street, Waiyaki Way, The Legend Karen, Galleria Extreme  1st Floor, Extreme Styling Studio, Karen Professional Center, Mimosa Pharmacy (The Junction), Mimosa Pharmacy (Crossroads) and Mayfair Business Center.

Celebrating Kenya At 50 at The Legend Karen is sponsored by Platinum Associates. For more information, call 0722 272 684 or 0731 284 151.

This weekend will see the launch of the Combat Kitchen.

The event is touted as the biggest party in Thika. And as such it’s bringing the most respected DJ in the country. On the wheels of steel will be Capital Mixmaster DJ Adrian. Supporting him for the event will be the lounge’s resident DJ, DJ AP.

Combat Kitchen is a restaurant and club lounge set up as a lounge and restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner that will satisfy any palate and appetite. In the evenings, there will be  a DJ at hand providing entertainment every night.

At the launch, Combat Kitchen will also be offering cocktails, free Mbuzi and biting on that particular day.

Combat Kitchen is located at Trojan Petrol Station along exit 16A on Thika Super Highway, just before the flyover into Thika Town.

The Christmas Edition of System Rave Affair goes down on Saturday, 14th December at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

The line-up for the performing artistes reveals some of the biggest local gospel artistes. Check out the list below:

ARTISTES
Jimmy Gait
Size 8
Ben Gichuhi
Bahati
HopeKid
Benachi
PNine
Ben Githae
J-Fam
Willy Paul
Gloria Muliro

DANCERS
Altermin
All Stars

DJs
DJ Krowbar
DJ Mo
DJ Tabbz
DJ Ruff
DJ Touch

MCs
MC Njugush
Jalangó
Ndiema

Entry into the event is Kshs. 100 and the day’s Standard Newspaper. The event is sponsored by KTN, Bonyeza (Bonyeza powered by Roam Tech), KICC, 1FM, System unit and FM Audio. System Rave: The Christmas Edition is brought to you courtesy of System Unit and Standard Group.

Thomas Mukoya, crowned the 2013 Kenya Photography Awards (KPA) Photographer of the Year, is back in the country to collect his awards from the KPA secretariat at Pawa 254 in Nairobi, Kenya.

‘I’m so proud to be the winner of the first edition of the (Kenya Photography Awards) competition,’ Thomas said. ‘It’s through such competitions that the quality of photography in Kenya is going to improve.’

When asked about his thoughts on the photography industry in the future, the KPA overall winner remarked that it’s through photo competitions, photo books and exhibitions, that a proper legacy can be laid for upcoming photographers.

With the award, Thomas receives Kshs. 200,000 in prize money for the overall prize, as well as Kshs. 100,000 for scooping top honors in the ‘Sports’ category and Kshs. 25,000 for placing second in the ‘Daily Life’ category.

In addition, the Kenya Photographer of the year receives an Epson 1420 printer from Epson, a Canon VIXIA HG20 HD Video Camcorder from the Kenya ICT Board, an ultraHD flipcam from Cisco and one year membership with the Photographer’s Association of Kenya (P.A.K).’I urge other photographers in Kenya to shoot more and improve on the quality of their photos, or I’ll be taking the next (award) as well,’ Mr. Mukoye commented.

The Kenya Photography Awards gala night took place on 26th November 2013 at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi, bringing together 50 nominees, among them the Swiss ambassador Jacques Pitteloud (who were the main sponsors for this year’s awards), distinguished guests and the Chief Justice of Kenya, Dr. Willy Mutunga, who was the guest of honour, to recognise and celebrate the growing photography industry in the country.

Thomas Mukoya is a Nairobi-based Kenyan photojournalist who has worked with Thomson Reuters, the world’s largest international news agency, since 2004 and is the President of the Photojournalist’s Association of Kenya (PAK).

Thomas has traveled widely across Africa covering breaking news and feature stories from Kenya, Somalia, Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Comoros, Djibouti, Malawi and the “2010 Fifa World Cup” in South Africa and the “Walk to Independence” in South Sudan. His last major assignment was documenting the Drought and Famine story in the Horn of Africa in 2011. Thomas covered the African Cup of Nations 2012 tournament in Libreville Gabon.

After graduating with a Diploma in Journalism from the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, Thomas began his photojournalism career at The People Daily Newspaper in 2002, and joined The Nation Media Group (the largest media group in East and Central Africa) in 2004. He won the 2010 Photographers Giving Back (PGB) award and the 2003 Photojournalist of the year award organized by the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ).
Thomas has worked extensively with humanitarian organizations in the as a photographer including MSF, UNICEF, ICRC, UNHCR, and Australia for UNHCR.

The white short front long back dress prom dress that TPF 5 winner, Ruth Matete, wore to TPF 6 grand finale on Sunday evening has been the talk of town (read Twitter) for two days straight now. Being the mean lot they are, KOT went H.A.M. on the singer tearing her apart.

This made Ruth, take to her Facebook and Twitter pages to post an apology to all her fans for the putting on the dress, something that was met with mixed reactions.

This afternoon however, former TPF principal, Achieng’ Abura defended Ruth’s dress and urged her to turn a blind eye to her detractors. She opines, “Ruth Matete, you looked lovely in the white dress and moved around in it gracefully as you sang beautifully…hold your head high my dear. You cannot please everybody, you will only hurt yourself if you try. Be blessed.”

Apart from her role as TPF principal, Abura performs Afro-jazz, Afro-fusion and gospel music debuted with a gospel album I Believe around 1990. She won Kora Award in 2004 for Best East African Female, the award was shared with Tsedenia Gebremarkos of Ethiopia. She is an UNDP Goodwill ambassador. She has toured abroad, for example Spain.

Achieng’ Abura

She was part of the Divas of The Nile supergroup, that featured four Kenyan female musicians; Suzzana Owiyo, Mercy Myra and Princess Jully. The group performed at the Festival Mundial in Tilburg, Netherlands in 2007.

She’s also the voice of Crow from Tinga Tinga Tales.

The Kenya Diaspora Conference Expo & Diaspora Golf Cup Tournament 2013 is a unique conference put together by the Kenya Diaspora Initiative & Diamond Media in-conjunction with other stakeholders like Nation Media Group, KQ, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Vision 2030, KTB, Kenya Invest, KBA, Immigrations Department among other partners, who have come together to take part in the upcoming conference. The conference will take place between December 19th and 21st, 2013 at Safari Park Hotel.

This conference is the first of its kind to be held in the country. The first Homecoming Conference was hosted by the office of the Prime Minister in Dec 2011 ‘as it was more of a strategic means of collecting Diaspora support for the PM’. It didn’t meet the business aspect.

The Diaspora County is believed to be Kenya’s 48th County and the richest, remitting about 107M USD as of September, 2013 according to CBK. This is a county that can no longer be ignore. They have asked us various long and hard questions that need answers, the committee has lined up Experts in the various areas to respond and offer solutions to these challenges.

This two-day conference at Safari Park Hotel seeks to bring together Kenyans living in the Diaspora and returnees to a two day Business Investment Forum where stakeholders drawn from various sectors including the Government, Business Owners, Business Mentors & Advisors, Manufactures & Suppliers of various brands, Hoteliers, Real Estate Developers, Banking Institutions, County bosses among others will converge to discuss challenges that they face in areas of investment and available opportunities.

The key objective is to create a one stop shop where the diaspora can access information they need any time. The intention is to work with stakeholders with a common goal of creating a contact data bank where we know whom to talk to, where they live and what we can do together as Kenyans.

Over 5,000 Kenyans living in the Diaspora visit the country every Christmas to celebrate with their families. This year is special because Kenya is Celebrating the Jubilee Year, its 50th Anniversary; hence more Kenyans are coming home to mark this memorable occasion.

Arfa Lounge hosts Karaoke Nite today.

The IMAX Karaoke Nite is hosted by Christine from 7.00 p.m. There will be free movie tickets courtesy of IMAX Kenya up for grabs.

Combining the coziness and ambiance of a classic mini­-theatre and hospitable bar, the lounge offers special rates on private gatherings, birthday parties, corporate events and much more.

In conjunction with Soul Mastaz Entertainment, the IMAX Karaoke Nite is held at the uniquely set Arfa Lounge. Find out how you can be the luck winner and bring your friends along.

Motown returns tomorrow to celebrate Kenya’s 50th birthday.

The second edition of Motown In Nairobi takes place this Wednesday, 11th December at Wanderjoy Party Grounds, off Kiambu Road (a few minutes from Muthaiga Golf Club).

Noted Jazz guitarist, Eddie Grey, considered as East Africa’s best, will have a special feature at the June Gachui-led musical extravaganza.

The cast of vocalists also includes Denise Gordon, Chris Bittok, Mercy Myra, Edward Parseen, Patricia Kihoro, Alisha Popat and Kavi Pratt. Others appearing for the first time are Victor Muli, Ian Mbugua, Kalekye Mumo and Maia von Lekow.

Uhuru Clothing brings you Grown & Sexy.

The event takes place this Friday, December 13th at the brand new Club Venom next to Victoria Courts in Westlands from 9.00 p.m.

Come out for bottle service, great atmosphere, drink specials and ample parking. The dress code will be enforced so make sure you come out looking sexy.

Enjoy the best of local and international, classic and brand new hits from Capital Mixmaster DJ Adrian.

One-litre bottles are going for Kshs. 6,000. During the happy hour, buy a cocktail and get another one free. RSVP by sending your name to 0710 161 982 before Friday, 13th at 11.00 p.m.

Gospel’s biggest stars will be honoured at the Xtreem Gospel Teeniz Awards.

The event takes place at the Laico Regency this coming Sunday, 15th December between 1.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. Over 20 artistes will take the stage that evening. They include:

ARTISTES
Guardian Angel
Fidel
Alter Queens
Chuchu Dee
Confidence Dancers
All Stars
Kimdany
HopeKid
Benachi
Papa Muyelele
PHD
Altermin Dancers
D-Cerian Dancers
Smuggers Dancers

DJs
DJ Ruff
DJ Nicks
DJ Mzito
DJ Vector
DJ Leqs

The MCs for the event will be Big Ted, Mc Njugush, MC Melvo and MC Neb.

Entry to the awards show is Kshs. 300 for regular tickets, Kshs. 500 for VIP tickets and Kshs. 1,000 for VVIP tickets.

Tickets can be bought at all Kassanga Music stores, Tuskys Imara at the music store and at Old Mutual Building (4th floor suite 435).

Tickets are running out quick, so to be on the safe side, call 0722 809 175 or 0716 682 692 or 0710 623 026.

DJ Mista Dru has been in the entertainment scene for a decade now.

He has worked for some of the biggest entertainment crews including Homeboyz and Code RED, and media companies like Capital FM, KTN and Hot 96 among others.

You can now catch him every Saturday from 10.00 p.m. as he plays an hour of the best EDM on Klub Kiss. And live this week, he will be playing at Tribeka’s Kenya @ 50 bash.

The party takes place on the eve of the 50th commemoration of Kenya’s independence, this Wednesday, 11th December. The celebration starts at 9.00 p.m. and it doesn’t stop until late into the night.

DJ Mista Dru will be playing soul, old skool, club anthems, dancehall and more. Dress code is patriotic so come decked out in Kenyan flag colours. Entry is strictly for over 21s only.

Swahili Fashion Week is a fast growing platform for fashion and accessory designers from Swahili speaking countries and the African continent to showcase their talent, market their creativity and network with clientele and the international fashion industry. Check out how it went down;

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On December 21st, at the Kilimani Primary Grounds, a new event named TheStage will be taking off in its first edition targeting young professionals from Nairobi.

The event dubbed Ultimate Picnic Event, will have games including football matches, table tennis, badminton, pool, scrabble, chess, card games, checkers, rounders and much more engaging games.

Attendees will have a great time to interact and network along the planned games. Gospel music will stream throughout the event.

The event also targets young Christian professionals from all church assemblies to come to common ground and create new bonds, but opened to all.

There will be new bands and poets launching their careers at the event. This platform will offer a first time chance for the bands, musicians and artists to gain experience of performing in front of a crowd.

The event will be an exciting and fresh experience and a way to end the year in a stylish and invigorating way.

The entry fee will only be Kshs 300 at the gate.

For more information, go to TheStage Website here and the Facebook page here.

COMBAT KITCHEN is a restaurant and club lounge with Kenyan and international contemporary flavour influences.

Set up as a lounge and restaurant, it offers breakfast, lunch and dinner that will satisfy any palate and appetite. In the evenings, there will be  a DJ at hand providing entertainment every night.

The Lounge will hold a grand opening this Saturday, 14th of December. At the launch, COMBAT KITCHEN will also be offering cocktails, free Mbuzi and biting on that particular day.

COMBAT KITCHEN is located at Trojan Petrol Station along exit 16A on Thika Super Highway, just before the flyover into Thika Town. You can like their Facebook page here and follow their Twitter page here.

I Am Africa, A Musical Celebration of Kisumu comes to you on 21st December at the Sunset Hotel Gardens.

The event celebrates Kisumu, its people, music, culture lifestyle and introduces new music ideas to the people of Kisumu.

Expect performances from Eddie Grey, East Africa’s finest Jazz guitarist; Brayo, Kisumu’s finest poet and acoustic guitarist, Charlie Wuod Awendo, the newest addition to the popular Ohangla rhythms of the Luo.

I Am Africa will feature a wide variety of genres from Jazz, Afro soul, fusion to the more popular Ohangla rhythms. There will also be solo performances and surprise artists at the event.

Tickets are being sold at Kshs. 500 in advance and Kshs. 700 at the gate.