Month: January 2014

For a long time now, there has been a misconception that club deejays are not learned and that all it takes to become one is to have a passion for music, great voice and an awesome personality. WRONG! As you’re about to find out, most of the uprising Kenyan DJs are college and University graduates.

Ever wondered out of the popular DJs who went to college, who went on to pursue graduate degrees? Well, it’s pretty obvious that it would not be tough to juggle DJing, job, and schooling at a professional level.

Here’s are some of the professionally trained guys who deejaying found them first;

DJ Lenium: Degree in Journalism & A Diploma In Information Technology

DJ Swift Skillz: B.A in Mass Communication

Deejay Unizzy: BBIT Strathmore University

DJ Skymixx: Bsc. in Computer science

DJ Maxmelo: Masters in ICT , Advance Diploma in Business Management & Degree in MultiMedia University

Nur VDJ: Bachelors in Sales & Marketing and CPA 4

ImperialDj Elonn: B.Sc Environmental Science, Diploma in Architecture,

Veejay Edu Degree in Sound Engineering, Degree in Mass Communication, Diploma in Catering, Degree in IT Web Designing

Dêêjay Danitto: Journalism & Media studies

ZeeJay JahStyn Bysmal: Bsc. Jounalsm n Mass Communication

DJ Ken Mkali: Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication & MA in Communication

Mwems DJ: Diploma in Telecommunications Engineering

DJ Cross Kenya: Diploma in Computer Science

Deejay Phill: A+, N+, Diploma in Computer Engineering, undertakin Diploma in GIS

VDJ K-Steve: Construction Management, JKUAT

DJ Mike Samba: Political Science, CUEA

Maxdee TheDeejay: Bsc in Communication and Public Relations at Moi University

DJ Nim: B.A. in Criminology & Security Studies at Egerton University

You may not know half the guys in the list but this only goes to show that the next crop of DJs is a group of learned guys.

If you have watched the video   to Jaguar’s latest hit Kioo you have spotted two vivacious vixens in the video.

One of them is Pendo whom you already know then there is a light girl in a white dress with stripes. You are probably wondering who she is, well that is Amina Amaru  a model who is trying her hand at being a video girl. Word on the street is that musicians are all clamoring for a chance to feature her in their music video and why not she is very pretty and has a banging body!

There are two kinds of celebrities. The are those who really care what people think of them. They are keen on maintaining a pristine image and are often stifled by society’s expectations. Any negative article about them sends them on a major rant on social media , calls to our offices which are then followed by demand letters to cease and desist despite the story being 100% true.

Then there is the other type of celebrities.

Those who just do not give a fuck, write whatever you want about them on their pages , say whatever you want about them they won’t even bat an eyelid. They live their lives in the best way they know and say whatever they want. They are interesting to watch and we admire though begrudgingly their ability to stay true to themselves and just not care what folks think about them followed by. They are the news makers, the money makes and the controversy makers.

Here is the list of celebrities who just DGAF

Ciku Muiruri

When you think of fascinating media personalities Ciku Muiruri makes the list. Her Busted show has made her such as a phenomenon and she has gotten applause and thistles alike for her show. The haters have often been vocal about her antics such as her shocking Revelation about the Artur brothers and her comments about Ugly Kenyan Men. But Ciku just does not care; she says what she wants and stands by it.

Maina Kageni

Maina has received a lot of unwarranted criticism thanks to his attention-grabbing Morning show.This is due to part of the audience who call in and brazenly destroy their relationships on national radio. Maina has been labeled a home wrecker and Women Rep by some with others accusing him of being gay. But Maina remains unfazed and his show is currently the top morning show in Kenya especially in public service vehicles

Huddah Monroe

Nude pictures on the net, controversial clothing weed smoking and a general devil may care attitude. That is Huddah Monroe for you. She is currently one of the most talked about and searched for public personalities .She is our very own Bad Girl Riri

Owago Onyiro

He throws caution to the wind, turns up the zing and is not afraid to heat up some controversy on Churchill show. He is the king of “Too Hot for TV “We once ran a story of him groping some girls and his tongue in cheek response was “Mwanaume ni Scandal”.lol

Caroline Mutoko

Remember that time that Sonko called Carol a whore on air and even went ahead to threaten her?If Not, here it is. Remember just how composed Carol was and did not raise her voice even once as Sonko worked himself into a frenzy and hurled grenades of insults at her.That is a true sign of someone who really does not care what people think or say about them regardless of their standing in society

Kenya ispresumably one of the most religiously tolerant countries around the globe. However, most recently the Gospel music fraternity has come under critical public scrutiny on the issue of whether or not religion is practiced genuinely or used as a money-making business.

Today, there is an unchecked proliferation of music all over the airwaves that are labeled ‘Gospel’ simply because the singer declared he’s in Gospel. However, IMO, these songs are no doubt real sources for money making.

Renowned Gospel singer turned producer, Billy Frank, has admitted that indeed it’s no longer a ‘ministry’ but rather an ‘industry’.

He admits;

More than 8 years in the music industry you learn something..have seen the Gospel music industry evolve from ministry to pure entertainment and what we call positive music..and as one of the major producers have refused to work on several tracks and big times artist simply because I didn’t quite understand the content of there music..

We are called to be ministers and that should reflect in our music.. The last two years have realized a lot of gospel music is being played in bars and pubs and yet peoples lives are not being changed.someone might argue that it’s an achievement but it leaves a lot of questions if they play gospel music in pubs and people dance to the tunes with alcohol in the hands and more sin and sin don’t we think something is terrible wrong..? reason ..?coz we have compromise the gospel and our focus is on making hits and doing entertainment and we have neglected the role of our callings..

I know for sure that my fellow producers and Djs can be of great help to change this around..something need to change something needs to be done otherwise we will take many people to hell than the devils himself..Change#Kenya Gospel music 2014# Billy Frank ‪#‎Billsboy Music 2014

Do you agree?

After winning Tusker Project fame back in 2012,Ruth Matete was held in the highest regard .This was because she was a gifted star that offered something new with her different looks and amazing stage presence.

Since her win, Ruth has failed to launch well into the music industry. One would assume that someone that brilliant would automatically scale the heights of music and become our very own Whitney Huston, but that was not to be. Save for a performance on straight up a while back and her TPF performance at the grand finale last year, she has pretty much been a no show.

Three reliable completely unrelated sources one of them John Onyango,reveal to us that the lass has recently embarked on a rather grim downward spiral. They each gave an account of how Ruth was spotted sloppy drunk,at Uhuru Estate at the Jamaa Hospital Junction near Kisimenti in a skimpy lime green dress staggering in the middle of the road where she got hit by a car. Luckily, the accident was not fatal and she managed to escape unscathed. We called up Ruth who said that she did no such thing and she did not even own a lime green dress.

A tweep recently contacted us with this information alleging that Ruth “went insane”

Kish Akinyi ‏@kishtj @GhaflaKenya: winner of tusker project fame went insane on 31st, extremely mad kwa estate. Oooh n it’s not a rumor

While another one had this to say :

This chiq has on 3 occasions tried to kill herself…just a few days ago she was running from her house naked going in front of cars wanting to get knocked down by cars and speaking in a deep voice that’s not hers…she must be possessed

Good morning earthlings! It’s a beautiful morning in Nairobi though the sun is playing hide-and-seek, but hopefully it will be out soon. So, we’re halfway through the first week of NJAAnuary…keep the faith, stay strong. Here’s what should help you go through that;

#1 Here’s a Very Rare Photo of Citizen TV’s Julie Gichuru, Never Seen Before

#2 Senator Mike Sonko Denies Killing Blogger Roy Ogolla who Leaked his randy Photos

#3 Hot Flight Attendants Mob Prezzo. Check out…

#4 Have a glimpse at these Unbelievable Photos Of The Booty-Full Vera Sidika Before The Fame And Glamour

#5 This is hilarious: Kenyans on Twitter Want To Know Who Wore This Versace Dress Better, Diamond Or Vera Sidika

#6 Check Out Karun’s 2014 Look, Hot or Not?

#7 Huddah Demands Respect as She Prepares To Be a Mum. Is She Pregnant?

#8 Rowdy Gor Mahia Fans Take Their Ratchetness To Roy Ogolla’s Burial

#9 Here are the The 6 Greatest Kenyan Music videos of The Decade

#10 And finally…Sexy KTN Anchor Devours Fried Grasshopper Meal

Celebrities have been suspected of getting some action from hookers. While many have bounced back from these shameful decisions, their careers are still marred with the black holes that come with being involved in prostitution scandals.

Gospel singer Willy Paul is one of those celebs who have turned to the ladies of the night. Last year, the young singer was spotted at Ngara chasing after the ladies of the night trying to convince them to change their ways. Dubbed, ‘Xtreem Reach Out’ the project reaches out to prostitutes and schools/colleges as well as the destitute with the aim of educating the community on sound moral and values in the hope of bringing sanity to youth and this generation.

Last night however, Willy Paul’s encounter with a prostitute didn’t go as he expected;

“Am not a happy man, yesterday night as i was coming from a gospel show. I met my female childhood friend working as commercial sex worker. She noticed it was me and she ran away before i could speak aword. I think we all need to pray for each other, love your friends, share ideas and always put God first in everything you do.”

Sometimes when i am online, I see some strange things as I trawl for information for my articles. And this is one of those moments when I am left wondering what the people on social media are smoking. And just why is that? Well, because a certain chap who goes by the name Rammzy has gotten a picture of Diamond in what appears to be a Versace dress, stuck it to another photo of the dress -this time Vera in it.

And as if that weren’t enough, he is asking who wore it better. You should check out the photo below and have your say on whom you feel rocked the dress better. Check it out below:

Calif records have been a stronghold of Kenyan music for a long time and the record label is also the cradle for the Genge genre of music.

This ingenious genre has managed to stay strong in the world of bubble gum music and ridddims for a decade now and it show no signs of tapering off. Apart from bringing  us Genge music, the record label created the greatest Kenyan artiste whose list includes, Nonini,Jua Cali,Rat-a-Tat,Mejja  and Jimwatt among others. When Calif records is not making hits, its looking for the next big artiste, the record label extended its gracious hand to up and coming talents who would like to venture into music.

This is what they said :
Are you really creative and can come up with great choruses and tunes?If you are a dude and wanna be the next Mejja and you can sing Talent Search coming soon to a venue near you…

Raila Odinga may be good at ‘vitendawili’ and singing at public rallies but that’s nothing compared to what funnyman Jalang’o and Alex Mwakideu’s rendition. The two Radio Maisha breakfast show hosts gave the former PM an early birthday treat on Tuesday morning on air.

The two called up Raila and when his PA picked, they asked to speak to ‘Jakom’. Sure enough, the call was transferred to the influential politician. When he picked, Jalang’o introduced himself and Alex before wishing him a ‘happy birthday’ much to the delight of the former PM.

Jalang’o then asked to sing for him and when he gave the green light, the two radio hosts broke into a spontaneous (though croaky) chorus of “Happy Birthday.”

Raila then sought to inquire why the two didn’t ask him how old he is. And when they did he broke into a laughter and answered, “I don’t know”.

Here’s the audio courtesy of KTN;

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There are horrible songs, there are ear-raping songs, there are good songs and there are great songs .So what makes a great song?

One of the world’s greatest rappers of all time Jay-Z,  breaks down a great song for us:

” A great song doesn’t attempt to be anything — it just is.

When you hear a great song, you can think of where you were when you first heard it, the sounds, and the smells. It takes the emotions of a moment and holds it for years to come. It transcends time. A great song has all the key elements — melody; emotion; a strong statement that becomes part of the lexicon; and great production”

On that note, I made a list of the greatest songs of the decade. The songs that takes the emotions of a moment and holds it for years to come….

1# Daima-Eric Wainaina.

This song takes the number one spot because it was the song that gave us hope when shit had hit the fan, it made us remember who we really were in the midst of inter ethnic clashes. It made us remember that we were Kenyans.

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This was the song that made us learn by heart that despite all the madness surrounding us during the 2007-2008 post poll violence, we were one

2# Utawala-Juliani

Juliani is a lyrical l genius, he is among the few artists who have managed to produce hit after hit and by the look of things there is only one way to go for the dreadlock flinging singer…up! He has great song, but his best song so far is Utawala. You know song is grand when even old people and young children can sing it, when it is played in the remotest of all areas and the big cities.Here is Utawala

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Coming in next is:

3# Twende Mbele – Kavi Pratt feat. Ndegz and Madtraxx

This song by Uhuru’s niece flanked by Ndegz and Madtraxx was pretty awesome and was released when we were celebrating a milestone in Kenyan History. Kenya at fifty.
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The artistes who made this track had to say about it “We were now a free and sovereign people, and we began the journey of determining our own political, economic, and social destiny. I invite you to consider more deeply the responsibilities that come with freedom. Freedom is meaningful when citizens shoulder their obligations to one another and diligently discharge them. What are these obligations? To treat each other with respect, no matter our cultural differences. To work hard and honestly; To refrain from corruption; To speak our truth; To represent ourselves and each other fairly; To educate ourselves and each other; To help people lift themselves out of poverty and disease; To work to develop our country in an equitable fashion; To respect laws and abide by them; And to do these things consistently. “

4# Mbona by Daddy Owen.

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This song was beautiful wasn’t it. It opened our eyes to what the disabled go through and it made us realize that disability is not inability.

Hot on the heels of Mbona is:

5# Color Kwa Face by Nonini.

As you are all aware albinos are targets for human sacrifice as they are widely seen as a source of magic. This is due to the unique white skin, blond hair, and blue eyes that most of them posses. Albinos are in danger especially in Tanzania with more than 100 people being physically attacked since 2006, this includes 71 people who died. (This is according Under the Same Sun, a Canada-based albinism advocacy group.)

Nonini deemed it fit to sensitize people about this condition to avoid segregation and to hopefully suppress the urge for albino human sacrifices.

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Nonini also started a movement by the same name which aims at making sure that people living with Albinism will have an opportunity to realize their full potential and live in equality in a world without bias.

6# Mungu Baba-Rufftone FT GSU.

Rufftone managed to rally together the most violent section of the armed forces, GSU to bring us a song that aimed on preventing a repetition of what happened in 2007.They aimed at ensuring that we had a peaceful election come 2013,and a peaceful one we did!

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Jaguar released the highly anticipated video to his brand new song “Kioo” yesterday and it has not let us down. It lived up to all the hype. then there was much touted and equally awaited Diamond Davido collaboration on the remix to the track “Number One” which was hyoed as a mash up of “Ngololo and Skelewu” and an East meets West type of jam.

But I personally am not feeling the Clarence Peters montage. And before I get attacked for bias by the fam, mechi uno and let me finish. The Ogopa done first video (to the original Number One) was much better than the played out Clarence Peters video which by my own estimates shows either a lack of creativity or finances or both.

But on this one, my opinion counts for little. It is up to you to tell me what you think of the two videos which have been trending and I will post your results here tomorrow. Check out the two videos first then vote for which video you believe is better:

Number One Rmx

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Kioo

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VOTE NOW!

{acepolls 107}

Nobody puts Prezzo in a corner. Well, except the fly Kenya Airways flight attendants.

Being a celebrity can be tough, you live your private and professional lives in front of an audience at all time. Woe unto you if you’re as big as Prezzo because you never know when a pack of anxious, eager fans is waiting just around the corner. Some of Kenya’s most popular celebrities are used to getting ambushed by admirers, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

The other day, Prezzo learnt the hard way: Once you’re famous, there’s no going back.

His ‘Rapcellency’ was on a KQ flight and when the hostesses caught wind that he was on board, they swarm around him and asked for a photo with the King of Bling.

And Prezzo just had to comply as he put on his best face for fan photograph.

If you listen to the One Breakfast on One FM, you will have noted -maybe with puzzlement- that DNG isn’t on air. and maybe you might have wondered why. Has the One FM black magic claimed yet another victim? Well, yes and no. He isn’t at work but he is having a blast with friends and family. Check out what he has been upto below:

Real bosses don’t dance, they grind. And that’s that tip DNG is on. But wait, isn’t he saved?

Yesterday, I had a very riveting debate with my peers and my better: Adam Wagwau and Mista Majani about why Kenyan clothes lines are poorly done and just flat out lazy. That debate gave way to an idea for an article that I feel has real world application: how Kenyan artists can make money because lets face it, royalty cheques come once a blue moon and when they do, few artists are eating.

I however need to clarify that not every option is viable for every artist and not every cadre of celebrity can utilize the advice. This article is for A and B listers. I have nothing to tell C and D list celebrities because I do not have a C or D list mindset. Harsh as that may be, it’s the truth.
And the ways I want to suggest for artists to make money have been tried and tested internationally and have proven results. Some of the means I will enumerate have been tried and tested locally and that is way better. But have a look at my list and tell me what you think:

#1. CDs and Downloads

Let’s face it though, very few artists can move CDs like Just a band or “Kuna Dawa” gospel singer Esther Wahome and I dare say she is yet to realize the same success she did when that was the biggest hit song in Kenya. So let’s concentrate on downloads.
There are many new options for artists in this field because while there are people who still take pride in pirating songs (Chege Miati) there are some fullproof options such as dial back tunes. While the percentage being commited to paying artistys is still little, it will have to do for now. Also, there is mdundo.com that is trying to make it cheaper for people top download songs than to pirate the songs.
That being said, Riverwoods’ artists are doing well on the album sale tip.

#2. Radio
Royalties. Some people such as Nonini have been laughing all the way to the bank. However, in Kenya, this is a grey area because Nonini was at some point a radio personality who would play his own jams on One FM. Same goes for DNG. However, things aren’t all gloom and doom and the government has stepped in to get radio stations to play a certain quota of Kenyan music.
And on this one, vernacular artists are doing supremely well.

#4. Movie and T.V licensing
When your song is popular, it is inescapable. That means that T.V programs will incorporate them into their shows. Shows such as “Tujuane” have been playing Kenyan songs in the background. Then there are shows such as “Str8 Up Live” which have to play Kenyan jams.
As for movies, good Kenyan movies are far and few between but “Nairobi Half Life” is a good illustration.

#5. Hollywood movie licensing
This one I am told is a huge meal ticket because Holywood pays upto 100,000 dollars for the right to use as little as 10 seconds of a song in a scene. Just ask STL.

#6. Advertisement licensing
When your song is played in an ad, you get to eat. Camp Mulla did that and they have eaten well. Or rather Kus Ma who produced the track ate extremely well.

#7. Making jingles

Ads, ads and more ads. Writting jingles for ads is the reason why Collo is comfortable. He has mastered the art and he has been at Scanad drawing a monthly cheque because of that talent.

#8. Endorsement deals
This seems to be the popular Kenyan route. Get Reckitt Benckiser to have you cleaning toilets and you’re good. Ian Mugoya has been bathing with a “medically tested and approved soap” and he has been buying some Guiseppe sneakers as a result.

#9. Merchandising
Kenyans do not really know how to do fashion nor clothes lines so I guess they mainly fall under this category. However, Avril seems to be failing.
Here I am talking about selling t-shirts (lets please lose the pretense that you’re moving a clothes line), selling boxers (Octopizzo is failing at this) and earphones. Merchandising is big business but you need some proper visibility which your music should be able to give you if you’re either an A or B lister,

#10. Fashion Lines
The only people I can see doing this are the folk behind Anglohili. They move t-shirts, jeans, shoes and accessories and even phone accessories but in the diaspora.

No one in Kenya is doing it well but with good reason: doing so is capital and labour intensive. You need some proper financial might and time to spare.

#11. Talk show bands
Kidum on Churchill Live, Octopizzo on the red soft drink show that airs -I have no idea when to be honest. that is a regular, weekly gig and you draw a regular cheque, not relying on shows and album sales.

#12. Start-Up investing
Not for the faint hearted nor for financially wobbly individuals. In Kenya, think of what would have happened if Jaguar or Juliani were a stakeholder at Ghafla!Kenya… Yup! Or so I can bring it down a notch (because the cost of investing in Kenya is too bucking high) let’s talk about setting up a business. Jaguar has done that.

#13. Live performances
This is January. These aren’t readily available but if you’re hot enough, wait for this year’s round of Safaricom Live.

Ever wondered how your favorite celebrity looked like way back before they could afford designer clothes, the best kind of makeup and hair. Were they geeky? Were they weird looking or were they still as stunning?

I came across a picture of Vera Sidika before all the fame and glamor and like most of us; she really started from the bottom.

Now that is  something you don’t see every day

Started from the bottom………………………………….Now we are here!

Last year -actually, in 2 days, it will be exactly a year ago- Avril, Ogopa artist and actress promised the world that her highly anticipated jump into the world of enterpreneurship was coming. What am I yammering about? Well, Avril promised that she was going to launch her own brand of earphones and she was reportedly working with Innovators Society of Kenya under the Ministry of Higher Education(Science and Technology) to produce her own line of earphones.

Needless to say, all that has come from the project is a whole lot of hot air and double speak and I am wondering why the project was pushed back -I am trying to be optimistic here and I am hoping that the project was entirely scraped.

Because we have been waiting for the earphones which were going to be dubbed “Gs and Fs”

for an entire year and still nothing seems to be forthcoming other than questions and queries. but for now I dare say she is busy living life in love with a South African yob. Blessings to her and her relationship but money waits for no mere mortal man nor king.

Avril, anticipation and anxiety await word from you about the earphones.