Mombasa business man Suleiman Shahbal has vowed to bring the bi-monthly Koroga festival to Mombasa.

Through his facebook page Shahbal who was recently appointed as the chairman to the Kenya Trade Network Agency (Kenya TradeNet System), regretted why the festival has never taken place in Mombasa.

His post came after he attended the event in Nairobi few days ago.

He posted "Together with Moses Kuria and Yassir Noor at the Koroga Music festival in Nairobi."

Adding " I am wondering why we don't have this festival in Mombasa. Next year I will work with other like minded people to bring this to Mombasa.

The 27th edition of the festival is expected to take place on September this year.

Shahbal vied for the Mombasa Gubernatorial post in the last general elections but lost to Hassan Joho.

Kenya’s umbrella body of creative agencies; the Advertising Practitioners’ Association (APA) hosted the first ever Young Creatives’ Hackathon  last weekend.

The creative hackathon brought together 25 creatives between the ages of 21-30 years old, to crack a brief on an iconic Kenyan brand- Tusker Lager. 

While the brief was simple, “Re-ignite Tusker as a modern icon of national pride”, the task was immense! The teams, which paired creatives from agencies, corporate or freelancers, had less than 48 hours to crack the brief.

 The set up was Nairobi Garage, a co-working space that provided the right environment for the task at hand.

The teams received coaching and development support from the mentors, who are the top creative leads in Kenya – Max Ngari, Emuron Alemu, Jason Bruckner and Sam Kihanya.

22 of the 25 teams managed to crack the brief and had 3 minutes to present, pitch style to the panel of judges that included: Max Ngari, Emuron Alemu, Jason Bruckner, Joe Njeru, Vicent Llopis, and led by EABL’s Head of Media Futures and Digital, Waithera Kabiru, as the Chief Judge.

A shortlist of 10 emerged,representing the teams that had demonstrated: 1) a clear idea that was relevant to the target audience and focused on delivering the objective, 2) an execution that was aligned to the creative idea and brings it to life, and finally, 3) an idea that was unique and offered something new/different/outside of what would be the expected norm within the brief.

The top 3 winning teams further demonstrated that their ideas not only addressed Tusker Lager’s needs today but were future-proofed. In the end, the top three were::

• In 1^stplace,  Team “ Koko Iko” – Stephen

•  Kiprono and Mutwiri Njagi
• In 2^ndPlace, Team “Please Find Attached” – Angela Njagi and Nevile Hawala
• In 3^rdplace, Team “Spirit” – Josephone Ng’ang’a and Martin Sasia

The winning team, “Koko Iko” has won an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas, USA to attend the Creative LIAsions this October.  The Creative LIAisons is a programme fully-funded by LIA for young creatives, that provides them with expertise, insight, new professional networking opportunities, and the chance to observe judging in the judging rooms all the way through to metal discussions. No other Show does this.

London International Awards (LIA) is a global festival that was CREATED for CREATIVES. LIA stands for great creative ideas and execution, and is proud to assemble the best talent every year to honour creativity and new ideas in Advertising, Production, Digital, Design, Health & Pharma, Music & Sound, Technology and Branded Entertainment. Listed as one of only five global shows in the WARC Creative 100 Ranking, LIA is rapidly rising to become one of the industry's most important shows.

The 3 winning teams will have the opportunity to present their ideas to the EABL Marketing Leadership Team and explore further engagement. Congratulations to the winning teams!

Kenya's fresh kid on the block MANOLO is back with a brand new banger Weka Juu, a month after dropping his monster collaboration #Kamata ft. Guardian Angel.  

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/B33G81Z8GVI  

 A little bit about Manolo

‘Manolo’ real name Emmanuel Mwongela is a top Kenyan Singer, Freestyle Rapper, Poet, Songwriter and Instrumentalist. His genre is Afro Pop and Afro Rap

Manolo is popular among the Kenyan Urban Youth especially fans of gospel music and is set to grow more in popularity as a solo act from the year 2020 on wards.

Manolo began his professional career in music in 2012 as the lead member of Recapp, an urban gospel group based in Kenya. He had formed Recapp with his friends while they were still in high school and as part of RECAPP, they released a total of 2 albums – Ambition and Proud to Be a Christian.

Some of their popular songs are 5 Stones and Worldwide. The group boasts of a whooping eight Groove Awards Nominations between the years 2014 and 2018, and headlining several major concerts in Kenya and Tanzania such as Groove Awards Ceremonies and J & T in Tanzania. 

After a successful 6 year career with the group, Manolo branched out on his own in 2018; to explore a new and different path as a solo artiste.

ActionAid Kenya and Sarova Hotels have partnered with the County Government of Isiolo to promote sports tourism for community development through  ‘The Shaba Challenge’.

The event is set to take place on the 10th of August 2019 at the Shaba National Reserve in Isiolo.

The Shaba Challenge features epic obstacle courses within the scenic Shaba National Reserve landscape and tens of team events specially curated to make it the most engaging and fun team event ever yet.

The event will seek to raise funds in support of marginalised communities in the county.

In the recent past, Isiolo County has heavily been hit by the effects of recurrent drought heightened by climate change, human-wildlife conflicts and other disasters, which have adversely affected the livelihoods of communities in the arid region.

Speaking at the event, Isiolo County Governor Mohammed Kuti noted that the event will accord teams an opportunity to interact with the diverse culture existing in Isiolo and enjoy an extraordinary outdoor experience,

All these while supporting responsible conservation and a worthy cause that will improve the lives of marginalised communities who continue to suffer the effects of recurrent drought caused by climate change.

He also added that the event is a great opportunity for Kenyans to experience the beautiful national park in Isiolo that is home to the big five.

Action Aid Kenya Executive Director, Makena Mwobobia emphasized on the need to tap into the power in people and stand in solidarity with the poor people and those marginalised.

On his part Sarova Hotels Managing Director, Jimi Kariuki noted that sports tourism has become very popular in the country and the event will drive sports enthusiasts to Isiolo County.

Isiolo is rich in culture, heritage and other unexplored tourism attractions that the hospitality industry is aggressively marketing in line with their diversification strategy. 

The Shaba Challenge entails three obstacle courses suited for various groups of participants.

• The Ndovu Course- The Tough Course. Suitable for professional fitness enthusiasts. Includes mud and trail runs, adventure challenges and more competitive timed obstacle course races. The obstacles include cargo net climbs, carrying heavy objects, traversing bodies of mud and water, crawling under barbed wire, and the natural Shaba terrain. The obstacles employed throughout the course will test endurance, strength, speed and dexterity.
• The Simba Pride Course. The Teamwork Course. Suitable for organisations who are interested in fostering trust and team spirit among their staff. Features a six-kilometre mud run out in the park through the tough Shaba terrain with epic obstacles such as tyre flips, cargo nets, balance beams, wall climbs and many more.
• The Swara Family Course. The Fun Course. Specially curated for friends and family teams who want to spend time together engaging in a physically challenging activities out in the savannah. Speaking on behalf of the Fitness Professionals Association of Kenya, Mr Philip Namasaka noted that this will be a trailblazer event not just in the country but in East and Central Africa; that will bring together people with varied fitness levels to celebrate physical resilience through the challenge activities, while contributing to the resilience of communities living in poverty and exclusion.

Mövenpick Hotel& Residences Nairobi celebrated World Chocolate Day in style, indulging guests of all ages in immersive ‘Chocolate Hour’ experiences that are fun and wonderfully delicious.

Chocolate Hour is one of Mövenpick’s brand signatures, staged daily in its hotel lobbies around the world, with in-house chefs hosting live demonstrations and entertaining experiences, from rolling truffles to icing cupcakes.

It offers guests the chance to taste complimentary chocolate presented in novel ways, which reflects the hospitality firm’s we make moments brand vision. 

To mark the sweet occasion, which takes place on July 7 and quite simply applauds and encourages the consumption of chocolate, MövenpickHotel & Residences Nairobi will be orchestrating a special edition of Chocolate Hour, inviting guests to discover new and exciting chocolate creations that bring this wonder food and its virtues to life.

Chocolate Hour also showcases Mövenpick’s world-famous chocolate and brings the Swiss heritage of the company and chocolate to life,ultimately delivering moments of delicious joy for guests every single day.

Kenya’s legendary Safari Rally  today inched closer to rejoining   the prestigious  World Rally Championships (WRC) next year when President Uhuru Kenyatta flagged off the 66th edition at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The WRC candidate event has attracted 49 elite drivers from across Africa who will cover over 796 kilometres in three days.

President Kenyatta said Kenya was proud to host the candidate event saying the journey to re-enter the WRC series began in 2013 when the Jubilee Administration took over leadership.

“Today, the journey we began in 2013 to return the most iconic of motoring events, the Safari Rally, to the International Automobile Federation-World Rally Championship Series, has scaled to greater heights as we proudly host this World Rally Championship Candidate Event,” the President said.

He assured motorsport stakeholders and enthusiasts that the government is fully committed to supporting the rally and expressed optimism that the Safari Rally project in Kenya will become a full series event.

“Like  so many Kenyans, I am confident that not only will this Safari Rally be a full series event, but also the Kenyan Flag will feature on the winning podium in a number of events,” said the President.

The Head of State acknowledged the support from FIA through its President Jean Todt in the ongoing efforts to ensure Kenya returns to the WRC.

“The logistical and technical support that we have received from the International Automobile Federation has not only made this event possible, but also deepened Kenya’s capacity to deliver world class rallying experiences," said the President.

He assured the world motorsport's body of Kenya’s keenness to meet all FIA regulations, standards and requirements so that Kenya  is re-admmitted to the WRC.

The President handed over a government sponsorship cheque of Shs 449 million to the Kenya Motorsports Federation for use in the development of motorsport activities in the country.

The money was drawn from the National Sports Fund which has been supporting national teams  representing the country in international sporting activities including Harambee Stars during their recent AFCON football competitions in Cairo.

President Kenyatta expressed optimism that the Safari Rally he flagged off today will restore the immense love for motorsports among Kenyans as he recalled memorable Safari Rally events of  the 1970s and 80s.

The President said the Safari Rally should inspire many Kenyans to move forward in life with enthusiastic hearts and with a clear sense of whole.

He  said the Safari Rallly and other sports for which Kenya is known for embodies the spirit of possibility, a spirit that conquers and defies all odds.

After flagging off today’s 4 kilometre super stage around Kasarani, President Kenyatta joined spectators to watch the rally starters warming up ahead of a grueling competition

Tanzanian R&B singer Vanessa Mdee has just released the first video off her highly anticipated EP, Expensive.

The song has been produced  by S2Kizzy from Pluto Records.

Watch the video below

In a bid to promote and empower talents in Nyali Constituency, the area Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali (Jicho pevu) has sponspored two upcoming artists to record their songs with King Kaka's studio, Kaka empire.

The two artists from Bombolulu Leonard Nyambu and Lubuo Masere will also go through mentorship.

"In all my public barazas since I was elected, these two artists have always volunteered as entertainers awaiting speeches. Whether invited officially or not" said Ali. 

The two artists will shoot their videos after the mentorship.

Adding "While undergoing the mentorship ,the duo will be able to record their songs at the studio and get the much needed exposure to grow. This is what leadership entails, giving our local talents the much needed environment to grow".

According to the Mp, this is a long term programme not just for the two artists but also other talents in the constituency 

On his part, King Kaka lauded the Mp for the move challenging other leaders to emulate him.

"Big up Moha for lifting the talents, we have alot of talented youths in the streets, we need to help them to fight vices like crime. We need to have leaders like you". said King Kaka 

President Uhuru Kenyatta today eulogized Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Robert William Collymore as a special friend who has left huge footprints in the country.

Speaking during a memorial service for the fallen business titan, President Kenyatta said Kenya has lost part of its “soul” through the death of  the late Collymore who died of Leukemia early Monday. He has since been cremated.

“Bob loved Kenya as his own country. He loved Safaricom as his own company. We have lost part of our soul,” said President Kenyatta when he joined family, friends and the country's top business executives at a memorial service held at the All Saints Cathedral (ACK) in Nairobi.

“Even as we celebrate his life, there is still so much pain in losing somebody we loved so much,” the President eulogised.

The Head of State remembered a three-hour afternoon meeting he recently held with Collymore where they discussed a range of issues covering the President’s legacy, and the intensified fight against corruption and the great dreams, hope and vision that the late executive had for Safaricom, which he had served for nine years by the time of his death.

“We spent a whole afternoon together and discussed various issues,” said the President adding that it was during the meeting that Bob talked of his premonition with destiny saying he had just weeks to live.

The sombre memorial service attended by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair brought together tens of CEOs and Bob’s family led by his widow Mrs Wambui Collymore.

Former Vice Presidents Moody Awori, Kalonzo Musyoka,  and Musalia Mudavadi  attended the memorial service alongside a host of other political leaders.

Deputy President William Ruto said the late Collymore was a courageous leader, in a class of his own, who had become a great inspiration to many Kenyans.

“The way he did his things was a big inspiration to many Kenyans. His legacy should be carried to the future,” said the DP who said he met Bob a month before his demise.

The memorial service was characterized by an outpouring of moving tributes from family members and close confidants.

British High Commissioner Nic Hailey spoke on behalf of the diplomatic community while politician Peter Kenneth represented his close circle of friends.

His close confidants talked of Bob's last days and narrated how the deceased had made meticulous plans ahead of his death including his choice of cremation.

Safaricom Chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a, Kenya Commercial Bank CEO Joshua Oigara and Michael Joseph (currently the interim Safaricom CEO)  described Collymore as an exceptional leader and a man of great abilities who believed in fairness, diversity and inclusion even as he drove a purposeful and people-centred enterprise.

Other business leaders saluted the fallen hero as a humble, honest, transformative leader who used extraordinary leadership skills to grow Safaricom to become one of the largest telecommunications firms  in Africa.

They said Collymore made all people around him, irrespective of class and status, feel special around him, a trait that made him build trust and confidence among business partners.

The late Collymore came to Kenya in 2010 to succeed Mr Michael Joseph as the Safaricom CEO. During his tenure, Collymore rapidly grew the fortunes of Safaricom and in nine years of his stewardship, the company doubled its clientele from 15 million users in 2010  to over 32 million in 2019.

The telco’s annual returns, dividends, taxes and other obligations more than doubled during the same period.

It is also during Mr Collymore's tenure that Safaricom strengthened its partnership with government leading to the joint implementation of mega projects in security, elections management and several other sectors of the economy.

Before his call of duty in Kenya, the late Collymore, who died aged 61, worked in several telecommunication companies in the UK, Japan and South Africa.

The king of lovers rock, Jah Cure arrived in the country yesterday evening ahead of the umoja splash music festival slated for this Saturday.

The Grammy-nominated artist will be the main act at the event. This will be his first time to perform in Kenya, it is also part of his world wide tour “The Royal Soldier Tour”.

Jah Cure is one of reggae music’s biggest artists at the moment and he will take part in a number of activities in Nairobi ahead of his second performance in Kenya as he goes on a global 10-city tour.

He is best known for topping the music charts with global hits such as "Call on me", "Never Find", and "What Am I Longing For", as well as global reggae number one singles, most notably “Unconditional Love.”

Jah Cure has multiple critically acclaimed hits and has collaborated with many internationally renowned artists – Mavado, Rick Ross, Phyllisia and Jazmine Sullivan, crossing into hip-hop, Latin, Pop and R&B genres.

“You don’t even know how happy I am to be back in Africa, back in Kenya. There’s never a better time. There’s never a better place. I think here in Kenya I have a connection" said Jah Cure

"The first time I was here was not official so I felt I had to come back and make it official,” said Jah Cure at a press conference at Westwood Hotel,”he added.

The artist said he would take part in some activities, tour parts of the city and meet fans ahead of his performance on Saturday night.

“It’s in our hands to keep Africa clean. We are the original kings and part of that is keeping things clean. Kenya is not a normal African country. Kenya is the number one state. Kenyans will get what they deserve. I’m here to explore, not to exploit,” he added.

The festival organisers announced a flash sale for the tickets.

“Tusker Lager is happy to support this festival. Its aims are in line with our ambitions as a brand, which is to bring people together and to celebrate life every day" said Christine Mwaura, Marketing Manager, Tusker.

Adding "Supporting a concert like this is one of the ways we can do this and we look forward to this celebration,”

Local acts Jah Watchman from Dohty Family, Nutty Bwoy, Musikal Sherriff, Teargas and others are also set to perform alongside DJ’s Moh, and Zionites and Nutty Konshens at this edition of the Umoja Splash Festival held in conjunction with Tusker, Nairobi City County Government and a range of sponsors.