In a new short film, that harnesses ground breaking AI technology, David Beckham launches the world’s first voice petition to end malaria for the campaign Malaria Must Die, So Millions Can Live. Instead of collecting signatures.

The campaign asks people around the world to use the power of their voice to demand action by visiting malariamustdie.com and recording the message ‘Malaria Must Die’.

In the short film, produced by Ridley Scott Associates, David appears to speak nine languages as he invites people to add their voices to help end one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases.

But the voices are not all his own. Instead, using emerging AI video synthesis technology, we hear David speaking the voices of men and women from around the world, including malaria survivors and doctors fighting the disease.

Through David, we hear nine global languages spoken and the voices of eight others, including Dr Elvis Eze, Marie Murorunkwere, Hussein Omar and Jean Bosco Niyonzima, who have survived malaria and are using their stories to help raise awareness about malaria’s devastating effects.

Dr.Elvis Eze whose voice features in the film speaking Yoruba, a language spoken in Nigeria said: “My life changed when I worked at a hospital in Lagos, Nigeria and I saw the intolerable toll of malaria. It doesn’t have to be this way. I now work for the NHS in the UK and have seen how this is a global challenge.  Through the Voice Petition, we each have a chance to inspire change wherever we are”.

Each language and voice represent a part of the world affected by malaria, past or present; from the UK, which was historically affected by malaria, to China, a country on the brink of elimination, to Nigeria, where the malaria toll is the heaviest with close to 300 lives lost every day, mainly young children. 

“The fight to end malaria is everyone’s fight, and operating in Southern Africa where we have some of the heaviest burden of malaria, we see first-hand the wrenching effects this disease has on our people and our communities. It is why campaigns like #MalariaMustDie are so vital. We need commitment from our global leaders, and we’ll need to use our universal voices if we are going to create an impact and be heard. It’s time to say Goodbye Malaria.” Said Sherwin Charles, co-founder and CEO of Goodbye Malaria.

The ‘Malaria Must Die’ campaign is designed to amplify the voices of those affected by malaria and gives everyone the opportunity to speak out. Each voice collected via the petition will contribute to a unique piece of audio art known as a sound sculpture, grabbing the attention of leaders in a unique and memorable way. It will be delivered to world leaders ahead of critical funding decisions for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in six months’ time.

David Beckham is a founding member of Malaria No More UK Leadership Council and a committed champion in the fight against malaria with over a decade of support for Malaria No More UK. In his long-term role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador he has seen the impact of malaria on people’s lives in countries such as Sierra Leone. 

David said: “I have been working with Malaria No More UK for over 10 years and to be a part of this campaign and to help share some of the real stories behind malaria is really important to me. Dr Elvis Eze who was with us on set has suffered with malaria many times and as a doctor, he has seen how dangerous this disease can be. For me, it was so important to learn how he is using his experiences to raise awareness of malaria with young people in the UK and abroad. It’s unacceptable that malaria still kills a child every two minutes so please add your voice to the petition.”

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, The President of the Republic of Ghana, attended the Malaria Summit in London last year and says: “Our ultimate objective is for Ghana to become malaria free, but there is no standing still in the fight against malaria, an old enemy. I welcome the next phase of this campaign, and the innovative approach to inspire support. In Ghana, innovation underpins our strategy, which includes being one of the three countries piloting the new malaria vaccine this year.”

Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho, Board Chairperson, RBM Partnership to End Malaria and Former Assistant Director General, World Health Organisation said: “2019 is a critical year for malaria. If we are going to win our fight against this devastating disease and save millions of lives, we must act now. This is a global fight. If we are going to be the generation that ends malaria we need to work together. World leaders are meeting this year to make important decisions around the Global Fund that will determine our ability to defeat malaria. I hope that people from every corner of the globe will lend their voice to this petition; together we will be impossible to ignore.”

The Voice Petition is the call to action for the next phase of the Malaria Must Die campaign, launched by Malaria No More UK in February 2018 in the run up to the London Malaria Summit, that was held during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in April 2018. The Malaria Summit featured commitments worth over $4.1bn to fight malaria and was followed by a historic CHOGM commitment to halve malaria across the Commonwealth by 2023.

Marie Murorunkwere, whose voice features in the film, speaking Kinyarwanda, a language spoken in Rwanda said: “I have seen and lived with malaria my whole life. I suffered so many times as a young girl growing up in Rwanda. The disease took the life of my precious younger brother when he was just two years old. Then I lost friends to the disease when I lived in a refugee camp in Goma in the Congo. You learn to live with the loss but the memories of those I loved stay with me forever.”     

History shows that ending malaria is achievable with the right resources and action. 150 years ago, all countries except in Antarctica had endemic malaria within their borders. Since then half of these have now successfully eliminated malaria, most recently Paraguay and Uzbekistan who were certified malaria free in 2018. Since 2000 a combination of powerful new tools, increased investment and strengthened international political commitment including from the UK, has cut malaria deaths globally by more than 60%, saving almost 7 million lives, mainly young children.

However, progress is not inevitable. History has also proven that malaria will return with a vengeance if not sufficiently controlled.  The decisions made now by political leaders – backed by strong public support - will determine this trajectory.

The film has been produced by a world class pro bono team convened by Malaria No More UK and Ridley Scott Associates Amsterdam with Director Juriaan Booij. Leading partners include digital ad agency R/GA, London based technology company Synthesia and Dentsu Aegis Network.

After being silent for sometime, Tanzanian rapper Darassa has finally made a comeback, with a bang.

The artist who rose to fame through his song 'Muziki' has now released three brand new videos.

The videos includes Leo featuring Jux, Tumepoteza featuring Maua Sama and Relax.

In a bid to raise funds to feed the poor Kenyans facing hunger in some parts of the country, singer Akothee has organised charity concert that will see all the proceeds go to the feeding program.

The show which is slated for this weekend at the Uhuru gardens will saw performance from over 10 Kenyan artists.

The artists include Akothee, Victoria Kimani, Khaligraph Jones, Arrow Boy, Tony Nyadundo, Benm Githae, Bahatai, Nameless among others.

Obina, Mwende Mwacharia, Jalang'o, Dr Ofweneke, Alex Mwakideu, Eric Omonid , Owango and Dr King'ori will be the Mcees.

This comes just months after Akothee led a delegation of ewell wishers to Turkana to feed those facing starvation in the area.

Tanzanian artist Ali Kiba  and his Kenyan Wife Amina Khalef have for the first time unveil the face of their new born baby.

Kiba took to instagram and posted a photo partly showing the face of the baby and captioned it 'Alhamdulilah #KEYAAN #kingkiba".

The news of the two welcoming their first babe came out on February this year.

The two got married in April 2018 in Mombasa.

Immediate former Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet, today took the oath of office as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) for Tourism and Wildlife at a ceremony witnessed by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi.

At the ceremony conducted by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua and attended by Deputy President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Tourism CS Najib Balala among other senior government officials, Mr. Boinnet signed the Leadership and Integrity Code and the Accountability Pledge.

President Kenyatta also witnessed the signing of the Leadership and Integrity Code and the Accountability Pledge by incoming Inspector General of Police Hillary Nzioki Mutyambai who had earlier taken the Oath of Office at the Supreme Court.

The signing of the Leadership and Integrity Code and the Accountability Pledge by state officers is part of the Head of State’s unwavering commitment to entrenching ethos of good governance and integrity at the highest levels of public service. It is also in line with the President’s stand on absolute fidelity to the principles of transparency and accountability.

Congratulating Mr. Boinnet and Mr Mutyambai on their appointment as CAS and Inspector General of Police (IGP) respectively, President Kenyatta said he looked forward to working with them in delivering quality services to Kenyans.

“I am looking forward to working together with you in our mission to deliver services to the people of Kenya,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta thanked outgoing IGP Boinnet, saying he served his term with diligence and took the National Police Service to a higher level.

“Your commitment to duty made the National Police Service what it is today. I hope you will take that experience to the Ministry of Tourism as well and move it to a new level in our conservation efforts,” President Kenyatta told Mr. Boinnet.

President Kenyatta also commended incoming IG Mutyambai, saying he expects him to use his wide experience and exposure in the security sector to continue the work of ensuring that the lives of Kenyans and their properties are protected.

“No nation can achieve economic and political stability without security. I look forward to working with you to ensure we achieve our social and economic objectives for the people of our nation,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State urged the new IGP to work closely with his colleagues and members of the National Police Service Commission in order to deliver on the mandate of the service and in line with its motto of “Utumishi kwa Wote”.

At another function at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta received credentials from the incoming Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Wu Peng. Ambassador Wu is also the Permanent Representative of China to the UNEP and the UN-Habitat.

Following a successful 2018, “Mama Africa”,  Yemi Alade officially kicks off 2019 on a high!.

Through her label Effyzzie Music Group, she has released two brand new videos, OGA - a mid-tempo song produced by Egar Boi.

Drawing influences from African kingdoms and royalties across Africa, the captivating music video was directed by Clarence Peters.

At the same time, she has also released a new record YAJI featuring street-hop titan Slimcase and Rebel Movement's rising star Brainee. The song was produced by Yung Willis. 

The OGA music video sparked the #ogachallenge by her music fans and has so far garnered over 2 million views on YouTube while YAJI is at over 1 million views. Currently, Yemi is working on her fourth studio album. 

Yemi made history this year with her smash hit single "Johnny" hitting the official digital 100 million views milestone on YouTube and VEVO.

In 2018, Yemi released a number of hits that charted across the continent such as “Bum Bum”, “How I Feel” and “Oh My Gosh”.

She also held sold-out concerts in her extensive and self-organized European Tour and also performed in several countries across Africa including Nairobi at the “Choma Na Ngoma” music concert and Koroga Festival.

Fast rising multi-talented Kenyan Female artiste Agolla has dropped her latest single Drowning, produced by the super talented producer Jacky B of Tamu Sana records.

 This is the second single off her studio album set for release later in the year, “Drowning ” is based on a true story of Agolla's past relationship where the guy treated her right, unfortunately things got complicated and it didn't work out. 

The video was shot by Director Dolls formerly known as Crystal Prime whereas the concept and styling was by Dee Roz of  Nyandisa styling.

The multi-talented soulful singer draws her inspiration from her past experiences and those around her. Her first single Milele was among Kenyan songs that were recently featured on Lowla Dee’s Plan B.

She is currently on a media tour to promote the single which is available on Mkito.com, SoundCloud and Mdundo music. Fans should expect unique feel good Kenyan music and all sorts of good vibes.

Agolla, who describes her music as pop fusion says, " I borrow most elements in my music from different genres, to create unique masterpieces. If such a name exists i would call my genre 'Soulful Pop Fusion'." 

Mombasa based artist Cypreezy has just released his latest video titled 'Soba'.

The video has been shot & directed by Nezzoh Montanah..

Audio produced by Jegede.

The Mombasa County Assembly has cleared the County Transport and Infrastructure Executive Member Taufiq Balala of allegations raised against him by some members of the assembly, MCAs.

Majority of the  MCAs led by Jomvu Ward MCA Shebe Athuman (motion mover ) passed a motion to impeach Balala last month on grounds of incompetency, misuse of abuse and arrogancy.

The County Speaker then formed a special committee to look into the claims, the members included Fadhili Mwalimu Makarani (Port Reitz ward MCA and Deputy Speaker), Athman Rama Mwamwiri(Likoni ward MCA)  , Milka Moraa Ngare (Nominated), Ali Omar Shariff(Tononoka Ward MCA)  and Faith Boniface Mwende(Kipevu ward MCA).

The Committee yesterday cleared Balala arguing the claims lack proof.

Balala took to social media to welcome the move by the assembly saying he will continue working with the MCAs.

I would like the thank the Mombasa County Assembly for clearing me for all charges against me. I was given a chance to explain myself and the county assembly found me innocent on all the allegations against me" said Balala

Adding "The county assembly of #Mombasa have played their role of oversight as required by law. I will continue to respect their role and cooperate with them as they continue to serve the people of #Mombasa. To all my family, friends and supporters - Thank You for your prayers and support. Let’s now continue to build our beautiful Mombasa".

Pine Creek Records has announced the signing of a new act, her name is Shiphie. 

This was made known through an unveiling event that was held last Thursday, the 4th of April 2019 at The Alchemist Lounge, Westlands.

The event was well attended by Kenya's top djs, media personalities and brand managers including Pine Creek Records founder Mr. Peter Nduati, Coke Studio Africa's Project Manager Andrew Alovi, Arthur K, Fakii Liwali and many more. 

Shiphie, real name Shiphrah Mkamburi Kitulah, is an afro jazz, afro pop/afrosoul vocalist and songwriter born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya.

While growing up, her family gatherings always involved melodious singing as her talent is hereditary - she got it from her grandmother who is the sole singer of the family and partly a writer then also from her mother.

She was spotted by Peter Nduati in a live music event in Nairobi and as they say all is now part of her beautiful history.

On what inspires her music, Shiphie says it’s her passion for expression and the freedom and joy she experiences while at it. Her first song is called “Everything” and it’s simply a love story of appreciation to the significant other in her life.

She has just released her first video Everything'