Ommy Dallah
British National Seeks Custody Of Son Sired With Kenyan Lady
A British national Kevin Barry Hurley suffered a blow in the first round of a case involving the custody of his three year old son after the high court issued an order stopping proceedings at the Tononoka children’s court in Mombasa county.
Barry’s, former lover of Helen Maria Imokor got a reprieve at the same court after the high court ordered her release from police custody.
The former police officer attached to the Scotland Yard wants the custody of his three-year-old son Joseph from his former lover.
High court judge John Nyabuto Onyiego also suspended a warrant of arrest issued at the lower court against Barry’s former lover which led to her arrest.
Judge Onyiego directed the execution process currently underway before a lower court to be stayed pending further directions from the high court.
He insisted the warrant of arrest and its subsequent execution and arrest of Maria is suspended.
The high court said for avoidance of duplications the alleged Joseph’s biological mother shall be released from police custody pending hearing of Maria’s application with further court direction.
Maria, through her counsel Were Geoffrey under certificate of urgency, said the application is extremely urgent and ought to be heard on priority basis.
He said despite the pending of Maria’s notice of motion the lower court blatantly ignored and deliberately failed to adhere strictly to the explicit orders issued end of last month.
In a supplementary affidavit, Maria said she is the biological mother the son and the biological father is a permanent resident in Britain and only occasionally comes back to the country.
On his part, Barry through his counsel Lawrence Obonyo, said he is a respectable member of the society and understands both international and local jurisprudence that governs the rights and welfare of individuals and even children.
Kisima Music & Film Awards Jury Is Out
The Pan-African Kisima Music & Film Awards has unveiled a thoroughly experienced and celebrated Pan-African Jury that is already on deck sorting out entries into the acclaimed awards.
The close of submissions to the awards elapsed on November 27th and currently, the process towards the climax of the awards ceremony on December 13th now lies in the hands of the Judges.
A total Jury of 10 judges has been fleshed out from some of Africa’s most prestigious and progressive names in film and music production coupled with substantive experience in jury operations in the arts.
Speaking on the Jury unveil, the Chairman of the Pan African Kisima Music & Film awards Dr. Fred Simiyu says the convened team of judges is nothing short of excellence.
“ It was indeed paramount that we source only the best in the continent to formulate the judging panel. The selection process for the Jury was rigorous and deliberate. We assessed both the professional qualifications and experience base of the judges. Of course the Pan-Africa disposition was also important” Said Dr. Simiyu.
Adding “we look forward to a professionally transparent and invigorating process”.
The Kisima Music & Film Awards Jury is made up of judges from different African countries encompassing Kenya, Benin, Nigeria, Mozambique and Rwanda .
The blend of the Jury takes into consideration the Anglophone, francophone and Lusophone diversities of the submissions into the awards.
In this new Pan-Africa infusion, every part of the continent in their language diversity is represented.
The Judging Panel will reveal the final nominees to the 2020 Kisima Music & Film awards on Thursday the 3rd of December 2020.
This will then pave the way for the public voting Process that will culminate in the Awards Ceremony on 13th December 2020.
Stakeholders Ramp Up Efforts To Lower HIV Infections In The Country
Kenyans today joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World AIDS Day with calls on stakeholders to step up efforts aimed at lowering infections in the country.
This year's event was held in Kajiado where the local county government unveiled an ambitious plan to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis by the year 2024.
The plan supported by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's Beyond Zero will enable Kajiado County to mobilise resources and implement programs aimed at ending the two diseases.
Kajiado County has an HIV prevalence of 3.4% with more women infected at 4.5% compared to males at 2.3% carrying a disease burden of slightly over 30,000 people living with the virus.
In her message, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta rallied stakeholders to ramp up efforts to end HIV in the country by investing in programs that will help guard vulnerable citizens from the virus.
“There is critical need for increased awareness and resources for prevention and treatment of HIV especially amongst our youth, and more work to protect people living with AIDS from stigma and discrimination.
“I strongly advocate for zero new infections and zero mother to child transmission of HIV. I continue to encourage mothers to attend at least four antenatal checks where they can receive free testing,” the First Lady said.
In a speech read by CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said Kenya will defeat HIV through a multi-pronged approach that covers increased awareness, action and resources.
CS Kagwe applauded Beyong Zero for its growing investment in the country's health sector saying the First Lady’s Beyond Zero initiative saying the initiative had catalysed the improvement in provision of health services across the country.
“Her (First Lady Margaret Kenyatta) consistent support for the Government’s Linda Mama Programme under the Universal Healthcare Scheme has led to many mothers delivering in medical facilities assisted by professionals,” the Health CS said.
Kajiado County Government also launched Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework II, Kajiado County AIDS and STIs Plan II and the Automated HIV Self-Testing Vending Machine during the event.
Sauti Sol Featured In Sun- El Musician New Single Titled 'Fire'
Multi award-winning South African producer, Sun-El Musician has released a new collaboration with celebrated Kenyan music group Sauti Sol titled 'Fire' .
The single will feature in his upcoming album titled TO THE WORLD AND BEYOND (pre add album here) - out 4th Dec 2020.
Produced by Claudio & Kenza, both part of ElWorld Music, FIRE is Sun-El’s fifth release off the album following “Never Never” featuring Nobuhle, “Madinaye” with Ami Faku, “Ubomi Abumanga” featuring Msaki and “Uhuru” with Azana.
LYRIC VIDEO: Sun-EL x Sauti Sol - FIRE
Sun-EL weighs in on his first collaboration with the East African giants, “It’s truly amazing to work with guys who I have so much respect for their art. I have been receiving a lot of love from East Africa, especially in Kenya so it was an honour to be part of this collaboration.”
Sauti Sol deliver their distinct melodic lyrics in English and their native Luhya language on this feel-good afro-house track.
Chimano of Sauti Sol shared how special it was writing the song and working with Sun-El Musician.
“We love this collaboration. It was so organic and something that was about time. Sun El is an amazing chill great artist, we're happy we have this masterpiece with him and this is just the beginning of many more projects together.'' He said.
FIRE marks the first collaboration between Sun-El Musician, one of South Africa’s most respected and the giants from East Africa. Since the release of his mega hit single “Akanamali”, Sun-EL has had a fast-growing fan-base in East Africa.
Ahead of the new album release, Sun-EL will hold a special 45 minute live virtual concert dubbed “Uhuru Spaceforce” on 3rd Dec 2020.
He will be joined by top music stars including Msaki, Azana, Ami Faku, Simmy, Mthunzi and many more surprise guests at this El-World RedBox Session.
The new album will drop right after the show.
To register for the virtual concert: http://www.uhuruspaceforce.
He shared a special message to his fans, “I am thankful and grateful to my East African family who have continuously shown me love and support. I am hoping to someday work with more artists from the region in their own space in order to be exposed more to the full experience.”
Sun-El Musician’s sophomore offering follows his critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Africa To The World’, which debuted on the Top 200 Electronic Albums worldwide on Apple Music, and earned him over 50 million streams across various digital platforms.
Call For Submission Open For Kenyan Writers For Episodic Lab Hosted By Realness Institute And Netflix
Realness Institute has launched its call for submissions for their latest offering, Episodic Lab, a series development lab presented in partnership with Netflix.
Episodic Lab will be looking for writers from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa with authentic and original stories of all genres.
The initiative is only open to writers from the 3 countries where Netflix is currently focusing its African Originals strategy.
Applications are open here: www.realness.institute/episodic-lab-application
The Lab will take place remotely from 1 June 2021 – 31 August 2021 where selected writers will work on developing pitch documents for their story concepts.
6 writers will be chosen to spend 3 months in a ‘writers room’ format where they will work with a script consultant and a creative producer to fully develop their story concepts into an episodic pitch. Along with creative training, writers will receive feedback from Netflix Originals’ development team.
A stipend of $2000 per month will be paid to the participants to cover living expenses as they dedicate their time to the process.
At the end of the lab, each writer will have an opportunity to pitch their finished product to Netflix and have their series developed for production.
If Netflix does not commission further development and/or production, the rights to the developed material default to the authors.
Creators should not be committed to a producer or director to participate in the lab.
The Writer’s Lab submission is open to writers from Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria with Film and TV experience in any genre (fictional or factual) or language.
“Series give writers the space to make bigger worlds and more layered stories,” says Asanda Biyana – Partner and Project Manager of the Episodic Lab at Realness Institute.
Adding, “There is no limit for what can be submitted, and I trust, with the pool of talent in our continent, that we will be blown away. I’m excited and looking forward to the tough job of choosing the first cohort.”
To apply, potential applicants must take note of the following:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Writer/writing team* with either Film or Television experience. Only one writer will be able to participate if selected
- Any genre of fiction
- Language: English and/or local language
- Concept must be set in South Africa, Kenya OR Nigeria
- No producers or directors attached
- Payment of submission fee
TO APPLY:
Applicants must fill out the online application on the Realness Institute website at www.realness.institute/episodic-lab-application. Applicants are advised to read through the form before submitting. The deadline for submissions is the 31 January 2021 at midnight SAST.
Applicants will be required to pay a submission fee of 30 Euros via Paypal or 55 Euros via international wire transfer to cover the banking charges.
Wendy Kimani Makes A Comeback With 'Pagawisha'
Wendy Kimani is one of Kenya's most sought after female singers. The Afropop and Soul star makes a comeback into the music scene with “Pagawisha”- new single and video.
The Afrosoul banger in which Wendy sings of a lover who completely confuses [Pagawisha] her is produced by So Fresh.
Stream PAGAWISHA: https://ffm.to/wendykims.ois
Wendy says, “I am really excited to be releasing my new single after years of being away. I had so much fun working on this song. With it, I just wanted to bring musical joy to my audience,”
Adding on Pagawisha, “ It means, ‘you confuse me in the best way possible’. It’s a feel-good song talking about reigniting love in a relationship. It’s about finding that fire and feeling those butterflies again and getting romantic. It’s also about the fire I feel inside of me right now, I have fallen in love with music again.”
The music video, shot and directed by Alexander Ludwick and Kenneth Van Bochove, is a smooth dosage of Wendy and her love interest.
In spirit “Pagawisha” that celebrates reigniting passion and falling in love is reflective of Wendy’s personal story of falling in love with music once again. With its positive vibes and African influences, this is the perfect song to bring some light into 2020.
This comeback means a journey to Wendy’s upcoming EP and single releases.
She teases her next single, “You will love my Afro House song coming up next, it’s called “Same Ol Love” and has got that South African house and dance vibes.
At the same time, Wendy launched a new YouTube channel, ‘Wendy’s New Normal’ that follows her life living in the Netherlands, since her relocation from Kenya.
She reveals, “It’s all about rediscovering myself, marriage, mental health, my hair journey and also health conditions like PCOS conditions.”
Wendy Kimani is one of Kenya’s top Afrosoul singers. Over her career, she has released a number of successful hit songs, including “Haiwi Haiwi” featuring Bien Aime-Baraza of Sauti Sol, “Unajua” and “Usiende” – both collaborations with Gilad.
Since its release, the “Unajua” music video has garnered over 6 million views on YouTube and received massive airplay across numerous radio and TV stations.
Refigah Donates Thermo Guns, Sanitizers & Facemasks To Churches And Mosques In Kibra
Grandpa Records founder and music producer Refigah has launched an exercise to donate thermo guns, sanitizers and facemasks to local churches and mosques in Kibra to help in the fight against the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
According to Refigah, there are over 83 churches and 14 mosques in Kibra and its environs, most of this places of worship are not equipped with thermometers or sanitisers .
"We want to ensure all Mosques and churches are well equipped with running sanitizers and Thermometers to face these challenging times ahead. Please continue to wear your masks, practice safe distancing and continuing to wash your hands as often as possible." said Refigah.
Among the places of worship that have so far benefited includes Jamia mosque, Makina, and Hossana Ministry Church in mashimoni.
This comes as the country's caseload is now at 82,605 with fatalities rising to 1,445.
Mombasa Girl Wins 5th Human Rights Defender Award
The executive director of Sisters for justice(S4J) Naila Abdalla is the 2020 human rights defender of the year.
Naila received the prestigious award in Nairobi on Friday which recognized her efforts in defending rights of its community.
Her efforts in fighting against gender base violence have been remarkable to make her the first person from Mombasa to win the coveted awards.
With only few years into activism, Naila beat several bigwigs in the activism world to take the trophy back to Mombasa.
"Even though I do this work for humanity,it feels good when someone recognizes your efforts and awards you for the good job done,"she said.
The awards honours the extra ordinary works of HRDs by awarding those who have demonstrated courage,innovation and impact in promoting and protecting the human rights and the fundamental freedom.
S4J is located in Kisauni area,right at the center of criminal gangs,extra judicials,sex predators and also extremism.
But with all this,Naila alongside other members in this community based organization who are mostily volunteers have continued to fight against injustices especially to women and children.
Naila has been vocal especially on GBV matters during this pandemic period.
Recently,she was recognised by a UK magazine,Wempower magazine as one of change makers in terms of human rights defending.
From us Ommydallah.co.ke we congratulate Naila for her win.
Kenya's Newest Music Star Mell Releases New Song 'Love'
Kenya's newest music star Mell has just released a new song titled Love.
The audio was produced by Ihaji and visuals done by Dolls. The project's executive producer is Jomination.
Watch LOVE video here: https://youtu.be/Z6bp7izupDM
ABOUT THE SONG
“The song 'LOVE' is just generally about love as the title speaks for itself. What inspired me to write the song is to appreciate our loved ones, the people who are special in our hearts, partners who inspire us in life and who play major roles in our love life experiences, best friends in all circumstances .This song is written for all ride or die couples.” – Mell
EDITOR’S NOTE
Mell is a 23 year old singer, songwriter, trumpeter and plays drums as well. She is in her final year pursuing Bachelor of Arts in music at Maseno University. Mell is passionate about sharing life as she visions it and experiences it through her music. She has been performing in live shows with her bandmates Jiji Afrika and understands the live performance aspects as a building block towards growing as a versatile artist. On stage is where she let's go of everything holding her back.
Her past releases include Maumivu, Try Me (A cover), Chali and now Love, which is the newest release.
Victor AD Teams Up With Huncho Vibes In 'Wet'
