Ommy Dallah
Realme Smartphone Brand Launches In Kenya
Realme, one of the fastest-growing smartphone brands in the world has today announced its official entry into the Kenyan market as part of the brand’s global growth and expansion strategy.
The company, whose operations in both high-end and mid-range smartphones begun mid-2018 recognizes Kenya’s exclusive position as a regional nexus for smartphone technology and innovation and is keen to bring its global excellence in smartphone technology to Kenya with a range of products specifically designed to meet the leap-forward needs of young consumers.
With a combination of the fastest technology adoption and innovation, open economic policies, and a strong talent pool, Kenya makes an ideal hub from which to grow the realme brand in East Africa. In particular, Kenya is among the most dynamic and youth centric markets in the world.
realme’s launch in Kenya targets publics who embody the brand slogan “dare to leap”, which is inspired by the young generation who are regarded as being more open-minded, confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat, and receptive to new ideas and ways of living.
Speaking on the official launch, General Manager of Realme Middle East and Africa Operations Josef Wang reiterated that, “realme always believes that by providing exquisitely designed products and reliable performance, we can provide diverse consumer groups especially youth with better user experience.”
“We are committed to enabling young people to experience great products at suitable competitive prices also enjoy a happy life provided by advanced technology and unique modern design, so our plans for 2020 is to invest time, effort and all the required resources in AIoT,” he added.
The official entry of realme to the market is marked by the launch of the Triple Camera, Game Monster realme C3. The Entertainment King will retail under KES 14,000 and feature the below;
- AI triple camera
- 5000Mah Massive Battery which supports continuous playing of large games like PUBG for 10.6 hours.
- The triple camera which will enhance photo shooting experience.
- Helio G70 Processor.
- 6.5”Mini-Drop full screen that improves and supports game playing and movie watching experience.
- realme C3 Colour: Blue and Red.
Aiming at exclusively meeting the needs of its target market and sharing in the same attitudes, the manufacturer’s focus continues to be on growing the brand and ensuring that every consumer considers the realme phones when making a purchase.
It offers Number Series, X Series, Pro Series and C Series, where more than 18 million users choose realme “Number Series” smartphones with most of the users being under the age of 25.
So far, realme has gained 40 million global smartphone users across 59 markets. Its uptake in the global market has been a success and according to the statistics of global smartphone shipments in Q1 2020 from Counterpoint realme ranks top 7 in the world, positioning it among the mainstream smartphone brands globally.
In 2019, realme's global smartphone shipments reached 25 million with a year-over-year rate growth rate of 808%, which ranks the 1st among the smartphone brands, making realme the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the world.
Realme’s entry into the Kenyan market introduces a combination of advanced technology based on the 5G network, with powerful performance, stylish design, industry-leading qualities, and the amazing possibilities of its UNI Smart AIoT whose sales have currently reached 1 million users.
The move will drive more market growth while allowing Kenyans to enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge smartphone technology and IoT. It will also create job opportunities, increase technological uptake, and increase foreign exchange earnings.
For more information please follow us on our social media accounts on Facebook @realme, Instagram @realmekenya, Youtube and our official website https://www.realme.com/mea-en/
About Realme
realme is a technology brand officially established on May 4, 2018, by Sky Li. realme aspires to provide products with a comprehensive superior experience for the young, and realme is committed to being a trendsetting technology brand.
It brings consumers products with trendsetting technologies, features and trendsetting experiences that are first applied in the price segment. realme’s global users have reached 40 million and its sales volume of AIoT audio products broke the record of 1 million in 2020.
According to the statistics of Counterpoint global smartphone shipments in Q1 of 2020, the emerging smartphone brand realme still ranks 7th with a year-over-year growth rate of 157% which ranks the first in the world as well. As the world's fastest-growing smartphone brand, realme stands firmly among the mainstream smartphone brands.
Air France And KLM To Resume Passenger Flights To Kenya August 1
Patoranking Releases First Single Off New Album 'Three'
Nigerian afro-dancehall superstar PATORANKING announces his third album, Three, arriving Aug. 28 via his own Amari Musiq imprint and US-based indie powerhouse, EMPIRE.
The project’s lead single “Abule”, a celebration of his Lagos neighborhood, Ebute Metta, and of hoods worldwide premiered today on Beats1 with Ebro, and is out now via all DSPs.
One of contemporary Africa’s most multifaceted artists, PATORANKING is an international reggae star whose dancehall anthems (“Daniella Whine,” “Suh Different”) have resonated from Nigeria to Jamaica.
At the same time, his afropop collaborations with Tiwa Savage (“Girlie O”), Wande Coal (“My Woman, My Everything”) and Diamond Platinumz (“Love You Die”) have made him a continental icon.
He’s extended his influence into North America through partnerships with U.S. labels EMPIRE and VP Records, and touring with hip-hop/soul icon Lauryn Hill. All told, his tracks have generated more than 250 million views on YouTube and over 160 million streams across major DSPs.
From “Odo Bra” with Ghanaian highlife star KING PROMISE to “Whine It” with Kenya’s SAUTI SOL, there’s no shortage of musical diversity on Three.
The project delivers a heavyweight slice of conscious reggae on “Lion in the Jungle” while the tender “Matter” sees PATORANKING reconnect with TIWA SAVAGE, with whom he previously teamed on breakout track, “Girlie O.”
“Three is a strong number,“ PATORANKING says of the album title’s significance. “It stands for how I see language. In making the album, we tried to look at love, life and happiness. If you are listening to any of the tracks, even if it is a dance track, I want you to feel love.”
STREAM PATORANKING’S NEW SINGLE, ‘ABULE’
The release of “Abule” will be supported by several digital initiatives, and a music video dropping Aug. 5, all with the theme of representing and protecting your hood.
PATORANKING is encouraging fans to rep their respective hood/area/zanga/zone/endz by creating custom graphics at repyourabule.com, launching today.
Site visitors enter the name of their community, and upload or choose an existing background image on the site, which they can then instantly download and/or share to social media with the hashtag #repyourabule.
On July 31, PATORANKING joins TikTok’s #SpiritsUp campaign, an initiative by the video-sharing social media platform to support its recent launch in Africa.
At 1pm EST/6pm WAT, he will host a TikTok livestream, including a Q+A and live performance, to launch the #AbuleDanceChallenge, encouraging users to upload videos of themselves dancing to the track.
As part of the partnership, TikTok SA is donating funds for communities across Africa in need of Coronavirus relief.
“I’m proud to be from my abule, Ebute Metta, because to have made it coming from there it’s only by God’s grace,” Patoranking says.
Adding ”It’s made me who I am today and it’s part of my story. So I waste no opportunity to let people know about my ghetto. I feel it’s important through this new song to give my fans a chance to celebrate their own abules.”
In addition to the new project, Patoranking can also be heard on the new version of Bob Marley’s “One Love” alongside Stephen Marley, Skip Marley and other members of the international music community, with all proceeds going to support Unicef’s Covid-19 relief efforts.
He recently created the ALU Patoranking Scholarship, offering 10 fully-paid scholarships for promising students from across Africa to attend the prestigious African Leadership University, and was featured in Forbes Africa’s 30 under 30 class for 2020.
KPA Suppliers Head To Court Over Payments
Four firms are up in arms against the Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] management over pending payments for contractors and suppliers.
The companies accuse KPA management of making payments selectively through the KPA board of directors which is headed by it's chairman Major General (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana.
They are pointing an accusing finger at controversial KPA General Manager Finance Patrick Nyoike who is currently facing graft charges in court..
The companies have moved to court to demand for their payment.
Through Richard Ongegu, an advocate of the high court, under certificate of urgency they said the firms are mainly on contract work.
He said despite the firms having engaged their resources and having completed the awarded tender projects, KPA has declined to pay them.
According to documents from KPA head of litigation and disputes signed on behalf of General Manager board and legal service by John Turasha the acting General Manager Finance, General Manager Infrastructure and development and head of procurement have been asked to provide details of the firms.
The Source Logistics [EA] Limited had won a contract worth Sh 64.2 million but was paid Sh 20.5 million
The firm is demanding the pending amount with 15 per cent inertest.
Outback Investment Limited claims outstanding payment of 71.1 million and wants the full amount with 15 per cent interest.
Grand Logistics Limited is demanding for Sh 72.4 million against an outstanding amount of Sh 248.4 million.
Some of the contractors and suppliers argued their pending payments are not the first but second at the port.
They said they are wondering what the board has got to do with payment of contractors and suppliers arguing no payments can be done without the issuance of a certificate of completion of work done through the inspection committee.
The contractors and suppliers said some of them took loans from banks which want to auction their assets as they cannot service the loan due to non-payment of their dues by the authority.
In his letter the KPA official demanded for more details to able to make a compressive response to the firms’ demands and defend the authority from the suit.
In addition Turasha had asked the heads of departments to avail him with necessary documents in support of the brief for their further action.
He noted in the letter to the heads of departments that all four suits seek for orders for payments of claimed outstanding contractual amount each plus 15 per cent interest.
On his part, KPA Major General (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana said he will follow up the matter and get appropriate answers from those mandated to deal with suppliers and contractors.
Opinion: FKF Members Should Rescue Kenyan Football
By Herbert Mwachiro
FKF Presidential Aspirant
Fair play is central to football. It is the foundation on which the sport is built. Fair play is a complex concept that comprises and embodies a number of fundamental values that are not only integral to sport.
It is relevant in everyday life including fair competition, respect, friendship, team spirit, equality, sport without doping, respect for written and unwritten rules such as integrity, solidarity, tolerance, care, excellence and joy as articulated by the International Fair Play Committee.
For football to flourish in Kenya fair play has to be learnt, experienced, promoted and protected both on and off the field.
Kenya’s football fraternity ensured that Fair Play was one of the key foundations on which Kenya’s football would be built when they passed a new constitution in 2017.
The Constitution of Football Kenya Federation (2017) instructs that the FKF objectives must be carried out, “in the spirit of fair play”, that the FKF must promote “fair play”, and that every person and organization involved in football must “observe the principles of fair play”.
It is disappointing to note that over the last year football in Kenya has been run in a manner that goes completely against all principles of fair play.
Even worse, the FKF is being run currently without a legal mandate and this threatens the future of the beautiful game in Kenya.
The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has cancelled FKF elections twice. (The Sports Disputes Tribunal was formed under the Sports Act 2013 and its main role is to hear and give verdicts on appeals against decisions made by sports teams and other sports bodies in Kenya.)
In December 2019 elections were cancelled over an improper electoral code and an irregularly constituted electoral board.
However, the SDT allowed the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) members to remain in office to facilitate fresh elections.
In March 2020, the SDT was forced to intervene again over discriminatory eligibility rules in the electoral code which had been tailored to fit the incumbent.
This time the SDT felt that the NEC was beyond redemption and ordered them to vacate office and currently as it stands there is NO NEC in office.
Unfortunately, the key victims of all this underhand behaviour are those who make a living from football, such as our footballers, coaches and referees.
That this unsporting behaviour by those who are tasked with protecting the sport happens in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic when our society, health and economy is under stress means we no longer have the luxury of time.
Hunger, health and housing issues threaten the football community in Kenya. FKF Members must act swiftly to save Kenyan football.
The Constitution of the FKF makes it clear that the FKF exists to protect the interests of its Members.
It is clear beyond reasonable doubt that without a NEC in office football operations are limited.
Therefore, it causes that the FKF General Assembly, the supreme and legislative body of FKF, must act swiftly and decisively to protect football.
FKF members must now call a Special General Assembly (SGM) under Article 31 of the FKF Constitution which compels the NEC to convene an SGM, “if more than 50% of the delegates representing the Members of FKF make such a request in writing.”
The agenda of this SGM will be to:
1. Appoint an interim committee to oversight the election process of Kenyan football immediately.
2. The Electoral Board meets with stakeholders to draw up the electoral road map and agree on the electoral code in place. FKF members have the power to clean their own house.
FKF members have a responsibility to all who make a living from football, such as our players, coaches and referees, to put our affairs in order.
FKF Members need to call an SGM as soon as possible. FKF members must return Fair Play to the heart of Kenya football. They owe it to our future generations.
Revealed: How Much Zuchu Charges For A Show
When you are signed under the most successful record label in East Africa then you definitely get a huge amount of money for a show.
Tanzania - based record label Wasafi classic (WCB) is known for investing alot in it's artists, led by award winning music star Diamond Platnumz.
Apart from investing much in branding an artist, WCB is also known for edgy production, quality music, which most turn out to be hits without forgetting commercial success.
Early this month (July) WCB management put together one of the biggest and exquisite concert for their new signee Zuchu, the concert which was held in Daresalaam and attended by several celebrities and government officials.
Sallam SK, one of the top managers at WCB has now come out to reveal how much you will be required to pay in case you are thinking of booking Zuchu for a show.
In an online(Instagram) interaction with one of the WCB fans, Sallaam revealed that they charge Tshs 20,000,000 for a show, for Zuchu, equivalent to over Kshs800,000 .
Sallam also talked about the challenges that come with managing a successful and top artist.
"This particular artist has goals that they want to achieve so its upon the manager to now work hard. Meet the expectations of the artist and make sure that they achieve the goals and be where they want to be"said Sallam.
He further addressed the issues of WCB investing much time and money in their artists.
Salaam charged "You will only get the value and benefit from your product if only you invest and market it very well, so it's just about marketing strategy".
Adasa Releases Yet Another Hit Song 'Mahaba Niuwe'
Mombasa based song bird Esther Mwangala, popularly known as Adasa has yet again hit the airwaves with her latest release Mahaba Niue after her major breakthrough with her song Nipekeche last year.
Mahaba Niue as she shares is a dedication to her fans for the love and acceptance that she received after her release in August last year.
“The reception for Nipekeche was amazing and honestly even beyond my expectations. Because the nature of the song is Swahili I expected the love to come from Mombasa you know and maybe the same pace as the rest but this one blew over especially in Nairobi. So yes I am very grateful for the love and acceptance, and this is my way of showing that I appreciate” She says.
The 22 years old’s music career started when she was in high school at Lutsangani Secondary school but professionally broke through when she became a live performer at Pride Inn Hotel, Mombasa.
“Well I got that job when I was in the safaricom Auditions.I didn't win in the safaricom audition but got a job as a Lady Singer at pride inn"she said
Adding " What inspired me to continue singing was the cry from guest at pride inn paradise wanting my own songs on my YouTube channel so I had to start recording my own singles so I had to split my time, during off days I would go to the studio and that’s how I recorded my first single Niloweshe. And people really loved it so I recorded the second one NOMA and then now Nipekeche this is the song that gave me media tours and a big exposure to the public ,” says the singer signed under Dallaz Music studios.
During a Media tour in Nairobi, Adasa recorded another single Tunaendana and once it was out it easily won the ears of many, both in Kenya and out.
“This song did veeeery well. I really felt very happy because I never expected it. I remember we wrote it for one hour and recorded it the same night. After Tunaendana Corona came and we stopped going to work so I am still pushing while we are at home and all the quarantining manenoz,” she says.
Her inspiration and biggest role model in the Music scene is the talented Nigerian singer Simi.
“Well Simi inspires me a lot from the word go since in high school life I just loved her melody and all that. I want to be an international musician and spread good music all over the world. I want to work with as many big artists as possible the likes of Simi,” She intimates.
Mombasa Actress Neema Sulubu Bereaved, Loses Father
Mombasa based Tv actress and radio presenter Neema sulubu is mourning the death of her father.
He died yesterday in Malindi where he had been receiving treatment.
Family and friends are meeting at the family home in Malindi.
Neema has taken part in several Tv programmes including Moyo and Aziza.
"Nawaza nikiwazua siamini kama leo hii tabasamu lako limekumbwa na uzuni na simanzi.Nasadiki kusema ni huzuni kumpoteza mzazi wako,ila ni kazi ya mola my dear haina makosa.Natambua kua uko katika kipindi kigumu Neema ila sote njia ni hiyo ametutangulia na nyuma yake tutafwata.Pole sana Neema kwa kumpoteza babako mzazi.Mola ailaze roho yake palipo na wema peponi" posted one of her colleagues, Juma Shibe
Harmonize Gets Emotional At Mkapa's Funeral, Tearfully Sings Tribute Song
Harmonize delivered a moving performance at the funeral of former Tanzania president Benjamin Mkapa.
The singer performed his tribute song 'Ameen' during the televised funeral which was attended by top leaders including president John Magufuli. He was so engulfed in emotion and was seen shading tears at the end of the performance.
Veteran taarab singer Khadija Kopa was among his back up singers.
In the song, Harmonize highlights some of the projects and developments that the late leader accomplished in the country.
Mkapa who died last week from malaria, according to his family will be laid to rest today (Wednesday) at his rural home in Mtwara, Harmonize comes from Mtwara too.
Gospel Singer Ali Mukwana Releases New Single 'Maombi Yangu'
Fresh from signing a management contract with Kenya's premier talent agency - Upeo Talent Agency; Gospel singer, songwriter, and worshiper Ali Mukhwana is here with a new video titled "MAOMBI YANGU". The song is now available on YouTube and other digital platforms.
WATCH IT HERE: https://youtu.be/s1xXNLaiDMA
With his husky voice and great songwriting skills, Ali is a true definition of a world-class worship music singer and he never fails to deliver great and timeless songs that appeal to the masses.
“The song Maombi Yangu is my direct prayer to God. It’s a cry for help from us to HIM, for him to listen to our prayers and requests because we are faced by harsh realities of a global pandemic that has killed people, killed the economy and stopped our lives for months now"" says Mukhwana.
Adding "My message is that despite the fact that doctors and scientists have not yet found a cure; we should not lose hope because HE is an able GOD and I truly believe this too shall pass.” – Ali “The Amplifier” Mukhwana
About Ali
Ali “The Amplifier” Mukhwana is an award winning Kenyan gospel singer, songwriter and a worship leader from Nairobi, Kenya. Born in Western Kenya - Kakamega County, present-day Mumias East Constituency in the mid-’80s, Ali is more known for his win in the Exodus to Stardom singing competition which was organized by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation in the year 2011.
As the winner in the competition, he walked away with a brand new Xtrail car worth Kshs 1.8 Million, a one-year recording deal at Lampstand Records and a TV show co-host position at Angaza Show on KBC TV (2012 to 2016).
This win thrust him into the national limelight and his professional music career kicked off with his first song being recorded in the year 2012.
Some of his popular songs include Usinipite and Manukato Ya Sifa in which he has featured 2018 Groove Awards Artiste of the Year Guardian Angel. Ali Mukhwana has been nominated twice and won in Groove Awards editions of 2013 and 2015 and also got nominated in the 2019 and 2020 editions of Maranatha Gospel Music Worship Awards.
