Musician Jackson Ngechu Kimotho Makini commonly known as Prezzo has decided to join the murky waters of politics.

The 'My Gal' hitmaker will be vying  for the Kibra parliamentary by-election seat on a Wiper ticket.

Prezzo was unveiled by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at the party’s headquarters today.

Over the weekend Prezzo attended the same church service with Kalonzo Musyoka in Nairobi.

He will be battling out with ODM's Bernard Otieno Okoth 'Imran' who is also the brother to the late area Mp Ken Okoth, ANC's Eliud Owalo, footballer McDonald Mariga (Jubilee) among other candidates.

Prezzo becomes the latest Kenyan artist to join politics after Charles Njagua 'Jaguar' who won the Starehe Parliamentary seat in the last election.

Last week Friday (September 6) Africa and the world at large woke up to the news of the death of former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.

Mugabe died at a hospital in Singapore aged 95. Several leaders came out to mourn his death with the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta ordering the national flag be flown at half mast.

Among those who had the opportunity of meeting Mugabe during his days is Mombasa businesman and politician Suleiman Shahbal who has since shared his recount with the leader.

Below is the recount

In 1996, I met President Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe. He had the demeanor of a headmaster and spoke with a clipped English accent that reminded one of Africans who had lived too long in England. He asked me what I thought of Zimbabwe.

I told him Harare reminded me of Nairobi of the early 1980s when the city was still green and less congested. He asked me what I thought of the land reforms that he was implementing. Zimbabwe was already turning chaotic and the economy was already heading towards the precipice. "Your Excellency, I think it’s the right thing to do, but it could have been done better," I answered. I referred to our own experience with land reforms in Kenya.

"Young man, (he repeatedly referred to me as young man), we fought for independence. Twenty thousand of our people died in the bush. Many of us were jailed for years and our families faced untold miseries. Independence is not having a flag. Independence is having our own land and deciding our own destiny. At independence the British government asked us to wait for 10 years to solve the land issue. I was very unhappy but agreed reluctantly. They promised to help buy out the white farmers.

"After 10 years Margaret Thatcher basically told me she would not honour her government's promise and said it should be a willing buyer-willing-seller arrangement. Young man, do you know that 4,625 white farmers own 80 per cent of the arable land of Zimbabwe? Do you know that they actually farm only 40 per cent of that land? Meanwhile Zimbabweans still have no land?"

The figures shocked me into silence.

I countered back that there was no need to kill white farmers. "Young man," he continued, "since the land acquisitions started, only six farmers have been killed. It’s very sad and unfortunate. I subscribe to the Farmers Almanac (periodical) from South Africa and every month at least 15 white farmers are murdered in South Africa."

He insisted that he had to do what he did because future generations would never forgive him if he did not get back the land for his people. "The blood of 20,000 heroes call out to me for action. I had to do it."

He argued that Zimbabwe was being punished, not because of what he did, but as a warning to South Africa where the problem is even much larger. "If Zimbabwe is successful, then the South Africans will have to follow suit and take over the white farms. Zimbabwe has to be sacrificed to ensure that South African white farms are not taken over."

Of course Mugabe was right. If he had not forced the issue, Zimbabweans would still not own their land. Because Zimbabwe became such a mess, Nelson Mandela and his men ended up accepting so many political and economic compromises that to date the land issue has not been solved.

No wonder Julius Malema and his Economic Freedom Party are rising in popularity. Zimbabwe has paid the price for the compromises that Mandela was forced to accept. There is a sense that the political freedom of South Africa did not bring the desired economic changes that the proletariat wanted and expected.

The xenophobia that we see today is the poor hitting back at other Africans who they feel have "stolen" their opportunities. When a whole generation feels it has no hope, then they start hitting out at any perceived enemy. Let this be a warning to us too, in Kenya, when thousands of graduates lose hope in finding jobs and a future.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Mugabe, the former school teacher, improved the education of his people so much that today Zimbabweans are among the most educated people in Africa. They work as professionals all over the world.

However, Mugabe the freedom fighter became the repressive tyrant. He jailed his compatriots like Joshua Nkomo, sent in troops to violently sort out the Ndebele tribe. The land reforms became land grabs for his closest supporters. Sanctions led to massive corruption and economic mismanagement that finally destroyed that beautiful country.

Mugabe, despite all the problems that he created, still managed to win election after election – assisted by some creative accounting. Truthfully, despite the rising opposition in the urban areas, Mugabe remained a popular figure in Zimbabwe.

Men have lost kingdoms because of the women they love. Mugabe did the unpardonable sin of allowing bedroom politics into national politics. Perhaps had his wife Grace Mugabe not involved herself in succession politics, Mugabe might have died a president.

Today, as we wait for the hero’s burial, let us recall Shakespeare’s famous words from Julius Caesar: “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them, the good is often interred with their bones. So let it be with Caesar”.

Unfortunately, as we bury Mugabe, we will remember the evil he left behind. Let us as Africans try to remember the good that he did too.

Back to tell another classic story, multi award-winning Hip-Hop artist, Songwriter and Producer, K.O and Nandi Madida are getting ready to release a sweet love song titled Say U Will.

Five years ago, fans and music lovers alike were treated to K.O and Nandi Madida’s charismatic collaborative effort in the form of Skhanda Love, this year we see them joining forces yet again to bring us their highly sought-after follow-up in Say U Will. 

The song is a classic love story between 2 lovebirds declaring their love and commitment to each other.

If early reviews are anything to go by, the song is set to be yet another winner over this year’s wedding season.

Say U Will carries a similar music theme, classic rap verses; and a melodious Afro RnB chorus.

The new single beautifully paints a forever love and tells the story of always choosing love and each other time and time again.

K.O had this to say about creating Say U Will and working with Nandi Madida again “Working on this song was really very special and purely organic. We wanted to recreate a classic and continue on from the story told on Skhanda Love"

Adding "Once again, the Magic came together naturally between Nandi and I; I am truly excited to share this song with the world and show off Skhanda like never before.”

Listen the song below..

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced that the first berth of  the new Lamu Port will be opened in October. 

The President who expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing construction works at the seaport said the mega project will create the much needed jobs for Kenyan youth.

"Since I was here last year, it is true you've worked hard. Very soon, next month, we will be here to open the first berth which I am told you will have completed," the President announced. 

"We will launch by seeing a ship dock here to offload cargo. Offloading of cargo will be the beginning of jobs not just for you alone but also for the youth of Lamu and the entire Kenya," he told hundreds of workers who gathered to welcome him. 

The President further announced that plans are underway to start the construction of a crude oil pipeline from the Turkana oilfields to the new port. 

"Very soon we will start the construction of a pipeline to get oil from Turkana and bring it to this port," President Kenyatta said. 

He asked the workers to remain vigilant and to continue working closely with security agencies in averting terrorist threats. 

On the ongoing road projects in the region, the President said the intention is not only to enhance national connectivity but also to attract investors to the new port and the region. 

On his way to inspect the 200km Mokowe to Garsen Road, which is currently under construction, the President made a brief stopover on the link road connecting the port and the new road. 

He expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of ongoing construction works and encouraged the contractor to ensure that the project is delivered within the agreed timeframe. 

At Hindi town, the President, who was accompanied by area MP Stanley Muthama and Lamu Woman MP Ruweida Obbo, cautioned residents against divisive politics and urged them to continue living together in peace and harmony. 

He said his government was implementing development projects across the country adding that development will help the country rid itself of poverty. 

President Kenyatta said the new Lamu Port, the tarmacking of the Mokowe to Garsen Road and the ongoing distribution of electricity are government projects aimed at creating new employment opportunities by attracting investors to the area. 

"If we have the port, have the road and have electricity, isn't that an expansion of Lamu? Isn't that employment for the youth?" the President posed. 

"Those who will come to collect their cargo, those who will come to set up their factories will create jobs for our youth. That's how we want to see our Kenya moving forward," he continued. 

The President said plans are underway to build a national secondary school in the county so as to give children from Lamu an opportunity to excel just like children from the rest of the country. 

The President who is on a working tour of the Coast was accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe and Coast Regional Coordinator John Elungata. 

It is definitely a good time for budding artists like Gabiro Mtu Necessary to be singing and churning out hit after hit every now and then because the industry is no longer deceiving.

Coming from Kisumu city, Gabiro has always proven to be one fresh and clean gem among the rest by always going a step ahead to the top in one way or the other as seen recently when he threw a shot at Nigerian and Mavin Records superstar to check out his new song ‘Kus Kus’.

Apparently he got Korede’s attention and the response to his tweet is what made Gabiro grow his YouTube video from 2.2k views to 4.1k views and still counting. In his tweet the self-proclaimed Kisumu president says

Quoted tweet: https://twitter.com/koredebello/status/1170095630271811586

In the song, Gabiro's charming lyrical prowess is the star of the show, always delivered without a hint of strain.

Lyrically, Gabiro mines a personal mood for inspiration, but contrasts the somber subject matter with a light and breezy delivery that will make you forget your worries in an instant — as long as you don't listen too closely to the lyrics.

Equally, the Crizo Mzeyah visuals emphasise the simplicity, mixing in footage of random dancers with a hood-looking Gabiro and some imagery to maintain those contrasting themes.

Fronted by a captivating whistle melody and pulsating dancehal beat, "Kus Kus" puts forth a dominating sound from Gabiro. Full of charismatic verses and a fierce, brassy dance break that leads into the chanting choral refrain of "rata tat tudum,” he spends the track confidently expressing feelings of joy and rejoicing.

For years Gabiro has proven to us the power of social media collaboration and good will as seen many at times when he used social media to win a cause.

Watch ‘Kus Kus’ video below:

https://youtu.be/jOSl2TY2hGU

President Uhuru Kenyatta today made an extensive tour of several development projects in parts of Kwale County.

The President who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Samson Mwathethe visited the Shimoni fish landing site which the government through the Kenya Ports Authority is in the process of upgrading into a modern fishing port.

The upgrading of the fish landing site into a fully operational port complete with cold storage facilities, new modern offices for the various state agencies and berths for light cargo vessels will be complete within eight months at a cost Shs 500 million.

Speaking to residents of the small fishing town, the President said the fishing port and supporting infrastructure will help spur economic activities in the area.

He said that as part of efforts to ensure that the local community benefits from the fishing port, the government will sponsor 150 youth from the area to attend coxswain training at the newly established Bandari Maritime Academy.

From Shimoni, the Head of State proceeded to Kibuyuni town where he inspected the ongoing construction of a 200 tonne per day fish processing factory by a Chinese investor.

Once complete, the factory will directly employ 500 Kenyans from the area and provide a ready market for hundreds of fishermen from Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Somalia and Madagascar.

While in Kibuyuni, the President also visited the Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers factory, a project by a local women group.

The government supported group is engaged in the commercial cultivation and export of seaweed as well as the processing of the crop to make soap.

The President assured area residents, who largely depend on sea fishing for their livelihood, that the government is working on resolving the challenge of illegal fishing so as to enable them earn more for their trade.

After Kibuyuni, the Head of State flew to Vigurungani in Kinango Constituency where he inspected the ongoing construction of the road from Samburu through Kinango to Kwale.

The Samburu to Kinango section of the road is now 78 percent complete with roadworks on the segment expected to be complete by December this year.

Once complete, the road will open up the southern region of the coastal belt to more trade investments.

The President asked the contractor to speed up the works while ensuring that the agreed timelines and quality standards are strictly adhered to.

After visiting the road project, the President made a surprise appearance at the homecoming ceremony of Principal Secretary Safina Kwekwe at the nearby Mwangoni Primary School grounds.

While addressing thousands of enthusiastic residents of the area, the President said PS Kwekwe has distinguished herself as a diligent public servant.

The President, who promised an upgrade of the primary school at a cost of Shs 11 million, challenged young girls from the area to emulate PS Kwekwe and all other eminent Kenyan women leaders whom he termed as trailblazers.

"You young girls I see here, please put more effort in your education. Please see how you can go beyond being a Cabinet Secretary and become the first Woman President," President Kenyatta said.

The African princess, Nandy has team up with Kenyan all boy band Sauti Sol in her latest release dubbed "Kiza Kinene'.

The release comes just days after she dropped another collabo with her ex boyfriend BillNas.

Watch the video below.

President Uhuru Kenyatta today at State House, Mombasa met and rewarded members of the legendary Mwakigwena Choir Group from Gombatu in Kwale County.

The group which is famous for its patriotic songs started out as a school choir in the late 1970's under the tutelage of music teacher and composer Enock Ondego and would often be invited to entertain guests during State functions.

The group was particularly loved by Kenya's founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and many of the country's freedom heroes for its patriotic music.

The President thanked the group for its immense contribution to the country's rich heritage through their music and said his administration will continue supporting national heroes whose selfless service has helped shape the nation.

“We are here to honour you as part of those who are the foundation of this country. And we will continue with the same spirit not only to you but also all other heroes and those who have done their part in building that foundation of which ultimately we will leave to our children to build upon so as to have a home called Kenya,” President Kenyatta told the musicians.

The President said a country that forgets its history is bound to have serious challenges because its citizens tend to take most of its milestones for granted.

“Any country which forgets its history is a weak nation. A nation where people have no point of reference to the past experiences and challenges is a nation whose people have no goodwill to  value its heritage,” the President said.

The Head of State said the government will continue to honour its heroes for the roles they played in shaping the nation and that the nation will never forget the sacrifices they made.

“Whatever you did while young, we shall never forget. We are here today to remember all that you did as children and what you did for this country has continued to be cherished, even today some of your songs are still being sang,” the President said.

Wimbo huu ni Wimbo wa Historia and Kenya ni nchi ya ajabu are some of the songs that made the group a national sensation and continues to be a reference point of Kenya's struggle for independence from British colonialism.

As part of the government's reward, each of the 14 members of the group has been allocated three acres of land at the Bunguni Settlement Scheme in Kwale County.

For the ailing Mwalimu Ondego, the President said the government will take care of his treatment costs.

Mwanakombo Gwerenya, the chairlady of the group thanked the President for his continued support to the choir saying the team would like to be given an opportunity to perform at any of the country’s national holiday celebrations.

“Your Excellency we thank you for whatever you have done for us. We kindly request that we be given an opportunity to promote our talent by performing in any of the national holidays,” said Ms Gwerenya.

On his part Ondego thanked the President for the transformative development agenda his government is undertaking saying Kenyans will forever be grateful for his visionary leadership.

“I thank you so much for the great things you are doing for our country. Whatever you have done in Kilindini is great, and indeed people will never forget your good deeds,” the veteran choir trainer said.

Present during the meeting were Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja, Lands CAS Gideon Mung'aro, Lands PS Dr Nicholas Muraguri among other senior government officials.

Ends..

President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged Coast leaders to unite and work closely with each other so as to achieve faster development in the region.

The President advised the leaders to have a broader and more long-term view of development saying the focus should be on projects that benefit more people through wealth and employment creation.

The President who spoke at State House, Mombasa when he hosted elected leaders from the region told the leaders to always put the interests of wananchi ahead of all other partisan considerations.

“Let us find solutions to our challenges, there can be nothing which is impossible if we unite,” President Kenyatta told the leaders who included all Governors from the 6 coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Kwale and Tana River.

The President said time had come for leaders to think of how they would like to remembered by current and future generations.

“We must look at our history as a country and as a region, and ask ourselves can our people as Kenyans continue to sustain politics of division, politics of hate, politics of backstabbing and still believe that we are going to be a middle income country by 2030? Is it possible?” President Kenyatta posed.

The Head of State cautioned the leaders against divisive politics saying leadership is a God given opportunity to serve all Kenyans irrespective of their stations in life.

On development, the President outlined the various mega projects being implemented by his administration in the region adding that the government will ensure all ongoing roads, water and other infrastructure developments are completed.

He said the projects such the various roads, the Dongo Kundu SEZ and the Port of Lamu are aimed at opening up the region to more investments.

President Kenyatta reiterated that the handshake between him and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was aimed at uniting all Kenyans so as to take the country's development agenda a notch higher.

“The essence of the handshake is not about who shall be where and who shall have what position but how can we as Kenyans together not live in the past but learn from it," the President told the leaders.

“We need not plan for today but live in it and plan for the future because that is what we can give as a gift to this country,” said the President.

All the leaders who spoke at the consultative meeting among them Governors Ali Hassan Joho (Mombasa),  Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Amason Kingi (Kilifi), Dhadho Godhana (Tana River), Fahim Twaha (Lamu) and Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta) said they supported the President's development agenda as espoused in the Big 4 blueprint.

The Coast political leaders thanked the President for the various development projects implemented by the government saying the transformative interventions are changing the economic fortunes of the region.

“Your Excellency I want to first of all assure you we are walking with you in the journey of transforming this country of ours because after all this country belongs to all of us,” Governor Joho said.

“And for those that God has given the opportunity to be in leadership like ourselves whatever we do we put first considerations of the future generations,” he added.

Tourism CS Najib Balala, Lands CAS Gideon Mung'aro, Devolution CAS Hussein Dado and Lands PS Nicholas Muraguri also attended the State House, Mombasa meeting.

East Africa – Nigerian-born artist Tiwa Savage – widely regarded as the Queen of Afrobeats – has released her new single, “49-99,” via Motown Records. Download / stream “49-99” HERE   https://TiwaSavage.lnk.to/4999

Since signing her deal international deal with Universal Music Group the explosive track will be her first release with Motown Records who serves as her US label.

Ethiopia Habtemariam, President of Motown Records and EVP of Capitol Music Group, said, “We are beyond excited to work with Tiwa Savage, one of Africa’s most talented and prolific singer-songwriters of this generation. She has been at the forefront of creating music from the continent that connects people from around the globe”

Savage recently recorded “Keys to the Kingdom,” a song that she co-wrote for the soundtrack The Lion King: The Gift after being hand-picked to do so by Beyoncé. 2018 was a remarkable year all-around for her.

She was named Best African Act at the MTV European Music Awards, making history as the first female to win the award. She was handpicked by Coldplay’s Chris Martin to perform alongside Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran and JAY Z live at the Global Citizen Festival to an 70,000 strong audience and millions across the globe.

Savage’s fearlessness in combining a unique fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, soul and pop paid off, earning her an abundance of award nominations including four Channel O Music Video Awards nominations, five World Music Award nominations, two Headies nominations, MTV Africa Music, BET & MOBO Award nominations and many more.

While utterly infectious, “49-99” makes a powerful statement about poverty.

Tiwa Savage explains, “‘49-99’ is a term coined from the hard life many Nigerians go through. A transit bus serves as a case study. It ought to have only 49 seated passengers, however due to poor economic conditions, we often have nearly twice that number of passengers standing (99).”

The U.S. edition of Vogue hailed her as one of the Most Inspirational Women, in December 2018, British Vogue singled her out as one of 10 women that are changing the face of music globally.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Savage first sang back-up vocals for the late George Michael, and later graduated from the esteemed Berklee College of Music. After moving to Los Angeles, she racked up studio sessions with Frank Ocean, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Fantasia, and more.

Motivated by the lack of female superstars in her home country, she moved back to Nigeria and began focusing on her own music.

Savage earned critical acclaim with her debut album, Once Upon a Time. Her sophomore album, R.E.D., and the EP Sugarcane – which included The Spellz-produced club hit “Ma lo” featuring Wizkid – followed in 2017.

Essence and honoree Erykah Badu chose Savage to perform at their annual Black Women in Music event during Grammy week.

Savage released a string of mega hits, including “Mr Lova Lova” ft Duncan Mighty, “Diet” and “Tiwa’s Vibe.”

Each claimed the No. 1 spot on charts across Africa, affirming her position as one of Afrobeats leading artists.

Throughout her career, Savage has been active in her philanthropic endeavors, supporting youth engagement organizations which  particularly highlight issues affecting young girls in Africa. Through her work with the MTV series “Shuga,” Savage aims to share further knowledge of HIV/ AIDS prevention and awareness within the continent.

One of Africa’s most followed women on social media, she was the first African female to serve as an ambassador for Pepsi. She has also represented Nike and other leading global brands.

Of “49-99”, Savage goes on to say, “The song encourages the young to put down the sense of inheritance and work for what they desire in life, for a better tomorrow”.

Adding “ We can’t sit on our old glories and expect things to change for the better. ‘49-99’ also addresses some political leaders who, instead of focusing on the growth of a nation, are there just for the money and having affairs with underage girls – while the citizenry is hustling hard to make a daily living.”

Ezegozie Eze, General Manager of Universal Music Group Nigeria added, “As an authentic Nigerian artist, we are thrilled to see Tiwa soar in this way. Her global partnership with Universal Music Group is another win for her hugely successful career and for African artists as a whole”.

Savage tells her unique story in this video, filmed at Universal Music Group earlier this year.