The acclaimed and new ‘The Color Purple’ movie has finally come to East Africa–brought to you by Warner Bros. Pictures International and distributed by Crimson Multimedia Ltd in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia, following a successful American premiere (Dec 25 2023).

A star-studded Kenyan premiere hosted by Pinky Ghelani and themed ‘Women Wear Pants’ took place in Nairobi at Century Cinemax Two Rivers Mall, on Friday.

Prepare to be taken through a roller coaster of emotions and unhinged drama in the astounding masterpiece that gives a bold new take on the beloved classic - American musical and novel.

The period drama movie features celebrated and distinct stars including Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black), Colman Domingo (Passing Strange), Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid), Corey Hawkins (The Walking Dead), Fantasia Barrino (American Idol), H.E.R (Judas and the Black Messiah) and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (The Lion King Broadway).

Kenyan movie and musical lovers can watch ‘The Color Purple’ at several Kenyan Cinemas from Feb 9, 2024. In Nairobi catch the film at Westgate Cinema, Century Cinemax Two Rivers, Century Cinemax Garden City, Century Cinemax Sarit Centre, Century Cinemax The Junction, Motion Cinema Greenspan Mall, Prestige Cinema, Anga Cinema CBD, Anga Cinema Diamond Plaza, Anga Cinema and Panari Centre. In Mombasa watch ‘The Color Purple’ at Nyali Cinemax and if you’re in Eldoret it will be showing at Rupa Cinema Rupa Mall and for those in Kisumu at Mega Cinema Mega Mall.

“We’re excited to bring the film to Cinemas wide across East Africa, and urge audience to watch it on the Big Screen where the visuals, sound and emotions are immersed experience” - Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Managing Director, Crimson Multimedia Ltd 

Upholding the power of strong female friendships in the face of sexism, violence, love, sex, religion and racism; the film based on an epic novel, depicts the growing up and self-realization of an African-American woman between 1909 and 1947 in a town in rural Georgia. Its main character, Celie, survives rape and abuse at the hands of her father and husband and separation from her children and sister to find fulfillment and independence away.

The drama-endowed film directed by Ghanaian filmmaker and artist Blitz the Ambassador a.k.a. Baz Bazawule orbits around the virtue of sisterhood uniquely. It demonstrates how Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable and unshakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood with support from a sultry singer named  Shug Avery, as well as her stand-her-ground stepdaughter. This is after she faces a mountain of hardships in life including separation from her sister and her children, and being in an abusive marriage. 

Early reviews from Kenyan media personalities came in. “It’s a roller coaster of emotions. It would be the best way to sum up my experience watching The Color Purple”, said June Gachui of Capital FM.  Pinky Ghelani said, “ It truly made me cry as a woman and as a mother.” Shiksha Arora of KBC added her view, “The film is emotionally heavy, its themes of resilience and sisterhood resonate profoundly, making it a thought-provoking cinematic & musical experience.”  

Victoria Commercial Bank PLC  are the title partner of the Kenyan premiere of ‘The Color Purple’ hosted by Pinky Ghelani and What Women Want at Century Cinemax Two Rivers Mall. 

Speaking of this collaboration, Chief Business Officer – Assets - Poonam Shah let on… “The Color Purple - beautifully encapsulates narratives of resilience, empowerment, and the triumph of the human spirit. Victoria Commercial Bank PLC, in its resolute support of these principles, is dedicated to championing the cause of women's empowerment. Our partnership serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where women not only succeed but thrive.”

A Technical University of Mombasa (TUM)student has been arrested with 300g of heroine, worth ksh 1.2 million.

The 24 - year -old Killian Makuto Dunda was arrested on Wednesday at his Mshomoroni house, Kisauni sub-county while in possesion of the said substance.

"Found wrapped in a clear polythene bag, the brownish/whitish drug which has an estimated street value of Sh1.2 million was tested on site, turning positive for heroin." reads a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Adding " The exhibit was secured pending further sampling at the government chemist, as the suspect awaits arraignment today."

The student was arrested by Anti-narcotics officers based at the Moi International Airport following an intelligence report.

Trace In the City, a leading cultural and creative education initiative, is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated campus tours.

In an exciting collaboration with the British Council, these tours aim to create enriching opportunities for young people to deepen their understanding of the workings of the cultural and creative industries while fostering knowledge-sharing experiences.

The partnership between Trace Eastern Africa and the British Council underscores a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of creative minds.

The campus tours will provide a unique platform for students to engage with industry experts, participate in masterclasses, and network with professionals in the field.

The objective is to advocate for the creative industries as vital and viable sectors, offering valuable insights into career pathways and opportunities within these dynamic fields.

Speaking about the initiative, Joyce Nzovu, Arts Project Manager Kenya, British Council said: “In collaboration with Trace in the City, the British Council is dedicated to investing in the future by instilling essential skills and supporting the creative economy. We want to provide young individuals with tools to navigate cultural and creative industries, fostering a deeper understanding of career possibilities, contributing to a broader understanding of our impactful work in fostering the arts and promoting employment in the creative sector in the country. "

Key objectives of the campus tours include: Strengthening Understanding: Provide young people with the tools and knowledge to navigate the cultural and creative industries, fostering a deeper comprehension of industry dynamics and career possibilities. Advocacy Through Engagement: Advocate for the creative industries by facilitating masterclasses, networking opportunities, and storytelling through radio and social media campaigns.

These initiatives will highlight the significance and potential of careers in the cultural and creative sectors. Visibility for British Council Arts Programs: Increase the visibility of the British Council's arts programs, opportunities, and platform partners. This collaborative effort will shine a spotlight on the diverse range of initiatives offered by the British Council, contributing to a broader awareness of their impactful work.

The campus tours will kick off at the Technical University of Kenya in Nairobi with a creative industry masterclass spearheaded by John Kaveke, a Kenyan creative whose designs have been known to bring about individualism, strength and artistry.

With over 15 years of expertise in the fashion industry, his stunning masterpieces have graced an international platform of Fashion Week Events in London; United Kingdom, Sarajevo; Bosnia, Lagos & Port Harcourt; Nigeria; Port Louis, Mauritius; Addis Ababa; Ethiopia, Dar es Salam; Tanzania and in Nairobi & Mombasa; Kenya.

Other institutions on the Trace in the City calendar include Egerton university, Mount Kenya University Thika, and Moi university Eldoret.

Each of the 4 campus tours promise to be a transformative experience, shaping the future of aspiring individuals in the cultural and creative sectors. They are each creatively curated to serve as a dynamic platform for students to connect with industry leaders, fostering a supportive ecosystem that encourages creativity and innovation.

Through engaging activities and interactive sessions, participants will gain valuable insights into the inner workings of the creative industries and have the chance to explore potential career paths.

We Cut Keys 2 is the 3rd highly anticipated studio project by Kenyan Producer/Artist and DJ Blinky Bill, who's been pushing the envelope at home and across the globe for a minute now.

Mostly made in Nairobi during the onset of the pandemic, the album continues in the exploratory and experimental nature of the previous projects while tapping into traditional tribal drum sounds, electronic music, hip hop and Jazz. 

The album has a host of impressive features including Ghanaian singer/rapper Fuse ODG, American singer/ rapper GoldLink, Jamaica’s Shauna Fung Yee alongside Kenya’s music legend Maji Maji, rapper Jovie Jovv, jazz trumpeter Owuor Arunga, frequent collaborators of Blinky Bill: Idd Aziz, Muthoni The Drummer Queen and Lisa Oduor Noah, among many others. 

The opening single of the album “Dracula” is an urgent call for the world to unite and ‘Get Up Stand Up’ for their rights. This track shows a signature bounce that overall sonically marks a departure from the previous project ‘Everyone’s Just Winging It And Other Fly Tales’. Second single “Get The Paper” is signature Blinky Bill, a cocktail of Funk, Hip-Hop and Jazz, the visuals for this single are in Blinky’s opinion the highpoint of his visual career. If you have seen his visual journey or heard of it - you know this is a call to rush over to watch the video.

WATCH “GET THAT PAPER” ON YOUTUBE

A chance meeting in Ghana led to Blinky Bill and Fuse ODG (a pioneer of taking Afrobeats to the world) making a party track “Constant K” - where Afrobeats meets Nairobi.

Just before COVID, GoldLink was in Nairobi to perform and a sonic brotherhood of sound was fused between, leading to a bump of a collaboration in “Compare”. 

It took Blinky Bill six years to work on ‘We Cut Keys 2’- a masterpiece mixed by legendary engineer Commissioner Gordon who has won several Grammy awards for his work on Lauryn Hill’s ‘Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, Amy Winehouse’s ‘Frank’ and Damian Marley’s ‘Welcome to Jamrock’. Mastering of this album was left in the more than capable hands of Tony Dawsey who has mixed Jay-Z’s ‘Black Album’, ‘The Blueprint’, Whitney Houston’s ‘My Love Is Your Love’ and Jay Electronica ‘A Written Testimony’ and many more classic albums.

The album is a box of chocolates, made with the listener in mind with the aim of pushing the envelope for the sounds from Africa. Treat yourself to We Cut Keys 2.

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has accused Mombasa ODM leaders of incitement.

Speaking to the media on Monday at Pembe za Ndovu, Miraj accused the ODM politicians of inciting Mombasa residents against the government.

Miraj defended the government on the demolitions of houses in Changamwe.

"Chanagmwe is among the estates that were earmarked for affordable house by the former governor Hassan Joho, it is unfortunate that some politicians led by the Women representative have now decided to play politics with the issue." said Miraj.

Adding "Let us stop inciting our people and playing cheap politics. The residents were given notice earlier and some even vacated before the developer came on site. I condemn the police who used force to remove the people from the houses. As Mombasa residents, we are not going to be left behind in the affordable housing project by the government."

The government on Friday last week carried out a demolition exercise in Changamwe to pave way for the disputed affordable housing project.

The tenants say they had been asked to move into complete affordable housing units, on a deposit of Ksh50,000 and monthly rent of Ksh15,000 which they referred to as expensive.

The legislator also accused the leaders of trying to discriminate Mombasa residents on party lines.

"It is very sad to hear our speaker of the county assembly say that school bursaries should only be given to ODM delegates, shame on you Mr Speaker, this is very wrong" said Miraj.

" You cannot discriminate our Children just because of politics, they all deserve the bursaries. Imagine if President could be taking developement projects to only where there are UDA governors, what would happen." 

On Saturday, during Mombasa ODM delegates meeting, Mombasa county assembly speaker Aharub Khatri said the ODM delegates should be given priority in the issuance of bursaries.

"Let us be honest, we need to plan for our people. When issuing out bursaries and other developement projects we need to give them to our ODM members. It is very sad our people miss the bursaries because they have been issued to other parties" said Khatri.

In an electrifying press conference and cocktail hangout held on Wednesday, January 24th, 2024, 22Bet proudly announced the renewal of the brand ambassador deal with iconic Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones. Simultaneously, the event saw the unveiling of the newest addition to the 22Bet ambassadorial family, the talented and dynamic Nadia Mukami.

Khaligraph Jones, whose association with 22Bet has been marked by mutual success and innovation, expressed his delight at the continued partnership. "Renewing my contract with 22Bet is not just a continuation of a collaboration; it's a testament to the shared vision and excitement we bring to fans. I look forward to another chapter of pushing boundaries and creating memorable experiences together."

Nadia Mukami, the latest entrant into the 22Bet family, exuded enthusiasm at the announcement. "Joining 22Bet as a brand ambassador is an honor and an exciting challenge. I believe in the power of entertainment and sports to connect people, and I am thrilled to be part of a brand that understands and embraces this connection."

General Manager of 22Bet, Joash Ajuoga, expressed his confidence in the renewed partnership with Khaligraph Jones and the addition of Nadia Mukami. "Khaligraph Jones has been an outstanding ambassador for 22Bet, embodying our brand values and connecting with our diverse audience. With Nadia Mukami joining the team, we are confident in the synergy of talent and creativity that will further elevate our brand and engage our users."

Githinji James, Head of Marketing at 22Bet, echoed Joash Ajuoga's sentiments. "We are excited about the fresh energy Nadia Mukami brings to 22Bet. Her influence in the music industry aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing a dynamic and entertaining betting experience. Together with Khaligraph Jones, we are poised to set new standards in the industry."

Bloow CEO Wyre, present at the event, commented on the successful collaboration, stating, "Our partnership with 22Bet has been nothing short of extraordinary. Khaligraph Jones's renewal and the addition of Nadia Mukami reflect the dynamic and innovative spirit of both the brand and the artists. We look forward to creating impactful and memorable experiences for fans in this continued journey."

The press conference and cocktail hangout were a celebration of the thriving collaboration between 22Bet, Khaligraph Jones, and now, Nadia Mukami. Fans can anticipate an array of exciting initiatives, promotions, and exclusive content as the partnership unfolds in the coming months.

Offering an antidote to the January blues and general empirical trepidation that’s all too easy to fall prey to, Ohangla producer and singer Javan MacAjudo returns with “Jend Hera”.

‘Jend Hera’, a Luo word that translates to an abyss of love, is already trending on YouTube with over 40,000 views. It is also trending on TikTok with over 10,000 videos using sound recording.

Javan is not only a singer but a producer who has worked with various artists including but not limited to Prince Indah on the song ‘Te Amo’, Aqeeno Chogo, Koffi Macadory, Kaka Talanta, Eddah Ayon, and many more.

Having wrapped up 2023 with chart-topping productions from Zacky Jaimbo and Eddah, plus his first-ever award for Best Music Producer at the annual Marwa Awards, Javan’s attacking the new year with some fire in his belly. If he required an elixir, it sounds like it’s done the trick.

He is currently the most sought-after Ohangla musician and producer, from gracing major events in the country to producing chart-topping songs. Javan’s energy, delivery, and storytelling contribute to his song's overall replay value.

MacAjudo has been doing music for over a decade now and this is just a reintroduction for a self-proclaimed Ohangla genius who is doing it his own way.

His delivery and lyrical fortitude allow his listeners to move their feet to his sound even if they can’t relate to selling a brick or ducking the police.

His vocals are tender yet injected with soulful depth and vulnerability, amplifying the emotional resonance of the song.

Watch ‘Jend Hera’ produced and performed by Javan MacAjudo below:

https://youtu.be/_xR6ySqs0BQ?si=nc8vNXmnY6TzcC7E 

Eight former and current officials of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have bee charged with alleged fraud involving a sh 62 million tender. 

The eight represented by lawyer Jared Magolo were presented before Mombasa Chief magistrate Alex Ithuku and denied the charges leveled against them by the director of public prosecutions

They were charged with 10 counts including fraudulent acquisition of public property, conflict of interest , money laundering, obtaining contract from a public institution by false pretence, forgery, and uttering false documents among others.

According to the charge sheet, between April 2, 2014, and June 2, 2015, the officials interfered with tender number KPA/036/2014-15/CE-for building works that was reserved for the disadvantaged group for Sh62,732,772.74.

Rose Cherotich  an  Account signatory of Chemiso East Africa, Robert Bosuben a Senior Clerical Officer at the Civil Engineering Department, Idd Arube an agent of Chemiso East Africa and Yobesh Oyaro – Former Head of Procurement and Supplies, Norah Mugambi - Member of the Evaluation Committee were released with sh 2 million bond and one surety or alternative cash bail of sh 500,000.

Others are Athanase Wambari a Member of the Evaluation Committee at  KPA, Azenath Kwamboka Mageto - Agent of Chemiso East Africa and David Angwenyi Member of the Evaluation Committee, KPA were released on a sh 1 Million bond or sh 100,000 cash bail.

Oyaro is accused that between April 2, 2014, and June 2, 2015, at KPA, being Head of Procurement and Supplies, failed to comply with the law relating to procurement.

He failed to ensure that a contract was in place before the issuance of purchase and service orders concerning the tender for building works reserved for people with disability.

They used a disability card bearing a name purporting it to be a genuine card from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.

Bosuben, Cherotich and Mageto are accused of jointly and knowingly engaging in an arrangement in connection with Sh62,732,772.74 received with respect to tender number KPA/036/2014-15/CE.

The court heard that they used some local bank account numbers to conceal the source of the said amount whilst having reason to believe that the said monies are proceeds of crime.

Bosuben and Nanyang are also accused of fraudulently registering a business under a government portal, a fact you knew or believed to be false.

They are accused of fraudulently misrepresenting facts to influence the award of tender.

The ninth suspect, David Arika, has since retired and the prosecution could not reach him in time, however ,he will be summoned to appear in court on February 9.

The matter as directed by magistrate Alex Ithuku will be heard on February 2,after all the evidence statements are presented to the court.

They were arrested on Tuesday night by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives based in Mombasa.

The Ministry of Education has warned politicians against discriminating students based on their parents voting location.

Education PS Belio Kipsang regretted that some students have  been denied bursaries and scholarships because of their parents voting location.

Speaking in Mombasa during a meeting with education stakeholders , PS Kipsang called on politicians to treat the students equal with no discrimination.

"Our Children are not voters, our Children do not vote and therefore there should be no reason why one would want to use the pattern of voting to disadvantage our Children." said Kipsang

Adding "The focus is on the child a nd not the parent. Nobody should use that to disadvantage our children. The bursaries are for our Children so let us not punish them for what they don't  know. Our Children are non aligned to all issues concerning their parents"

PS Kipsang also revealed that the ministry is revamping the Jomo Kenyatta foundation to co-ordinate all the bursary and scholarship programmes in the country.

Kipsang noted "The foundation will build a data base of all beneficiaries so there is no double dipping, a Child does not benefit from the scholarships, bursaries and Elimu bursaries. With the empowerment of the foundation we shall ensure that going into the future issues of bursaries and scholarships are concluded early enough before students report to school "

His sentiments comes amid concerns from parents after their Children fail to secure bursaries from Mps and governors due to their voting patterns and exact areas where they have registered as voters.

The PS further condemned the recent actions of headteachers being attacked by parents.

"We shall ensure the security and safety of our public servants is guaranteed. We are not going to allow any form of violence towards public servants. However we are also not going to protect any incompetence especially from our teachers" said Kipsang.