Undoubtedly one of East Africa’s most revered hip-hop artists, King Kaka, has officially unveiled his much-anticipated Extended Play (EP) titled "Rhymebook ya nutcase" on 22nd October.

This comes as exciting news to hip-hop enthusiasts and King Kaka fans across the continent and the global diaspora.

The "Rhymebook ya nutcase" EP showcases King Kaka’s unparalleled lyrical prowess and commitment to pushing the boundaries of East African hip-hop.

With tracks that span from introspective musings to hard-hitting anthems, the new EP promises to be a timeless addition to King Kaka's already impressive discography.

The rapper marked the milestone with an exclusive listening party at the Snowball Studios on October 19th. During the party King Kaka offered a glimpse into his new EP, he opened the door to his creative process, sharing insights, inspirations, and stories behind his songs.

Attendees had the privilege of not only witnessing but also participating in the creative journey, forging a connection that went beyond the typical artist-fan relationship.

“Rhymebook Ya Nutcase” features a remarkable lineup of artists like Prezzo, Masauti, Pascal Tokodi, Halisi the Band, Ruguru, and Jadi, and is set to excite music enthusiasts.

“With 'Rhymebook ya nutcase', I wanted to delve deeper into stories that resonate with my fans, and at the same time, challenge myself creatively,” shared King Kaka. "This EP is a reflection of my journey, my thoughts, and the vibrant energy of Nairobi's streets."

Early reviews from music critics hint at "Rhymebook ya nutcase" being a contender for East African EP of the year, citing its impeccable production quality, lyrical depth, and the sheer magnetism of King Kaka’s performance.

Davido took home the prizes for Best Male, and shared Best Collaboration with South Africa’s Musa Keys for “Unavailable”. Rema scored in the Global African Artist, and Song of the Year categories, with “Calm Down”.  “Love Damini” by Burna Boy scored the prize for Best Album and Vivian Chidid received the plaudits for Best Female.

The Best Artist - East Africa was won by Diamond Platnumz, while Rwandan local hero Bruce Melodie triumphed in the Best Rwandan Artist category.

Didi B took home the silverware for Ivory Coast as Best Artist Africa - Francophone, while his fellow countrymen KS Bloom and Tam Sir scored in the Best Gospel Artist, and Best Producer categories, respectively.

Lisandro Cuxi was named Best Artist Africa - Lusophone.

Recognising his long and storied music career, Nigeria’s 2Face took home the prize for Lifetime Achievement.

Rutshelle Guillance was named as Best Artist - Caribbean, while Goulam triumphed as Best Artist - Indian Ocean, and Dystinct won Best Artist - North Africa. Yemi Alade’s hit “Baddie” took home the prize for Best Video.

Music maker and entrepreneur, Mr Eazi, took home a special ChangeMarker award for his philanthropic work.

Looking further north, British rapper Central Cee triumphed as Best Artist - UK, while Tayc took home the trophy for Best Artist - France & Belgium.  Ludmilla was awarded the trophy for Best Artist - Brazil, and Michael Brun from Haitia was named Best DJi.  

Competing in 26 award categories were Africa and Afro-inspired artists from more than thirty countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and Europe. For a full list of the winners of the Trace Awards please click here.

Olivier Laouchez, Chairman and Co-Founder of Trace, commented, “Tonight has been a triumphant demonstration of the power and creativity of African and African-origin artists.  All the nominees and performers at the Trace Awards underlined exactly why African contemporary music has become a global phenomenon. We congratulate all the nominees, winners and performers for their achievements and for demonstrating their talent, imagination and creativity to a global audience.”

On the night, the BK Arena throbbed to contemporary rhythms and vibes from across Africa and the African diaspora. Highlights of the main show including collaborations between artists of different nationalities and music genres.

Fronted by Afrobeat legend D’Banj and Angolan supermodel Maria Borges, the Trace Awards featured performances and collaborations from 50+ stars, melding Afrobeat with Bongo Flava, Coupé Decalé,  Soukouss, Rap, Rai, Gospel and more.  Performers included Diamond Platnumz, (Tanzania), Davido (Nigeria), Bamby (French Guiana), Benjamin Dube (South Africa), Blxckie (South Africa), Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), Bwiza (Rwanda), Didi B (Ivory Coast), Dystinct (Morocco), Janet Otieno (Kenya), Josey (Ivory Coast), Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde), Locko (Cameroon), Perola (Angola), Plutonio (Mozambique), Princess Lover (Martinique), Ronisia (France), Rutshelle Guillaume (Haïti), Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde), Terrell Elymoor (Mayotte), The Compozers (Ghana), Viviane Chidid (Senegal), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Mr Eazi (Nigeria), Azawi (Uganda), BNXN (Nigeria), Camidoh (Ghana), Chriss Eazy (Rwanda), Danni Gatto (Cape Verde), DJ Illans (Reunion), Donovan BTS (Mauritius), Emma’a (Gabon), Gaei (Madagascar), Gerilson Insrael (Angola), Goulam (The Comores), Kader Japonais (Algeria), Krys M (Cameroon), K.O (South Africa), KS Bloom (Ivory Coast), Levixone (Uganda), Mik’l (Réunion), Moses Bliss (Nigeria), Musa Keys (South Africa), Nadia Mukami (Kenya), Segael (Réunion), Jux (Tanzania) and Zuchu (Tanzania).

Global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker, Trace staged the first ever Trace Awards to mark its 20th anniversary, and celebrate the creativity, talent and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists. The Awards showcased the excellence and diversity of Afro-centric music in genres such as Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Rai, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba.

Targeted at lovers of African and Afro-inspired music and culture, the Trace Awards broadcasted live on 21 October 2023 on Trace TV channels, radio and digital channels and on global streaming platforms, national terrestrial TV and satellite channels. A 90 minutes highlights show will air on Trace channels and partner TV stations and platforms from 28 October.  The Trace Awards is presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell.

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC)has set plans to enhance digital transformation in it’s radio stations.

According to KBC ICT project management lead Silas Kiragu a pilot project on digitalization of sales revenue collection has already been completed at Pwani Fm.

“What we are aiming to achieve is to ensure that there is accountability and efficiency in automating booking of sales, scheduling in the daily programming of our various radio stations, for the purpose of reconciling and billing to our clients.” said Kiragu.

Adding “At a click of a button we will be able to see how much the radio stations have sold in terms of advertisement in a day, week, month or year. We have already installed this new system at Pwani fm and we believe this system will bring changes to the corporation in terms of enhancing revenue collection”.

Kiragu who was recently selected to the Media Council of Kenya technical working committee on development of media guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence revealed that the other stations that will also benefit from the new system are Iftin fm, Ngemi fm, Mwago fm, Kitwek fm and the Eastern services (Rendile, Burji, Turkana and Samburu).

On his part the Chief Data Base Administrator Timothy Toroitoch noted “The government gave a directive that services should be digitalized by December and it is where we are heading to. Our services including commercial sales, signet, co-siting, studio mashinani will be available on E- Citizen”

Mombasa residents residing in flood-prone areas have been advised to vacate as early as possible before the onset of El Nino rains.

Speaking to the press at the Governor's office on Thursday afternoon, Mombasa County Secretary Jeizan Faruk urged the residents to cooperate to avoid tragedies resulting from floods.

Faruk revealed that the county has already set up an emergency centre at the Inspectorate headquarters in Tudor and toll free lines to report any incidents.

"Our humble appeal to the residents living in the usual flood prone areas is to please vacate the areas and find safer places, this is for your own good. we do not have to deal with emergencies such as saving lives or even tragedies of losing lives." said Faruk.

Faruk said the county government has already identified the high risk areas and is in the process of coming up with mitigation measures.

Faruk charged "We are working round to the clock to ensure that our county does not experience any disaster or caught off-guard."

The Meteorological Department had announced that the country will receive El Nino from October to December 2023, urging the public to prepare adequately. 

Speaking at the same time the County Transport Executive Member Dan Manyala said they have already started unclogging drainage systems especially in the mainland in preparation for the rains.

"If you go areas like Railways and Mainland we have already unclogged the drainage systems and we are still in the process of unclogging the other drainage systems in different areas of the county" said Manayala.

The Kenya National Muslims Advisory Council (KEMNAC) has condemned the Monday Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza which killed hundreds and injured many others.

Addressing members of the press in Mombasa, KEMNAC Chairman Juma Ngao called for the protection of civilians accussing Israel of 'war crime'.

Ngao also called on the international community to join efforts to stop the violence as soon as possible, respect international humanitarian law, and work to de-escalate the situation.

"This is a place where people were going to seek refuge and medical care, why would someone think of attacking such a place. This is insane," said Ngao.

Adding " Majority of these people who are being killed are Children, Women and the elderly, people who cannot even defend themselves."

The majority of victims in the hospital were displaced individuals seeking shelter from Israeli aggression in the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in central Gaza after the Israeli military destroyed their homes, the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reported.

Ngao challenged the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to act on those behind the attacks and deaths of civilians in Gaza.

Ngao argued "If indeed UN is truly after law and order then this is the right time that they should prove to us that is their main agenda. Where is ICC? we expect them by now to have issued warrant of arrests against those leaders and individuals who are behind all these killings, the likes of Israel Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister."

Ngao called for a ceasefire from both Israel and Hamas.

"This is now too much. We have in the past few days witness what it means not having peace. Let all this madness come to an end. Both sides should now stop the war."

He further blamed other Muslim countries of 'neglecting' Palestine during this time.

"Where are the leaders of other Muslim countries? Why are they not saying anything. Let them come out and stand with their own" noted Nago.

The Palestinian death toll has reached around 3,000 since Israel began its intense attacks on Gaza on October 7.

Former Mombasa county Transport executive member  (CECM) has joined the list of candidates gunning for the Football Kenya Federation President post.

Balala who is also the patron of Mvita Young Stars Football Club says he has the solution to problems currently facing football in the country.

Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Balala pointed out the lack of investment in the football fan base as the major factor hindering the development of football in the country.

"The major problem facing us is that we do not invest in the people who are the main factor in football and that is the fans. Football is one of the major investments in the world and this is made possible by having a good fan base" said Balala.

Adding " You cannot have a strong national team without a strong fan base. I believe I have the solution to all the problems facing football in our country".

Balala said he believes his ideas on how to improve football in the country are different from the other candidates who have shown interest in the seat.

"All those who have now shown interest in the position have been there before, which other new ideas will they bring when they get into that office? posed Balala.

Incumbent Nick Mwendwa will not be defending his seat after serving the mandatory two, four years term.

Other candidates who have shown interest in the post are Gor Mahia Secretary General Samuel Ochola,  ex- FKF chief Sam Nyamweya, Hussein Mohammed and US-based Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino who is also a former Kenya international,

Nyamweya was at the helm of the federation for over 20 years before Nick Mwendwa took over the stage.

The election is set for February 2024.

The Mombasa county government has signed  a Memorandum of Understanding with the Swahilipot hub for development and operationalization of a job application app that will help connect the youths with suitable employers in their preferred fields. 

Speaking during the signing of the deal, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the app named 'Fursa App' developed by young app developers from Swahilipot hub, is dedicated to helping youths find opportunities to advance their careers and achieve their goal.

Nassir noted that the app will be be ring-fenced to only accommodate and help the people of Mombasa alone.

"The reason why the app is ring fenced is because we will jealously guard the people of Mombasa for them to be the only ones who will receive the opportunities and benefit from the app" said Nassir.

Adding " The application will basically allow everyone especially the youths from Mombasa to upload their CVs and what they have been abled to achieve in their careers at the same time potential employees will be given back end access where they can get to identify the details of the people they are looking for."

Nassir revealed that they have already established and identified a number of companies that will be using the app.

"We are looking forward to officially launch the app in the next 10 days or one week" said Nassir.

On his part the lead developer of the app Chris Achinga said the app will be accessible to all smart phone users.

" Developing the app was not an easy thing, the governor wanted something that will not lock or discriminate anyone, he had some special features which he wanted to be include. We developed something that is secure, we tested it twice and I believe it is something that will help my fellow youth." said Achinga.

Adding "Any phone user Android or IOS will be able to use the app."

Swahilipot Hub C.E.O Mahmud Noor encouraged the youth to take advantage of the app.

"In most cases we have seen some companies approaching a politician for job openings but the politician ends up giving the slots to his people, this will not be the case in Mombasa. This should be emulated in other counties. Our youth should also take advantage of this app." said Noor.

As the the country awaits the arrival of the Elnino rains the Kenya Red Cross Society has began engaging communities living in flood prone areas such as Budalang’i and Nyando in early action protocols that will enable them mitigate the effects of the floods and any disaster that may come by it.

Due to the close proximity to the Lake, flooding is common calamity within West Kenya Region especially in Counties bordering Lake Victoria such as  Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Homabay and Migori Counties.

Another cause of the flooding is as a result of the lake backflow during the rainy seasons as the areas are in close proximity to the lake hence easily get submerged due to large rivers and their tributaries that feed Lake Victoria for example River Nyando, River Auji, River Miriu and Awach in Kisumu, Rivers Migori, Kuja, Sare, and Oyani in Migori., River Nzoia and river Yala in Siaya and Busia Counties, Rivers Tende, Miriu in Homabay.

The Kenya Red Cross Society for the past two months has been engaging the community members in this flood hotspots through their disaster committees in liaison with the local administration in early warnings preparedness.

A Spot check in the said areas found members patching up their makeshift houses, clearing the trenches and bushes while others had relocated to higher grounds. Through Kenya Red Cross, the local disaster committees and the county government has been made to desilt some areas where the manpower needed supersedes human ability.

Kanyagwa Location chief Boniface Otieno has been working closely with the Kenya Red Cross in engaging residents in early warnings and early preparations towards Elnino

“We have a disaster committee with representatives from all corners of the location. We have held several sessions on how to manage and mitigate effects of the expected Elnino rains”, confirmed Chief Otieno.

In 2019 this areas were hard hit by the floods with places such as Ombaka village in Nyando sub county and Buluani in Budalang’i sub county loosing what was once bare land to the waters.This greatly affected amenities such as hospitals and schools had to be shut down or either relocated.

Another impending societal issue that has continued to bite the communities hard is early pregnancies due to the separation of family units during floods.

Petronila Anyango Oniang’ a resident of Ombaka shares how boys prey on school during floods when community members are confined to camps.

“During such periods the men and women are separated as well as the children making the parents loose touch with their children. It is saddening that children as little as 14 years fall pregnant, said Petronila.”

When floods strike, women are often forced to move having lost their livelihoods while some suffer physical injuries. A situation that is worsened by economic and social inequalities which makes it difficult for them to find adequate shelter, food, and portable water.

Moreover, women are further exposed to challenges in maintaining personal hygiene and sanitation, preventing them from performing their roles.

In addition, they suffer from domestic violence and are subjected to harassment when seeking refuge. Despite the recurring destructions caused by floods, women are still excluded from political, community and household decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Apart from floods there other foreseen dangers such as displacement, waterborne diseases caused by stagnant water as well as loss and damage to property. Through the sensitization sessions, the community members are developing coping measures to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters, especially floods, by moving to safer grounds ahead of the reported El Niño rains. T

he involvement of women especially at the planning stage has led to a positive behavioral change contrary to the usual norm.

Baraza Media Lab and Wowzi, have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at reshaping the creator economy through cutting-edge research and development.

This dynamic collaboration underscores the immediate relevance and necessity of advancing the creator economy ecosystem.

The engagement of African individuals in the digital marketplace has witnessed exponential growth over the past years. With an estimated 745 million active internet users in Africa,

and 216 million active on social media platforms, the rise of influencer marketing has been unprecedented.

The industry is currently valued at $15 billion globally, as of 2022.

The comprehensive research will delve into various aspects of creator marketing in Africa, including key trends, financial implications, technological advancements, social impact,

regulations, and more.

The objective is to gain a better understanding of the current landscape, identify industry gaps, and explore stakeholder perceptions about the future of creator marketing in Africa.

To ensure a comprehensive and diverse perspective, the research will engage brand managers, content creators, and well-established influencers from Telecommunication, Fast

Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Banking, Marketing Agencies, and major content creator platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter.

Additionally, in-depth interviews will be conducted with key stakeholders, influencers, and industry experts to gain a deeper understanding of the market dynamics.

Mike Otieno, Co-Founder and President of Wowzi, highlights the significance of this partnership in the context of the creator economy.

He said, ‘’The creator economy is rapidly expanding, but creators need more than just tools – they need research-backed strategies to thrive. By partnering with Baraza, we are embarking on a journey to not only support individual creators but to influence the entire ecosystem positively, promoting sustainable growth and innovation."

Maurice Otieno, CEO of Baraza, underscores the urgency of this partnership and its impact on the creator economy, stating, "In the ever-evolving creator economy, data-driven insights

and innovation are paramount. We recognized the urgency to research, refine, and redefine the creator economy, making it more accessible and profitable for creators. This partnership with Wowzi is our collective commitment to elevate the creator community."

This collaboration is set to unlock untapped potential, providing creators with the urgently needed knowledge and resources to thrive in the dynamic creator economy and organisations who want to leverage on influencers through research-backed strategies, refine their monetization processes, and reshape the creator economy for the better.