By Doreen Kinja

The rapid pace of digital transformation in East Africa has had a significant impact on not only how people live their lives, but also on how communication and commerce are conducted, allowing the modern customer to do everything – immediately.

This has also had the unintended consequence of altering the way we are targeted by fraudsters and cybercriminals, notably changing the nature of cyber threats and attacks that we face in a mobile-first digital world.

According to an Accenture report published in 2019, the total value at risk of cybercrime over the next five years is an estimated $5.2 trillion.

The average cyber attack costs $13 million, according to the same report, with phishing, social engineering and stolen device crime making up $2.4 million of the cost of an average attack.

Statistics drawn from various reports show that the threat of cybercrime and insecurity is prevalent in the East African region.

Uganda lost 42 million shillings to cybercrime in 2017, while in 2018, Rwanda lost six billion francs.

In Kenya, between April and June 2019 alone, the country experienced 26.6 million cyber threats.

Additionally, in a mobile-first digital landscape such as the East African region, the proliferation of mobile devices and mobile Internet penetration has opened the door to mobile cyber security threats.

Mobile users are at risk of threats such as SIM card swap, account takeover, ‘man-in-the-middle’ and phishing attacks.

High internet penetration

As of December 2020, reports Statista, Kenya had an Internet penetration of approximately 85.2%.

This high rate is mainly because Kenya is home to M-Pesa, a mobile wallet provider that offers a secure payment system that encourages Internet access.

Therefore, mobile authentication is becoming increasingly important in the overall East African market, not only as a means to effectively counter mobile cybersecurity threats, but to simultaneously enhance customer experience (CX) and increase engagement with brands.

Mobile authentication is the process of verifying a user’s identity through their mobile device.

This verification can be done seamlessly, without interrupting the customer experience.

In practice, this means that organisations can streamline processes while simultaneously protecting their business and their customers from cybercrime.

Mobile authentication services verify users’ identities through different means, including: Silent Mobile Verification (SMV), Know Your Customer (KYC), SIM Swap Detection and Instant Form Filling.

The advent of smartphones has led to a steady rise in mobile shopping across East Africa, with recent data showing that consumers are becoming more comfortable with completing transactions on their phones.

This is in no small part due to the increase of mobile security and customer trust.

Increasing user trust and safety

The advantages of proper mobile authentication are multiple, as it touches upon the entire customer journey.

By creating a safe mobile environment, organisations can increase user trust and safety.

Mobile verification continuously validates the customer’s identity throughout the customer journey.

This increases user trust and safety by keeping their account protected.

Mobile authentication can also facilitate faster and more convenient onboarding.

Silent verification can ensure customers are who they say they are during the onboarding process, and instant form filling speeds up the process.

Furthermore, mobile authentication can also lead to reduced cart abandonment, as instant form filling makes the shopping experience more streamlined and convenient.

At the same time, mobile authentication can ensure GDPR compliance, as authentication services are based on a user-centric approach, ensuring that neither companies nor mobile network operators learn anything new about the end-user, apart from the information they already hold.

Mobile authentication services help to keep customers protected, while improving user experience and increasing engagement.

Mobile authentication protects user information by providing a strong authentication layer consisting of three real-time identification and authorisation services.

These are used to safeguard online transactions for user-facing applications and mobile websites, resulting in an improved and more secure user experience.

The writer is the  Enterprise Team Lead, Infobip Kenya.

Kenyan singer Willy Paul has for the first time detailed his dramatic exit from the gospel music.

In a long instagram post, the singer addressed the frustrations he endured as a gospel artiste both from fans and colleagues.

Incase you have been wondering why he behaves and sings as he does nowadays, below is his reason.

"Ever wondered why people hate for no reason? Well the so called haters are not really haters. They just wish they had what you have. Yaani they wish they were you or even a quarter of what you're. Don't let nobody tell you what is wrong or right for you, kila mtu atazikwa peke yake. 

Ask me about myself n I'll tell you I'm the strongest of them all. What haven't I seen in this life? Poverty, good life, Beautiful women,Kamati ya roho chafu? Just to mention a few.

People have hated on me for no reason, but that has never stopped me from being me. I've been betrayed by close friends and even family but look, I'm still here standing strong!

Ata kwa hii post kuna wale wenye roho mbaya ya m*vi wanajipanga kuangusha stupid comments...No amount of hate can pin me to the ground.

Kama mpaka leo sijawai enda chini juu ya chuki then I don't think I ever will. Some of you ask me why I left the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ... and even call me names because I no longer praise Jesus in my songs.. according to them I'm so evil and everything bad.

Those are the same people that fought me nikiwa upande wa Yesu ? Reasons as to why I left. Hate from my fellow artists and DJs, luck of airplay ( claiming my content wasn't Godly back then) ubaguzi na mapendeleo.

I was the top artist but these evil people couldn't see that. Or they just chose to ignore the reality! These people broke my heart! They hurt me so badly, I was depressed for 4 months I kept crying in silence every single day and night.

It got to a point where I couldn't take it anymore... I had no money to pay my bills and even help out pale nyumbani. Can you imagine I had the biggest songs na hawa watu wakanichorea hivo tu.

I'm not perfect but what I went through as a gospel artist, no servant of God should go through!!

Since I loved music and had bigger hopes with my career I chose the other side which is where I am today, n that's what has kept me alive and stable.

I was tired of the hypocrisy in the so called Gospel industry. Plus I just wanted 2 b real with myself and not lie to God! God cannot be fooled so I took a chill pill na sai niko hapa. Same same people that didn't want me there were the first to reach out !!!"

Fast-rising WCB singer Zuhura Kopa alias Zuchu has yet again etched her name into the music record book.

Zuchu's 'Iam Zuchu' Ep has hit over 11 million streams on Boomplay. The Ep was officially released on April 2020 composing of 7 songs and only two collabos.

This is not the first time that the songstress has set and broken history records after being officially unveiled as a WCB signee in April 2020. 

Just two months ago, the 'Sukari' hitmaker became the first female artiste in East Africa to hit 1 million subscribers on youtube. YouTube also awarded her the Silver Play Button for becoming the first East African female artist to exceed more than 100 000 subscribers within a week.

She aslo broke another record through her hitsong 'Sukari' by becoming the first female artist in Tanzania to hit over 1 million views less than 24 hours after uploading on YouTube. 

Early this year, she was also named on the  BBC's African musicians to look out for in 2021 list.

You can also read: http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2109-zuchu-shows-off-her-new-state-of-the-art-house

Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir has come to the rescue of small scale traders locked out of the Mama Ngina Waterfront and the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach 'Pirates'.

On Tuesday Nassir petitioned the National Assembly for the reopening of the two public utilities arguing traders have been suffering due to their closure.

The waterfront and the public beach were closed in adherence with restrictions to contain the spread of Covid-19.

"These traders have been heavily affected by the closure. They cannot even provide for their families. Let us consider them" said Nassir.

In his petition, Nassir accused the authorities of favouring other businesses which have since been allowed to operate, in the expense of the small traders.

The Mp wants the National Assembly through the Trade committee to engage the relevant authorities on how the two public spaces can be reopened.

Zambian star Jay Rox has teamed up with Tanzanian R&B King Juma Jux and Kenz Ville Marley to release “Changanya” (Mix in Swahili and Nyanja languages) 

The song’s rich mix of cultures has hit home, in Zambia and East Africa, positively with many relating to the song’s lyrics talking about the mixed emotions encountered in every relationship. 

 “Changanya”  is a classic Zed beats/Bongo flava infused record produced by Kenz & Beingz, the dynamic duo responsible for Jay Rox’s “Distance” remix featuring Rayvanny & AY. Its befitting video directed by director Jordan Hoechli is complete with royal vibes and the star trio showing off their on screen chemistry.

“Changanya” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNvCRUumJpY 

Stream “Changanya” : https://africori.to/changanya 

The coming together with Jux was more than a connection in the studio but a look at how to merge their musical prowess into broader business.

Jay says, “Plus I love his sound!” Adding, “Jux and I have got quite a number of things in common. Apart from being a musician, he is also business minded; he's got his clothing line African boy and I also have a clothing line and sneaker brand that I'm pushing down here.”

With a mission to empower the Zambian music industry into something the next generation acts can pursue as a career, Jay Rox has over the years managed to build himself a solid brand himself as a solo artist. His consistent growth on social media paired with a strong fanbase in Zambia and beyond into Africa stand out. 

He continues to perfect his craft, releasing songs inspired by life situations. Through his records, Zambian people have learnt to love and apply lessons into their lives.

Jay Rox confirms that his collaboration with Jux is among many planned releases of collaborations with other East African artists.

He reveals, “We’re in the process of shooting more music videos so my fans should expect a lot more fire coming from me and some of their favourite East African artists.”

South African TV presenter and radio personality Luthando Shosha aka LootLove is taking over as new host of Africa Now Radio on Apple Music 1, beginning Sunday, June 13.

Africa Now Radio, Apple Music radio's first global African music radio show, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.

Over the past year, the show has featured exclusive interviews with Davido, Nasty C, Tiwa Savage, Rayvanny and many of the biggest and brightest artists spanning the African continent, debuted over 250 new releases, and introduced Apple Music subscribers around the world to over 50 of Africa’s hottest new artists, from Omah Lay to Tems.

Based on the Africa Now playlist, Africa Now Radio with LootLove will continue to showcase the latest African sounds, be it amapiano, afrobeats, highlife, alte, house, hip-hop, bongo flava, or kuduro.

"I am beyond elated to host Africa Now Radio,” said LootLove.

Adding “This is a big moment for the universal language that is music. A moment that continues to shine a light on our continent. I am looking forward to seeing more, experiencing more and learning more through the beauty of Africa’s music. From the Cape to Cairo and to the rest of the world.”

On her debut episode, LootLove will be joined by the legendary Angélique Kidjo, who will talk about her upcoming album “Mother Nature,” out on June 18, 2021.

LootLove will also spotlight The Big 5, the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment  and the next generation of African superstars featured in Apple Music’s artist program and companion playlist Africa Rising.

In the new Loot Loves feature, LootLove will select and play one track she loves from her favorite Apple Music African playlists.

Africa Now Radio with LootLove airs weekly on Sundays, beginning June 13 at 2p Lagos/London / 3p Johannesburg/Paris / 6a LA / 9a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow

Infobip, a global cloud communication company for businesses, and a leader in omnichannel customer engagement, has integrated voice and SMS capabilities for Jiji Africa, a leading online marketplace in pan-African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania.

Aside from the initial project in Nigeria, the voice and SMS channel implementation was recently expanded to Jiji’s operations in Kenya and Ghana as the company’s activities in those markets increased and services were extended.

Jiji Head of Africa, Yuliy Shenfeld says the company needed a solution that would enable it to seamlessly send out vital transactional information to buyers and sellers that use Jiji’s platform to exchange goods.

The company was established six years ago and acquired OLX’s business in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda in 2019. It currently has between 12 million and 15 million active buyers and a range of between 200 000 and 250 000 sellers.

“We experienced challenges with our previous SMS service provider in terms of delivery rates. Not all transactional SMSes, relating to registration on our platform and inquiries about advertised items, would reach our customers,” says Shenfeld.

Global company

He says the company engaged Infobip as it is a global company with local presence in the markets in which Jiji operates. In addition, Infobip beat its competitors on pricing, enabling Jiji to lower its SMS and voice costs by almost tenfold, while its delivery rates improved to over 90%.

“We have benefitted from a reliable service, because Infobip offers direct connections to carriers, which ensures high delivery rates for our customers. This is obviously very important for our end users in terms of transactional traffic and allows us to ensure that they have a seamless experience,” Shenfeld adds.

Dorotea Vatavuk, Enterprise Sales Lead at Infobip and Jiji’s dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM), says the online classified platform also benefitted from Infobip’s local presence and support as its business expanded.

“We have a deep understanding of their business, which enables us to serve as advisors and consultants to Jiji as its business and customer needs expand. They also benefitted from 24/7 technical support and a dedicated CSM who is looking after them and their business,” says Vatavuk.

Local support

“When it comes to any transactional traffic, reliability and stability of the service is crucial and this is something that Infobip can secure for its clients. It was really important for Jiji to receive support from local experts and also ensure that their subsidiaries – in Kenya and Ghana – also benefitted from a dedicated CSM that takes care of their needs and ensures that local regulations are followed.”

She adds that Jiji currently has no plans to roll out additional channels as its management feels that the SMS and voice solution are adequate to their customers’ current needs. However, Infobip will continue to provide support to the business as its needs evolve.

“As an omnichannel solution provider and a consultant to Jiji, we are able to support them with any new projects and the enablement of communication solutions that may come along on their digital journey as the needs of their customers evolve.

 “We will always share new ideas and introduce any new solutions to ensure that they are aware of new possibilities. It’s about having their business in mind and thinking how to support them and add value with our solutions to help their business grow.”

A section of Tanzanians on Twitter have launched an online petition to have Diamond Platnumz disqualified from the 2021 BET Awards.

Diamond is nominated as the only East African artiste, under the category Best International Act, battling out with Aya Nakamura (France), Burna Boy (Nigeria), Emicida (Brazil), Headie One (UK), Wizkid (Nigeria), Young T & Bugsey (UK) and Youssoupha (France).

The petitioners accused Diamond of ‘actively and publicly supporting deceased Magufuli’s regime’. 

They also claim Diamond remained silent when fellow Tanzanian artistes were imprisoned and abducted in 2017-18 over video clips deemed obscene by the authorities.

Over 17,000 people have so far signed the petition.

"Diamond Platnumz is a world-renowned Tanzania music artist who used his popularity and his talent to whitewash and deodorize the brutal repression of the late dictator John Magufuli and his regime. Diamond is also a close friend and business ally of Paul Makonda the former Governor of Dar -es-Salaam who has openly persecuted and cracked down on LGBTI people. Makonda has also been designated in 2020 by the US State Department for gross violations of human rights including cracking down on freedom of expression and association." reads part of the petition.

Adding “In 2017, he deliberately released a single called 'Acha Nikae Kimya' (Let me remain quiet) as a response to the increasing demand from the public to speak up and condemn the crackdowns."

Diamond Platnumz was among artists who campaigned for the late president John Magufuli in the last elections, 2020.

In a response, Diamonds manager Sallam SK referred to the petitioners as 'haters'.

"Waliopo kwenye industry ya mziki duniani wanaelewa kuna viumbe duniani wanaitwa haters.. Wasipo-hate wanaweza kupata upungufu wa damu kwahiyo msiwachukie wala msibishane nao ila endeleeni kuwapenda tu (Those in the music industry understand very well that there are people called haters, without hating they will end up sick so dont take them seriuosly and argue with them, continue loving them." he posted.

In a previous interview, Diamond said the late Magufuli was like a father to him revealing how he reached out to him during the drama surrounding his biological father last year.

Kenyan urban pop and R&B singer-songwriter Brian Nadra has released his debut album 'Nadrenaline',  via Decimal Records.

The 8-track album cleverly defines his musical journey, right from inception to where he’s currently at professionally-speaking. ‘

NADRENALINE’ is an eclectic mix of sounds, perfectly showcasing Nadra’s diversity in genres and musical styles all together.

https://platoon.lnk.to/-nadrenaline

Ahead of the release, Nadra shared, “The inspiration behind this album was our [Musyoka and I] desire to explore my talent in depth. We wanted to create an album that will have a lasting legacy on my career and I am sure my fans will appreciate this.”

‘NADRENALINE’ is influenced by Nadra’s inspirations and own taste in music.

From a young age, Nadra was exposed to a range of music from country, Afro pop, Lingala, Kapuka to R&B.

Nadra goes all guns blazing starting off with a Lingala hit “Chocolatte” as the album opener.

R&B bangers include “Pumzika”, a slow tempo sexy song featuring Kenana Mwawasi and “Over and Over”.

Album pop singles include “Bella”, “Belly” with Nviiri The Storyteller and “Kahora”, featuring Bon'eye and KonKodi. Sufuri appears in “Booty”, a street anthem suiting his style and persona, alongside Bon'eye and KonKodi.

On his choice of album collaborators, Nadra says, “Picking Bon’Eye and KonKodi was rather obvious being my label mates. Plus we got to spend a lot of time together writing and coming up with the music,”.

Adding, “Nviiri, Zzero Sufuri and Kenana’s features showcase new emerging Kenyan acts and how we are collaborating to shape and push forward the future of African music.

‘NADRENALINE’ Music Producers include Eric MSYOX Musyoka, KDAGr8t and Samuel Hendricks.

Speaking on the making of the album, “Firstly, it’s an honour to have worked with an absolute dream team throughout the making of ‘Nadrenaline’. East Africa is currently enjoying a rejuvenated vibrancy in the music scene and there’s a whole new wave of artists attracting global attention to the region.”

Adding, “Listeners should expect to hear bigger and better from Nadra on this project. It is my inspired contribution in show-casing the best of what KE flavour has to offer.”

On his part music producer Musyoka said “We are more than pleased to see the progress that Brian’s Career has taken and we are proud of the quality of act he is turning out to be. We aim to make him an international sensation and keep the mantra of the label, that quality is everything.”

His co-pilot at record label Bon’Eye concluded, “We shall endeavour to keep producing good music for our acts and this shall be our hallmark. It's never an easy road but it's worth every effort and we love making great music.”

‘NADRENALINE’ certainly will leave you wanting to hear more of what Brian Nadra has in store. The artiste who made his first big impression on the scene with RnB,on a Valentine’s special release “Matwana”, has evidently since then grown into more styles. Just like its title suggests, the album is representative of Nadra’s adrenaline in the industry - to succeed.

Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime is in mourning following the loss of her mother.

Taking to social media, Kansiime said that her mother died on Sunday morning.

God's ways are indeed not our ways! My mother has gone to be with the Lord this morning.'

Her death comes barely two months after Kansiime and her boyfriend Skylanta gave birth to their first son.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2151-kansiime-expecting-her-first-child-with-singer-skylanta

Several celebrities and fans sent condolence messages to the 35-year-old comedia.

 “Deepest condolences Darling. May Mum rest with her fellow angels.” wrote Abel Mutua.

Tanznaian rapper Rosa_ree said, “Oh noo so sorry for your losss love. Take heart. May her soul find eternal peace"

On her part Ugandan singer Spice Diana posted "Oh no, may her soul rest in peace Bambi".