The much-anticipated solo debut album by Steph Kapela is finally out.

Vikky Secrets is an introspective perspective of love. A sweet love that sours in the end like most love stories. It explores some of the issues no one likes to talk about in a personal and vulnerable way through themes such as intimacy, the other woman, sex addiction, chasing fantasies and regret of lost love.

The nine (9) track album pulls back the curtain and lets in the listener into the good, the bad and ugly sides of a relationship.

When asked why this album and why now, Steph Kapela stated the following: ‘This album for me at least, is the right album for the now. I needed to find myself, find the love again, I wanted to hold nothing back and deal with all of it, love, lust and longing, and I feel many people need that right now, especially being isolated with their loved ones. It's good to explore how things go right and how they go wrong and just maybe find a way through it.’

The sound of the album is a cocktail of Trap, Hip-hop, RnB and Afropop dance anthems.

The production is a collaboration on an international scale. Several highly skilled and passionate professionals worked on the audio production of this project. From Giggz and Festus in the US, Kaxi in Malawi and Nelson Cryptic, Jeraw Beats, and Ivan Odie right here in Nairobi.

Vikky Secrets is Executive Produced by Ivan Odie of Callivan Creatives, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Callivan Creatives Studios.

The album is now available on all digital streaming platforms.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasized the need for global solidarity in response to Covid-19 saying all stakeholders need to come together so as to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The President said Kenya is doing her best to not only slow down the spread of the virus in the country but to also support the region and the continent in dealing with the health crisis.

"At the national level, we are doing our best. Beyond our national commitments, at regional and global levels, we have contributed within regional inter-governmental, continental African Union efforts," President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta spoke last evening during a virtual high level meeting on development financing in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic convened by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his Jamaican counterpart Andrew Holness and the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterress.

The Kenyan President told the meeting attended by a cross-section of world leaders including several Heads of State that the current health crisis will constrict global growth this year leading to financial market volatility and increased debt risk especially in developing countries.

"The economic and financial shocks associated with Covid-19 such as disruptions to industrial production and supply chains, falling commodity prices, financial market volatility and rising insecurity have derailed the already tepid economic growth and development," the President said.

To address the socioeconomic challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, President Kenyatta said the global community needs to focus on the implementation of the United Nations Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Specifically, the Kenyan Head of State advised world leaders to concentrate on expansion of global liquidity, addressing debt vulnerability especially for developing nations and enhancement of external financing to ensure inclusive growth and continued job creation.

The Kenyan leader also proposed the expansion of the fiscal space and promotion of domestic resource mobilization by preventing illicit financial flows.

On private sector participation, President Kenyatta pitched for partnerships that help build indigenous local production and forestall the need for long supply chains.

In his capacity as the current President-in-Office of the Organization of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), President Kenyatta announced plans to host an extraordinary summit to deliberate on the effects of Covid-19 on the people and the economies of member countries.

Speaking on behalf of the African Union, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Covid-19 is a real threat to collective ability of the global community to achieve SDGs especially for developing countries.

The South African leader called for innovative approaches in the deployment of resources in support of private sector and the Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) which he termed as the engines for wealth and job creation.

In his closing remarks, UN Secretary General Guterress unveiled a 6-point road map he said would help the world overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Guterress said expansion of liquidity in the global economy, addressing debt vulnerabilities of developing nations and the increased participation of private sector creditors will help provide timely and effective solutions.

Other measures advanced by the UN boss include enhanced financing for inclusive growth and job creation, expansion of the fiscal space and promotion of domestic resource mobilization as well as alignment of recovery policies with SDGs.

The softest rolls, smothered in a variety of garnishes, dripping with sauce or simply all extras removed for the traditional taste, burgers continue to be a firm favourite for Kenyans.

Now, Uber Eats has compiled the list of the nation’s favourite flavour combinations, additions, subtractions and down-right quirky requests when it comes to the world-famous sandwich dish. 

Best Burgers 

Tough days, cheat meals and well-deserved spoils can only be commemorated with the very best in taste and flavour, and in Kenya, locals munched on multiple beef burgers, as this was the most ordered burger. Variations included the removal of tomatoes and the added slice of cheese making the already delicious fan favourite even more desirable. 

Bacon cheeseburger was a close second followed by the grilled chicken burger. These honourable mentions prove that Kenyans take the basic bun and truly make it the supreme sandwich. 

Burgers are the meal for any type of day and go down great at any time. Locally, the most popular ordering time is 13:00 PM with thousands of orders coming through, while dinnertime at 18:00 PM was a close second. 

Favourite Flavours 

While the old-school burger consists of a protein staple topped with a mayo-whip, lettuce and trimmed with fresh tomato, locals are anything but basic in taste. No stock-standard ground round will do. The healthier the better, with the most popular request being that patties should be grilled not fried, while favourite sauces included chilli and mayo. 

No trimmings left unused, extra cheese and spicy, curly and skinny fries were among the most requested while it seems that not everyone loves tomato, as this was the most common ingredient left off. 

Quality in Quarantine 

As everyone adjusts to this new way of living, homes have become safe spaces and with Uber Eats, staying fed is convenient. During the lockdown, most popular burger orders included the classic beef snack burger and much-loved veggie cheeseburger. With the app’s leave at door policy, all orders are dispatched via contactless delivery, making satisfying any hamburger hankering as good as done. Another new feature has been added to the app, allowing customers to easily send treats and share the status of delivery with a simple tracking link.

It’s the ultimate customisable meal, that’s strong enough to stand on its own, or perfect with some chips. Be it simple and traditional, bunless or double, gourmet or vegan, there is a burger for anyone this International Hamburger day and it’s just a tap away with Uber Eats! 

Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the launch of Def Jam Africa with a roster stars from across the continent.

With a remit to sign and develop talent from across Africa, the new label is initially based Johannesburg and Lagos and will be supported by the A&R, marketing, creative and digital teams from the UMG teams in both Nigeria and South Africa.

Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa is to lead Def Jam Africa.

The label launches with a roster including Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria).

Sipho Dlamini said, “Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more. For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing Tha Peace, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide''.

Adding ''It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally."

Def Jam Recordings interim chairperson and CEO Jeff Harleston said: “Def Jam is a globally recognised brand, synonymous with excellence in hip hop, and we enthusiastically welcome the launch of Def Jam Africa as an opportunity for audiences worldwide to discover the incredibly talented hip hop artists emerging from across the continent.”

Adam Granite, the executive vice-president for market development at UMG, said: “Def Jam has always been a respected mark of hip hop quality, and the calibre of artists already on the roster shows that this is a label truly dedicated to helping the very best rap talent from Africa reach new audiences on a global level.”

Multi-talented musician Mutoriah releases a classic love song Tosheka in which he collaborates with Bensoul, a musician that is now a household name. Tosheka is a single off Mutoriah’s acclaimed and self-produced debut album Dive In released in 2019.

Tosheka begins with a few spoken word lines giving both the song and video an enigmatic feel. Mutoriah and Bensoul ask their lovers to stay and be satisfied with them despite the dissatisfactions that life may bring with it.

They remind their loved ones that no matter what you do, people will always slander you day or night. While the song was written by Bensoul, both the artists’ vocals are captivating and have a refreshing balance between being mellow and powerful. 

 Watch “Tosheka” here: https://bit.ly/3cXIBT2 

Stream “Dive In” Album here: https://bit.ly/3gngjDt 

The video, shot by CJ Pixel and directed by DirectorKay, is set in a living room where Bensoul and Mutoriah perform to an audience that listens and sings along. The accompanying scenes are soothing while displaying Mutoriah and Bensoul’s chemistry and bromance. 

On the collabo, Mutoriah says, “Bensoul has a way with words, his writing is precise yet meaningful. I actually didn’t choose Bensoul, he chose me and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.” “The theme of love is timeless. Tosheka is a reminder that it’s important not to lose it all because of small things,” he adds, highlighting how the song applies to everyone’s day-to-day life.

This is not the first time that the two musicians are working together. Mutoriah has lent his ingenuity on most of Bensoul’s songs including Lucy, Favorite Song, and Niombee production-wise.

As a co-founding producer at Me & My Cousin Entertainment, Mutoriah has also been the pillar of production for Serro, Ayrosh, and has produced music for renowned musicians like Sauti Sol, Fena Gitu, and Gilad. 

With Tosheka leading, Mutoriah promises more visual releases from the Dive In album this year.