Ignite Culture, an ACP EU Culture Programme (Eastern Africa) for the support of creative and cultural industries (CCIs) in 14 Eastern Africa countries is excited and proud to announce its grant applicant shortlist.

The Ignite Culture facility is an initiative of HEVA Fund LLP and the British Council, and is financed by the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU).

Having launched its inaugural call for applications in August 2021, the ACP-EU Culture Programme (Eastern Africa) invited creative talents with registered and operational businesses in Burundi, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda to apply for grants of up to a maximum of 180,000 euro per application.

Between 11^th August and 15^th September 2021, the fund received and reviewed a total of 379 applications from 11 of the 14 eligible countries. Majority of applications were received from Kenya (134), Uganda (58), and Rwanda (53) respectively.

The total funding requests from our 379 applications amounted to over 38.6 million euro.  

“Our outreach and commitment to the culture and creative sector includes financial investments, knowledge development as well as capacity building, skill development, and market development. The Ignite Culture Fund will be fundamental to the growth of the overall sector in our region.” Wakiuru Njuguna, Partner and Investment Manager at HEVA.

Wakiuru also added that, “We cannot wait to start working with the successful organisations and are looking forward to seeing the impact of their projects on Eastern Africa.” 

Of the eligible creative and cultural industry value chains, it was interesting to note that the majority of applications came from these three subsectors: 

1. Performance, events and celebrations; 
2. Audio visual and interactive media; and
3. Creative and cultural education. 

All applicants were subjected to a rigorous 6-step process.

This selection process included 2 review panels, pitch meetings, due diligence, and finally a financial and capacity assessment.

Successful applicants were shortlisted, invited to review and execute their grant contracts, and are currently at the final stage. 

Commenting on the response to the 2021 application call and subsequent shortlist, Jill Coates, British Council Kenya Country Director shared that, “The applications were very competitive and we were convinced of the capacity and abilities of the final successful applications.  We wish to congratulate all of the organisations shortlisted and are looking forward to supporting them to achieve their projects.”

Speaking on behalf of OACPS, Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard, Assistant Secretary General, Political Affairs and Human Development Department, Organisation of the ACP States said, “We are delighted by the strong response of East African cultural operators to the call for proposals. This demonstrates both the capacity of the ACP-EU Culture Programme to respond to the needs of the arts and culture community in the region and the effectiveness of the awareness-raising efforts of our technical partners in the field.”

Talking about this grant facility in the context of youth, Agnieska Skuratowicz Head of Unit for Youth, Education and Culture in DG International Partnerships at the European Commission noted that, “ Through the first sub-grants we will support creative and digital entrepreneurship in the region, leading to jobs and growth, in particular for young people, as well as cultural diversity and empowerment of youth.”

In this first application call, Ignite Culture is happy to commit a total of €2.5 million to the final shortlist. Meet our 2021 shortlist of creative and cultural business below.

This list includes all organisations who have been invited to the due diligence and contract signing stages.

Shortlist from Kenya: 

1. Book Bunk Trust is a social impact firm that works to restore public libraries. Any funds awarded from the Ignite Culture grant will be put towards public programming, building a historical archive and developing a partnership toolkit; 
2. Za Kikwetu Productions Ltd is an audio-visual production house in Nairobi, whose proposal focuses on cultural heritage and podcasting; 
3. Avandu Vosi Studio is a group of artists who storytell through comics, illustrations and animations. Their proposal focuses on heritage and the publication of a comic book; 
4. Saba Studios is a design lab and manufacturer of indoor and outdoor furniture, inspired by the rich history of Swahili furniture and culture. Their proposed use of funds is for craftsperson education and professional development; 
5. Bomas of Kenya is a state agency that works to preserve, maintain, educate and promote the diverse cultures of various ethnic groups in Kenya. Through the Ignite Culture grant they plan to put together a collection and interactive showcase of indigenous music; 
6. BlackRhino VR is a virtual reality production company that develops online content through the power of virtual reality technology. They plan to focus on an augmented reality platform; 
7. Standup Collective is growing a comedy club culture in Kenya, in order to create a community of comedians and comedy lovers. Through the Ignite Culture grant they plan to run a series of stand up comedy workshops and showcases, as well as further network development.
8. Muthoni Music Entertainment focuses on music performance and training. Their project will focus on artistic and business skills incubation.

 Shortlist from Uganda: 

9. Bold In Africais a retail outlet housing up-and-coming designers from across the African continent. Their proposed use of funds is for business clinics and a digital marketing programme, as well as the development of an e-commerce platform for fashion; 
10. 32° East | Ugandan Arts Trustis an independent non-profit focused on the creation and exploration of contemporary art. Their proposal focuses on studio equipment and an international residency programme; and
11. Simma Africa Creative Arts Foundationis a non-profit using creative & digital arts to empower sexual minority groups, refugees and womxn. Their proposed use of funds will focus on artist training and policy dialogue sessions.

Shortlist from Tanzania: 

12. Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA)is a creative think tank that provides cultural and Pan-African thought leadership for creative, social and scientific innovators. Any funds awarded will be used for a creative economy incubation and accelerator initiative. Their project is in partnership with Naledi Fashion Tanzania and the African Animation Network;
13. Nafasi Art Space is a vibrant art centre and platform for artistic exchange. Their proposal focus is on artist capacity building, mentorship and storytelling showcases; and 
14. Busara Promotionsis a non-profit that works to promote music from East Africa. Their proposed use of funds is toward performance, mentorship and festival management opportunities for women at the Sauti za Busara festival. 

Shortlist from Sudan: 

15. Sobajo Art Centre for Womenspecialises in the production of creative handicrafts with a particular focus on providing tools, training and financing for women and youth who have been internally displaced by war in Sudan. Any granted funds will be used for craftspersons training in basket weaving;

     16. Omer Asimis a womenswear fashion brand working at the intersection of design and culture. Their proposed use of funds is for perfume making using traditional Sudanese techniques.

 Shortlist from Somalia: 

17. Rift Valley Institute (RVI)is an independent non-profit that combines action-oriented research with education and public information. Their proposal for the purpose of this grant facility focuses on an artist development programme.

Shortlist from Rwanda: 

 18. Imbuto Foundationstarted off with a single project and has since evolved into managing over twenty projects in health, education and youth empowerment that are aligned to the national priorities. Their proposed use of funds is focused on identifying and supporting youth in the creative arts. 

Shortlist from Mauritius: 

19. Move for Art is an independent agency specialised in arts and culture events and consultancy. Through the Ignite Culture grant they plan to develop spaces for multidisciplinary arts and artist residencies.

Shortlist from Ethiopia: 

 20. Whiz Kids Workshopis a female-led innovative social enterprise that focuses on improving the lives of children and youth through educational media. Their proposed project focuses on an animated series aimed at girls, a digital distribution platform and development of a web app. 

 Preparations for the second call for applications are underway with more information to follow in May 2022. ACP EU Culture Programme (Eastern Africa) - Ignite Culture and its partners would like to thank all creative talents for their applications, support and engagement. 

Former Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) board Chairman Gen (RTD) Joseph Kibwana is the new Chairman of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) board of trustees.

Kibwana was unveiled by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala on Wednesday.

"Gen. (Rtd) Joseph R. Kibwana, the newly appointed Kenya Wildlife Service @kwskenya Chairman of the Board of Trustees, paid me a courtesy call. I am delighted to welcome Kibwana to the team; he will be invaluable in the conservation and management of Kenya's wildlife." said Balala.

A statement from KWS on twitter reads "During the courtesy call meeting, the CS officially welcomed the chair to KWS and promised to work closely to implement the KWS strategic plan 2019-2024 in collaboration with stakeholders."

Kibwana left KPA on June last year (2021) after his term came to an end. The KPA board Chairman position has since been left vacant with the board operating without a substantive Chairman.

Kibwana, who retired as Chief of General Staff in 2005 has also served as a director at the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation.

President Uhuru Kenyatta today officially opened MAS Intimates Kenya, a Sri Lankan apparel and textile manufacturer that has employed over 3,000 Kenyans.

Speaking at Athi River in Machakos County during the launch of the factory operating under the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) programme, President Kenyatta said the huge investment is a testament of the decade-long groundwork laid under the manufacturing pillar of the Big 4 Agenda.

“I am pleased that while MAS only begun operations in Kenya in the year 2020, you have already injected over 8.5 million US dollars into our economy, employed over 3,000 Kenyans and shipped garments worth over 24 million US dollars which are affixed with the magical, Made in Kenya tag,” President Kenyatta said.

The President pointed out that the expanding infrastructure, world-class human capital and economic policies have significantly improved Kenya’s business index within the community of nations, making the country the most vibrant investment destination in Africa.

He said the entry of the Sri Lankan apparel and textile manufacturer into Kenya has added to Mas Intimates’ global footprint that presently spans across 17 countries in South Asia, North America, South America and Europe.

The President added that choosing Kenya as an investment destination has accorded MAS Intimates Kenya a strategic geographical location, easy access to Eastern and Central Africa.

“In addition, by choosing Kenya, you have access to top tier financial services and information technology capabilities, a strong intellectual property protection landscape and elaborate networks of supporting infrastructure which are being enhanced day-by-day through investments in a modern new railway, road networks and in modern Sea Ports and Airports, fiber optic and under-sea cables and pipelines,” he said.

He assured both local and international companies that the Government is committed to enhancing the growth of the private sector by fostering high value-added manufacturing, promoting the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and equipping the youth with skill-sets required by a fast-evolving marketplace.

“Indeed, our partnership with Mas Intimates is a good indicator that, as a country, we are on the right path.

“We will also continue to partner with similar industries to create new job opportunities for our people.  For example, this new plant will create thousands of new skilled jobs including scientists, engineers, supply chain specialists and technicians,” President Kenyatta said. 

Noting that Mas Intimates has projected to increase its current employment numbers to 4,200 by end of this year and a further 7,000 by 2025, the President thanked the company for believing in Kenya’s development agenda.

Industrialization and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina said the country has more than Kshs 122 billion worth of investment in EPZs.

“We are very excited about the strides we have made in manufacturing and this is a testament. This is just one of our EPZ zones, there are others around the country. We have more than Kshs 122 billion worth of investments in our EPZs,” CS Maina said.

The CS added that the country’s exports last year stood at more than Kshs 91 billion while employment in the EPZs stood at about 65000 people.

MAS Intimates Kenya Manufacturing Director Chandana Galappathi thanked the Government for creating a conducive environment for investment, saying it has seen his company grow from strength to strength in the last two years.

Mr. Galappathi assured the President that his company is set to create more employment for the country’s youth as it embarks on the implementation of phase two of its expansion programme.

Global popstar Rihanna is set to launch her new skincare and beauty products line  Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin cosmetics in Kenya.

The launch of the products that are backed by French luxury goods group LVMH in Kenya will coincide with similar launches in 7 other African countries namely Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Ghana.

An elated Rihanna broke the news through her social media handles.

"I have been waiting for this moment. Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin are finally dropping in Africa,” she said on her verified Twitter handle. “Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe we are coming at you on May 27,” she said.

The product  known for its broad range of 50 skin tones, including dark shades for women of color, which were rare when it launched in 2017. This made it a leader in inclusivity in the industry catapulting the singer into huge wealth.

Rihanna is currently ranked second behind American media mogul Oprah Winfrey as the richest female entertainer, due to her wildly successful ventures into fashion and beauty.

According to Forbes, the beauty product empire generated more than $550 million (Sh63 billion) in revenue in 2020.

Rihanna is also known as a fashion innovator, and regularly rocks attention-grabbing looks that have been chronicled by luxury fashion publications as well as fan sites and Instagram accounts, like Haus of Rihanna.

Beyond her former Dior ambassadorship (she was the first-ever Black ambassador for the French fashion house, reported Essence) and her high-end fashion partnership with luxury conglomerate LVMH in 2018, Rihanna has also added to her empire with her SAVAGE X FENTY lingerie line.

Forbes reports the brand, which has expanded into men’s undergarments and sleepwear, is valued at nearly $270 million.

ODM leader Raila Odinga is now free to use any music of his choice in his campaigns.

This is after the Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate paid Sh562,500 to the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) as licence fees for the music.

The payment was made by Odinga's daughter Winnie Odinga.

"Our Senior Licensing Officer Mr. David Kiragu with @Winnie_Odinga after she made payments of Ksh 562,500/= for local and international music used in the @RailaOdinga Presidential Campaigns." reads a tweet from MCSK.

Adding "We thank  @Winnie_Odinga and the entire @RailaOdinga Presidential team for this gesture and urge other political candidates to emulate them by making payments for the use of copyrighted musical works in their campaigns."

According to Section 38 (c) of the Kenya Copyright Act 2021, any person who causes a literary or musical work, an audio-visual work or a sound recording, to be performed in public at a time when copyright subsists in such work or sound recording and where such performances is an infringement of that copyright, shall be guilty of an offence.

Offenders face a fine not exceeding Sh500,000 or a jail sentence of four years or both.

Sabrina Dhowre Elba, the wife of Hollywood superstar Idris Elba is in Kenya for a special engagement with Kenyan farmers.

The Somalian-American professional model, actress and social media personality will have a chance to interact with farmers from two projects in Embu and Nyeri counties. the projects are supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Sabrina is also the IFAD goodwill ambassador.

"With over 75 per cent of Kenya’s estimated 48 million people living in rural areas, Elba will experience first-hand the impact that IFAD investments are having on the lives of rural communities, especially women and girls,”  reads a statement from IFAD.

Speaking while in Embu county, Sabrina described Kenya as her second home.

“We spent the day on the field with primary in beautiful Kenya which is my second home. It’s been really enlightening to see what I have always believed in, that the rural community in nations and in continents like Africa work really hard if not harder than everywhere else,” she said.

Adding "Climate change is hitting African farmers the hardest of all. Being an IFAD Goodwill Ambassador gives me an important opportunity to amplify the voices of women and girls in rural areas."While they may account for the bulk of the labour force in agriculture, they continue to be left out of decision making and struggle to access finance, land and information. I am excited to meet Kenyan farmers and I want to share their stories of struggle and resilience with the world."

Since 1979, IFAD has financed 20 rural development programmes and projects in Kenya for a total value of US$980.31 million, of which IFAD has contributed US$455.09 million, directly benefiting about 4.6 million rural households.

Iman presents the crispy visuals to Aaliyah - the second single after his rebrand. 

The audio was recorded by Ihaji Made It and the Video was directed by Nezzoh Montana in the leafy suburbs of Karen.

This is a love song, and as depicted in the video, a soldier returns from a mission abroad and is looking forward to taking his relationship to the next level.

The time he has been away has made him miss his girlfriend and it has reaffirmed that the lady is the woman of his dreams and he doesn’t want to spend any minute away from her again.

In the video we see him gifting her a new car which is delivered to their compound, he proposes to her, and then the video ends when they are out in a mall doing shopping.

The song is a masterpiece and it comes with that replay value; from the instrumental, vocals and delivery.  

Speaking about the new song, Iman says, “Aaliyah is that song! I enjoyed the whole process of making it and I look forward to releasing such sing-along songs that resonate with my fans. Love is beautiful.”

Watch Aaliyah here: https://youtu.be/dOX8KO7l1zE  

Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir has led an onslaught against Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accusing him of blackmailing the ODM party leader Raila Odinga to give him the running mate position in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition.

The legislature took a swipe at Kalonzo accusing him of propagating negative and unwarranted attacks towards the existence of a harmonious and cohesive country as envisioned by the Azimio principles.

He said that they were dismayed that despite the level playfield to allow equal participation in the running of the affairs of the coalition, it was apparent that some leaders wanted to make it as if it was a precondition for them to be awarded the position of the running mate as a ticket of joining the Azimio coalition.

“We see this as blackmail of the highest order. As ODM and proud founders of Azimio, we believe our birth was not out of fear but that of respecting others views,” Nassir said.

Nassir was addressing the media at Swahili Pot hub on Sunday after holding a meeting with all ODM aspirants in Mombasa.

He accused Kalonzo of having a hidden agenda in joining the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition.

He added that they were disturbed by the show of recklessness by some unpatriotic leaders within the Azimio family whose main aim seems to be directed at destabilizing the movement from within.

“It is disturbing to see that some leaders within the coalition have reduced themselves into being agents of creating disharmony along tribal and religious lines in the country,”

 “For the avoidance of doubt, we want to categorically state that we shall not condone this kind of behavior considering how far this country has come from,” he said.

Nassir further stated that all these theatrics were only aimed at diluting the major contributions within Azimio by pragmatic leaders like Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and and his Kitui counterpart Charity Ngilu whom he said both stand a very good chance of being picked as possible running mates to Raila.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko on her part reiterated that the Azimio coalition aimed at uniting Kenyans and ensuring there is peace across the country.

This she said was going to be very instrumental to spur growth and development within all sectors in the country.

“It is a pity to see one of the coalition partners uttering words that threaten to split Kenyans along religious and tribal lines, we will not allow leaders within the coalition hell-bent at bringing us down from within.

She added that the coalition was not going to relent on its mission of uniting the over 45 million Kenyans in the country.

“If someone has his own hidden agenda for joining the coalition then let him tell us,” said Mboko.  

Other leaders present include Mombasa county assembly speaker Aharub Khatri, senator Mohammed Faki, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, former Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba, ODM Mombasa branch chair Mohammed Khamis,Woman rep aspirant Zamzam Mohammed and all ODM MCA aspirants.