Apple Music is celebrating the beauty and diversity of the African continent this Africa Month with their Africa Is… campaign.

Africa is many things to many groups of people and by honouring its musical complexities, Apple Music pays homage to its melting pot of innovation, creativity and sounds.

Africa Is will feature music from West Africa, Francophone Africa, East Africa, Lusophone Africa, and Southern Africa, with 18 exclusive guest playlists that are all inspired by what it means to be African.

The curators for the guest playlists on Apple Music include West Africa's Rema (Nigeria), Moliy (Ghana) Basketmouth (Nigeria) Kelvyn Boy (Ghana), Prince Gyasi (Ghana) and Andrea Iyamah (Nigeria).

 Representing East Africa is Chimano (Kenya) and Hussein Suleiman (Uganda), for Lusophone Africa it's Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde) and Eliana Murargy (Mozambique), for Francophone Africa we have Ferre Gola (DRC), Serge Ibaka (DRC) and Chrystel (Ivory Coast), and lastly representing South Africa are Bongeziwe Mabandla, Uncle Waffles, Slikour, Nduduzo Makhathini and Wanda Lephoto.

In addition to this, Apple Music will have a dedicated Africa Is… section featuring flagship Editorial and Genre playlists, special Artist Essentials and Behind The Boards playlists, as well as Exclusive Home Sessions and the hottest music videos from the most popular artists.

Here is what the guest curators had to say about the inspiration behind their playlists:

"To me, Africa - like our music - is diverse, rich, colourful, and beautiful. We know how to have fun. We know how to brighten up a room while preserving the soulful essence of our sound." - Rema (Nigerian singer and rapper)

“Africa is the future. Sounds from the continent have always been a force to be raved about, but recent years have proven that won’t be slowing down anytime soon as this new generation continues pushing boundaries." - Moliy (Ghanian singer-songwriter)

“The world is opening up to the beauty of African music. Hence, it is important that we as Africans continue to propagate our art in every way possible, because no one else can see us the way we would ourselves. Listen to this playlist I made of my favourite African songs.” - Basketmouth (comedian, filmmaker and singer)

“AFRICA IS MUSIC, AFRICA IS AUTHENTIC. This playlist proves how authentic our sound is and how dominant our sound has become over the years." - Kelvyn Boy (Ghanaian Afrobeat singer)

"God has blessed Africa with beautiful kids and I love her because she raised her kids well. Each kid has contributed to the creative world. Art, music and fashion are so original in everything they do. Love them. Africa is original.” - Prince Gyasi (international renowned visual artist)

“Africa is inspiring" - Andrea Iyamah (Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer)

"Africa Is... royalty. I call this the African Royals playlist. I have selected some of the top artists and songs from different generations and origin in Africa. Our musical journey starts in Angola then heads South to the beautiful Zimbabwe, and then up north to Mali the birthplace of music legends and creators of some of the most beautiful music in the world." - Bongeziwe Mabandla (South African musician) 

“Africa to me is its music’s, stories and cultures. Africa is all the things that have survived the catastrophes imposed by the west. Africa is the spirit that refused the erasure and became immortal. Africa is the essence of being and all things (Ntu)." - Nduduzo Makhathini (South African jazz musician)

 "Africa is the spirit in which the world we live is guided on.” - Wanda Lephoto (South African designer)

"Africa is authenticity. Our sweetest songs are those that come from the saddest thoughts and sung in a melancholic voice.” - Ferre Gola (Congolese recording artist) 

"Africa is… diverse. One thing I love and respect the most about Africa it’s its diversity and versatility. This is what I tried to show with this playlist. Even though I’m a huge fan of Congolese music I find sounds and vibes I love in every country of Africa.” - Serge Ibaka (Congolese NBA player and artist) 

“African music is where it all starts for me. These are just some of the songs I grew up hearing on the way to school, around the house, the memorable bass I heard at parties. And then some of the music I love today.” - Chrystel (Ivorian singer and songwriter) 

“Africa is black. Black is room to create, to inspire, to elevate, to stamp. Africa is foundation" - Chimano (Kenyan musician)

"This playlist is reflective of the rich and varying sounds of Africa. From old gems to future sounds, I wanted to present a glimpse into how I experience music from the continent. Please find below the very many artists that influence and inspire me on a daily basis as I make my way through the rest of the world.” - Hussein Suleiman (Ugandan founder of streetwear brand Daily Paper)

“Africa is part of my ancestry, from my musical influences of Cabo Verde and being brought up in Europe (France and Switzerland) my taste for music is diverse, from the Rhythms beats and Melodies from Africa, I hope everyone treasures this playlist as much as I do from Africa to the World on this special month!'' - Soraia Ramos (Cape Verdean singer) 

“Africa is our heartbeat. Past, present, future… music has and always will be part of my life.” - Eliana Murargy (Mozambican fashion designer)

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday led the nation in paying glowing tribute to Kenya’s third Head of State, the late former President Mwai Kibaki.

President Kenyatta eulogized President Kibaki as one of Kenya’s greatest statesmen, a visionary and a leading architect of the modern Kenya.

“We honour and salute him today for his toil in the run-up to our nation’s independence and, most notably, as amongst the leading architect of the modern Kenya state.

“As one of the last standing heroes of our independence struggle, he had a special calling to execute the last chapters of the vision of our founding fathers. And he did this with surgical precision and a total disregard for what the naysayers thought of him,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi during the state funeral service where Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo assisted by Archbishop Martin Kivuva conducted the requiem mass in celebration of the life of President Kibaki.

President Kenyatta said the late President Kibaki finished the last mile of the country’s founding vision and went on to lay the foundation upon which future generations shall build. 

In this regard, the Head of State pointed out that although President Kibaki has rested, his service to the country will not rest until the last mile of his bold vision for Kenya is completed.

President Kenyatta also described former President Kibaki as a modest man who did not believe in loud shouting but found virtue and joy in doing the ordinary things that fulfilled his purpose.

“He knew that he could not fulfill his purpose in the presence of cheering crowds.  He had to do this in the privacy of his space.  And his desire to contribute to the transformation of Kenya, in his quiet and secluded space with no one watching, is what makes him a legend – a man of purpose,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta also noted that President Kibaki was a man blessed with an incredible gift of tolerance and had the ability to take in pressure and pain without showing distress.

On leadership, President Kenyatta said President Kibaki was a celebrated leader who possessed the unique abilities to ‘lead himself’ and overcome challenges.

“This ability to ‘lead himself’ against the noise and buzz of the crowds is what brought Mzee Kibaki this far.  His ability to ‘lean in’ and deal with his darkest moments, not in public but in seclusion, is what distinguishes him as a great leader,” President Kenyatta said.

In low moments, President Kenyatta said the departed leader acknowledged the impending danger but chose to focus on the attendant opportunities.

He cited President Kibaki’s demotion from the position of Vice President to Minister for Health and the post-election violence of 2007 as two examples of low moments that also proved the third President’s qualities as a great leader.

“If the true measure of a man is how he stands in times of challenge and difficulties, from the 2007 dark moment of our nation, the Hon. Mwai Kibaki stood tall and turned misfortune into positive change,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta emphasized that President Kibaki was a visionary who was propelled by a vision to love the country more than self.

“Although identified by the international media as a world leader, he chose not to take the trodden path. Instead, he opted to explore the unchartered path of an independent Kenya and leave a trail.

“A voice that took him to the path of faith. And because of this walk of faith, the Hon. Mwai Kibaki must go down on record as a guardian visionary of our new Republic,” President Kenyatta said.

He pointed out that his “Big Push Investments” especially in infrastructure were inspired and accelerated by Kenya’s development blueprint Vision 2030 authored by President Kibaki.

“And if President Kibaki authored Vision 2030, the next administration must take us to a bolder plan.  They must give us Vision 2063… a blueprint for Kenya at 100 years and beyond,” President Kenyatta said.

On politics, President Kenyatta credited President Kibaki as a gentleman of few words and decisive action who put leadership ahead of politics for the benefit of all Kenyans.

“If he was here with us today, he would have instructed us to choose leadership over politics. He would have told us that leadership is about vision; politics is about positions and that nations are founded on visions,” President Kenyatta said.

He expressed satisfaction that President Kibaki’s enduring legacy will continue to illuminate the country and the African continent, placing him as one of the greatest African statesmen of his generation.

Speaking at the state funeral service, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said President Kibaki will be remembered for the leadership he demonstrated not only in Kenya but also to the African continent.

“But we especially remember him for his leadership in uniting the people of Kenya and for us, as South Africans, we saw him in the mould which we saw our own first President Nelson Mandela who sought to unite our nation and who planted the seeds of the development of South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said.

Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde said the late President Kibaki was a true friend of Ethiopia who elevated the long-standing relations between the two countries by signing a special status agreement that laid the foundation for the economic growth of the region.

“During his tenure, our two countries signed a special status agreement laying the foundation for the Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia corridor project as well as the Moyale one-stop border post,” she said.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir, whose message was read by his Minister of State in the Presidency, said President Kibaki played a key role in the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement in 2005 that secured the self-determination of the people of South Sudan.

Deputy President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Kibaki’s son, Jimmy, also spoke at the funeral service attended by Kenyans from all walks of life and foreign dignitaries.

Other African leaders present included Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente of Rwanda and Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga (Zimbabwe), Phillip Mpango (Tanzania) and Jessica Alupo (Uganda) as well as former President Joyce Banda of Malawi.

The entry of former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko into the race to succeed Hassan Joho in Mombasa has continued to ruffle feathers in the political scene.

Former Mombasa senator and UDA governor aspirant Hassan Omar becomes the latest politician to react to Sonko's entry in the hotly contested race.

Speaking during an Iftar hosted by UDA Majengo ward aspirant Nabil Selim on Thursday, Omar termed the entrance of Sonko as an insult to the people of Mombas, arguing that the former Nairobi governor is not his own man but a project of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Omar's sentiments come just days after Mvita Mp and ODM aspirant for the governor aspirant Abdulswamad Nassir also accused Kalonzo  of meddling in Mombasa politics by fronting Sonko.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2820-stop-meddling-in-mombasa-politics-nassir-tells-kalonzo-over-sonko-s-entrance-in-governor-race

The former Senator called on Mombasa residents not to elect Sonko stating that he is not the suitable leader for the county.

"What does he (Kalonzo) take us for?. Let him have some respect for us as people of Mombasa. We are not going to impecah his project (Sonko) as it was it was in Nairobi but we will defeat him in the ballot" said Omar

Changamwe Member of Parliament Omar Mwinyi has cautioned electorates against participating in an election without making proper political decisions in the August 9 polls.

Mwinyi said electorates should not vent their anger into the ballot, just because their candidates have lost in the nomination process, saying such decisions may end up putting into office leaders who are not fit for leadership.

 “I know we have a lot of anger, some might be having anger with the current leadership, how nominations went, and they would want to use anger in making decisions especially when voting. I want to urge them to use wisdom, and consult together because what is important is to have good leaders in Mombasa,” said Mwinyi.

At the same time Mwinyi announced that he will consult his constituents about which path they will walk together in quest to elect a suitable Mombasa governor.

“Here in Changamwe we will sit down and consult and see what direction we will take because if we are carried away by a certain political wave we may end up losing five years in bad leadership, “cautioned Mwinyi.

The legislator extended an olive branch to his opponents who lost in the just concluded Orange Democratic Party ODM party primaries.

Mwinyi who was handed a direct ODM ticket to seek re-election in the Changamwe seat said he is ready to partner with his opponents to deliver development to his constituents. Mwinyi was locked into a tough contest against Juma Goshi for the party ticket.

He asked politicians who lost in the just concluded party primaries to put aside their differences and join the winners in steering their respective political positions to another level.

Mwinyi was speaking in Changamwe during a bursary cheques disbursement exercise to needy students in Changamwe joining secondary school, Universities and colleges.

Over 7,000 students benefited from the bursary amounting to over 40 million.

“Let’s put our heads together and work together so that we can have good leaders elected to steer Mombasa leadership.” cautioned Mwinyi.

The Mp pledged to continue elevating the education levels in Changamwe so as the region can realize the fruits of education in future. Among those sponsored are those from poor backgrounds.

Speaking at the function, Changamwe sub county commissioner Tom Konyelo challenged political leaders to ensure 100 percent transition in both private and public by helping the needy with bur series.

“We have had a challenge of 100 percent transition policy, and this gesture of issuance of bursary is a good move to support the school enrolments in Changamwe and ensure the transition is fully achieved,” said Konyelo.

On his part Chondo Isaac, organizing secretary of private schools challenged other leaders to emulate the gesture of giving school bursaries so that poor learners can access education.

“We are glad to see private institutions being among those getting bursaries, we are very happy and as private schools we will stand with those who support our issues,” said Chondo.

Internet sensation, rapper and student Kanambo Dede is back. After leaving her fast growing fan base feening for more, she heeded their call by dropping her second single One Day yesterday.

One day, which is sponsored by King Kaka’s Kaka Empire, showcases the sheer determination of the young star, and the ways in which her life has changed given her new found fame.  

"One day tutamake it but for now we corporate na hali, and give thanks for what we have” Dede simply says about the song  which she wrote herself.

Dede , who we first saw rapping on the streets on a viral freestyle video posted to Instagram that touched most netizens, and is destined for great heights.

Watch the official music video for ‘One Day’ as written and performed by Kanambo Dede , produced by Sifa for Kaka Empire and directed by JijoDrumbeats.

Mombasa Muslim cleric Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa is among the 7 member team appointed to advise Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance presidential candidate and ODM party leader Raila Odinga in choosing a suitable running mate.

Sheikh Khalifa is the organising secreatry, Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK).

Addressing the press Wednesday, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Party, Council Secretary-General Junet Mohammed said the panel shall reach its decision through consensus and shall elect its chairperson.

“At its inaugural meeting held on 21^st April 2022 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Council, at the request of the party’s presidential candidate, HE Raila Aolo Odinga, resolved to appoint a seven member team to assist and advice the candidate regarding the nomination of the party’s Deputy Presidential Candidate,” said Junet.

The committee will be tasked with identifying and submitting the name(s) of the potential candidate(s) to deputize Odinga by May 10, 2022.

The secretary of the panel shall be Ms Elizabeth Meyo.

Other members of the committee are Senator Enoch Wambua, Bishop Peter Njenga, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, Michael Orwa, Dr. Noah Wekesa, and Beatrice Askul Moe.

The ministry of Labour has vowed to heighten its routine inspections in public and private work institutions to ensure full adherence to safety and health of workers at their work place.

According to Ministry of Labour directorate occupational safety and health secretary Dr Musa Nyandusi, many employers in Kenya have continued to operate with total disregard of the set safety policies.

Speaking in Mombasa on Wednesday, Nyandusi also challenged Kenyans to familiarize themselves with safety and health policies, so that they don’t suffer in silence in the hands of some rogue employers.

“Workers who get injured and are not compensated is a big issue for us. It’s a big issue for us because for us and that’s why our institution exists to protect our workers against disease and injuries, “he added.

He said the government has ensured proper laws that govern occupational health and safety and therefore the laws ought to be fully adhered to by all players.

This happens as many Kenyans continue to suffer in the hands of their employees with very poor working conditions with their security and health compromised in the line of their duty.

 “The occupational safety and health act, is an act of parliament ensures workers are protected and they don’t suffer injuries, occupational diseases and death,” he added, saying that institutions ought to adhere to the set policies so that employees get their rights.

Nyandusi said the directorate recognizes enterprises and institutions that put into consideration safety and health of their workers in their establishments.

In Kenya for example, he said private employers are notorious when it comes to full adherence to safety and measures of employees.

“The other policy that is Work injury benefits act is responsible in an event the worker gets injured then or gets a disease, then is treated and in an event if he dies is compensated or his kin’s get compensated,” he added.

Speaking after closing the fifth national occupation safety conference in Mombasa he said the directorate also trains institutions that conduct occupational safety and health first aid administration training countrywide to ensure safety and health of workers is paramount.

“As we take time to reflect on the safety and health week which is celebrated worldwide, we spend time reflecting on workers who lost their lives, who have gotten injured or gotten occupational diseases in line of their work, “said Nyandusi.

Nyandusi confirmed that the directorate will hold a band match procession on Thursday from different institutions from NSSF building, through Nkrumah road ,Moi Avenue towards Mbaraki sports grounds where they will hold a meeting to award enterprises who have shown excellence in safety and health of their workers in their enterprises.

“We are going to be graced by our labour minister and principal secretary and we shall celebrate enterprises that have shown excellence in safety and health. We hope events like this will go a long way in ensuring safety awareness of workers in their place of work,” said Nyandusi.

Remember Necessary Noise, the Kenyan hip hop group that served us with hits like "Bless My Room', 'Kenyan Boy, Kenyan Girl' ?

Well, the group previously composed of Nazizi Hirji, Wyre and Bamzigi seems to be making a comeback.

The news was shared by a group member, Wyre who took to social media and posted a short video from what seems to be their upcoming project.

https://twitter.com/WyreDaLoveChild/status/1519025722756677632?s=20&t=G7MSF_c0-apszgPcQiJP5

The group which was formed in 2000 managed to win several awards including the Kisima awards in 2004, voted as the Best group and Best music video through the song 'Kenyan Boy, Kenyan Girl'.

The group also won the Chaguo la Teeniez in the same year (2004) and the Peral of Africa music awards, Best group award in 2006.

Nazizi and Wyre have been doing solo projects with Bamzigi missing from the limelight. Nazizi is also currently a radio presenter with The standard group owned radio station, Vybez Radio.

Mvita Mp and ODM Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant Abdulswamad Nassir has told Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to stop meddling in Mombasa politics.

According to Nassir, Kalonzo is behind the entrance of former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko in the Mombasa governor race.

"Just recently, I travelled  with Sonko and he never told me that he will be vying for Mombasa governor" argued Nassir.

Adding " As you are all aware, Sonko has even been telling the media that it is Kalonzo who sent him to Mombasa to vie for the governor seat".

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2815-sonko-handed-direct-wiper-ticket-for-mombasa-governor-race-mbogo-to-deputise-him

Speaking during a media interview with local radio stations, Nassir accused Kalonzo of planning to scutter ODM leader and Azimio One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga votes in Mombasa.

Nassir charged "We all that this is a large scheme by Kalonzo to interfere with Raila's votes in Mombasa. If kalonzo is intrested in Mombasa politics let him come and vie for the Mombasa governor and stop sending his people".

Nassir further revealed that he will be soon unveiling his manifesto for Mombasa.

"I did not just sit down and come with the manifesto. The manifesto is made up of views from the people that I collected during my interaction with them" He said.

The Mp also took issue with his rival former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar who is also eyeing the Mombasa governor seat on UDA, over his recent attacks on his (Nassir) candidature

"The people of Mombasa should just understand him, that is his nature. You know some of things depend with how you were brought up. I was brought up in a family with values so I cannot go down his lane, I will never respond to him."