NRG Radio, Kenya's number 1 Audio-Visual Radio Station has launched its first ever digital mainstream awards dubbed the NRG FANFAVE Awards.

The radio station known for its multi-platform entertainment experience, will through the NRG FANFAVE Awards celebrate Kenyan artistes, personalities and other young talents who are making great impact in the Creative Arts.

The awards ceremony also seeks to motivate young people to showcase their various talents in the Music & Creative industry. It will further celebrate true agents of positive change - the truly inspiring personalities and change makers in the industry.

 “Everything NRG RADIO does is to empower young Musicians & Creatives. Our central ethos for the Awards is to be more than just an Awards ceremony, to connect and showcase creative work through different platforms especially with this new way of life that has been handed to us.” Kevin B, NRG Radio Head of Broadcast said.

The Awards voting opened on the 24^th of July 2020 from 4 pm via the website www.nrg.radio

The NRG FANFAVE Awards 2020 categories include;

1. FAN FAVE Male Artist of The Year (OTY)
2. FAN FAVE Female Artist OTY
3. FAN FAVE Group OTY
4. FAN FAVE Rising Star OTY
5. FAN FAVE Gospel Act OTY
6. FAN FAVE Song OTY
7. FAN FAVE Hip Hop Song OTY
8. FAN FAVE Gengetone song OTY
9. FAN FAVE Collabo OTY
10. FAN FAVE TV Star OTY
11. FAN FAVE County OTY
12. FAN FAVE Campus Radio OTY
13. FAN FAVE YouTuber OTY
14. FAN FAVE Twitter Boss OTY
15. FAN FAVE Blogger OTY
16. FAN FAVE InstaBoss OTY
17. FAN FAVE Comedian OTY
18. FAN FAVE Style Icon OTY
19. FAN FAVE Sports Icon OTY
20. FAN FAVE Catchphrase OTY
21. FAN FAVE Africa’s Finest Award OTY
22. FAN FAVE Mathree OTY
23. FAN FAVE Actor/Actress OTY
24. FAN FAVE Content Creators OTY
25. FAN FAVE Male DJ OTY
26. FAN FAVE Female DJ OTY

NRG Radio takes pride  in shaping the future of Entertainment by connecting consumers with high-quality and personalised content via Internet, Mobile, Film, Sound, Print and Cross-Media in all possible forms of distribution.

The radio station that was launched 2 years ago has grown to become a household name and thought leader in 360 entertainment offering through Visual Radio, TV, Digital Platforms and Next Generation entertainment experiences as well as e-Sports and Online Gaming.

Kenyan hit makers of “nu Nairobi” sounds, Chris Kaiga and Kahu$h team up to release new single and music video of “Mastingo”.

In Nairobi slang’, Stingo means style, “Like that’s my style that’s my stingo. That’s how we do” –explains Chris.

The duo write and deliver while blending unique rap styles on this feel-good trap anthem, produced by ProdByScorpio.

“Mastingo” isn’t just about innate style but also cool dance moves as depicted in the retro-themed music video directed by Frnck.

Mastingo on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9KkYotgoqM.

Speaking on this new release, Chris says, “This marks our first of many collabos with Kahu$h and am so excited we could link up. “Mastingo” is a songfor all for our fans, hope you all vibe to it”.

Adding a message to the fans“Time to represent your style and your dance moves!.

The two fast rising artists have been dominating music airwaves with back-to-back hit releases.

Chris is known for a series of hit songs including “Zimenice”, Niko On”, “Chain Chain” while Kahu$h has been riding high with his banger “Mi Siwezi” following therelease of his EP ‘Trial and Error’ (2019) and album ‘Niko’ (2020).

Chris and Kahu$h are making a mark in the Kenyan music scene and are definitely gearing to take over Africa.

Rapper Octopizzo has praised Kisumu based artist’s debut EP, MPITO that is a collaborative effort between two artist Gabiro Mtu Necessary and Asen B.

Gabiro Mtu Necessary real name Gabriel Washington has received a lot of positive reviews since he released his feature EP on 23^rd July 2020 which marked his birthday.

It is definitely a good time for budding artists like Gabiro Mtu Necessary to be singing and churning out hit after hit every now and then because the industry is no longer deceiving.

Coming from Kisumu city, Gabiro has always proven to be one fresh and clean gem among the rest by always going a step ahead to the top in one way or the other.

The latest compliment comes from no one other than top Kenyan rapper Octopizzo who labels him as a tireless hard worker.

Octopizzo tweeted; “Go and support this young man who works tirelessly @mtunecessary” in a tweet that has since had a very huge positive impact on the said album.

The six-track Dancehall release contains every element to get the listeners reminiscing, singing, and replaying it 24/7. “Mpito” takes the listener on a musical journey with African flavored beats, drifty uplifting rhythms, and infectious energy.

The vocals and instrumentation work seamlessly together in every track for a must-listen record. The story-telling lyricism paired with the feel-good vocals will have listeners relating to certain situations in their lives. The engaging melody and beats with each track give the vocal an intimate, and euphoric feeling. Spreading good vibes automatically.

Songs like “Kesho” and “Anakuona” will have listeners wanting more. Undoubtedly, the EP merges the innate talent of both Gabiro & Asen B.

These talented artists maintain a fully charged arsenal of quality music that supports the fact that they are set to take over the music industry. Their unparalleled style and sound are profoundly manifested with “Mpito.” Make sure to add this release to your summer playlist of bangers as it will serve as your soundtrack!

The Covid-19 pandemic is a difficult and stressful topic, but both artists manage to concentrate on the positive things and are looking ahead. Dropping the EP at the perfect time.

Former Changamwe Mp and Assistant minister Ramadhan Kajembe has suffered another loss after losing his first wife Aziza Kajembe.

She died early Friday at Mombasa hospital.

This comes just months after the death of his second wife Zaharia Kajembe who died on March this year (2020).

The late Zaharia was also the mother in law to Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib.

” Mama Zaharia shall be remembered for her relentless championing for democracy and women empowerment in Jomvu and changamwe at large”, said Badi in his message of condolence.

In 2017, Kajembe also lost his first born son Seif Kajembe.

On her third 14 track studio album titled, With Love, Namibian born Pan African singer and songwriter, ML, introduces her signature sound with her sensational voice to the African music spectrum.

With Love is a union of Africa, therefore distinctly African.

Dubbed the queen of Shambo Pop in her home country, which is pop music in her vernacular mother tongue Oshiwambo - With Love is flavorfully African - mixing genres of Afro beats, Shambo Pop (Oshiwambo pop) and bongo flavour music.    

On the album, ML is live, alive, boldly African and proud. Every track on the album serves a purpose.

With Love brings together four nations Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa and Angola. Track 10, ‘Let Me Go’, is an excellent collaboration and the cherry on the cream.

Featuring Tanzania’s ‘Washa’ hit maker Barnaba, the duo are a perfect match, serving a flavorful concoction of English and Swahili. 

Widely regarded as a socially conscious musician, ML has been in music management for over ten years, having produced one of the biggest kwaito artistes in Namibia.

However, it was only in December 2017 that ML broke into the music scene with the release of her debut album, ‘The Diplomat’ and in 2018, ‘Independence Day’.

As ML steps into global consciousness musically, the stars are aligned for her.

With love is one of the best products to come from the small southern African nation. With Love is thematically and sonically cohesive and is definitely worth a check out, so, get your waist and foot game right, With Love.  

The album is available on all digital platforms worldwide.

Coast based singer Nyota Ndogo is counting loses after theives boke into her hotel in Voi and made away with food and cooking gas.

Nyota Ndogo had just done shopping for the cafe the day earlier.

"Leo tumeingia kazini hasubui tumekuta viti nje kifuli kimevunjwa.sasa vilivyo ibiwa ndizi chapati zilikua zimebaki tano gesi yangu maharage kilo mbili box la mafuta ya samli Yani mafuta ya mgando friza wamejaribu kuitoa wameshindwa (Today we arrived at my hotel in the morning and we found the seats out. The thieves stole bananas, five chapatis, cooking gas, two kilos of beans and cooking oil. They tried to carry the freezer but were unable to move it)" she posted.

Adding" hivi yule babu loliondo yupo jamani tuwakute waizi mlangoni hasubui.mtungi mzima wa lita mbili wote umeenda na nimefanya shopping jana tu mpya MUNGU awaona nitarudisha friza home Leo Yani duh mtu ataona nikidogo but kwa anae amka 4am kuanza kupigwa na moshi unamuibia amani nayo hutaijua (hivi yule babu loliondo yupo jamani tuwakute waizi mlangoni hasubui.mtungi mzima wa lita mbili wote umeenda na nimefanya shopping jana tu mpya MUNGU awaona nitarudisha friza home Leo Yani duh mtu ataona nikidogo but kwa anae amka 4am kuanza kupigwa na moshi unamuibia amani nayo hutaijua".

Kenyan R&B singer Meryl Paige Diva has been persistent in pursuing a not so popular genre in Kenya presently but still continues to woo her audiences. 

Meryl graced the just concluded Trace Live sets as a background vocalist for some of Kenya’s renowned artists where she displayed her versatility and collaborative skills.

She sang alongside King Kaka, Octopizzo, Kagwe Mungai, Naiboi, and Khaligraph Jones.

In some of these performances, Meryl went above and beyond a background vocalist’s job by offering vocal support and adding melody to rap music.

Her voice was instrumental in giving an emotional and mellow touch to the hooks and bridges of these artists’ songs.

On her set with King Kaka, Meryl did a splendid job with the hook of the song Betty creating a soulful break in his verses and also with the rendition of Lighters.

She also sang behind Amos and Josh and King Kaka in their collabo Baadaye during the show. 

Her sultry voice held the fort in Naiboi’s set on Trace Live especially in Kidege.

This set caught Kenyan songbird Wambura Mitaru’s attention on Youtube prompting her to ask about and commend Meryl for a job well done.

Wambura wasn’t the only one singing Meryl’s praises, Octopizzo also gave her public acknowledgment on his socials. 

“My favorite part of the whole show was singing full choruses of songs I have known and loved and allowing the masses that tuned in to connect and feel the same way.” Meryl says, speaking on her experience at Trace.

Meryl Paige has been in the live music scene for 7 years now and is well versed in the art of live performance. 

She started her musical journey at a young age in Sauti Academy, which has fostered many Kenyan musicians, and even hosts two events that give her and other Kenyan musicians a platform to share different genres of music.

Meryl recorded a number of singles including Regrets, When it's Cold (Dear X), Nawe , Hera featuring Waithaka Ent. and Light my Way with Josh of the Amos and Josh duo in 2019. 

She also produced her debut album SuperEgo in March 2020 which she describes as a body of work that depicts the daily struggle an artist has keeping up with society’s expectations and their own.

Meryl looks forward to creating and collaborating more with other artists. 

“I'd love to collaborate with Octopizzo because I’m a nyar ugenya bade dongo representing, Khaligraph because he is just a gift to us as well as King Kaka and Fena because we would gel very well together in a show,” she says. 

Stream "SuperEgo Album" here: https://backl.ink/129089734

The Trace Live performance is bound to leave a lot of people yearning to see more of Meryl and what will become of her.

According to Trace Eastern Africa Cluster MD, the music extravaganza was an initiative to support the local creative economy and offer lovers of music both in Kenya and abroad an immersive entertainment concert during a period of restrictive social interaction due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following the success of their debut single “She Don’t Know”, AfroStringz releases a unique Afro Remix to the Hip Hop classic “Trap Queen” , the single that put rap artist Fetty Wap on the map reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2015, and leading to his record deal with 300 Entertainment.

Fetty Wap has approached Miri Ben-Ari back in April to collaborate on a live performance of the song for an award show, and Miri instead suggested to flip it “Afrostringz style”.

Fetty Wap fell in love with this new version that kept the classic feel of the song with a romantic upbeat production of lush strings and Afro House beat.

AfroStringz (www.afrostringz.com) brings together two worlds, a fusion of African music with strings sound, a multicultural entertainment experience that is unique, different and powerful. 

Stream/Buy “Trap Queen Afro Remix”: https://sparta.ffm.to/trapqueenafroremix

Speaking of Trap Queen Afro Remix release, Afrostringz say, “The challenge was in flipping a Hip-Hop classic “Trap Queen” and keeping it classic."

Adding "We used our Afrostringz unique sound and production for this Afro Remix. Our goal is to promote African music in America and create a world that has no limits, especially nowadays where the world needs harmony more than ever!”

Afrostringz EP is scheduled for release in 2021. 

Afro stands for renowned African producer "The Beat Boss" Young D from Nigeria while Stringz stands for Grammy-Award winning violinist/producer Miri Ben-Ari, originally from Israel. 

Afrostringz began when Young D. reached out to Miri after seeing her captivating violin feature on Diamond Platnumz’s crossover song “Baila”.

Miri, who was familiar with Young D.’s production for the song “Bom bom”(Timaya ft Sean Paul), met Young D. in the music studio to collaborate on a few songs.

The two quickly realized they have created a unique product and sound.

WCB C.E.O Diamond Platnumz has surprised his new signee Zuchu with a brand new car.

Zuchu who is currently ruling the airwaves with her hit song 'Mauzauza' was given the new Rav 4 last night during a live Tv show, Big Sunday Live on wasafi Tv.

Present at the show was Zuchu's mother, veteran taarab singer Khadija Kopa.

Zuchu was overwhelmed with emotions as the Wasafi boss  handed her the car.

She took to social media to thank her boss, Diamond Platnumz.

"Mwenyezi mungu wangu nasema Alhamdullilah, mbariki boss wangu na umuongoze kwa hiki kikubwa alichoniongezea kwenye maisha yangu. Si kila mtu ana moyo kama wako boss hakuna cha kukulipa my brother hakuna kwakweli Allah akupe umri wa uhai wenye mafanikio zaidi unatuokoa wengi sana Diamond Platnumz. Asante boss." she posted.

On his part Diamond Platnumz encouraged youths to go after their dreams and be descplined.

"Tuwambie vijana wenzetu waliopo mitaani kuwa kila kitu kinawezekana lakini lazima tuamini katika ndoto zetu, tusali sana, tuwe na nidhamu sanasana, na kuwaomba wazazi wetu waendele kutuombea ili tufike malengo yetu" said Diamond

This comes just a day after WCB hosted a high end event in Daresalaam for Zuchu to celebrate her growth and thank fans for their support. There were performances from all WCB artists at the event which was attended by several Tanzania celebrities and government officials.

Kenya is once again grieving the sudden  demise of a major face in the comedy industry, Charles Bukeko, popularly known as Papa Shirandula who passed on Saturday morning, at the Karen Hospital family.

According to the family spokesman Bernard Wanyama, the actor had been sick for only a couple of days before succumbing to his death.

“He was out of Nairobi for work for some time and returned on Sunday. On Monday, he was complaining that he was not feeling  well, maybe because he was in a colder environment when he was out of Nairobi, so he went to Karen hospital for treatment. At the hospital he was diagnosed with pneumonia and prescribed medication for the same, he was released for home management,” Said Wanyama.

He adds that only 4 days later, things were getting out of hand as his health was not showing improvements.

“He started complaining again on Friday night that he was not feeling very well, so the plan was to get to hospital the following morning. On Saturday morning the situation had gotten really worse and the wife had to rush him to Karen hospital, where he passed on arrival. He did not have an opportunity to even see the doctor,” He adds.

Bukeko had joined the acting industry right about the time he cleared high school studies in Upper Hills secondary, which was not always a smooth road.

In 1998,he  met Dr JPR Ochieng’ Odera  who would become his first ever director before moving onto Phoenix Theatre where he ran into Ian Mbugua and who, in turn, introduced him to James Falkland, who trained him for 3 more years  on the basics of theatre performances at absolutely no charge. But his breakthrough came with his feature in the Papa Shirandula TV series in 2010.

The 58 years old husband and father of three won the 2010 kalasha awards for best actor, in a TV series. And he also featured in the film, The captain of Nakara. Papa Shirandula opened a lot of doors, a role which became hard for people  to separate from the person he was.

A statement by the Royal Media Services group Managing Director, Mr Wachira Waruru, the actor passed away on Saturday morning to the shock of the whole fraternity.

“…Papa, as he was fondly known within the royal media fraternity, represented a pioneering group of Kenyan actors who immensely contributed to the growth and success of local productions. I am honored to have worked closely with Bukeko in the creation of the Papa Shirandula series that immediately gained wide acceptance across the country. His passing is therefore a big loss not only to the royal media family and Kenya’s acting fraternity but also to the country as a whole. His legacy and contribution to Kenya’s TV Industry will continue to impact many generations to come,” it read.

He will be laid to rest tomorrow (Monday) at his home in Busia County.