Ommy Dallah
Saspacity Salon And Wellness Online Services Launched To Tap Into The Beauty Industry
With over 400 salons, 1800 styles and 2000 unique haircare and wellness services, Saspacity will allow clients to search and discover beauty services/parlours, explore latest styles, compare prices, get reviews, check out discounts and offers from different salons and book beauty appointments online.
It works in the same way one would prefer to use Uber or Lyft as opposed to hailing a cab. Customers can seek out stylists online for manicures, blowouts, and even spa services like facials.
According to Ernest Were, a co-founder, one can book a slot for the desired service online and show up at the salon or book a slot with a freelancing stylist to deliver the service at their location, minimizing movement as a result of Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have included an e-wallet, which allows clients to credit their wallet via M-PESA before they make bookings. This is convenient because then they can always book a service at a later date without the worry of spending the set money for grooming on other things,” Were explained.
Saspacity was started to help hair stylists in Kenya, most of whom may not be tech-savvy, don’t have adequate access to schedule management, custom statistics, and online booking software, as well as those who do not have the expertise nor the capital to market themselves.
“According to research we conducted on salons in the Kenyatta market, Umoja, Kamukunji, and Nairobi CBD, we found out that the average wait time for someone to be served was 50 minutes and during that time, customers walk away "he said.
Adding "Similarly, our findings showed that more than 50% of clients struggle to find information on beauty styling from variety of services offered, their pricing, the best place to get them, as a result, the majority of them end up settling for less than they could get. With Saspacity, everything is now centralized and both the buyer and the seller can walk away satisfied,”
The platform targets those aged between 18 and 50 with a variety of services including all beauty services in the categories of hair (braiding, weaving, dreadlocks, hair styling), spa and massage, tattooing and piercing, men grooming (haircut, beard shaving, to name a few), nails, manicure, pedicure and beauty, and wellness products.
The prices are competitive with braids ranging from Ksh.500 to Ksh.3000 depending on the braid style, salon, and location; and nails from Ksh.150 to Ksh.4500 depending on style, salon, and location.
With Beauty & Personal Care Industry being one of the fastest-growing industries in Kenya, evidenced by the 400% growth in the last four years from Ksh 26 billion in 2015 to over Ksh 100 billion in 2019, Saspacity’s inception is hoped to a success.
The unprecedented effect of COVID-19 on businesses is also set to catapult the platform since many people are shifting to home services to reduce risks of exposure. The pilot region for the launch is Nairobi with hopes to expand broadly into the African market.
Pine Creek Records Unveils New Signee
Pine Creek Records on Saturday 03rd October 2020 unveiled their new signee; singer, songwriter and performer Muringi at an invite only event that took place at The Nairobi Club.
Unlike the previous artistes that have been signed at Pine Creek before, Muringi is a Mugithi artiste.
Mugithi is a form of music originating from the Kikuyu people of Kenya but enjoyed by other ethnic groups within Kenya and even some non-Kenyans.
"We realized that the vernacular music market is huge and the consumers have spending power hence the reason we decided to bring Muringi on board" Peter said.
The contract is a 2 years one and in the two years Pine Creek Records will produce 2 albums for her.
The first album is anticipated to be released in December 2020, but her first single will be out later in this month of October 2020.
Pine Creek Records has been in the business of creating music stars in Kenya for more than 10 years and they ain't stopping soon; the label founder Mr. Peter Nduati says Pine Creek Records will keep spotting, nurturing and building talents until they leave an indelible mark on the African Music Scene.
About Muringi.
Muringi is a singer, songwriter and performer.
Born and raised in Gītūndū, Othaya- Nyeri, Kenya, music has always been part of Mūringī's life.
She started singing at an early age entertaining her family and friends. In her quest for music she went to the studio in Othaya in 2012 and started by doing background vocals for artistes.
In December 2019, Mūringī met the talented producer Waruks whose focus was on producing vernacular music and the duo started working on cover songs for old kikuyu music and uploading them on social media. She was propelled to stardom when a random one-minute raw "Ndiari Rūī" ( originally done by Wanganangū ) cover got the attention of Inooro FM presenter, Jeff Kuria, who shared it.
The video went viral which grew her fan base, exposed her to a wide new audience marked her rise as a contemporary Kikuyu Mūgithi singer.
Her wonderful covers landed on Peter Nduati , Pine Creek's CEO's hands who was blown away by the level of talent, skill and understanding of art possessed by the young lady and decided to sign her.
The Second realme C15 Hot Sale Is Around The Corner: Here is what to Expect
After the successful launch and roll out of realme C15, the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brand, realme, is set to rollout the second Hot Sale for the realme C15 that will see Kenyan customers enjoy amazing offers.
This is not the first realme product to hit the Kenyan market. The company has already firmed its roots in the sector by rolling out realme C3, realme C11, realme 6, realme Band, Air Neo and Buds Q that have already got a grip on the Kenyan market.
The second sale is set to kick off on October 3rd, 2020 - 9th October, 2020. This second sale comes after the ongoing sale that is running both online and offline in the Kenyan market. The fact that the hot sale is happening online, customers have an opportunity to order for the phone and have it delivered to them.
Online, the brand has made in routes in the market through sales that kicked off on September 21, 2020 on Jumia and Kilimall platforms. The best news is that on 2nd October, 2020, the Kilimall platform will be having a super brand day where by, when one purchases the realme C15, you walk away with a free set of realme Buds Q worth 3,999 shillings.
The company has also partnered with the telecommunications giant, Safaricom to help in the distribution of the phone.
The realme C15 has specifically excited Kenyans being the first 6000mAh smartphone with an AI Quad Camera retailing under 20,000 shillings. The phone also features 18W Quick Charge which means that the user is able to charge their phone within the shortest time possible and have their phone retain power for long as compared to others. Its massive battery supports 46 hours of continuous calls or 28 hours of YouTube watching, with an average standby time of up to 57 days.
Its affordability as compared to others in the market makes it accessible for a majority of Kenyans. The realme C15 with 4+ 64GB is going for 16,999 shillings while the realme C15 with 4+ 128GB is going for 19,999 shillings.
Kenyan Rising Star Wacuka Releases First Single Off Her Upcoming EP
U.S based Kenyan Rising Star Grace Wacuka has dropped her first single "Run Dem" off her upcoming EP- The I am Wacuka Project.
Watch: https://youtu.be/oRomZUOLPSc
Run Dem is a reggae song produced by Johnttez Krucial.
The video was shot in the streets of Nairobi and was directed by Grace Wacuka, shot by Nesh Maina, and edited by Borche Dimoski.
Speaking about the song, Grace Wacuka says "Run Dem was written when I felt I was on top of the game and so completely in control.
Since this year has been hard for so many, I thought the song would be a great way to say 'we still got this' to the universe and everyone who needs to find a reason to dance,”
Besides music, Wacuka is a budding movie film actor currently doing her Masters in Acting at Columbia University.
She has been featured in several movies, most recently, the internationally acclaimed “A New Christmas” that premiered at The HBO South Asian International Film Festival in New York.
Wacuka is set to release her EP - The I am Wacuka Story Project before the year ends and is keen on coming back to work with other Kenyan stars to shoot further film and music projects.
Trump, First Lady Melania Test Positive For Coronavirus
U.S President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for coronavirus, the President announced early Friday morning.
"Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" tweeted Trump.
The President had said earlier in the night that he planned to quarantine after he confirmed one of his longest-serving aides Hope Hicks with whom he had recently traveled received a positive test result.
"Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!" Trump tweeted Thursday night.
Trump, 74, was the latest world leader to test positive for COIVD-19. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the first major leader in March.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro also tested positive in July and recovered.
Trump has often downplayed the virus claiming the U.S. has the pandemic "under control''.
US has for recorded over 200,000 deaths from the virus.
Boniface Mwangi's Film 'Softie' To Priemere In Mombasa This October
The powerful film 'Softie' that follows the life of Kenyan photographer and political activist Boniface Mwangi, his wife Njeri and their kids, will premiere nationwide in Kenya, starting 16th October 2020 .
The film will premiere in several towns and cities, in Eldoret (Rupa Cinema), Mombasa (Nyali Cinemax), Kisumu (Mega Cinema) and at Prestige Cinema, Anga Diamond Plaza, Motion Cinema and Westgate Cinema, in Nairobi.
Full “SOFTIE” film airing schedule: https://www.softiethefilm.com/
At the heart of the film lies the tale of how Boniface, nicknamed “Softie” in his childhood years, has long fought injustices in his country Kenya.
He is daring and audacious, and recognized as Kenya's most provocative photojournalist. But as a father of three young children, these qualities create tremendous turmoil between him and his wife Njeri Mwangi whose loyalty to her family is hard as a rock.
It’s a story of perseverance and love, evoking mixed emotions while exploring the themes of family, sacrifice and patriotism.
Boniface Mwangi says of the film, “It unveils the curtain of the struggles of activists; my personal struggles as a father. It’s brutally honest. You will see tears. I have watched it two times and cried both times because it’s vicerial and heartbreaking to see what kind of country we have."
Adding "It reveals our true colours as a nation and the role of money and ethnicity in politics.”
Directed by Sam Soko, the film chronicles a 7 year journey beginning with chaos filled street protests and culminating in Boniface’s decision to run for a political seat in his old neighbourhood Starehe.
He soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk. His wife, Njeri, has long been silent in the background.
The decision to run put her and the family on the spot. This brings forth a central question that many of the world’s brightest and most effective changemakers have had to ask themselves, ‘What comes first - family or country?’
The film premiered at Sundance in January 2020, winning a special jury prize for editing.
It has been greatly reviewed, citing its conscientious story telling of Kenya’s struggle with political tribalism.
It has since played at a couple of prestigious festivals including CPH:DOX, FullFrame and even won Best Film at the Encounters International Documentary Festival and Best Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 2020.
The DIFF win means that “SOFTIE” now qualifies for consideration for the Oscar documentary shortlist for the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
The next ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on April 25, 2021.
Softie was also the opening night film at the Hotdocs Film Festival and at the Human Rights Festival held in Berlin, Germany under the patronage of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad with opening and keynote speeches having included Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
For Njeri Mwangi, having their private family life on screen has been a difficult and rewarding experience.
She says, “This film is not just a single story but the story of what women and mothers and wives like myself give to the cause of what they too believe in but whose contribution is not counted as significant or acknowledged as prominently as their partners. It has given me a voice and hopefully a chance for women to see themselves and count their contributions to the betterment of not only their families but also their communities and country."
Adding “To all the women out there, this film is for you and your families. We too matter!”
“It’s a very important film for Kenyans to watch because it shows what happens behind the scenes in an activist’s family life and their daily struggles,” noting, “It took seven years in the making”. says Boniface.
Full “SOFTIE” film airing schedule: https://www.softiethefilm.com/
Nigerian Singer Sentenced To death For Blasphemy Against Prophet Muhammad
A young Nigerian musician has been sentenced to death after being convicted of sharing an insulting song about Prophet Muhammad.
Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, 22, was convicted of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad on 10 August by a Sharia court in Kano province.
His song which was shared on instagram caused riots throughout the city. Protesters burnt down his family home demanding his prosecution, leading to his arrest.
The singer is said to have gone into hiding after sharing the song. The song was praising an imam from the Tijaniya Muslim brotherhood to the point where it gave him higher status than the Prophet Muhammad, the BBC reported.
The UN’s Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner this week urged authorities to overturn the death sentence and to ensure his safety, saying that Nigeria “must take effective measures to protect” him, calling his case a “flagrant violation” of international law.
“We are deeply concerned over the serious lack of due process in Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case so far, especially reports that he has been held incommunicado, and that he did not have access to a lawyer during his initial trial, a trial that was not open to the public”, the office said in a statement.
Adding "For artistic expression or for sharing a song on the Internet" constitutes a "flagrant violation of international human rights law, as well as of Nigeria’s constitution”.
Amnesty International described the sentence as a “travesty of justice” and said Nigeria was obliged under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to restrict capital punishment to the “most serious crimes”, which involve intentional killing.
'Sorry For Lying', Wema Sepetu Comes Out Clean On Her Age
Getting a woman to tell you their real age is as difficult as convincing her that just one selfie is enough.
Women especially celebrities are known for not revealing their actual age and those who do so lie without even bating an eyelid.
Tanzanian actress Wema Sepetu has been forced to state her true age, this is after lying about it close to 14 years.
It all started in 2006 when according to reports she was just 15 years but lied she was 18 just to qualify for the Miss Tanzania beauty pageant which she won after faking her age.
On Monday while marking her birthday , Wema who currently has her own reality show through a mobile application (Wema App) decided enough is enough and came out clean on her age.
"30 years old Queen. I promised to say the truth on my exact Day, September 28th 1990, I was Delivered from the Womb of Mariam Athmann Sumbe. Iam Happy Im celebrating 30years of my Life. Sorry I lied," she posted on Instagram
Mombasa Bar Owners Welcome Uhuru's Decision To Re-open Bars
Mombasa bar owners have welcome President Uhuru Kenyatta's address that saw the re-opening of bars after seven months closure to curb the spread of the corona pandemic.
Addressing media in Mombasa Tuesday, Kennedy Mumbo secretary Mombasa Bar owners association said they appreciated the decision to re-open the businesses that employ millions of Kenyans from suppliers, attendants, DJs.
Mumbo said the re-opening came at a good time to prepare for the upcoming Christmas and new years season adding that many families had lost livelihoods from closure of bars noting that the business does not only entertain the drinker but hugely impacts the country's economy from the money generated from the sales.
Mumbo however appealed for the president trough his advisers to go round and assess the negative impact the industry has suffered and consider giving them recovery incentives including soft loans.
“A bigger percentage will not resume business since they hire shops and run businesses on loans and in our approximation, only 20 percent will be able to resume the bar business and we call on the government to come to our aid since its our only source of hope.” Said the secretary
Mumbo appealed to the government to consider extending the opening hours to midnight so as to make up for the lost business time due to set guidelines by the ministry of health to counter the spread of COVID-19.
The secretary on behalf of the bar owners vowed to ensure they comply to the new directives so as to remain operational calling on the government not to pressure them so much instead bare with them as they strive to gain their back their footing.
Caleb Mwangi a young bar owner in Mombasa sympathized with the workers who lost their jobs and bar owners who have lost stock that has expired calling on the government to chip in support to help those affected remain in business and continue building the countys economy.\
“We have been out of business for six months and some goods have expired. We urge KEBS to conduct inspection of drinks and food items to ascertain if they are still usable.” Said Mwangi
He added that equipements like fridges, Tvs, speakers and other machines have spoilt from rust and rat attacks, including crates of beer.
He reiterated for government to intervene since they do not know how they will ever recover.
Tomoca Coffee Opens It's Doors At Two Rivers Mall
Tomoca Coffee Kenya Ltd officially opened its doors to the Kenyan market last Friday at an intimate event held at the Two Rivers, Nairobi.
"Kenya has a very young and dynamic population with good purchasing power, which demands high-quality products and services that are on par with international standards. The retail industry is also supported by low overhead fees, mainly through low rental fees and attractive incentives by property landlords.”-says Amir Yusuf, Tomoca Coffee Kenya Limited, MD.
Tomoca Coffee is Famed for authentic coffee experience and it prides itself in the art of marrying Ethiopian Coffee with the Italian technique. Some of their drinks include the Macchiato, Sprice and Cravato Coffee.
Tomoca coffee prides itself on being a pioneer for change and disrupting the status quo based on the origin of coffee and the ripple effect it had from domestic use to commercialization.
Tomoca plans to create beverage blends with Kenyan, Rwandese, and Ethiopian coffee. If you are in the store early enough, you get to watch the master roaster freshly roast and package coffee beans and smell the coffee.
Present at the event was Ethiopian High Commissioner - Meles Alem, Businessman Chris Kirubi, Capital Group - Group Commercial Director - Farida Idris, Media Personalities Betty Kyalo, Pinky Ghelani, Events Organisers - Chris and Cate Kirwa, among others.
