Kenyan Queen of RnB Sanaipei Tande has broken the silence with a new single.

The new song is titled 'Mdaka Mdakiwa'.

''Mdaka Mdakiwa turns the tables and suggests approaching things from a different/new perspective. An out of the box kind of thinking where a lady can make her intentions known to a rather conservative man who reciprocates her feelings yet without emasculating him'' she explains.

Sana, as she is fondly referred to as has made a mark in the industry with hits singles like 'Amina', 'Simama Imara', 'Najuta' and collaborations such as ‘Kwaheri’ featuring Jua Cali, 'Najiuliza' ft Chege and Ray C  and ‘Chaguo La MoyChao’ by Otile Brown.

Watch her new video below..

Legendary Ugandan singer Juliana Kanyomozi has announced the birth of her second child.

The singer could not hide her joy as she took to social media to announce the birth of the child, a boy named Taj.

“IT’S A BOY!!!! Say hello to Taj 12-05-2020. We are thrilled!!. To God be the glory,’  she posted.

The 'Kalibatanya' singer  lost her son Keron Raphael Kabugo in 2014 though the case of the death was not published but it was reported that the son was asthmatic

This comes after a series of pregnancy rumours over the recent years which the singer always dismissed. She managed to keep her life private especially when it came to the pregnancy and love life.

Several Ugandan celebrities have since taken to social media to congratulate the singer.

''congs my dear @JulianaKanyomozi. I am so happy for you. You are such a strong woman you deserve all the happiness in the world'' posted Spice Diana.

On her part model Judith Heard posted ''Congratulations Akiki Wange''

''I'm dancing I dont even know why. Oh we love you congs. Thanks for being strong always '' posted Pallaso.

On her part Zari, posted ''Congrats Doll''

Celebrities and brands are the most dependent on each other when it comes to marketing strategies.

Most brands in the market space would readily look to partner with a well known figure with a huge following on social media and command in the society, this is to increase it's sales while also sponsoring the celebrity’s projects.

Tanzanian celebrities have of late been getting deals from leading brands in the East African market as brand ambassadors, this as compared to Kenyan celebrities.

The recent cases being for instance Diamond Platnumz as brand ambassador with a paint company, Harmonize as brand ambassador for a leading bank,in Tz, Wema Sepetu with a Juice manufacturing company and several others, without forgetting Diamond’s baby mama Hamisa also got a deal with a hair and extension company.

While there are several celebrities in Kenya who are also representatives of many products in the market place, many more still admit to it being a challenge.

According to veteran music producer Tedd Josiah, artists need to build themselves more as brands with a better outlook to life and morals so that they can attract the big brands towards them.

“Brands are afraid of putting their products against an artist’s face then next moment you have a scandalous situation with the artist and it affects your brand. They’ve also realized that artists don’t command as large influence as they used to think especially when it comes to people with buying power" said Josiah.

Adding "Our artists command numbers of people who are mostly in high school or fresh out of college and don’t have disposable income so if you tell the artists to help push your  brand and you are selling a jaguar car who will buy it?”.

Kenyan artist, Apesi, who has also been a brand ambassador for Pacho footwear shoes collection based in Kisumu city, admits to the gap between the two countries(Kenya and Tanzania).

“Companies (Brands) work with numbers. How many people follow you, your packaging as an artist in terms of how you put yourself and what you stand for to be able to become a brand ambassador? Kenya is still growing in terms of packaging and branding. Though there are some celebrities who are really doing it like Erick Omondi, Jalang’o and Akothee,” says Apesi.

Tanzanian night life and lifestyle generally puts them on top, says Coast based artist, Kitole Kenda

“Brands will partner up with an artist who increases their sales. Once an artist is able to increase sales of a product, then they become a hot cake and every other product will be chasing after you. Tanzanians artists have a very vibrant lifestyle and especially the night life with so much support from their own fans,” says Kitole Kenda.

Kitole Kenda’s new hit Haki iwe ngao, which was in collaboration with several other artists, was also sponsored by Sabaki waters. And they have also worked with the county government of Kilifi on other hits.

In addition to this, Coastal Films C.E.O Hassan Faisal has advised Kenyan celebrities to be mindful of their lifestyles as this is a huge determinant when trying to attract a brand.

“Most Kenyan Artists once they reach a certain level their Ego goes up.They even despise their fans. They have no touch with the common mwananchi. A company looking for endorsement needs an artist with a market penetration index.  Most artists’ lifestyles is reckless with drugs usage and alcoholism. No company needs that tainted image,” He says.

According to Grandpa records C.E.O Refigah, as much as some artists might be able to dominate headlines on the media, they are not necessarily productive enough for a brand to readily want to go into partnership with. Most of these are people who still need to up their game in order to gain full support from the corporates in Kenya.

“In Kenya, we have a good number of celebrities who have done major corporate endorsements, yet we have debebrities who are good at grabbing headlines for all the wrong reasons but with no value. Once you become the darling of the masses, the corporates will look for you, while the other big problem we have as an industry is we don’t have enough proper talent managers who are good when it comes to artists branding,” says Refigah.

While for music publicist, Agnes Nonsizi, most artists who work without a management  cannot well represent themselves in terms of  business especially in the boardroom. Therefore in order to win the endorsement, one needs to have a good manager who understands the business aspect of entertainment, so that both parties can have a win at the end of the day.

''These celebrities don’t have people who can represent them in boardrooms. Even if there are 'managers', they lack good managers who can represent them in the boardroom and have a business conversation, a manger should be able to have a business conversation"she told Ommy Dallah. 

Adding ''I have seen celebrities either under-quote or over-quote themselves or just not understanding what they are supposed to do, some end up getting the deal but they don’t deliver''

While on the same breath, most corporates are only conversant with faces which have been in the industry over time. So more artists and the entertainment scene need to invest more on their celebrities just like how other countries, Tanzania and Nigeria do.

Nonsizi charged ‘’I also don’t think that most brands out here are aware there are celebrities who would match their brands. Me and you could know the top celebrities because we deal with them everyday but these brands don’t know there are celebrities that exist and can do justice to their brands, they just know of the usual faces and that is why we see the same people in the little advertisements we see around.’

Some of the Kenyan artists who have managed to attract  attention of brands includes Akothee who has so far worked with several brands including Silverstone airline, Peptang Juice , Weston Hotel among other. Gospel singer Size 8 has also partnered with Softcare, while rapper King Kaka secured a deal with French cognac company Remy Martins as the brand ambassador for East Africa.

In tough times like this even the smallest form of help means so much to the less privileged and those facing financial challenges as the economic impact of coronavirus continues to bite.

Veteran Coast based artist Nyota Ndogo has decided to take it upon herself to help the underprivileged during this tough times of the pandemic. The artist is raising funds online.

She has so far managed to help three families in Voi, one of the beneficiaries is an elderly Woman who is paralysed and taking care of her 7 grandchildren, all her Children died.

''I was touched by the story of this elderly Woman and i must thank my fans who have been very supportive and it's through them that i managed to help her'' said Nyota.

Another beneficiary is an elderly man who is needy and living alone with no family in the outskirts of Voi town.

''Leo wakati nilikua najitaarisha kwenda gimba nilikua naenda kuwatembea watu wazima ambayo shida yao kubwa ni chakula.huyu mzee hana familia yoyote ndugu zake dada zake baba mama wote wamekufa amebaki yeye kama yeye .tumemkuta anachimba choo Malipo yake anapewa chakula cha siku yani soo sad.alisema kua yeye akipata chakula basi anauwezo wa kujipikia..amefurai sana na akasema Mungu awabariki sana wanaochanga'' she posted.

In an interview with Ommy Dallah, Nyota Ndogo revealed that some well wishers have already come out and want to construct a new house for the old man.

''I have received some request from some well wishers, they all want to construct a new house for the mzee which is very good. I encourage all those who can help the less privileged during this time to come out'' she noted.

Adding ''So tusirudishwe nyuma kwa maneno ya watu thanks to wote waliochanga waliotuma M pesa. wanaotaka kuendelea kuchanga number hizi. 0791 163 070''

The Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] General Manager Finance Patrick Nyoike is a victim of the succession battle at the helm of the state corporation, his lawyer Jared Magolo has said.

Magolo told Mombasa Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti in a case in which his client is facing a sh 214 million fraud charge.

He told the court during a bond application that the accused is a front runner in the race to succeed former embattled KPA Managing Director Daniel Manduku who resigned in a huff last month.

"The accused person is a victim of circumstances since he is one of the applicants to succeed Manduku," he pointed out.

His remarks emerged at the court after the accused was arrested and held at the central police station in Mombasa county on charges of economic sabotage and abuse of office.

The lawyer described KPA finance office as a home of malice with a hidden agenda, his client being a target.

Magolo told the court Nyoike’s critics have succeeded  to lock him out of the succession race which is underway.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/1532-kpa-managers-want-arrested-colleague-transfered

He said the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission [EACC] had given his client a clean bill of health on the charges he was now facing.
 .
"We wonder how a closed matter can resurface but let me assure the court the charges are minor and meant to block the accused person from the race to succeed Manduku," he pointed out.

The counsel expressed regret the accused is being targeted for being one of the front runners in the battle for the port's top post.

Magolo insisted his client is being targeted by the political class to stop him as he was perceived to be a threat to other applicants in the bid to succeed Manduku.

He said the move to block his client from the race was well calculated with the criminal charges before the court.

"Nyoike has been a threat since Manduku resigned at the port with the KPA board in the process of shortlisting candidates for interviews," he pointed out.

Nyoike and his colleague Isaac Obunga were released on a Sh2 Million cash bail each or a surety of 5million, The other accused person Jacinta Wanjiku Wambugu who is also Nyoike's wife could not make it to court today due to sickness and will appear on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage has this morning launched the "Work For Pay" Kshs. 100 million stimulus package for artistes, actors and musicians at the Kenya Cultural Centre. 

This is in line with the Executive Order issued by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta on 6th April 2020, directing the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund to avail Kshs. 100 million to cushion those in the creative industry during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The funds will be distributed through a campaign dubbed ‘TOGETHER AT HOME’ spearheaded by several Government Agencies and Departments, as stipulated by the Regulations establishing the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund. 

Artists from different creative sectors will be required to produce works that entertain and educate Kenyans and the world on the safety and health precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19.

These artistic productions will be carried through various assets set up by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage such as "KULTURE TV" and other collaborative media outlets. 

“This campaign will use entertainment to centralise three crucial aspects of our society: the importance of new avenues for work, creative community education and sustained mental well-being for all Kenyans during this period. The Kshs. 100m is therefore not a reservoir of free funds, but a provision to educate, innovate, sustain and improve our output as a sector''. said CS Amina Mohamed during the launch.

Adding ''The objective is to continue developing and nurturing talent to ensure that the sector remains a significant contributor to our economy post-COVID.”  

This project will supplement Government’s efforts in combating COVID-19 and its effects by engaging and mobilizing the cultural and creative artists in strategic messaging on behavior change to flatten the coronavirus transmission curve including, but not limited to social distancing, hand washing and wearing personal protective equipment such as masks.

This is in line with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. Artists will also carry messaging to encourage mental well-being and influence positive behavior to address the increased cases of domestic violence and other social issues. 

It is estimated that the program will directly benefit over 20,000 Musicians, Actors and Artists from all 47 Counties and over 80,000 additional persons from the beneficiaries’ households, 30% of whom being vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities.

“This program will touch as many areas of the cultural creative industry with measurable ripple effects as possible,” said CS Amina Mohamed. 

The Ministry further reiterates Government’s support for the creative sector, which was poised to contribute over Kshs.165 Billion to the GDP this year. It is anticipated that the implementation of these projects will take 3 months starting from May to July 2020. 

The following Government Agencies will roll out and supervise the implementation of the Programme coordinated by the administrative arm of the Ministry with direct reports to the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage and Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, Technology and Youth: 

• Department of Culture 
• Kenya Cultural Centre. 
• National Museums of Kenya 
• Kenya Film Commission 
• Permanent Presidential Music Commission 

The criteria for engagement will be released immediately by the Heads of these Agencies and Departments.

A public portal highlighting the projects will be maintained on the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage Website and a mobile phone application created to distribute content.

This program will be rolled out to the public starting today and will last until July, 2020. 

Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] managers have pitched tent at the central police station in Mombasa county pleading for the transfer of their General Manager Finance  Patrick Nyoike to a station with better cells.

Patrick Nyoike was arrested this morning over a Sh 214 million fraud allegation at the port of Mombasa.

His colleagues and  family members are not comfortable with the environment and conditions at the police station and want him to be placed in custody at a better station as he waits his arraignment in court.

Nyoike and his wife Jacinta Wanjiku Wambugu are said to be the owners of Nyali capital loaning scheme which is in the centre of the scandal. The directors of the company are listed as  Alfred Hinga Nyoike (brother to Patrick Nyoike) and one Peter Ndichu Kinyanjui and  Jacinta Wanjiku Wambugu who is the company’s general manager.

They were picked at the family residence in the posh Nyali area before having their breakfast while following Sunday prayers online due to the outbreak of the corona virus which has led to the closure of churches.

The parking bay of the police station was a beehive of activity as relatives and friends including KPA acting managing director Rashid Salim visited the couple.

Salim was accompanied by KPA General manager operations and Habour Master Captain William Ruto among others.

The family was also in the process of getting a lawyer who will assist them during trial at the court of law.

Isaac Obunga a clerical officer at KPA was also arrested.

A statement from the Director of public prosecutions Noordin Hajj reads “Indeed, Patrick Wambugu Nyoike facilitated  Nyali Capital Limited’s micro finance business to finance the KPA suppliers, Local Purchase Order (LPOs) and Local Service Orders (LSOs) and thereafter used the KPA system to have the principal and the interest from the said suppliers remitted to Nyali Capital Limited’s account by the KPA,” 

The statement further reads “Wanyoike had interests in the company, with his wife, Jacinta and brother Hinga, were working as GM and Director respectively,”

They will be arraigned before the Anti- Corruption Magistrate’s Court in Mombasa on Monday.

Nyoike is among the 10 candidates who applied for the position of the KPA Managing director.

Meanwhile Vincet Sadai who is the general manager infrastructure and had applied for the MD post is the only one who did not make it to the list of those shortlisted for the job.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/1503-kpa-md-job-attracts-10-mohammed-ali-calls-for-free-and-fair-process

Tanzanian prolific music duo Navy Kenzo is gearing up to make a lengthy return with a new LP project, their second studio album three years after their first debut in 2017. 

The hit making music group has recently been missing in action serving only one time singles here in there without any wording as to what their plans are moving forward,  however that is about to change for sources close to the music duo have revealed that Navy Kenzo has been in the studio making what is summing up to be their second studio album. 

“They have been working a lot lately, spending a lot of countless hours in the studio. They had a couple of songs which were initially intended for an EP project but there is just so much good music to ignore it became hard to finalize the EP and decided to just roll out the content with a full album.” said the source 

It is still not yet clear how many songs this new album contains or what it will be named, but sources close to the duo assure us it is something worth waiting for. 

The source added “Navy Kenzo are not the kind to make a lot of noise, they let the music do that for them. They are always recording, they always have something fresh in their archives, something guaranteed to blow you away. The content is amazing, it's fresh, they are constantly raising the bar and re-defining the standard of good music. This new project is on a different element, the sound, production, the vibe. They have really outdone themselves. It's exciting!” 

2019 had been quite an interesting year for the group, they released a couple of singles that indicated the Group was taking a new sonic direction and even performed at one of Africa’s biggest festival stages AFRO NATION GHANA whose results we’re told have dubbed interesting artistic relationships with artists from West Africa who may likely appear on this album.

Our source insists that this maybe one of the reasons that inspired the new content of this anticipated project; 

“Ghana was an awakening experience for Navy Kenzo, the level of artistic connection made between them and some big performer names is mind blowing. They not only went to perform at AFRO NATION GHANA rather they connected with amazing artists and producers, I believe some of which we will be blessed enough to hear them on this new project. Like I said you should anticipate a new standard setting from Navy Kenzo. This new music is not about them or us, it's about Africa. It's music for Africa, just wait for it and keep up with their social media activities, it’s about to get interesting.” 

The music group also recently took to social media with Kenyan radio personality Mzazi Willy Tuva to help contribute to renovations of a music studio in Kibera “8hoodmusic”  that helps artists living in difficult circumstances record their music works and pursue their dreams and hinted on the possibility of the Album for June. 

Navy Kenzo are yet to make an official Press statement concerning the coming of a new album but we can surely be on a look out for a new Navy Kenzo project soon.

Spice Diana real name Hajjara Namukwaya is currently one of the biggest female artistes in Uganda. Ever since she hit the limelight in 2014, she has never looked back.

She has tens of hits and awards to her name. Some of her hits includes Omusheshe, On You, Mood  among others.

She has also managed to work with Kenyan artist Timmy Tdat in the song 'Obisaana'

We caught up with her for an exclusive where she opened up on several issues including secret to success, relationship status.

Watch the interview below