At most if not all the time when the issue of mental health enters a family’s life they try to get it hidden mainly because it is seen as shame and disgrace to the family unit.

Even after losing his friends to crime, alcohol, depression, and suicide - while he dropped out of campus in his third year, Gabiro Mtu Necessary was still into all these and many other illegal activities that he clearly knew would lead him to prison or to the extreme point; his grave.

“Mental health was just never a topic of conversation where I grew up in the sub-urban areas of Kibos, Kisumu, where my parents raised my two brothers, two sister and I. My parents built the perfect foundation to raise a family and I grew up with the love and support any kid would dream about. But when it came sports and music my parents were never my number one fans,” Gabiro narrates.

Having broken all these barriers and turning his parents his number one fans especially his late father who died in 2019 while the two were starting an entertainment unit under his enterprise; Jodifa he is definitely a force to reckon with.

During this time is when they managed to release songs like International Local, Bad Girl Loving and Kus Kus all that brought Gabiro in front of a worldwide audience.

Mtu Necessary as he is known to many has since proven once more than twice that impossible should never be in anyone’s vocabulary and this has brew confidence and hope among his peers like Asen B who has been mentoring and supporting for more than a year.

Asen B and Gabiro released a collaborative mini album “MPITO” in 2020 that has more than 500,000 total digital streams.

Starting out as a traditional Ohangla band member back in 2013 with the likes of Freddy Jakadongo and the late Abenny Jachiga, Mtu Necessary drew his earliest inspirations from the likes of Octopizzo, Lucky Dube, Khuli Chana, Juliani and a host of others.

He grew up listening to reggae and hiphop music which was influenced by his late father who was a Lucky Dube and Chronixx die hard.

Young and inspiring, he is steadily building a reputation for Kisumu’s best lyricist while sharing his personal struggles through his art.

I would also highlight more on this by saying that currently Gabiro Mtu Necessary is the only Kisumu based artist that has already been verified on Facebook and Instagram with thousands of followers and great engagement.

From working as a matatu tout to battling drug abuse, Gabiro’s ability to tell stories separates him from rap music ‘status quo’.

Gabiro is not your ordinary musician as is evident with every release he puts out - his latest release “Isabella” showing more proof that he is the best lyricist and story teller to ever come out of the lakeside city of Kisumu.

He has extremely outdone himself in this classical Benga tune produced by Blakangel and Chuma Sound. It is clearly evident that Mtu Necessary is more of a singer than a rapper than we ever imagined.

Over this soundtrack, Mtu Necessary reflects on his village love interest Isabella who gets an opportunity to go and work in the city. Shot in the lakeside city of Kisumu Isabella gives us a clear picture of how our ambitions can hinder us from loving the ones we choose.

Most notable elements of this new release are the addictive melodies on the track that gets the listener asking for more.

“Isabella naogopa unasepa, Isabella ya kwetu kumbuka?” he croons. “Isabella, ningekuwa na pesa ningekupa Duka Ju unaenda njoo tuseti moja uketi chini ukivuta Oh mama kabla ukwende nipe busu nitakumbuka,Nipe tena, nikilala usingizi usiku naota,I'm stricken I can't deny Ukarimu wako ndo unakupa sifa…And am stuck here for life, I can't move you are my ride or die.” Gabiro

Watch Isabella : https://youtu.be/yig5w7N53bY

The communications Authority (CA) has fined homeboyz radio has fined Homeboyz radio Sh1m and ordered that the breakfast show be off air for six months.

Speaking to the press on Sunday morning, the authority director general Mercy Wanjau directed that all presenters in the station undergo mandatory training.

"They should undergo training on programming code by the authority. “This training should be certified and supervised by the national gender and equality commission and evidence of compliance filed with the authority, ” said Ms Wanjau.

She also directed that the station should publish a public apology on two newspapers with nationwide circulation.

This comes just a day after Homeboyz Radio and its parent company, Radio Africa, have terminated the service of Shaffie Weru, Joseph Munoru (DJ Mfalme) and Neville Muysa with immediate effect. On Friday, the three were suspended for two weeks in relation to comments they made that appeared to victim shame and justify sexual assault against women.

"The comments of said erstwhile employees were neither authorized, approved nor cleared with the company nor was the subject discussed and or authorized by the company’s senior leadership. We are deeply disappointed in their conduct." Homeboyz Radio General Manager Somoina Kimonjino said in a statement on Saturday evening.

In a viral video, the presenters discuss an ordeal in which a 20-year-old woman was thrown off the 12th floor of Ambank House by a man she met on Facebook. The woman, Eunice Wangari Wakimbi, had met the perpetrator, Moses Gatama Njoroge, for a date in Nairobi on September 13, 2020.

On Saturday East African Breweries Limited (EABL) suspended advertising on Radio Africa Group.

"As a responsible corporate citizen that upholds and champions gender inclusion, diversity and human rights, we support the ongoing investigations. EABL and the Guiness Brand are significant advertisers on a variety of programmes on Radio Africa Group.Consequently, beginning Thursday 26th March 2021, EABL paused all advertising on the RAG programmes related with these presenters” EABL said in a statement.

In a statement , the media council of Kenya (MCK) welcomed the move by Homeboyz radio to fire the three presenters calling on all journalists and media houses to adhere to the guidelines and regulations.

"The Council takes note of the action taken by the management of the radio station, against the individuals and commends them for taking responsibility. This is as a sign of commitment, to uphold ethical standards in their programming. Consequently, the Council will be keen on following up on such matters to enforce compliance as per the Media Council Act 2013." reads a statement from MCK

The Luo rap king, Japesa has shocked his fans after revealing that he has bought his own coffin.

According to Japesa real name Philip Patroba Okoyo this is to reduce the funeral expenses when he dies.

Taking to instagram, he posted a photo of himself posing next to the coffin with the caption "” Bought myself a coffin, just in case nikufe msisumbuliwe na till,” .

Japesa mainly sings in his native Dholuo, English and Swahili. Some of his popular songs include 'Too much ice' and 'Jaluo Oksechi'.

Kenya was yesterday nominated to host the 2023 Africa Content Regulation Harmonisation Committee Conference and also to serve as the 1st Vice Chair of the Steering Committee.

The Committee by consensus decided to retain the status quo of its leadership with South Africa taking the Chairman of the Committee for another period of two years while Kenya and Nigeria will serve as the 1st Vice Chair and 2nd Vice Chair respectively.

Malawi, Zambia and Eswatini were also co-opted as Members of the Steering Committee that will drive the agenda of content regulations harmonisation in Africa.

Mashele Abongile of South Africa was nominated as the Chair while Alhaji Adedayo Thomas as the 2nd Vice Chair.

"Kenya looks forward to working with other member countries to promote trade and business in film, opening opportunities for jobs and wealth for our filmmakers while using films to promote African culture and values." said Kenya film Classification Board (KFCB)C.EO Ezekiel Mutua

Celebrated African photographer Twinsdntbeg are presently in Nairobi, Kenya for this year’s edition of the Entrepreneur Fashion Week.

They are the official photographers of the event. Entrepreneur Fashion Week is the biggest Fashion Week in Kenya that brings together top-notch luxury brands and also empowers emerging brands.

Some of the Luxury Brands that the Fashion Week has showcased since its inception have been featured not once in the British Vogue, British GQ, Tatler Magazine, while others are part of their country's export program

TWINS DON’T BEG BIO

Twins don't beg (Twinsdntbeg) from Ghana are one of the most sought after photographers in Africa. They run two brands; Twinsdntbeg and Swag of Africa. 

The twins, real names Emmanuel and Samuel Appiah Gyan, studied Agriculture and Landscape Management and Architecture, respectively at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana.

They began their career as professional photographers in 2015 and they have steadily grown since then.

Born and raised in Ghana, and because of their exceptional skills, Emmanuel Swag of Africa is the official cinematographers & the social media handlers for Mrs. Samira Bawumia, the wife of the Vice President of Ghana and Samuel was the official cinematographers of the President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo until 2017.

The duo has worked with a lot of high profile personalities both in Ghana and internationally including Stonebwoy, Efya, Jackie Appiah, Becca, Akosua Vee, Efya and DKB. They are well known in other countries and work with a lot of African models and brands.

The “snapping” twins have also covered major events in and outside Ghana and are regular faces at celebrity parties and private events. Twinsdntbeg were the official photographers for the 2020 Miss Universe Ghana event, and they went on to cover the international show in Bangkok, Thailand.

They have in the past covered the Ghana Music Awards 2017, Ghana Meets Naija, Afrimma Awards and the Miss Malaika 2017 pageant.

In February 2020, they were a part of the photographers who captured moments for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Awards in the USA which was aired on BET.

This awards show had them taking pictures of celebrities such as Rihanna and Jamie Foxx and a lot other world famous entertainers.

They live exciting lives as their job keeps taking them all around the world for the best photography experiences.

Achievements and Awards

1. Winners of Best nightlife Photographers of the year at the Ghana Nightlife Awards.
2. Brand ambassadors for Sultan Drink.
3. Most Influential Young Ghanaians in the Life Style Category of the Avance Media 50
4. Most Influential Young Ghanaians Awards 2018.
5. The Ghana Music Awards 2017, Ghana Meets Naija and Miss Malaika 2017 pageant.
6. Represented Ghana at the 51st NAACP Image Awards in California

Nigerian star Acerbergtm has debuted his latest track “Danca,” to his fans across East Africa. 

The Nigerian Rapper has also announced the #DANCACHALLENGE set to start on Monday ahead of the video release. 

The audio can be streamed across all the digital platforms. 

“Danca is a corrupted version of dance and is a fusion of Amapiano and rap. The track was produced by Kel P. 

Speaking on why he chose to drop the single in East Africa, He says. "The name of the EP is Far from Home, and looking around Kenya has received my music well and the fans there are very accommodating and this is just a way of thanking them and appreciating the love they have shown me. 

Danca is the first track from the Sir Justine World signed artiste's anticipated Debut EP , Far from Home, out on April 6th 2021. 

The talented Rapper is not relenting and has promised his Kenyan fans some good music once the Covid-19 goes down.

“Growing up as a kid, music turned out to be my only escape from peer pressure and other vices which kids my age were involved in such as smoking and street fighting; I got a strong sense of peace and satisfaction every time I heard my favorite songs growing up. My interest grew even more as I got older, I wanted to write, sing, rap, perform just like my favorite artists I saw on tv” - Acebergtm

Last Year, Acerbergtm released HeartBreaker, his debut single that explored a relationship stuck in the present and past.

Mi Casa has teamed up with Berlin-based production duo You Not Us to bring us the 5^th official single from their 2020‘WeMade It’ album, the long-awaited tribute to living well –“Chucks”.

The South African band kick straight back after the huge success of their smash hit “Mamela ”with their first international collab since signing their international record deal with Afroforce1 Records/Universal Music Group.

Earmarked as an important song from the album off the bat, “Chucks” has been waiting in the wings for the right time to bring some of that Mi Casa spirit back into the party feels.

And with the You Not Us collab, the result is a dance floor’s dream. Mi Casa front man J’Something has always held a special place in his heart for the track.

“It’s about making the most of every single moment because the future is not a given –all we have is right now and that time needs to be lived,” he states.

Having the opportunity to collaborate with international, multi-platinum EDM front-runners YouNotUs is an example of where Mi Casa’s musical ambition has seen them reach.

“Getting the YouNotUs  touch to “Chucks” has completely transformed it and we cannot wait to see how it lifts people’s spirits and hopefully it will land on fertile oil,” adds J’Something.

Luckily for technology the two acts were able to collaborate completely remotely during lockdown and working with the Mi Casa track brought out all the summer feelings in the Berlin-based act.

“During the production we were inspired by the longing for warm summer nights spent partying. We feel this song will guide us back into summer and a more carefree time,” Tobias and Gregor  from YouNotUs state.

While “Chucks” is a springtime release in Europe, it catches Africa’s magical summer times, dragging out some good times as life starts to return to normal in venues and on dance floors around the country.

“Chucks” will be released in Europe, South Africa and parts of the African continent on the 26thMarch, with the video due for release two weeks later.

You Not Us will be flying out to shoot the video alongside Mi Casa right in Namibia.

One half of celebrated Kenyan group Longombas, Lovy Longomba, has finally come back home - after 16 years.

This is following the tragic demise of his twin brother and partner from their award-winning music duo of the smash hits including “Vuta Pumz”, “Dondosa’’, “Piga Makofi’’ and ‘’Shika More’’, among others.

The singer-songwriter and 3 x Grammy-nominated record producer has been living in Los Angeles, US with his brother since they left Kenya nearly two decades ago.

Lovy’s solemn visit back home comes on the backdrop of Christian Logomba passing away after succumbing to a long illness.

Lovy says, “I came back home in honor of my brother Christian. This trip was supposed to be made by me and him at some point this year but God had other plans.’’ 

The question in many people’s mind now is whether Lovy will be making new music or sharing unreleased music.

He says, “It will take me some time to work on music again because my partner is no longer here with me. I need to heal. Christian was still writing with me even when he could not record. We have so many songs, maybe at some point I will put them out.”

He however states that he is still interested and looking forward to working with other Kenyan artists when the time is right.

While in Kenya, Lovy will be meeting with family and friends to pay their respects to Christian.

He will also be doing interviews to connect with Longombas’ loyal fans as he shares details of Christian’s final moments and wishes.

Thankful for the outpouring love and support his family has received since Christian’s passing.

He says, “It’s truly overwhelming. I must confess that the love we have received is so far healing us,”.

Adding, “Christian stood for his love for God, family and music. His unique voice like my late father Lovy Senior will be in the hearts of Kenyans forever.”

Longombas sound was perfected by a blend of contemporary Hip Hop with a tinge of Soukous heavily borrowing from their Congolese roots.

Reminiscing on their heydays, Lovy says, “There are so many [great and joint] memories because me and Christian have been inseparable to this point, but one of my favorite memories will always be the excitement he had when we finished writing and recording our first song “Dondosa”.

The celebrated dynamic duo enjoyed an illustrious music career in Kenya both under Ogopa DJs label and their imprint Bad Man Camp, alongside other pioneering voices of popular Kenyan music of the 2000s.

They included Deux Vultures, Mr Googz and Vinnie Banton. 

Looking back, Lovy is proud of the impact Longombas made during a defining moment in the Kenya music industry, “We pioneered and changed the sound of local music. We raised the standard so high when it came to performing and stage presence.”

Their last studio project before relocating to America, the album CHUKUA received a very warm reception across the region bagging the Best East African Album award at the 2006 Tanzania Music Awards.

Other awards from their discography include Best East African Group at the Kora Awards Africa (2005) and a memorable sweep at Kisima Music Awards (2006) that included Best Group (Kenya), Boomba Group, Best Song "Vuta Pumz" (Kenya) and Social Responsibility awards. 

Apple Music launches its Spirits Rejoice campaign, which celebrates the best and brightest Gospel voices with exclusive playlists from South Africa’s Joyous Celebration, Ntokozo Mbambo, Hle and Dr. Tumi, as well as Nigeria’s Sinach, Mercy Chinwo, Nathaniel Bassey, Tim Godfrey and Ada Ehi. 

The music selections seek to inspire, uplift and encourage, with a whole host of local and international artists including Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin and Donald Lawrence.

As one of the top-streaming genres on the African continent, Gospel music is characterised by emotion, choral voices and soulful sound that conveys a range of emotions that move the listener with every note. 

Gospel music has its roots firmly in Africa with its call-and-response style originating from numerous African tribes. 

Black gospel, Southern gospel, country gospel music, Bluegrass gospel, Celtic gospel and British black gospel have each developed their own style and characteristics over the years anchored in celebration.

On the other side of the world, African Gospel has become one of the most popular genres on the continent over the last few decades, specifically in South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria. 

African gospel is uplifting, rhythmic, and spiritual with lyrics that reflect diverse world views, theologies, cultures and experiences of Africans from all backgrounds. This is highlighted by the exclusive artist playlists created for Spirits Rejoice.

Comedian Chipukeezy real name Vincent Muasya Mutua is the new Vice Chairperson of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Board.

Chipukeezy was elected by the board of directors during a meeting held yesterday (Tuesday) replacing Peterson Mwai who served in that position untilll March 2021.

While annoucing the selection, NACADA Board Cjhairperson Professor Mabel Imbuga said that Chipukeezy will be instrumental in steering the Authority's mandate as he resonates well with the youth and young persons who are critical target group for prevention campaigns.

In his appreciation speech, Chipukeezy pledged to utilize the opportunity to spearhead youth and children programs in line with the Authority strategic plan to provide hope for the young persons struggling with addiction in the country.

He thanked the board for the vote of confidence and revealed that he is looking forward to working with the board members to provide strategic guidance and policy direction at a time that Kenya is facing a myriad of challenges including upsurge in alcohol and drug abuse consumption especially during this COVID-19 period.