Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) signee Raymond Shaban Mwakyusa aka Rayvanny, has just released his first album.

The album titled 'Sound from Africa' has a total of 23 songs.

"My First Album in my Music career , Thanks God For this one" he posted on twitter.

American singer Enisa is among those featured in the album, in the song 'Number one' remix.

Others are Diamond Platnumz, Mbosso, Joe Boy, Kiss Daniel, Saida Karoli, Rowlene and Jah Prayzah.

Kenyan singer Tanasha Donna has hinted to her fans and followers that more hits are cooking and she will be releasing them soon.

Speaking to the media in Mombasa, Tanasha who is currently in the coastal town for a video shoot with Nigerian artist Bad Boy Timz, revealed that she already has in store two songs with Tanzanian singer Nandy.

"My fans should expect alot, there are two songs coming up with Nandy, there is also a song am doing with Tommy Flavour from Kings Music. So there is alot of stuff coming. For now I cannot talk about them all but soon you will see them" she said.

Adding “Expect a new, refined, better version of Tanasha Donna this year, music wise,”

On his part Bad Boy Timz promised the song will be a hit saying was happy to work with Tanasha.

"Of course it will be a hit. Just be patient and you will see" said Bad Boy Timz.

According to Tanasha, they met  through a mutual friend, Master Tee.

“Funny thing is he intimidated me a lot the first time. He recorded his verse within 10 minutes,” she said.

The songbird also shared her experience working with Bahati in the song 'Óne and Only'

With a road network comprising just over 177 000 Km, Kenya boasts an impressive transportation grid that connects locals.

Uber, which launched just six years ago, has steadily pioneered the country into smarter logistic solutions that now enable safer, more affordable and convenient travel at just a tap of the button.

A smarter city

Uber focuses its efforts on providing holistic lifestyle solutions that cater to the needs of Kenyans, to make getting around easier and getting what they want delivered, done faster.

Since its launch in 2015 in Nairobi, followed by Mombasa, Uber has introduced four unique travel options.

These include the popular UberX,  and a few years ago, Uber localised its product offering to roll out UberCHAPCHAP and UberBODA. UberAssist, designed specifically for those with mobility needs, rounds out the available options. 

“Coming to Kenya, we immediately had to adapt our product lines to better serve the community given Kenya’s robust and unique way of life. With UberCHAPCHAP and UberBODA, we offer not just an authentic Kenyan travel experience but also create a sustainable economic opportunity for drivers who already own these vehicles,” says Brian Njao, Head of Uber in East Africa.

Given the variety of options available for travel, Uber offers drivers a unique earning opportunity as they build their very own micro-business.

With Partner Rewards, drivers are able to further reduce their running costs with additional discounts and benefits to earn more from each trip taken. 

Safety as a standard

In the past six years, ride-hailing has seen tremendous growth in Kenya and has contributed to enhanced road safety and personal safety as people now prefer to get into a vehicle where they know that their driver has been vetted, can be identified easily, and each trip is traceable on GPS, backed by 24/7 in-app assistance.

Uber has introduced the safety toolkit, which includes the in-app emergency button that connects the driver or rider to third-party security or medical assistance and Trusted Contacts that allow riders to share their trip status with up to 5 selected contacts. 

As travel still proves to be an integral part of any economic robustion, Uber has further developed safety mechanisms in response to COVID-19, including a pre-trip safety checklist, world-first mask recognition technology and financial assistance to drivers who had been placed on quarantine by a medical professional. 

Investing in East Africa

Uber is now available in three countries across the East African region, including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, offering a bevvy of product-line services aimed to assist in creating lifestyle solutions that work.

With over 12 000 active drivers across Kenya alone, Uber creates a platform for flexible work and more earning opportunities.

To ensure drivers could still earn during the pandemic, the app launched Uber Connect in Kenya and Uganda, which provides affordable same-day delivery of specific goods that can be used by both businesses and everyday locals. 

Drivers have a number of established channels available for their individual concerns such as 24/7 in-app messages and support, emails, blog posts, while having access to an emergency button to connect them to a third-party medical or security outlet for immediate assistance. 

Uber Eats launched in Kenya in 2018 and has become a fan-favourite delivery option, with orders contactlessly delivered in under 30 minutes.

The app has also provided a unique earning platform for both delivery-drivers and restaurants across Nairobi and Mombasa, especially during the pandemic by the use of a virtual kitchen.

By serving their customer-base only via delivery, it limits their running cost and increases their order in-take. 

“East Africa is at the forefront of a transition that will see its cities catalyse technology to provide smarter solutions for locals.

Uber plans to further invest across the region to ensure that we continue to provide affordable, safe and convenient travel and lifestyle options to locals,” concluded Njao. 

In just six years, one app has already revolutionised the way Africa travels, and with more on the way it's an exciting time to see just how far logistics can develop thanks to technology. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the youth to take charge of their future as he rallied them to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Saying the country’s young people have the potential to propel the country to the next level of progress, the President cautioned them against falling prey to politicians dishing out handouts and spreading falsehoods against BBI.

"Come on, be awake and take control of your future because if you don’t, the people who will suffer the most is you and you will not have anyone to blame but yourself,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke on Sunday at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County where he engaged the youth from Mt Kenya and its neighbouring Counties on issues affecting them.

At the same time, President Kenyatta encouraged the youth to be focused and go for national leadership positions to build on the development momentum the country has gained.

“Brothers and sisters, the country has a bright future. We have laid a solid foundation that has been built on previous foundations. Don’t destroy that foundation in search of false hope. Protect it," the President told the over 700 young people.

Noting that the youth represent close to 70 percent of the country’s population, President Kenyatta said they deserve more opportunities as proposed in the BBI document.

He asked all leaders to work together and put in place an enabling environment and the right policies to end poverty.

The President said the proposed reforms contained in the BBI document will fix the constitutional gaps in the 2010 Constitution and provide permanent solutions to the challenges facing the country especially the youth.

He emphasized the need for institutional change and a change of mindset that will enable the youth to be self sufficient and independent.

“There are institutional problems in our country that must be resolved. If we don’t resolve these institutional problems, we are not going to resolve the problem of poverty and we are not going to meet the expectations of our young people. It is not possible,” the President said.

Speaking during the meeting, the youth assured the Head of State that they will stand firm behind him in support of BBI.

They extolled the benefits contained in the proposed changes that include exemption of youthful entrepreneurs from paying taxes for a period of seven years from the moment they register their business.

The youths, who included CAS Zack Kinuthia and Commissioner Wambui Nyutu, also applauded BBI, saying it will help the country to achieve the two thirds gender rule.

“We will market the document to the rest of the youth in the country because it represents our aspirations,” Commissioner Wambui Nyutu said.

Earlier, President Kenyatta made an impromptu inspection visit of the new Shs 1 billion Chaka Market shortly after attending Sunday Mass at the neighbouring Arch Angel Michael Chaka Catholic Parish.

Speaking to jubilant Chaka Town residents who turned up to receive him, the Head of State said the modern market which is 98 percent complete will transform livelihoods in the area by providing a conducive environment for traders to do business and farmers to sell their produce.

Kenyan singer Tanasha Donna was the talk of town for the better part of last week after a video of his baby daddy Diamond Platnumz allegedly snubbing her kiss on stage went ciral.

In the video Tanasha is seen leaning towards Diamond Platnumz as she puts her hands on his back while on stage in one of the popular clubs in Daresalaam, with their hit song 'Gere' playing on the background.

The video attracted alot of reactions.

However, Tanasha, who is in Mombasa for a video shoot with Nigerian artist Bad Boy Timz said a lot of people misinterpritated the video.

"I'm not the type to do public display of affection, if I want to kiss someone I will do it indoors" said Tanasha.

Adding " As a matter of fact I did not know if he would call me on stage, we went to party next thing was ''Tanasha Donna we need you on stage'' so I was trying to ask him why he did not tell me".

On negative reactions and comments she said "If you are a celebrity expect bith sides, people will love you others will hate, even Jesus was not loved by all".

President Uhuru Kenyatta has told Kenyans to support the BBI law reform process by outlining its benefits to the country especially to the Counties where more resources will be channeled with its passage.

At the same time, the President advised Kenyans to be wary of politicians opposed to the BBI process saying they are not being sincere in their opposition to the popular initiative.

“BBI is about allocating more resources to the grassroots. Kenyans should not be fooled by a section of politicians opposed to the document to further their selfish interests at the expense of the common good", President Kenyatta posed.

Adding “For instance, is it wrong to have more resources allocated to counties. And if it is not wrong, why are they opposing the BBI document,” 

The President spoke on Saturday at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County where he addressed over 7,000 leaders from Mt Kenya and its neighbouring Counties on the second day of his working visit in the region.

Contrary to the perception created by the anti-BBI crusaders, President Kenyatta said he consulted widely and reached out to various stakeholders before kicking off the BBI process whose intention, he said, is to safeguard the rights and liberties of every Kenyan.

“From the wide consultation, it is clear that BBI will unite the country, entrench peace as well as ensure equity, fairness and justice,” President Kenyatta told the delegates who included leaders of business, community, women, youth and other interest groups.

Once again, the Head of State reiterated his commitment to leaving behind a legacy of a peaceful and united country where every Kenyan will enjoy their socio-economic and political rights without the fear of infringement, saying BBI will help achieve that goal.

“I want to leave the country in a state where those in leadership are accountable for their actions and no one can misuse their authority to trample on the rights of the citizens,” President Kenyatta said.

The President asked the politicians to stop using the youth to cause violence, saying they should instead be engaged in finding lasting solutions to their challenges as proposed by BBI.

Speaking at the meeting, the leaders acknowledged the benefits of BBI and vowed to market it at all levels from the grassroots to Parliament.

They also affirmed their support to President Kenyatta’s leadership, saying it has transformed the region and the country at large.

The leaders representing all levels of society from Governors, Senators, opinion shapers to youth, women and businessmen said they will speak with one voice to ensure that the country is united.

They also spoke against the “Hustler” and “Dynasty” narrative being peddled by the anti-BBI politicians, saying it is a divisive propaganda that could plunge the country into social class conflicts.

Today’s meeting follows a similar one held yesterday at the same venue where 550 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and their respective leadership teams endorsed the BBI document.

South Africa’s Scorpion Kings (DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small) alongside Afro-pop pioneer TRESOR, have just released a vibrant music video for their chart-topping single, “Funu”.

This comes ahead of their April album release titled Rumble in the Jungle, a 14-track anthemic amapiano experience - available for pre-add via Platoon.

Directed by Kyle White and available to stream exclusively on Apple Music from today, “Funu” is an exuberant and colourful celebration of African dance and culture that follows a group of friends gathered in an ornate Johannesburg mansion.

The juxtaposition of the mansion’s colonial stylings with the cast’s vibrant wardrobe and lively choreography, feeds off the uplifting, dance-rooted nature of “Funu”.

Watch “Funu” Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rtYA4Iy1f0

“Funu” English Lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DrTX2vQlTo

With their first single off Rumble In The Jungle, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small cement their status as South Africa’s premiere DJs by fully integrating amapiano into the mainstream and by doing so, further spearheading the culture. 

Joined on the upcoming Rumble in the Jungle collaboration album by singer TRESOR, the Congolese-born singer’s uplifting vocals elevate Maphorisa and De Small’s compositions that blend amapiano and Afro-house, to create a sound that is groove-inducing on an album that is destined for chart domination.

EDITOR’S NOTES:

Together, Maphorisa and De Small are the mighty Scorpion Kings. Like their chart-topping albums: Scorpion Kings (2019), Return of the Scorpion Kings (2019) and Scorpion Kings Live (2020), their upcoming album Rumble in the Jungle is made even more unique by the addition of Afro-pop maverick and entrepreneur, TRESOR.

DJ Maphorisa has been the man behind South Africa’s favourite club bangers for just under a decade, with his main aim to change the game positively, producing hits like Uhuru’s “Y-Tjukutja” and Mafikizolo’s “Khona” both in 2013, and going on to release the lauded gqom anthems “Oncamnce” and “Midnight Starring”.

He also collaborated with American supergroup, Major Lazer, on the 2017 African anthem, “Particular” which topped the charts across 17 countries on the continent. 

Kabza De Small is frequently referred to as the King of amapiano and with good reason.

His tracks “Sponono” and “iLog Drum” were instrumental in popularizing the genre, and his debut album I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust (2019), became the first album on Apple Music to have all 26 tracks in the Top 30 of the Top 100 Music Chart.

Renowned for his distinct sound, TRESOR is a multi-platinum selling artist with a distinct vocal timbre that has earned him a legion of fans worldwide.

TRESOR has comfortably cemented his position in the African Pop genre since the release of his award-winning breakout album, VII in 2015.

He has gone on to add to his string of accolades, including two SAMAs for Best Male Artist and Album of the Year for The Beautiful Madness (2017) and a Southern African Afrimma Award for Best Male Artist in 2018.

A few weeks after signing under Taurus Musik, Ruguru jumps straight into the studio and gets out with a few gems.

The song bird explores her vocal and lyrical range with No Love, her debut single. The hip-hop track hints at what Ruguru is all about, being the best and not hearing what nay-sayers have to say.

“I had so much fun in the studio! We were playing around with a few beats and we ended up making some fire tracks. No Love is just one of them, guys should be prepared for what’s coming next” - Ruguru

Ruguru’s music career may just be starting but it is clear that the path to success may have already been paved. Ruguru has the talent and the work ethic, it might only be a matter of time before she floods the airwaves.

“She has so much promise and she works really hard. She always wants to be in the studio and she always delivers. Watch this space.” - Camilla (Ruguru’s A&R Manager)

WATCH THE "NO LOVE" VIDEO

A sombre tale of love and pain, we present to you “Why Don’t You Love Me”, Muthaka’s debut single following her recent signing to A.I. Records (K) Ltd, a sub label of Universal Music Kenya.

Written from personal experience, the track takes the listener through a whirlwind of emotions with its well-balanced cocktail of soulful lyrics, angelic harmonies, and astounding musical composition.

"The song was birthed from the feeling of pain and insecurity and was crafted to try and express those feelings not only to him but for myself as well". says Muthaka.

Muthaka’s vocal prowess is also boldly showcased in this musical piece as she perfectly blends in elements of her head, chest, and mix voice that all crescendos into a very tastefully placed transposition.

WATCH “WHY DON’T YOU LOVE ME” HERE

Muthaka worked with the renowned audio producer, MG of MG Studios Kenya and visuals were the done by Tony of DeGigz Films.

Muthaka notes “Working with MG has always been a joyful experience. He not only listens and understands my music, but he also surprises me with new versions and ways to make it better".

Adding "He has always appreciated my style and encouraged me to dive even further. Working with Tony and his team for the visuals was wonderful as they were able to capture all that I imagined and more."

The future is very promising for this young upcoming artist and this song sets her up as a musical force to reckon with not just as a vocalist but as a songwriter as well.

She intends to release a couple of more singles soon in the gear up towards the release of her debut album which is set to be released later in the year

American technology giant Google has announced a 10 million US dollar package to support Kenya's post Covid-19 recovery efforts.

The announcement was made Wednesday evening by the Google's Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai during a virtual meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta on the sidelines of a public discussion on digital transformation in Africa organised by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).

CCA is a Washington DC based trade association focusing on strengthening trade and commercial ties between the United States of America and African economies.

In addition to the 10 million dollar package, which includes 3 million to support small businesses, 5 million for Kenyan start ups and 2 million for charity, Mr Pichai announced several other investments lined up by his organization for Kenya.

Mr Pichai said his company will expand its Google for Startups Accelerator program this year by supporting 100,000 businesses and 15,000 developers in Kenya.

In the education sector, the American technology giant will train 29,000 students and 1,800 teachers on remote learning using its Google Classroom platform.

President Kenyatta welcomed the post Covid-19 recovery support from Google and thanked the company for working closely with the Kenyan Government in driving digital transformation across the country in the 13 years of its operations in Kenya.

"Thank you and your team for being very close collaborators with Kenya over the years. We started our journey some almost two decades ago to try and start moving into the digital world.

"You have been a good part of that journey. A journey that has enabled many Kenyans through the use of technology and digitization to access financial services, knowledge and to enhance their business capacities," the President told Mr Pichai.

He said Kenya's digital transformation supported by partners such as Google over the years has seen the country rise to become "one of the start up capitals of the African continent."

During the public discussion moderated by Kenyan international media icon and former CNN journalist Zain Verjee, the President said Kenya is aggressively expanding internet connectivity across the country and investing in skills development to enable young Kenyans to benefit from employment opportunities created by the digital revolution.

The President said his administration is rolling out the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) to give Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects the prominence needed to move Kenya from a nation reliant on agriculture to an economy powered by technology.

Moving forward, President Kenyatta said Kenya's priority is translating the expanding internet connectivity in the country into tangible economic benefits for her people.

He said the country will achieve this ambition by linking the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the high potential and expansive global markets.

"True growth in Kenya is going to be led by SMEs and we need to be able to tool them. One area I would like us to work a lot more together is in the area of supporting our SMEs," the President said.

The Head of State said his administration was keen on expanding market opportunities for Kenyan businesses through the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the United States of America and other multilateral platforms such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

On his part, Mr Pichai said the Covid-19 pandemic had accelerated digital growth in Africa and assured President Kenyatta that Google will continue partnering with African Governments in the delivery of technology solutions.

ICT CS Joseph Mucheru, a former Google employee, attended the meetings alongside his Foreign Affairs counterpart Raychelle Omamo. State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita, his deputy incharge of Strategy Mrs Ruth Kagia and ICT PS Jerome Ochieng were also present.