Mombasa governor Hassan Joho has called on the national government to open up the economy that has suffered the brunt of the corona pandemic since it hit the country back in March last year.

Speaking during the Eid baraza in Majengo, Mombasa, Joho said that time had come for the economy to be fully opened because a lot of people had lost their jobs with the government restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus.

Joho pleaded with his ODM party leader Raila Odinga to talk with his Handshake brother President Uhuru Kenyatta to address the issue as the economy was hurting.

“I’m humbly appealing to you when we engage with the president we ask him to open up the economy, our people are suffering too much,” said Joho.

The governor said that the country has to accept the reality that corona was here to stay and as such people have to learn to leave with it.

He said that the people were now aware of how to protect themselves against the virus and urged leaders to keep on reminding them to follow all Ministry of Health protocols.

He added that doctors had learnt how to deal with the pandemic therefore there was need to ease the restrictions put in place.

“As you can see, our people are fully aware of what they should do to protect themselves against the virus. We will do some extensive work to ensure that they continue putting on masks,” said Joho.

He decried the transport industry that has been hard hit especially with the barn on night travel and the curfew imposed countrywide which has disrupted the 24 hour economy that the country was gearing towards.

He also called on the ministry of health to ensure that it gets enough vaccines for all Kenyans to ensure that Kenyans can be able to move freely.

“We ask the government to look for money and procure vaccines for all Kenyans so that we can fully open our economy,” added Joho.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Coast Association of Persons With Disability Hamisa Zaja on Saturday received an award from the ‘I change nation voice of Change’ for her efforts across the region.

The award titled 'Regional Voice of Change Award' was in recognition of her integrity and willingness to challenge the status quo on social and humanitarian matters especially those affecting people with disability.

I Change Nations is a Culture of Honor System, the organization is committed to bringing back the lost art of honor by building a Culture of Honor that recognizes individuals throughout the world who have exemplified extraordinary humanitarian efforts to effectively change nations.

Among those who have so far been awarded and recognised by the organisation includes Former President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone,Former Vice President of Gambia, H.E Fatoumata jallow-Tambajang, Former President of Malawi Joyce Banda among others.

Zaja who also happens to be a Challenge ambassador at UK-Urban link Africa since July 2020 was nominated for the ward by Leila Awale.

The award was presented to her by Reuben West of the Global Voices of Change that recognises outstanding individuals in several parts of the word using their tongues to transform the society.

 “This award is the beginning of another personal challenge to set the bar higher and to serve the community with even more dedication,” said Zaja.

Born with disability and raised in Mombasa, Zaja said that life begun for her when she chose to see and accept her disability and then realized and practised her abilities.

One of her outstanding achievement is the erection of public toilets in areas of Kongowea, Majengo and Bangladesh villages in Mombasa which were valnurable to diseases due to poor sanitation through her ‘maji na ufanisi’ program.

In 2016, she pioneered the formation of the African Resource and Development Agency which aimed at providing crucial solutions in resource management.

Zaja has also declared her interest to take a second shot at the Mombasa women representative seat in next year’s general elections.

She said that given the chance to be the woman representative in 2022, she would foster partnerships with local and international organisations to solve some of the issues affecting the community especially women and young girls and people living with disabilities.

“I have the networks of partnerships in Kenya and outside the country and through this we will be able to solve some of the issues affecting our people, the government alone cannot do it,” said Zaja.

She said that the government needed to do more in fighting the stigma associated with people living with disability and also faulted the integration of PWD’s in learning institutions saying that it has not worked well since many learning institutions lack the amenities that are PWD friendly.

“As a person living with disability I can say that the government has not yet done enough to address our challenges, we need a push in some of the policies that the government has refrained from implementing,”

She added that the government needs to ensure that there is access for every government services to people living with disabilities.

Africa’s leading choral group, Celebration has released the “Thank You Lord” live performance.

The single marks the African giants venturing into introducing themselves to the world following their singing to Universal Music Africa backed by the iconic US based record company, Motown Gospel.

On Thursday, 18 March 2021, the choral group had announced the monumental signing which coincided with the silver jubilee release of their 25th album, Still We Rise.

“Thank You Lord” is a cut from the album which came out of the choral group adapting to the new normal.

Co-founder and original conductor, Lindelani Mkhize at the time of the announcement shared that, “After all the experiences of the past 25 years and the changes in the world and new dynamics in the industry, we are delighted to be in this new direction with a fresh new purpose. We are revived, we have a new energy as we turn things around to get to the next extraordinary level.”

“Thank You Lord” marks the first single which the choral group will have sampled by countries like the United States and Canada, as Joyous Celebration makes their international strides.

The single is available across all digital music platforms. Listen to it HERE

About “Thank You Lord”:

"The hardest working gospel group in South Africa is led by Nozipho Phiri in worship on Thank You Lord.

The track is lifted off the group’s 25th-anniversary celebratory album, Joyous Celebration 25 - Still We Rise: Live At The Joburg Theatre.

Phiri leads the choir in expressing gratitude to God for being a constant pillar in their lives, reminding the listener to always be grateful.

The instrumental arrangement on the live recording of the English-sung hymn provides a lively background for the choir, using sprightly electric guitars and vigorous drum lines as well as high-spirited key changes. The track is produced by gospel royalty including Siyanqoba Mthethwa, Mnqobi Nxumalo, Lindelani Mkhize, Mthunzi Namba, and Jabu Hlongwane.

"

On this week’s African Voices Changemakers, CNN International’s Arit Okpo meets Clara Njeru, a Kenyan producer who is on a mission to make the superhero genre more inclusive.

Njeru is Head of Production at Kukua Education Limited, which focuses on creating educational entertainment content for children.

Njeru speaks about the company, “Kukua is an edutainment company that blurs the worlds of entertainment and education to empower children with content that’s inspiring, that’s fun. We aspire to create books and music and live learning experiences.”

Kukua’s flagship animated series ‘Super Sema’ premiered in March 2021, on International Women’s Day.

Njeru talks about the project, “Super Sema is an African animated superhero series. The show features a young African girl who’s 10 years old. Her name is Sema and she has a twin brother called MB. They are innovating in each episode and solving a problem for their community or a problem for themselves. Her superpowers are creativity and innovation.”

The show was created for audiences in Africa and around the world.

Njeru details the international reach, “We launched it in partnership with YouTube originals. We had 15 million views in the first 10 weeks. We’ve been pleasantly surprised that half of our audience on YouTube is outside Africa. And this shows that there’s a big need all over the world.’

Njeru says that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the global need for learning resources outside of the classroom.

She tells Okpo, “Schools worldwide were closed and having content that’s educational and that can get children to continue learning even while out of school was a big need everywhere.”

The content for ‘Super Sema’ is powered by STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths, “We want children to be innovative. We want them to be creative. We are encouraging them to apply the basis of this, of STEAM in their everyday life. So, the way we incorporate education in the show is that in every episode there are these core lessons.”

The series voice stars Academy Award-winning actress and author Lupita Nyong’o. Njeru talks about working with Nyong’o and how she inspired the team of female creatives.

“We started working with Lupita because she was fascinated by what we had created, and she loved it. We are a female-led team and we are always looking for role models. Mainly African women who have gone before us and done amazing things. And we call these our ‘wall of inspiration of women’. And one of the women who’s there is Lupita Nyong’o. And it’s been amazing working with her. She’s continuing to inspire us, and we can’t wait to see what more we do in terms of content.”

The team at Kukua are now back in the studio working on season two of the programme.

Njeru talks about her hopes for the future, “I hope that by watching Super Sema children will be encouraged to be innovative, to be problem solvers, to be creative, and determined in whatever field that they choose. I hope that children will carry into their adult lives the lessons that they learned from Super Sema.”

This week’s episode also meets South Africa’s Loyiso Mkize the visionary behind the country’s first superhero comic book series who recently made his global debut with DC Comics.

 ‘African Voices Changemakers’ airs on Saturday 17th July at 0930 SAST on CNN International

Tanzanian singer AliKiba has been appointed as Power Horse energy drink brand ambassador.

With its origins in Linz Austria, Power Horse energy drink is also the official partner of Manchester City football club.

AliKiba made the announcement today morning during a press conference in Daresalaam.

"I would like to take this opportunity to officially introduce myself to you as the official brand ambassador of power horseenergy drink" posted Kiba.

Adding "I love sports, music and I need more energy so I believe this drink is the best for me and all of you out there".

The drink is available in several countries like Nigeria, Dubai, Uganda, Djibouti, Ethiopia among others

In 2018 AliKiba introduced his own energy drink Mofaya in Kenya and Tanzania.

Diamond's manager Babu Tale has revealed that he has not been able to overcome the grief of the loss of his wife Shamsa.

Taking to instagram, Babu Tale who is also the Morogoro South constituency MP said for nine days now he has not managed to sleep peacefully as he is always thinking about his late wife.

He further stated that it's high time he seeks the services of a counsellor.

'Kuna vitu omba visikukute katika maisha yako. Usiombe uondokewe na mke au mume. Mimi napitia maisha magumu sana kila ukiona unakaribia kukaa sawa kumbe unajiona bado maumivu hayaishi maana leo nina siku ya tatu naamka tisa usiku vilio na maumivu yasio isha." he posted.

Adding "Sijawahi kutamani kukutana na mwana saikojia ila kwa sasa nahitaji kwakweli maana hali yangu sio nzuri kwenye hiki ninachopitia namkumbuka sana mkewangu. Mungu aendelee kukulaza mahala pema Mama TT."

This comes just few weeks after he marked one year since  the death of the wife.

On his Instagram page, Tale shared photos of his family and said they are still in mourning.

In a previous interview, Babu Tale rubbished social media claims that he was plannning to remarry.

"My wife's shadow lives with me, so I'll wait until the shadow disappears then I'll remarry My wife told me not to remarry. I remember that day when I was in the hospital with her." 

Celebrated and award winning Kenyan star and Fresh Brand Ambassador - Kahush has debuted his fourth album titled If We Do not Give Up.

The album comes at a point in his life where he feels the need to change the path to finding his light. 

Speaking about the album, Kahush says "In a way‚ the Album was written as personal therapy, with each track helping tackle my own journey .  I chose the title “If we do not give up” to symbolize the feeling of ‘security and strength.’ Basically it's to show that even if in the hardest of times, if we just hang in there better times are coming.”

The 11 track album features Xenniah and has been produced by several producers. The album is a brand partnership between Kahush and Fresh Chewing gum, this partnership will also see Kahush tour 15 campuses. 

The Mastingo hit maker has in the last few months been working round the clock to ensure the album is out and  meets the expectations of his fans across the globe. 

Kahush will also be performing the new songs from the album at The Pizza and Wine Festival - Kitenge Edition featuring Omah Lay. 

Nigerian music star, Kendickson who blessed our speakers in 2020 with the hit song ‘WAYO‘ is here again with new single titled ‘Lole’, a melodious tune balanced with sweet vocals every music listener is sure to glue on.

This jam is produced from the stables of Blaise Beatz Studio.

Listen and Enjoy Kendickson’s sweet vocal and connect with him on social media @iamKendickson.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala will not vie for any political seat in the 2022 general elections.

Balala made the announcement on Wednesday saying he is not interested in politics.

His announcement came after reports emerged that he was gearing up to succeed Hassan Joho as the next governor of Mombasa county.

"My attention has been drawn to the recent media reports including in today's Standard newspaper headline story alledging that I will soon be resigning my present position as cabinet secretary minitsry of tourism and wildlife to vie for an unspecified political seat in the 2022 general elections". said Balala in a statement.

Adding" For avoidance of doubt, I want to categorically state that my focus is continue to serve the country in my current position".

Balala served as the Mvita Mp between 2007 to 2013 before losing to the current Mp Abdulswamad Nassir.

In 2017, Balala ran for the Mombasa senatorial seat through Jubilee coalition but lost to Mohammed Faki of ODM.

Tanzania leading artist and recently BET Awards nominee Diamond Platinumz has wowed many after splashing photos of him meeting with top Hip Hop artists in America. 

Through his Instagram page, the Kamata hitmaker on Tuesday shared a photo capturing him and multi-award-winning American musician Snoop Dogg. 

He captioned it: "Listen, learn from the kings and you will achieve more." 

The duo was seen in a studio. However, it is yet to be clear whether the gangsta rapper will be part of Diamond's album set to be released soon. 

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2178-diamond-platnumz-working-on-his-fourth-album

Diamond's meeting with Snoop Dogg has stirred up chatters online with many heaping praises to the boy from the suburbs of Tandale now sharing a high table with America greats. 

In a video shared online, Snoop Dogg is seen sharing some word of advice with Diamond Platnumz.

“These moments when you don’t watch the numbers, I used to watch the numbers, then I blinked and fell off. You should not fall off, coz there is somebody else who will come, like you came. You gonna work hard because there are other people who are after you, they want to be like you right now. That is what you should know."said Snoop Dogg to Diamond.

Adding "When you see a nigga sounding like you, looking like you because you are correct. In my hood, there were real gangs and drug dealers but when I started rapping they slowly put down their drugs and said they want to be Managers, producers or be like me. I changed the perspective, now in my hood niggas are living good. Rapping was cool but was not for everybody, it was Snoop Dogg’s game. Where you are from, you a real inspiration, Tanzania, Africa, you are blessed” 

Diamond has now spent two weeks in America since the recently concluded 2021 BET Awards where he lost the best International Acts category to Nigerian artist Burna Boy. 

While in the States, the WCB founder who is accompanied by one of his managers and Morogoro Mp Babu Tale has grabbed the chance to meet with celebrated US musicians. 

On July 4, Diamond was seen with American artist Wiz Khalifa who is the founder of Taylor Gang Entertainment record label. 

A day before that, Diamond also met with legendary 49 years old American rapper Busta Rhymes who posted a video of them recording a song in a studio. 

Another artist expected to feature in Diamond's much-anticipated album is an American rapper and five-time Grammy Awards nominee Swae Lee. 

Diamond is also working on a collaboration with famed Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh who is also an actor and TV presenter. 

As a self-proclaimed Swahili Nation President of music, Diamond has made it clear that he wants to carry the East Africa music industry to the International scene.

Others, however, have described Diamond's move to seek collaboration with American artists as a tactical move to garner support Internationally for future global awards after missing out on this year's BET Awards.