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Ommy Dallah

Ommy Dallah

By Gloria Adhiambo
 
The Writer is the Co-founder and CEO, Clientele PR
 
Treat your brand as an investment.
 
Making it in the modern music business requires more than just talent and good music to stand out one has to avoid being in the bad books as it is a competitive field, today's artists must work hard at defining and maintaining their brand due to the number of artistes rising and competing for airplay.
 
It is imperative for artistes and creative to understand that they have to maintain a certain image at all times and that branding is an integral part of their being. To be a powerhouse and a force to reckon with uniqueness, consistency and being intentional is key in making it in the showbiz industry. 
 
Artistes need to know that music is not only about beats,  sleek videos, with and competing to get views, there is much more work that needs to be put in especially when it comes to showcasing your brand in the competitive industry.
 
In a single day thousands of artistes are dropping new music and what stands out for them is the brand that they have cultivated for themselves and how they are perceived by the consumers of their music/content.
  
Several artistes have been rocked by cases of copyright claim and this has impacted their brands negatively or positively.
 
Ethics, Willy Paul, Otile Brown, Bahati and Harmonize from Tanzania have also been casualties of copyright claims that led to their music being pulled down from Youtube either for copyright infringement, label wars or pure malice.
 
In today’s music industry, branding can play more of a role in a musician’s success than the music they create.
 
People to identify with a certain artiste because he or she represents or stands up for something so the moment he or she falters then boom every Tom Dick and Harry will be on your case and no one will want to associate with you.
 
Its high time artiste put into consideration the reputation of their brands if they want to leave long lasting legacy.
 
No one would want to be known as that artiste who is always sampling other peoples works, or that artiste whose creativity is zero or that artiste that is always in the media for wrong reasons - Your brand reflects your story as much as your music- Guard it!
 
“To blow up, it’s 80% branding and business, 20% music.” You might read this and feel like it shouldn’t be this way. However, that’s the way it is in the music business. The music industry is over-saturated with hungry producers looking to make it big.

Hot on the heels of his first single B Classic -006 is back with another single 'Yakikukataa' produced by Toplayer on the Beat & Champion Studio Kenya.

The love ballad ominously recounts the complicated cycle of the day to day intrigues of a one sided relationship. The video was directed by the super talented Trey Juelz

Yakikukataa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d5zjVbHgiY

“It’s about being in love with someone who does not appreciate me despite all that I do,” B Classic explains.

Adding “Tired of fighting he gives up on love and ends it all hence the title #Yakikukataa.” 

He is the first artist to be signed up by Champion Studio, an upcoming outfit by founded by Joel Lishenga and Brian Lishenga.

Subtle but infectious, “Yakikukataa” is a strong follow up to his first single  “Baby I Swear ” and the recent collaboration with Bruce Mfalme.

Baby I swearhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFfMIDBImvs

The Kenyan melodious singer-songwriter B-classic is progressively building a niche as one of Kenya’s fast rising artistes to watch out for.

ABOUT

Born in Taveta as Dennis Manja, B Classic was raised by a guardian – a Somali Woman who took him in after being neglected by his mom at a tender age. He was taken in by a Somali woman who they later parted ways as he went to Mombasa to search for greener pastures.

Dennis later went to Mombasa in search of greener pastures; his first job was a herdsman for 10 months without pay, later he was lucky to get a job at a hotel.

While in Mombasa a friend saw potential in him and nudged him to pursue music which he eventually did and the rest is a compelling story of an artist making his way in the industry.

B-classic has graced notable stages across East Africa with top acts such as; Sudi Boy, Ally B, Jua Cali among many stars. B classic is a multi-talented artiste whose song writing and arranging skills are evident in his works.  

Tanzanian singer Harmonize has suffered a blow after his latest release 'Amen' was deleted from you tube over copyright claims.

The video was released last Friday as part of mourning departed former Tanzania president Benjamin Mkapa who died last week.

Tanzania female rapper Rose Ree claimed the copyright after Harmonize used the beat from her hit song ‘Kenyor Aleng’.

According to Rosa Ree, Harmonize used the beat for business purpose.

This is not the first time that Harmonize is facing the action, immediately after ditching the WCB records, Harmonize’s first song ‘Uno’ was pulled down from you tube  after a copyright claim by Kenyan music producer Magix Enga.

Popular Mombasa based music promoter and businessman Musa Babaz has come out to share his experience with the novel coronavirus.

In an interview with pwani Fm's Gates Mgenge, Musa Babaz narrated how he spent over 10 days in intensive care unit (ICU) at the Nairobi hospital.

"This disease is real. Its a very bad disease. I started with loss of appetite, fever and i decided to go to hospital where the doctor advised me to go and test for corona virus, the results came after two days and I was positive'' said Babaz.

"I'm diabetic and also suffer from high blood pressure so it hit me really hard and affected by lungs and kidney" he added.

Musa Babaz revealed how he started treating the disease using traditional remedies like ginger, lemon and honey only for things to get worse

"Things got worse two days after using this traditional method, I collapsed at my apartment and later found myself at Nairobi hospital,  I was later transferred to the ICU where i spent 12 days. Ispent close to 1.8 million treating this disease " 

He is currently recovering at home, where he is in quarantine.

"I have witnessed people dying out of this virus, lets be careful and take all the precautions."

 

 

Mombasa  Governor Hassan Joho surprised county entertainers and DJs  when he made an appearance at a medical fundraiser held on Facebook live. 

The fundraiser was aimed at raising funds to cater for DJ O'Neal's Chemotherapy sessions, and with the governor's support they managed to raise 130,000 Shillings to pay for one week.
 
Joho made a personal contribution of 50,000 shillings. 
 
Governor Joho is not only known for his philanthropic nature but also close friendship with entertainers in the county.
 
Speaking at the fundraiser, he applauded the entertainers for standing together with their own in this very hard time.
 
"You know who your friend is when you are in need. All said and done O'Neal has been our brother, is our brother, has been a friend and I feel encouraged that people are standing up with him. We are not just going to support him but we will also pray for him..., I feel really encouraged by the strong will that our brother has and that is what you need to defeat any disease," Said the county Leader. 
 
On supporting local talents, Joho said "Keep going, don't get tired. I'm always available and always willing to support local talents, i try my best, we have not really achieved what we want to do but we will keep going to a point where we will now say we have succeeded"
 
Mombasa Speaker Aharub Khatri also made a contribution of 25,000 shillings and the rest was contributions by well wishers who contributed through Mpesa.
 
Hosting the event included DJ Shinah and Chapatizo, DJ Nas and Shaxxy, DJ Lenium and Tucker, VJ Chris and Gates, DJ Smith and Thalia and Paps the DJ and Hype. 
 
The TV celebrity has been battling cancer of the plasma cells and has since 3weeks ago started chemotherapy sessions which cost him about 100,000 shillings every week. 
 
http://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/1606-o-neal-diagnosed-with-cancer-of-the-plasma-cell-let-s-support-a-brother
 
The full treatment is estimated to cost about 4Million shillings and more contribution is still required to support the actor. 

NTV Jamdown presenter Miss Katiwa has tested positive for COVID-19.

The reggae show host and presenter at Home Boyz Radio shared the news with fans on her instagram account revealing she is currently in isolation.

She also stated that she was asymptomatic at first but has since exhibited symptoms.

“My beautiful people, I got tested for Covid-19 and my results came, I am positive for Covid-19. I have been in isolation and I am doing great, I didn't show signs at first but later on, they started appearing, my family is well informed about it and am sure am going to come out strong because I am a fighter. I thank both Radio Africa (HBR) and NMG (NTV) for their support. Guys stay safe, put on your masks and sanitize or rather wash your hands, don't forget to keep your distance also,” she posted.

Other media personalities who have so far come out and revealed they have tested positive are, Jeff koinange, Stephen Letoo and Bonnie Musambi from KBC.

“Folks, just to let you know, I have tested POSITIVE for Covid-19. I’m doing Good..NO symptoms…and my Family is fine. All my close contacts have been informed. Right now I’m in self isolation. Many thanks to Royal Media Services Management for its Support. Stay SAFE & God Bless!” wrote Koinange.

In an effort to expand her fanbase in East Africa, Uganda music diva Spice Diana has team up with Tanzanian music star Harmonize in a new song.

The song titled 'Kokonya' was produced by Nessim and video shot by Hanscana.

In a brief interview with Ommy Dallah, Spice Diana talked about her experience working with Harmonize.

"It was a great experience working with Harmonize, i learned so much from him" she said.

Adding "We had so many plans, before COVID-19"

The video which was released yesterday (Friday) currently enjoys over 100,000 views on you tube.

Watch the video below.

 

 

Navy Kenzo, Afro dancehall group from Tanzania has revealed that their sophomore album will be titled" Story of The African Mob".

The 12 track album expresses and celebrates the fashion, art creativity and unique stories of African people. It  will be available for presavefrom 24th July 2020and preorder on 31StJulyon Apple music, Spotify, Tidal and Deez

It is centered around a combination of Afrobeats sounds in fusion with Jazz, RnB and Hip hop instruments.

The group Navy Kenzo consists of musical partners Aika and Nahreel both from Tanzania. Aika is a gifted lyricist and Nahreel is a passionate beatmaker.

After years of solid friendship andromantic involvement, the pair decided to take a musical leap of faith and combined their talents to make music together under oneoutfit, Navy Kenzo. The move pulled off.

The duo proved that they were a force to be reckoned with when theyfound success and recognition throughout the African continentwith their breakout hit Chelewaand followed through witha string of club bangers such as Kamatia ,Game, Fella and the award winning Katika featuring Diamond platinumz to name a few.

The group had already solidified their presence on the African music landscape by the time theyreleased their 2017 debut album AIM(Above In aMinute) which featured mega hits Bajaj ft Patoranking and Morning.

As the title implies, Story of an African Mob is a journey ofcreative expression that Navy Kenzo have embarked on along with an impressive lineup of collaborators.

The album features prominent artists from across the continent including Ghanaian chart toppers King promise of the “Baby I’m Jealous” fame,the multi talented Mugeez, Afropop artiste MzVee and UK based Tanzanian rapper Tiggs da Author.

It also features Tanzanian RnB royalty Nandy .

The pair also demonstrate that they have an ear for new talent and a commitment to sharing their platform with emerging artists by featuring The Industry newcomers the Great Eddy and Genius Jini, winner of the Why Now” Audiomack contest.

The group have also announced that they will be releasingBampa 2 Bamba from the album featuring Nandy on 31st July 2020 and the track Pon Mi featuring Tiggs da Author on 14th August 2020.

Thefull album will be available from 4th September 2020 onall streaming platforms.Fans should look forward to a fusion of Afro Caribbean melodies marinated in Swahili context produced by Nahreel and another impressive line up of collaborators.

Other producers who worked on the album include Mantraand JuwonMix from the US, Buskillaz from Israel, Killbeat from Ghana and Tanzania’s very own Pablo Lannoche, Breezy Beatz and Chizan Brain.

NRG Radio, Kenya's number 1 Audio-Visual Radio Station has launched its first ever digital mainstream awards dubbed the NRG FANFAVE Awards.

The radio station known for its multi-platform entertainment experience, will through the NRG FANFAVE Awards celebrate Kenyan artistes, personalities and other young talents who are making great impact in the Creative Arts.

The awards ceremony also seeks to motivate young people to showcase their various talents in the Music & Creative industry. It will further celebrate true agents of positive change - the truly inspiring personalities and change makers in the industry.

 “Everything NRG RADIO does is to empower young Musicians & Creatives. Our central ethos for the Awards is to be more than just an Awards ceremony, to connect and showcase creative work through different platforms especially with this new way of life that has been handed to us.” Kevin B, NRG Radio Head of Broadcast said.

The Awards voting opened on the 24th of July 2020 from 4 pm via the website www.nrg.radio

The NRG FANFAVE Awards 2020 categories include;

  1. FAN FAVE Male Artist of The Year (OTY)
  2. FAN FAVE Female Artist OTY
  3. FAN FAVE Group OTY
  4. FAN FAVE Rising Star OTY
  5. FAN FAVE Gospel Act OTY
  6. FAN FAVE Song OTY
  7. FAN FAVE Hip Hop Song OTY
  8. FAN FAVE Gengetone song OTY
  9. FAN FAVE Collabo OTY
  10. FAN FAVE TV Star OTY
  11. FAN FAVE County OTY
  12. FAN FAVE Campus Radio OTY
  13. FAN FAVE YouTuber OTY
  14. FAN FAVE Twitter Boss OTY
  15. FAN FAVE Blogger OTY
  16. FAN FAVE InstaBoss OTY
  17. FAN FAVE Comedian OTY
  18. FAN FAVE Style Icon OTY
  19. FAN FAVE Sports Icon OTY
  20. FAN FAVE Catchphrase OTY
  21. FAN FAVE Africa’s Finest Award OTY
  22. FAN FAVE Mathree OTY
  23. FAN FAVE Actor/Actress OTY
  24. FAN FAVE Content Creators OTY
  25. FAN FAVE Male DJ OTY
  26. FAN FAVE Female DJ OTY

NRG Radio takes pride  in shaping the future of Entertainment by connecting consumers with high-quality and personalised content via Internet, Mobile, Film, Sound, Print and Cross-Media in all possible forms of distribution.

The radio station that was launched 2 years ago has grown to become a household name and thought leader in 360 entertainment offering through Visual Radio, TV, Digital Platforms and Next Generation entertainment experiences as well as e-Sports and Online Gaming.

Kenyan hit makers of “nu Nairobi” sounds, Chris Kaiga and Kahu$h team up to release new single and music video of “Mastingo”.

In Nairobi slang’, Stingo means style, “Like that’s my style that’s my stingo. That’s how we do” explains Chris.

The duo write and deliver while blending unique rap styles on this feel-good trap anthem, produced by ProdByScorpio.

“Mastingo” isn’t just about innate style but also cool dance moves as depicted in the retro-themed music video directed by Frnck.

Mastingo on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9KkYotgoqM.

Speaking on this new release, Chris says, “This marks our first of many collabos with Kahu$h and am so excited we could link up. “Mastingo” is a songfor all for our fans, hope you all vibe to it”.

Adding a message to the fans“Time to represent your style and your dance moves!.

The two fast rising artists have been dominating music airwaves with back-to-back hit releases.

Chris is known for a series of hit songs including “Zimenice”, Niko On”, “Chain Chain” while Kahu$h has been riding high with his banger “Mi Siwezi” following therelease of his EP ‘Trial and Error’ (2019) and album ‘Niko’ (2020).

Chris and Kahu$h are making a mark in the Kenyan music scene and are definitely gearing to take over Africa.