Apple Music is now available in 52 more countries.

The roll-out of the streaming platform means that Apple Music is now available in 167 markets in total.

“We’re delighted to bring many of Apple’s most beloved Services to users in more countries than ever before,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and International Content.

Adding “We hope our customers can discover their new favorite apps, games, music and podcasts as we continue to celebrate the world’s best creators, artists and developers.”

The App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and iCloud are now available in the following countries and regions:

• Africa: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Libya, Morocco, Rwanda and Zambia.
• Asia-Pacific: Maldives and Myanmar.
• Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia.
• Middle East: Afghanistan (excluding Apple Music) and Iraq.
• Oceania: Nauru (excluding Apple Music), Tonga and Vanuatu.

Apple Music, with its catalog of 60m tracks, is also expanding to the following countries and regions:

• Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Chad, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Tunisia.
• Asia-Pacific: Bhutan.
• Europe: Croatia, Iceland and North Macedonia.
• Latin America and the Caribbean: the Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Turks and Caicos and Uruguay.
• Middle East: Kuwait, Qatar and Yemen.
• Oceania: Solomon Islands.

The App Store, now in 175 countries and regions, is the world’s safest and most vibrant app marketplace, with over half a billion people visiting each week.

New Apple Music subscribers in the 52 additional countries can enjoy a six-month free trial of the service, with locally curated playlists including Africa Now, Afrobeats Hits, Ghana Bounce and more.

In addition, users have access to world-class music experts, tastemakers, and artist-led programs from globally celebrated creators including Virgil Abloh, Billie Eilish, Elton John, Pharrell, and more.

Apple Music’s pricing in the new territories ranges from USD $2.99 per month in markets like Angola, Cameroon and Zambia to $10.99 per month in Iceland.

Mombasa based music production house, Above the rim has joined other well wishers in making donation to the Mombasa County Emergency Household Relief and Nutrition Project .

The project being chaired by Mombasa County Governor Hassan Joho and County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo is intended to aid in the fight against Covid-19.

Above the rim made a cash donation of over kshs 40,000 which was presented to Governor Hassan Joho and the County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo by musician Susumila who is a director at the production house.

"This disease is affecting everyone of us and as above the rim we felt it was also our responsibility to join in the fight against it and support our county government under the leadership of Governor Joho" said Susumila.

Adding "The disease has disrupted life in our communities hence the need to provide social support during this difficult time, i encourage all those who can help to also come out and help"

On his part Kitiyo recognised artists who have recorded songs to educate the community on the virus.

"We also have artists like Susumila, Amarila, Odinareh Bingwa, Modan Photography and others  who have composed songs on coronavirus, we also recognise and thank you for your contribution" said Kitiyo.

The Safe Hands Kenya campaign to stop the spread of Covid-19 has received a boost after Pwani Oil announced that it will contribute 5.5. million kilograms of soap for distribution to Kenyans.

The campaign is aimed at rallying Kenyans to join hands through behavior change and social distancing, good sanitary practices and other measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.  

Pwani Oil has donated foodstuff and hygiene items worth Ksh 1.5 million to be distributed to 10,000 families in Kilifi County.

 The donation comprising soap and cooking oil was received by Kilifi County officials. Last month, the company also donated 20 hand washing kits to police stations in the County.

Pwani Oil Commercial Director Rajul Malde described the Safe Hands campaign as a noble cause and pledged his company’s full support.

“As a company, we have actively partnered with Kenyans of goodwill as the country steps up efforts to halt Covid 19. We are proud to be part of Safe Hands Kenya, a noble cause bringing together Kenyans from diverse backgrounds in the fight against this disease,” said Mr. Malde.

He added that the company was committed to working with the national and county governments, and other Kenyans of goodwill, to help communities mitigate the challenges presented by Covid 19. 

 “The partial lockdown, coupled with social distancing, is bound to affect many poor households in Kilifi and other parts of the country. Covid 19 has disrupted life in our communities hence the need to provide social support during this difficult period,” said Mr. Malde.  

He further said that Pwani Oil wants to partner with counties to improve access to sanitation as the country is facing the threat of Covid-19. 

Safe Hands Kenya, a private-sector driven initiative bringing together technology firms, manufacturers, suppliers, media and community based organisations, is also distributing free soap, sanitisers, surface disinfectants and masks.

Pwani Oil has also partnered with the government and various organizations to scale up provision of sanitary items like soap, hand sanitizers and hand washing kits to the general public, and for use by health workers in hospitals across the country.

Among the beneficiaries are Kenya Ferry Services, National Police Service, Kenya Progressive Nurses Association and various counties.

Pwani Oil, working with Kenya Pipeline Company, has supported the production of 60,000 bottles of hand sanitizers.

The company has also reduced prices of its soap brands to make them affordable and promote regular washing of hands as a way of preventing the spread of Covid 19

Popular hip-hop drama 'Empire' was always intended to finish after its current sixth season, but the coronavirus pandemic has now  forced filming to be shut down.

It will now end on episode 18 of the finale series.

The FOX show's writers Lee Daniels and Danny Strong have issued separate statements to Deadline confirming the abrupt ending of the show, but said they hope that one day they can "give the series its proper conclusion".

Lee said: "The success of 'Empire' and bringing the Lyon family to broadcast television will always be one of the proudest achievements of my career. "This show is the definition of breaking barriers.

"Thank you to our incredible cast, especially Terrence (Howard, Lucious Lyon) and Taraji (P. Henson, Cookie Lyon), along with our amazing writers and tireless crew, for all of their hard work and bringing this story to life.

"I think there's more to do with these characters, and I'm heartbroken we aren't getting to shoot the finale we wanted--at least not yet.

"But you know what they say in television? Stay tuned! To the Empire!"

Danny added: "We're so proud of this show and of everything this incredible cast - led by Taraji and Terrence - and crew accomplished over six seasons.

"The episode airing on April 21 was never meant to be the series finale, but due to current events it will likely be the last one our fans will see for a while.

"Big thank you to Fox for being our home for these many years.

"And here's hoping this isn't the end!"

The penultimate episode, 19, was believed to be halfway through shooting before the enforced shutdown.

The show - which launched in 2015 - focuses on the fictional hip-hop music label Empire Entertainment and its founders the Lyon family, and became a ratings hit for US broadcaster FOX.

A possible spin-off featuring Taraji P. Henson's character, Cookie Lyon, is reportedly in the early stages of development.

'Empire' creator Lee previously stated that it was "without question" there would be a spin-off investigating the backstory of the Lyon family matriarch.

Lee explained: "I have to tell a story that I know. I can't tell it unless I've lived it.

"OK, here (Cookie) is now. How did she get to where she's at right now? Let's go back and understand her sisters. Let's get back and understand the makings of her. That I know, because I know Cookie... It would be like a prequel."

Plans for the final series had already been altered after Jussie Smollett, who played Jamal Lyon, abruptly left the show after facing indictment for allegedly staging a fake hate crime attack and filing false police reports.

Legendary Bongo Flava star Ali Kiba who keeps his off music life secretive is yet to come clean amid Clouds FM radio personality Diva the Bawse’s claims to have secretly warmed his bed for a long time.

The Tanzania radio queen who commands more than 2 million followers on Instagram let the cat out of the bag on her affair with the ‘dodo’ hit-maker.

Ali Kiba is currently married to his Kenyan wife Amina Khalef with whom they have a son.

Diva made the allegations claiming that she wants to set the record straight after Ali Kiba allegedly sent out 'goons' to insult her online for quitting being his concubine.

“I and Ali have come a long way both as friends and low-key lovers for a very long time,” she wrote on her page.

Citing being fade up to be a ‘side chic’, Diva claimed to have ended the affair on February 16 adding that she has evidence to supports her claims.

She avers that irked Kiba and did not take her decision lightly accusing him of sending people to tarnish her name.

“There was no disagreement. I ended up everything peacefully because I wanted to move on and I was fade up (being a side-chic). I don’t understand the insults,” Diva said.

She added "Nimechoka. I told you so many times si we umeoa i even blocked you kila kona, i did things peaceful hasira zako unatuma watu vitu vya ajabu iknow everything i have mo evidence, nilikuheshimu sana and respected what we had, kama ninge expire usingekuwa unanibembeleza to see me in the middle of the night na kusema kuwa huwezi hata kulala mpaka unione..haya mambo hufanya teenagers kwani cha ajabu nini a woman to end things things with you? can't believe this"

Her revelations coincided with the move by Killy and Cheedy have ditched Kiba’s label King’s Music amid whispers that Diva could be behind it.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1480-blow-to-ali-kiba-as-two-artists-ditch-his-music-label

She said will address the matter soon saying, “Neither Killy nor Cheedy is joining anywhere.”

Diva who famously dated Kenyan rapper Jackson Makini alias Prezzo in 2013 threatened to leak bedroom videos and photos of her and Ali Kiba if the singer continues insulting her through his supporters.

The 31-year old radio presenter claimed to have evidence of the secretive romantic memories they made at Kiba’s Tabata home in Dares salaam.

“You (Kiba) have no right to insult me because I ended up things. If you continue I will post your intimate photos and videos when we were in your bedroom,” said Diva.

According to Diva, Kiba has been nagging her, sometimes in tears begging to see her “in the middle of the night” despite calling it quits.

“You want to be seen very confident but you cry like a baby behind the scene. Why did you cry last night?” Diva posed.

Ali Kiba is yet to respond to the allegations.

The Kiswahili & Maa versions of the award winning feature documentary, The Elephant Queen that was broadcasted on Citizen TV on Easter Sunday to much acclaim is now available. Link to view:  www.elephant.co.ke/elephant-queen

Following the overwhelming response to this movie, filmed in Tsavo East National Park and the Greater Amboseli ecosystem, the website: www.elephant.co.ke was launched where both language versions can be watched, free of cost until midnight on Monday, 20 April 2020.

Kenyans’ shared their experiences and reactions to the movie on social media - thanking Citizen TV for showing the film and expressing their pride and love for Kenyan wildlife.        

The Elephant Queen is narrated in English, by Academy Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Boy who Harnessed the Wind and The Lion King). It tells a stirring and intimate story about the most majestic and sentient animals in Africa.

This family-friendly film stars the ultimate leading lady, Athena, an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their waterhole. 

And the story is not only about elephants but of the animals that live at their toenail height...a tardy goose, a tenacious dung beetle and a determined tortoise to name a few.

This story is not just entertaining, it is one of survival, family and coming home.

So excited were viewers, that the hashtag #TheElephantQueen was trending in the afternoon.  “Heart felt.  The love, the unity, the leadership. Worth watching. I loved the fighting beetles”, tweeted one viewer as the audience picked their favourite in the film. 

Much was written about Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife “This was just amazing.  Nature is very therapeutic. Thanks for this wonderful gift to our families during this Easter.”

Kenya Film Classification Board, CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, who shared the countdown to the national broadcast on Twitter said at the end of movie:  “A film about wildlife that exemplifies the essential human virtues: compassion and humanity. How timely, coming at a time when the world needs love and friendship!”  Others commented “It’s been a while since local content felt this good.  This one here is a masterpiece!” 

The film is directed by Mark Deeble and Victoria Stone with Etienne Oliff as Assistant Director and produced by Victoria Stone and Lucinda Englehart.

The Kiswahili version is narrated by Fred Obondo and the Maa version by John Kisimir  and Amos Kipeen.

The Elephant Queen once again inspired audiences – this time in Kenya.  The film has in the past months, made friends for Kenya wherever she has travelled - from the top international film festivals including Toronto and Sundance to cinema screens across the US. 

The film, which celebrates Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife and biodiversity, won the Cinema for Peace Award and the UN World Wildlife Day Biodiversity Award and was awarded Best Cinematography at DOC NYC.

About Deeble & Stone

Mark Deeble & Victoria Stone www.deeblestone.com are award-winning directors known for their independent, genre-defining wildlife films. Mark and Victoria’s filming and choice of subject has always been driven by their passion for the natural world. They both direct, film, produce and write their own work. They are both accomplished divers and pilots.

Their films have won more than 100 international awards including Emmys®, Peabodys, Griersons, ‘Green Oscars’ (Wildscreen) and numerous ‘Best of Festivals’ including Jackson Wild and the UK Documentary Awards.

There have been reports that Kenyan artist and Diamond Platnumz's ex girlfriend Tanasha Donna has been put on forced quarantine after going against  the curfew which was ordered by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The reports emerged after the singer posted a video last Friday night of herself at a house party, she also went ahead to post a photo of her and singer Ringtone.

Her manager Castro has now come out to refute the reports.

Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Castro rubbished the reports saying the singer is free and going on with her business as normal.

"Don't trust everything that you read or see in the media out there. There is nothing like that." said Castro.

He further revealed that Tanasha will soon be releasing the next video from her EP 'DonaTella' which was released few months ago.

Bongo superstar Ali Kiba has suffered a major blow after two artists he had signed to his music label Kings Music decided to leave the label.

The two artists Cheed and Killy took to social media to share the news with fans stating that there is no bad blood between them and Ali Kiba. 

“Naitwa Rasheed almaarufu kama cheed nikijulikana kama msanii wa @kingsmusicrecords……… napenda kuwajulisha fans wangu watu wangu wote waliokuwa wakisupport mziki wangu na wanaoendelea kussuport kazi zangu na hata wasiosupport pia ni kwamba kuanzia leo hii napenda kutamka kuwa mimi sio tena msanii wa @kingsmusicrecords"posted Cheed

Adding "Alikiba amekuwa ni mtu muhimu sana kwenye maisha yangu amekuwa ni mtu ambae amenionyesha njia na kuniaminisha mimi pamoja na mziki wangu mbele ya jamii Inshallah mwenyezi mungu amlipe kwa kila alichonifanyia na kujitolea kwa ajili ya mziki wangu namshkuru sana sana sana nasitoacha kumshkuru siku zote za maisha yangu naumia Ila sina budi @officialalikiba nakupenda sana my brother nakupenda mnooo na unajua hilo,cha zaidi napenda nikushkuru kwa kunielewa nikiwa kama mdogo wako bado nahitaji baraka zako bado ntahitaji support kutoka kwako kwa namna moja ama nyingine ama kwa kile ambacho kitakuwa na umuhimu kuwa supported na ningeomba pia uniombee dua safari yangu iwe njema na yenye mafanikio popote pale ntakapokuwa as long as najua hatujaachana kwa ubaya na wala hatujawahi kuwa na ugomvi labda NO."

On his part Killy also posted " Naitwa Ally killy Omary almaarufu kama killy nikijulikana kama msanii wa @kingsmusicrecords, napenda kuwajulisha fans wangu watu wangu wote waliokuwa wakisupport mziki wangu na wanaoendelea kussuport kazi zangu na hata wasiosupport pia ni kwamba kuanzia leo hii napenda kutamka kuwa mimi sio tena msanii wa @kingsmusicrecords nimeamua hili kwa akili yangu timamu kabisa bila kushawishiwa na mtu wa aina yeyote ile na sijatumia kilevi chochote kile ni maamuzi yangu tu binafsi na ni kwa ajili ya muendelezo wa mziki wangu.

The Kenya Defence Forces has stepped up its fight against the #Covid-19 pandemic by carrying out a thorough disinfection exercise in its military establishments, starting with Nairobi.

The Defence Forces Public #Health team headed by Major Ojango Oyengo commenced the exercise on Friday, 10 April 2020. Embakasi Garrison, Lang’ata Barracks and Camp David were the first beneficiaries of the disinfection.