King Kaka is once again trailblazing and carrying the Kenyan flag high as he travels to France this coming Monday.

The trip solidifies his adapted nickname Mr. International.

While in France, he is slatted to meet and network with relevant players in the film, music and arts industries in Paris, Cannes and Cognac.

King Kaka’s France trip comes fresh off his successful Eastlando Royalty USA Tour. 

While in France, he will hang out with Baptiste Loiseau, world renowned cellar master as he exclusively tours the distillery, cellar and vineyard at Club Remy Martin in Cognac town.

King Kaka will also attend Cannes Film Festival, underlining his love for the Film Industry.

The successful musician, entertainer and entrepreneur continues to demonstrate to Kenya and the world that he is indeed a man of many hats.

The nominees for the 14th Annual Groove Awards have been unveiled at an exclusive red carpet event held at the Kenya National Theatre last evening, which saw artistes nominated in 23 categories.

This year’s nominees list had great surprises having new entries into some of the most tightly contested spots.

Receiving the highest nominations for a second year running was Jabidii. Last year, he received 7 nominations which made him the highest nominated artist in the history of Groove Awards.

This year, he has smashed his own record by bagging 11 impressive nominations including the highly contested Artist of the Year category, Collabo of the Year, Song of the Year, Teens Choice Song of the Year (in which he received 2 nominations ), Reggae/Ragga Song of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the year, Collabo of the year and Dance style/song of the Year – a category that saw him receive 3 nominations.

He was followed by Timeless Noel and Moji ShortBabaa who received 6 nominations each.

This year saw the introduction of new categories following continuous insights and changing industry dynamics.

There was a split of the Breakthrough Artists Category to accommodate both the Male and Female artists separately and the introduction of new categories; - Online/Digital Personality of the Year, Young Groover of the Year  and the Diaspora Artists of the Year category respectively.

Public participation in the nomination process having been introduced last year continues to generate a lot of excitement amongst stakeholders and the industry, giving greater ownership and participation to music fans across the country.

“The announcement of the nominees follows a rigorous process of reviewing 154,371 submissions that the public put in. Having refreshed the nominations process last year to include the public in the process for greater ownership and inclusion, the feedback has been very positive. 14 years on and we are excited and grateful to be unveiling the list of contenders for the 14th edition,” said Groove panel Chairman Charles Kairu.

Adding “We are truly honored to be in a position to shape culture, recognize and celebrate today’s talented artistes and their contribution to the growth of the gospel music industry.” 

The theme of this year’s awards show is: “Better Together.” It focuses on the message of unity in building better relationships, synergies and societies. It encourages a spirit of togetherness and highlights how togetherness helps build powerful and stronger bonds.

Online voting on www.grooveawards.co.ke will begin at 10pm tonight 8th May 2019. SMS voting will be introduced on Wednesday 15th May 2019 to compliment online voting and will run concurrently until midnight 31st May 2019.

This year’s winners will be announced on 1st June 2019 at the Gala Awards ceremony, to be held in Nairobi.

A winner’s concert is slated shortly after the awards ceremony on 8th June 2019 in Mombasa and will see all winners meeting their fans to celebrate their wins whilst appreciating their support during the nomination and voting process.

 

Below is the list of nominees.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Pitson

Moji Shortbabaa

Jabidii

Evelyn Wanjiru

Eunice Njeri

Alice Kimanzi

SONG OF THE YEAR

Zaidi Na Zaidi - Eunice Njeri

Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii

Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii

Celebrate - Evelyn Wanjiru

TEENS CHOICE SONG OF THE YEAR

Washangaze - David Wonder

Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii

Toka Teke - Mob K

Paripapa - Jfam

Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii

Confidence - Masterpiece

COLLABO OF THE YEAR

Wema Wako - Baraka Musiq ft. Guardian Angel

Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii

Ni Poa - Amani G ft. Pitson

Mwaka Wako - Florence Andenyi ft. Anastacia Mukabwa

Kurutu - Peter Mbui, Ruff, Dan Mbui & Kabi Wa Jesus

Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii

PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR

Zaidi Na Zaidi - Eunice Njeri

Usikiaye Maombi - Kathy Praise

Nikuabudu - Alice Kimanzi

Neno Lako - Godwill Babette

Even Here - Rebekah Dawn ft. Allan Sucre

Celebrate - Evelyn Wanjiru

HIP-HOP SONG OF THE YEAR

Relax - Stonee Jiwe

Realest - Kriss Erroh

Nice - Eko Dydda

Kalamu Nzito - Kamlesh Kagaba

Issues - Muhanji

Eyy Okay - Josh Xtra & Kibunjah

REGGAE/RAGGA SONG OF THE YEAR

Paripapa - Jfam

Nikuone - Dafari

God Is In Control - Kush Tracey

China - Jabidii

Atatenda - Havoc Musiq

Again (Step on Him) - Garvey Royal

HYPEMAN/MC OF THE YEAR

Timeless Noel

Mc Price

Mc Neb

MC KIbunjah

Mc Acts

Hype Ola

Hype Helena

Hype Gad

Hype Dago

Hype Belly

DANCE STYLE/SONG THE YEAR

Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii

Niko Rieng - Josay Flamer

Mbwayaga - Jabidii

Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii

Again (Step on Him) - Garvey Royal

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Satisfy - Joyce Omondi

Pekee Yangu - Moji Shortbabaa

Nifanane Nawe - Wahu

Ni Tembee Na Wewe - Size 8

Mwenye Baraka - Laura Karwira

Mtu Wa Maana - Pitson

MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Timeless Noel

Syombua Mwele Osiany

Kambua

Joyce Gituro

DJ Soxxy

Dj Ruff

DJ MO

Antony Ndiema

MALE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Zack Art

Revival

Ndume

Josay Flamer

Dess

Baraka Musiq

FEMALE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Njoki Munyi

Mwangi Nimo

Lydia Ndigwa

Faith Nduhiu

Emma Omonge

Branny

BREAKTHROUGH DJ OF THE YEAR

Ken The DJ

DJ Tripple B

DJ Son

DJ Sean

DJ Ray

Dj Prince Kim

DJ Justin

DJ Dolphin

DIASPORA ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Zangi

Proud Refuge

Naomi Karanja

Emmy Kosgei

Churchil King

Benachi

ONLINE/DIGITAL PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Laura Karwirwa for KarwirwaLaura.com

Kambua for Reflections With Kambua

Kabi & Milly for The WaJesus Family

Jasmine Macharia for Cooking With Jazz

Ernest Wamboye for Pen Strokes

Brendah Jons for Ministry Through Comedy

YOUNG GROOVER OF THE YEAR

Whitney Joy

Shyro P

Shanah Manjeru

Praise Makena

Keep It Real & Am Blessed

Cynthia Inzai

Breanna Njeri Ngugi

Amani G

COASTAL COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

U Mwamba Wangu Jesu - Dickson Nyamawi

Subira - Cate Njane

Siku Yako - John Isa

Neema - Michael Yena

NAKUPENDA - Eve Bahati

Mwanakondoo - Susan Mwalimu

CENTRAL COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Thimo - Shiru Wa GP

Ni Gukena - Ruth Wamuyu

Ngai wa mwanya - Paul Waiganjo

Muheani - Phyllis Mbuthia & Sammy Irungu

Kaba Ngai Ungirathima Umwe - Loise Kim

Guoko kwa Jehova - Chege Wa Willy

EASTERN COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Testimony - Bessy Blessing

Tamuka Ndeto - Eunice Kyalo

Ngwate Kwoko - Justus Myelo

Mundu Uiva - Ev. John Kay

Kyaa kya Ngai - Stephen Kasolo

Kava Ndiwe na Yesu - Wilberforce Musyoka

NYANZA COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Conquerer - Fenny Kerubo

Ok Abi Tho - John Okidi

Ababisa - Douglas Otiso

Donge Nyasaye - Eunice Ogoma

Kik Ikala - Florence Robert

Oloyo Lweny - Christine Otieno

RIFT VALLEY COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Very Nice Tumdo - Rose Cheboi

Shoretisho - Ole Nkukuu

Osiligi - Tychicus Keret

Kapchi - Mum Cherop

Kalamit - Pst. Joel Kimeto

Atajewuo - Sanino Bless

WESTERN COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Yeso Nolwanda - Eunice K.

Wanyangala - Jackie Wanyama

Lwanda Ni Yesu - Timothy Kitui ft. Ali Mukhwana

Khwekanile - Grace Sunday

Khongonda - Henry Mutonyi

Chinyinga Chimalilisi - Rose Ondenyo

 

 

 

Former Kenya Defence Forces Spokesperson Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna has been appointed the new Government Spokesman taking over from Eric Kiraithe.

In a statement signed by ICT CS Joe Mucheru, the move takes effect immediately as the government rebuilds its communication structure.

"In line with directions from the Executive Office of the President through the Head of the Public Service, the office of the Government Spokesman shall be domiciled at the ICT Ministry," the statement read.

Oguna has previously held various positions relating to the management of personnel, operations and communications within the Kenya Defence Forces and government.

Between 2014 and 2017, he served as Defense Advisor/ Attache at Kenya's High Commission in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Kenyans got to know Oguna when Kenya entered Somali in 2011, he was the one updating the public on the operation.

In his statement Kiraithe, who is also the former police spokesperson noted that Oguda is equal to the task.

"It is my great pleasure and honour to welcome Oguna as the new government spokesman. I have worked with Oguna in the past and can assure Kenyans that the colonel is equal to the task." said Kiraithe

 

 

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has seized counterfeit goods worth over Kshs 100 million in the last one month in various parts of the country.

This includes electrical appliances, sportswear and equipment’s of premium trademarks, motor vehicle spare parts, digital TV antennas and toners among others. Most of these are from the far East Countries.

Among the seized goods was a 40-foot container of fake circuit breakers imported from China valued at over Kshs 10 million seized on Saturday 4^th May.

Speaking earlier today during an Inspection Tour of the ICDN, ACA Chair Ms. Flora Mutahi highlighted the negative effects of illicit and counterfeit trade on the economy.

“Left unchecked, illicit trade is the biggest threat to attainment of the Manufacturing and Job Creation Pillar of the government’s Big Four Agenda. As Government, we are committed towards safeguarding the interests of genuine traders, hence the increased efforts to curb illicit trade.” she said.

Research shows that there is a high correlation between illicit trade and slowed economic growth, development of local industry as well as unemployment rates. Illicit trade crimes are also related to other crimes such bribery, money laundering, terror funding and tax evasion, among others.

Additionally, illicit goods have adverse health, safety and environmental effects to the innocent consumers since they are often of inferior quality and standards.

“We also want to assure the genuine traders and public that the government is out to facilitate and not frustrate traders. We are strongly combating all forms of illicit trade in the interest of promoting a fair-trade environment and protect the rights of genuine traders, promote our local manufacturing industry, safeguard jobs and improve the ease of doing business,” added Ms. Mutahi.

ACA Executive Director, Mr. Elema Halake said that unscrupulous investors are increasingly changing tact and are now involved at several points across the supply chain from manufacturing, importation, distribution, wholesale and retail. To curb this, he revealed that the Authority was investing in technology to increase efficiency, in line with its mandate of protection of intellectual property owners.

“As an Authority, we are strengthening our capacity to detect counterfeits at the Ports of entry through use of modern technology and automation as well as leveraging multi-agency collaboration approaches, which are bearing fruit”, added Mr. Halake.

He also underscored ACA’s commitment to protecting the rights of brand owners by ensuring compliance with the legal framework.

The Managing Director of Sarova Hotels & Resorts, Jimi Kariuki has been appointed the Chairperson of the Kenya Tourism Board for a period of 3 years. Mr. Kariuki will serve effective this May until 2021. 

In March 2016 President Kenyatta also appointed him as the Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) where he served effectively until his re-appointment.

Among his significant previous tourism industry contributions, he served on the Board of Directors of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) representing Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) from 2003-2004, and on the Board of Directors of the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) from 2004-2006.

He joined Sarova Hotels in 1992 as the Group Marketing Manager.

In 1996 he was appointed on to the Company’s main Board of Directors, and in 2001 was promoted to the position of Director Marketing & Sales. He was appointed the Group’s Managing Director in January 2018.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa, and a Bachelor of Science (Bsc) degree in Marketing from Huron University South Dakota, USA. 

Scottish Highland distillery Glenmorangie hosted a single malt whisky tasting at the Tamarind Hotel Mombasa on Thursday evening.

The event aimed at creating an exceptional immersion to Glenmorangie’s elegant refinement, a layered complexity that adds depth and substance to the captivating sensory taste experience.

Speaking at the event, Alexandre Helaine Market Manager Moet Hennessy noted that “We are pleased with the uptake of Glenmorangie in Kenya. Glenmorangie has the tallest stills in Scotland, thereby producing one of the smoothest Single Malt in the world. This appeals to discerning drinkers who recognise and appreciate the best things in life.”

About Glenmorangie

Welcome to Glenmorangie, lovingly distilled since 1843. Our founder, William Matheson, was a man of vision and a stickler for quality.He created a single malt whisky of particular delicacy, smoothness and complexity of flavours that remains unrivalled today.

The recipe is deceptively simple, the attention to detail quite extraordinary. Marrying the pure mineral-rich waters of the Tarlogie Springs with local golden Scottish barley, we create an exquisite mash that we then distil in the tallest stills in Scotland.

The benefit of this obsession with height? Only the lightest and purest vapours condense into our spirit, which we then mature in our very own Missouri White Oak casks. (It takes a while, at least ten years.)

Made from 100-year-old trees, seasoned for a further two after felling, these carefully selected casks impart a colour and a creamy smoothness of flavour that is pure perfection.Of course, there are easier and quicker ways to make whisky. And there are other single malts too. But after one taste of Glenmorangie you would never try anything else.

 

 

 

Kwale county women representative Zuleikha Juma has condemned the incident where Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa took away microphone as ODM Secrtary General made remarks  in a burial ceremony in Kilifi.   Juma said the incident was completely disrespectful and totally meant to cast ODM in a bad light.    "It wasn’t just against the SG it was against the image of the party. Politicians make all matter of statements at funerals, what does respecting mijikenda have anything to do with it? Aisha Jumwa doesn’t have a monopoly on the mijikenda",she said.    In a statement to the media the legislature said that if Aisha thought the SG had said something offensive, she could have sent him a note or gone and whispered to him instead of taking away microphone.   "Why take the microphone from him? Since she had already asked him to stop talking about the Party? She could have let him continue with any other points he wanted to make,"added Juma   The incident she said was made to make ODM look bad and look like a Party that doesn’t respect cultural nuance.   "It is also a plan to pit the mijikenda against ODM. I don’t even think it’s Mheshimiwa Aishas idea, I believe she is being taught to propagate that type of discourse. This is subtly meant to stoke the waBara against waPwani/waMijikenda sentiments and in this case the waBara are those in tribes stereotypically associated with ODM," she said.    She added that as peace loving Kenyans, "the majority of us are behind the handshake efforts  between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga to bring cohesion between the different tribes of Kenya".

Former Taita Taveta County Senator Dan Mwazo  has been appointed as Chairperson of the Kenya Ferry Services board.

In a Gazette notice dated May 3, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Mwazo to be the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Ferry Services Board for a period of three years effective June 23, 2019.

Mwazo who also served as the Tourism Minister during President Kibaki's  regime will now replace Ramdhan Seif Kajembe.

Others who have been appointed in the new appointments includes former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo, former Kitui governor Julius Malombe and former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru.

Gumbo was appointed to be the chairperson of the Board of Kenyatta National Hospital for period of three years.

Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz has dropped his single featuring Congolese artist Fally Ipupa.

The song titled 'Inama' is said to have been recorded some years backn when the two artists met in France in the company of footballers Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto.

The audio has been produced by producer Lizer from Wasafi.

Listen to the song below