Celebrated and award-winning content creator, Wabosha Maxine, has partnered with the newly launched Shahara platform to release her first ever podcast - A Letter to My Younger Self.

The 9-episode podcast features notable celebrities and award-winning media personalities, who talk to Wabosha about the most impactful moments in their life's journey.

Those who have been featured in season one of A Letter To My Younger Self include: Investigative Journalist John-Allan Namu, Willis Chimano from Sauti Sol, CEO of Vivo Activewear Wandia Gichuru, Olympic Weightlifter Winnie Okoth, and Musician Karun (Formally of Camp Mulla), just to name a few.

“The conversations will be hosted by me and they are relevant for all audiences from the young to the old. In the age of social media, younger generations can get the false impression that they are alone in their struggles – and also that success comes fast and easy,” Wabosha Maxine said.

She added: “This podcast was created to be a space for candid conversations that encourage people to pursue the life they want to live; but to also remind them that success (however it may look to you) takes time. You’re going to go through a lot of changes in your journey and make a lot of mistakes along the way."

The podcast is hosted on the Shahara platform that is both web and mobile based at a fee of Kshs 100 for Wabosha’s episode and you get the other 8 episodes free.

This is the first of a kind partnership for content creators as it offers an economic solution for different kinds of content creators across the media and entertainment space in Kenya and Africa.

On Shahara, content creators can publish their work and have their audiences watch, read or listen to it, and audiences in turn will have the opportunity to support them directly by paying for content. The content creator will then take the lion’s share of whatever they earn, enabling them to live, create and celebrate their work.

The Shahara platform is in its beta testing phase, starting first with video offering.

Maxine added, “A lot of brands suspended or cancelled their marketing campaigns after covid hit, which meant that for many months, the marketing model that generally makes up most of a content creator’s income had disappeared. That’s why I opted for a partnership with Shahara to host A Letter To My Younger Self – it’s also locally made and owned.”

Adding,“ I am appealing to all fans to support the podcast. We as content creators spend a lot of time, effort, and money creating our work. The ad-based monetization models are not always sustainable. A good example would be what happened at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Fans of the podcast can contact the A Letter To My Younger Self Project via email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to provide feedback or to be part of the guests on the podcast for the next season.

To listen to the podcast, visit shaharavideos.com

Legendary Bongo Flava musician Ali Kiba has hailed a Kenyan portrait painter who made him cry after surprising the Tanzanian singer with a painting of his late father. 

In a moving message of gratitude on his Instagram page, Ali Kiba has described the portrait painted by Ali Hassan as unique.

“He (Ali Hassan) painted my father who is no longer with us in this world. It is something that I did not expect or think about. It is a unique gift,” said Ali Kiba.

The Salute hit-maker went ahead to appreciate all painters across the world who have showered him with different paintings.

“I have had the chance of travelling to various places where most of my fans gift me with portraits- mostly of myself. May God bless you all,” said Ali Kiba.

His message comes a day after a video that has been doing rounds on social networks captured an emotional Ali Kiba breaking down when Ali Hassan presented him with a portrait of his late father.

Before the painting was unboxed, Ali Kiba was in high spirits singing a snippet of the Songisongi remix that he recently released with French songstress Maud Elka.

Ecstatic Ali Kiba could be heard telling people around him to keep quiet as the portrait was being unpacked.

“Shut up. Shut the F up. Let’s see what we are opening,” he said while helping to unwrap the gift.

When the portrait was fully unpacked, Ali Kiba let out a soft wail upon realizing that it was his late father’s painting.

Kiba, who appeared to be engulfed in deep sorrow, slowly walked away from the portrait sheltering his head under the box that wrapped the painting.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/784-ali-kiba-beveared-loses-father

He let out faint sobs as people around were heard comforting him.

Shortly after calming down, Ali Kiba was seen hugging the painter before receiving the painting. He thanked Ali Hassan for the surprise.

“I did not expect this. I thought it was my portrait only to learn it is my father’s,” awed Ali Kiba was heard saying.

Ali Kiba's father Mzee Saleh passed away on January 17, 2019, at the Muhimbili Hospital in Dar es Salaam after a short illness.

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has continued his call for the formation of a Coast political party as a tool of ensuring the Coastal people have a seat at the national table during the 2022 general elections.

The Governor was speaking in Kinango during the burial of the mother to Kwale Governor Salim Mvuryas mama Sada Mgalla Nyawa who passed away yesterday while receiving treatment.

Kingi said that there was need for the coastal people to be united and avoid being ‘used’.

"Let us arrange our house to ensure that everything is in order so that we speak in one voice as we gear towards the 2022 general elections," said Kingi.

Kingi has for a while been on the forefront of championing for a coastal political outfit, a course that saw him fall out with his ODM party leader Raila Odinga who last week approved his ouster as the partys chairman in Kilifi.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2379-i-wish-odm-well-says-kingi-after-being-ejected-from-party-leadership

The Governor added that the region has been following political waves, but the time was now ripe for the region to be part of those forming the waves.

"We have been following waves for far too long, let us be part of those forming the waves in 2022. This can be achieved through unity which will give us bargaining power at the national cake," said Kingi.

Kingi further called for dialogue between all politicians drawn from the coast in order to forge the way forward for the vote rich region.

The region has about 1.7 million registered voters according to the 2017 IEBC register with Mombasa and Kilifi accounting for 580,223 and 508,068 voters respectively.

Kwale has 281,041 registered voters, Taita Taveta 155,776, Tana River 118,327 and lamu closing in at 69,776 registered voters.

"My advice to fellow coast politicians is that lets us stop advising each other on funeral podiums, we need to seat down as a region and dialogue the way forward for our people," advised Kingi.

Other politicians present during the burial included Deputy President William Ruto, Mps Khatib Mwashetani (Lungalunga), Benjamin Tayari (Kinango) and Aisha Jumwa (Malindi).

President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the ten (10) African Heads of State and Government at the inauguration of Zambia's new President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka.

Mr Hichilema, 59, was sworn-in as the 7th President of the Southern Africa nation alongside his Vice President Mrs Mutale Nalumango at a ceremony held at the National Heroes Stadium by Zambia's acting Chief Justice Michael Musonda.

In his inauguration speech, President Hichilema said his administration will give equal opportunity to all Zambians, and pledged to ensure all citizens enjoy their freedoms as guaranteed by the constitution.

"I am a simple village boy you have made the 7th President. This victory is for all Zambians, especially the youth who came out in great numbers to vote. We showed the whole world the resilience of our democracy” President Hichilema said.

The new Zambian leader said his government will in the first five years focus on restoring macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability and ensure no Zambian goes to bed hungry.

"We will focus on inclusion and not exclusion; unity and  not division; and gathering and not scattering of our people," President Hichilema promised.

He pointed out that the peaceful election and transfer of power had demonstrated Zambia's strong democratic credentials to the world.

“We have shown the whole world the resilience of democracy, the people have decided it was time for change and we can say change is here,” he said.

Leaders who spoke at the colorful event commended Zambians for the peaceful elections saying the smooth transfer of power had demonstrated Africa's ability to manage its affairs.

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo who is also the African Union (AU) Chairperson, and President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi who is the current Chairman of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) spoke on behalf of visiting Heads of State and Government and commended Zambians for the peaceful elections.

President Tshisekedi assured the new Zambian Head of State of AU’s support as he takes over the leadership of his country and congratulated the Zambians for upholding democracy.

President Chakwera said the Zambian polls had demonstrated that democracy in Africa was maturing noting that the country had distinguished herself as a beacon of constitutionalism.

“This is the triumph of the African spirit, the embodiment of the Africa we want and the Africa we know ourselves to be...This Zambian story is a positive story that Africa is no longer an infant, Africa has shown the spirit of unity and maturity,” the Malawi President said.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who represented the panel of eminent African elders said Zambia had shown that Africa is now mature and that it is possible to have peaceful transition of power from one political party to another.

Other leaders at the ceremony, also attended by Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia were Presidents Hage Geingob (Namibia), Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique) and Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe).

South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania) and King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini also attended.

Given the high rate of unemployment, the rise of entrepreneurs in Sub Saharan Africa is growing at an exponential rate with different individuals being drawn to the flexibility of being a business owner as well as the sustainable earning opportunities.

To celebrate Entrepreneurship Day [21 August], we are putting the spotlight on Uber drivers who wear many hats and continue to be industrious, focused and resilient. 

Meet some of the Uber drivers from across Africa, as they give us a glimpse into their lives and show what inspires them, what they enjoy most about their work, and what the future holds for them. 

Jane - Kenya 

Jane joined Uber after losing her job and staying at home with nothing to do for five months due to unemployment.

 Before driving with Uber, Jane was a volunteer driver and then worked as a driver for a Nairobi family for a few months. 

She says driving comes naturally to her. Jane has been an Uber driver for almost four years and has a rating of 4.93 which she believes is a testament to her good service and reliability as a driver.

When asked about what she appreciates most about driving with Uber she says, “Uber’s customer care service is good to me as a driver and our customers. In case of anything, they are always able to sort it out”.

Mavis - Ghana

Mavis joined Uber after working for the now-defunct UT Bank for 13 years. She wanted to start her cooking business and also make enough money to support her family.

 Mavis explains, “It wasn’t an easy period but I had to look for another source of income immediately. I started cooking on a contract basis for events and cooking for individuals in their homes. After some time, I realised I couldn’t depend solely on that so the idea of using my vehicle for Uber came up.”

She said most people were excited to ride with women as women were more careful in driving. “The compliments I receive from my customers are encouraging. Users of the app are able to rate the driver after the service. The highest rating is “five stars” and currently I have “4.86”, which is commendable,” she noted.

Palesa Sempe - South Africa 

Palesa started her career as an Uber driver four years ago, after being retrenched from her then job and being without work for four years.

Palesa is now back in the driver's seat of her own life as an Uber driver.

Palesa, a single mom to two boys, she is now able to provide for her children and is breaking barriers as a woman in what is traditionally viewed as a man's job. 

“Being an Uber driver has helped me survive as I don't bother anyone for financial help. I am able to put food on the table and take care of my kids. I would really encourage anyone looking for financial freedom to consider driving for Uber,  as it has helped me maintain my family.”

The Carole Kinoti Brands are set to hold this year’s Fashion On The Road Golf Tournament that will happen in a spectacular show that will bring together fashion and sport.

The much-anticipated event scheduled for 27^th and 28^th August at Muthaiga Golf Club is set to bring together stakeholders in the fashion industry, buyers, the business community, and golf enthusiasts to have a candid conversation around the growth of the creative economy.

The tournament is also set to bring together diplomats, government officials among others to have a firsthand feel and celebrate the fashion industry in Kenya.

At least 300 guests are expected at the event as well as 100 exhibitors.

“We have ramped up new efforts in preparation for the FoTR Golf Tournament 2021 and will continue to intensify our quest for solutions around the fashion industry by engaging women, people with disabilities and youth in value addition processes and the creation of Made in Kenya fashion products.’’ said Carole Kinoti – Founder & Ceo Carole Kinoti Brand.

The Chief Guest at the event will be the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Heritage, and Culture Dr Amina Mohammed.

The CS is expected to be accompanied by Value Chain partners such as Strathmore Business School, Ministry of Sports, Culture & Heritage, Kenya Prisons Services, Ministry of Trade and Enterprise Development, Ndarugu Metropolis Project and Brand Ambassadors Connie Aluoch and Mwenesi Musalia.

 “We have great guests attending this event. Having so many government dignitaries in attendance allows those who will be present to have a one-on-one experience and a chat with the officials on challenges they face,” added Carole Kinoti – Founder & Ceo.

There shall also be a panel of discussion that will bring together women and experts in the creative and fashion industry to break down and unpack the sector, investment opportunities, and challenges.

This comes at a time the creative industry in Kenya is forming an integral part of the SME sector with great contributions to the economy.

About Fashion On The Road Golf Tournament

FoTR Cultural Golf tournament is a one of its kind event that celebrates African culture with these inseparable factors; Film, Music and Fashion.  

The inaugural Fashion on the Road (FoTR) Cultural Golf Tournament was held on Friday November 15, 2019 at Muthaiga Golf Club and was hosted by Chief Guest H.E Amb. Elizabeth Taylor Jay, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to the Republic of Kenya plus a visiting designer from Colombia.

The event was graced by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage AMB. (Dr.) Amina Mohamed. 89 golfers took part and 300 guests and at least 100 exhibitors attended.

This year's event will be in strict adherence to all the COVID-19 safety protocols as set by the Ministry of Health.

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has ordered all Chiefs in the country to ensure that all students who sat for the 2020 KCPE exams join form one by Thursday.

Speaking in Kibarani,during the national launch of the mop up exercise to ensure the government's directive of 100 percent transition of all primary school children to high school is achieved, Magoha said that preliminary statistics showed that the Coast region was lagging behind at 60% compared to other regions which registered between 80 to 90 percent transition rate.

"This region of the coast is doing very badly at 60% compared to other regions, I have ordered all chiefs and sub-chiefs to go out there and mop up all children that need to be in school by Thursday," said Magoha.

The CS admitted that there were many parents facing financial challenges thus the reason for many students to fail to continue with their education. This he said despite government efforts to provide scholarships and bursaries..

Magoha added that all schools that need to be registered will not be delayed as more schools were needed to realize the 100 percent transition.

"If a school needs to be registered then I see no reason for delaying that, though we must ensure that we maintain standards," said Magoha.

The CS also disclosed that the government had already disbursed term one monies for schools and a further 240 million shillings for rice from Mwea to support schools that offer feeding program.

The government has further set aside 1.8 billion to support the school feeding program.

During his tour, Magoha identified two needy students who had failed to join form 1 whom he immediately placed under government scholarship program.

Moses Wafula Sindani who scored 394 marks was taken to Shimo la Tewa high school as Biosa Hassan Zole who managed 355 marks was placed at Mama Ngina Girls High school.

Their parents could not hide their joy as they received the much needed help they so desired.

"Since the pandemic hit, I lost my job and have had to do menial jobs to survive, I was afraid Moses would not be able to go to school but now I can smile again," said 42 year old Alfayo Sindani.

For Fatma Charo from Bangladesh, a chief Baraza that took place last week opened doors for her daughter to get scholarship.

"I narrated my ordeal during the Baraza and the chief took down my details and assured me help would come, l wash cloths for people and do other menial jobs to irk a living so educating Biosa was going to be a challenge," said Charo.

Mama Ngina Girls Principal Mwanahamisi Omar called on parents whoare unable to cater for their children's fees to not shy away from taking them to school but rather be hopeful that help may come their way.

Nigerian music export and MTV Europe Music Award’s Best African Artist TIWA SAVAGE has officially released her eagerly anticipated EP “WATER & GARRI” on Motown Records / Universal Music South Africa.

Tiwa describes the 5-track EP as her “most spiritual journey through music so far” and sees her blend her unique ‘Afro’ sound with soulful R&B and brings the two musical worlds together in her heartfelt signature style. “WATER & GARRI” is available on all streaming services.

LISTEN HERE. 

Fresh from her critically acclaimed fourth studio album ‘Celia’ - named one of the 10 Best Albums of 2020 by Time Magazine,“WATER & GARRI” sees Tiwa collaborate with musical heavyweights  from across the United States and Africa.

The EP opens with “WORK FADA” - a 6:26 minute musical experience featuring rap legend NAS with songwriter and producer RICH KING who also produced the record.

Other features include Grammy Award singing sensation BRANDY,Nigerian singer-songwriter TAY IWAR, Ghanaian-American artist AMARAAE. 

Cheki Kenya, an online platform for users to buy and sell cars in Kenya has opened it's doors in Mombasa.

Speaking during the official opening of their new offices in Mombasa, Brenna Excell, the MD-Consumer Classifieds at ROAM.Africa, said Mombasa is not only strategic for their operations but it is also a show of commitment to serve the entire country..

"99 per cent of cars coming to Kenya or East Africa come through Mombasa, so this is strategic and we believe it will help in ensuring the sustainability of our business" said Excell.

Adding "This expansion reaffirms our commitment to the growth of Kenyan car industry".

She noted that despite the effects of Covid-19 there is still demand for cars in the country.

"Covid has hit the world hard and Africa harder but we must all accept that it not going anywhere soon. People still need transport. more people have been going online to buy cars so it still makes perfect sense for us to open the new office,” she noted.

On his part Cheki Kenya’s product manager, Dennis Ochieng said, Cheki Kenya is setting base in Mombasa to foster strategic partnerships with car dealers.

,"We have also partnered with insurance providers, car finance, car inspection among others in order to serve our customers better”. he said.

Also present at the Forum, Mr James Kitavi CEO, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) spoke on the government’s new directive to allow exit of units from the port without number plates, but with logbooks and a third identifier sticker, to ease the clearance congestion citing its importance in ensuring faster clearing of cars by importers.

Fresh from her critically acclaimed fourth studio album “CELIA” - named one of the 10 Best Albums of 2020 by Time Magazine, Multiple award-winning Afrobeats star TIWA SAVAGE has made a glorious return with the release of the beautiful track “TALES BY MOONLIGHT” featuring AMAARAE out today.  

Listen to “Tales By Moonlight” HERE 

“TALES BY MOONLIGHT” is the first official single from her forthcoming project “WATER & GARRI” which is set for release on August 20 through Motown Records.

Tiwa describes the upcoming EP as her “most spiritual journey through music so far”.

WATER & GARRI is available for pre-order HERE. 

Produced by Cracker Mallo, "Tales By Moonlight” references a children’s television program with the same title.

The show was set in a village and featured an adult who would read old folk stories and fairytales to a group of young children.

“On this song I remember (that) program I watched as a child and I’m basically saying that I want to experience the fairytales with the happy endings that were in those stories - this is the kind of love that I want to feel.” Tiwa comments. 

“TALES BY MOONLIGHT" sees Tiwa team up with Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter AMAARAE.

Highlighted as Beats 1 Breakout Star of 2020, Amaaarae adds her breathy soprano vocals over this soulful afro sound.