Ommy Dallah
Christian Longomba Is Dead
One half of the Longomba brothers, Christian Longomba, is dead.
Christian died on Saturday morning at the Downtown Los Angeles Hospital where he was receiving treatment. On May 18, 2015, Christian Longomba suffered a seizure, leading to his hospitalisation. Paramedics rushed him to hospital where he was diagnosed with falx and parassagittal meningiomas.
Taking to social media, his brother, Lovy, who completed the other half of the Longombas group, confirmed the news.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I love you Christian, my brother, my friend and partner, but Jesus loves you more. Enjoy heaven,” he wrote.
Lovy is a pastor in the US and runs the Revelation church.
Several artists have since come out to mourn Christian.
“R.I.P Christian Longomba. This is just sad. This guy (Christian), his late mum and his brother @prophetlovy gave me most of my nicknames, from Papa Fololo and the rest… Oh no.” posted Daddy Owen.
Femi One said " Thank you for the music and your contribution in the kenya music industry. Rest well"
On his part Nonini noted '' Rest in peace homeboy. your contribution in the Kenyan music industry shall never be forgotten".
Apple Music’s latest Africa Rising artist is Nigerian Afro-Pop singer-songwriter, Ayra Starr
Apple Music has announced the latest artist in its Africa Rising artist development program as 18-year-old Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr (real name Onyinkansola Aderibigbe).
"I am excited to be an Apple Music Africa Rising artist! Thank you to everyone streaming and embracing my music, and thank you Apple Music for the opportunity and support!” The singer excitedly commented.
With a music career wholeheartedly encouraged and supported by her family, Ayra began building a fanbase by posting covers of songs on her social media platforms.
But it was her original track “Damage” posted in December 2019, which attracted the attention of Don Jazzy, head of the iconic Nigerian record label, Mavin Records, who was quick to snap her up and bring her into his artist fold.
"Ayra Starr is a unique and versatile artist with a powerful vocal range that touches the soul. She is a global superstar in the making and the sound of the future. I’m excited to see her grow and how her sound is being accepted.
Thank you Apple Music for giving her the opportunity to be on the cover for Africa Rising and for all your support!” - Don Jazzy, founder and CEO of Mavin Records.
Ayra then spent a year meticulously recording music culminating in the release of her debut, self-titled EP Ayra Starr. With the success of its lead single “Away”, Ayra transforms heartache into strength.
Synthesising multiple sounds by merging electric guitar riffs and subtle percussion, Starr showcases her ability as a vocal and songwriting force blending Afro-Pop, Afrobeats and R&B on her EP.
At the forefront of Nigeria’s next wave of artists, Ayra Starr has become the poster girl for Gen Z artists who are a product of globalisation, absorbing media and culture from multiple sources to create music that is wholly unique and speaks to an audience that are united by angst and emojis.
The latest music from Ayra Starr, along with the next generation of African superstars is available now on the Apple Music Africa Rising Playlist.
Apple Music’s Africa Rising, is an exclusive artist development programme and companion playlist geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent and introducing the next generation of African superstars.
Africa Rising cover star alumni to date have included: Omah Lay, Manu Worldstar, Tems and Amaarae. Africa Rising sees Apple Music select six artists every year who each receive a minimum of two months of editorial support across the Apple Music platform including a launch interview with Nadeska on Apple Music 1.
Nadeska has also launched a new weekly Africa Rising feature on her show highlighting the hottest new artists on the continent.
Africa Rising is the latest of many Apple Music initiatives aimed at taking African talent to the world. Now available in 33 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Apple Music 1 is home to Africa Now Radio with host Cuppy which has featured interviews with some of the continent’s hottest artists such as Davido, Nasty C, Tiwa Savage, Black Coffee, Omah Lay, Mr Eazi, Yemi Alade, Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Joeboy, Olamide, Cassper Nyovest, Patoranking, Rayvanny, Mayorkun, Adekunle Gold and Master KG.
Apple Music also selected Nigerian Afropop star Rema as its Up Next artist in 2020, following the addition of Burna Boy to the roster in 2019 and Mr Eazi back in 2017. Up Next is Apple Music’s global emerging artist program.
For a limited time, new customers to Apple Music on iOS and Android in Nigeria and South Africa can enjoy all of this great content with 6 months of free Apple Music through the Shazam app. Returning customers get 3 months of free Apple Music.
Final Day For The Search Of NRG's Next Big Radio Star
Radio enthusiasts have one more day to try out for the NRGetic MVPs which is a campaign seeking to offer opportunities to the very best raw talent from the country.
Into its third edition- NRGetic MVPs talent search has since seen the making of some of the newest Radio sensations Stephanie Aurelia, Three Men Army, Ibu Ikenene, Sean Preezy, DJ Niche, DJ Brito, Charlie Karumi, Ayuma Kaguli amongst many others.
NRGetic MVPs, a talent search reality property owned and produced by NRG Radio was the first talent search for radio stars to hire very raw undiscovered talent. NRG has groomed so many young people made them stars in the industry.
NRGetic MVPs call for Presenters, DJs, Podcasters and content creators with a twist for special categories this year is on its final stretch with just one day to go. See www.nrg.radio/mvp .
Speaking to the press, the CEO and NRG Radio founder Kevin Mulei noted “We are very passionate about building platforms and raising young stars. We want to impact the young people, give them a voice and a place to freely express themselves.”
“We must pay it forward and NRG Radio is doing everything it can to empower young people hence raising confident and courageous young leaders of tomorrow. If you are crazy enough to believe that you have what it takes to be anything you put your mind and are ready to take on the world - then NRG Radio welcomes you home,” he added.
Harmonize Signs First Female Artist Under His Konde Gang Label
Tanzanian singer Rajab Abdul Kahali aka Harmonizehas today signed the first female under his record label, Konde Gang.
Angela Tz becomes the sixth signee under the label after Ibra, Country Bwoy, Killy, Cheed and Harmonize.
This comes just weeks after the release of their collabo 'All Night'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8fmQfzrGgo
Present during the unveiling of Anjella were her parents and the management of Konde gang.
Comedian Eric Omondi arrested Over 'Wife Material' Show
Popular comedian Eric Omondi was on Thursday arrested for producing and distributing unauthorised films of his controversial show “Wife Material.”
According to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) Omondi was arrested for violating the provisions of the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya by producing and distributing unauthorised films dubbed "Wife Material."
"The Kenya Film Classification Board Compliance Officers in conjunction with Police Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have this afternoon arrested one Eric Omondi for violating the provisions of the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya by producing and distributing unauthorized films dubbed "Wife Material"," reads a statement from KFCB C.E.O Dr Ezekiel Mutua.Th
The statement further stated that he will be arraigned in court tomorrow, Friday.
“The Board will take all possible legal means to curb production and exhibition of unauthorised films on any platform meant for public exhibition,” said Dr. Mutua.
In one of the scene that has since gone viral attracting mixed reactions, contestants from Tanzania lead by singer Gigy Money and Sumaiyah are seen throwing things around and fighting Kyler Jeycman who was seated next to him to an extent of forcing police officers and stewards who were providing security at the club to intervene.
The show has brought together contestants from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 provides that:
- No person shall exhibit any film at an exhibition to which the public are admitted or distribute such film unless he is registered as an exhibitor or distributor by the Board and issued with a certificate.
- No film or class of film shall be distributed, exhibited, or broadcast, either publicly or privately, unless the Board has examined it and issued a certificate of approval in respect thereof.
- (3) Any person who exhibits any film in contravention of the provisions of subsection (1) or subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence.
Partner With Us In 'Kazi Mtaani', President Kenyatta Tells Dev't Partners
President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked Kenya's development partners to support public programs that directly benefit wananchi such as the 'Kazi Mtaani' youth employment initiative.
The President said 'Kazi Mtaani' had not only created gainful employment for thousands of youth but also helped develop their entrepreneurial and financial skills through training.
The Head of State spoke Wednesday during separate meetings with four heads of international organizations who paid him courtesy visits at State House, Nairobi.
President Kenyatta held meetings with Director General of UNON Zainabu Bangura, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Dr Stephen Jackson, World Bank Country Director for Kenya Keith Hansen and the UN Under-Secretary General for Operations Atul Khare.
Except for Mr Khare who is visiting the country as part of his working tour of the region, the rest of the President's visitors were recently posted to Kenya and were meeting the Head of State as part of their induction.
President Kenyatta welcomed the newly posted officials to Kenya and assured them of the Government's full support as they settle into their respective responsibilities.
In the meeting with Ms Bangura, the President said Kenya will continue to raise Africa's voice in global affairs and thanked the UN for the support the country continues to receive in various sectors.
He said the Government supports UNON's ambition to transform Kenya into the UN's regional logistics hub for development, humanitarian and emergency activities.
On her part, the new UNON boss thanked the President for Government's support in the construction of the Shs 846 million UN hospital in Nairobi, the first of its kind in the developing world.
She said the 150-bed capacity hospital has in recent months grown to become one of the busiest such facility in the UN system catering for patients from across the world.
The new UN Resident Coordinator Dr Stephen Jackson told the President that Kenya had distinguished itself as a progressive and open society in a "difficult region.
Dr Jackson, an Irish national who first came to Kenya in 1986 as a development worker, said his office will continue partnering with the Government in the implementation of projects that support the Big 4 Agenda and the President's legacy.
Mr Khare, who arrived in the country on Sunday evening from Khartoum, briefed the Head of State on the ongoing UN operations in the region including plans to reposition Kenya as his agency's regional logistics hub.
The President welcomed the UN's decision to set up the logistics hub in the country and said the Government will soon unveil a raft of incentives in support of the initiative.
The new World Bank County Director Keith Hansen congratulated President Kenyatta for Kenya's handling of Covid-19 saying the multilateral lender will support the country's post pandemic recovery efforts.
Mr Hansen said he was particularly impressed by how the country continues to support household incomes through cash transfer initiatives such as 'Kazi Mtaani' during the tough economic times occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He thanked the Government for implementing far reaching fiscal and structural reforms saying Kenya had become a regional model and a valued partner of the World Bank.
On his part, President Kenyatta challenged the new World Bank Country boss to focus beyond large infrastructure projects and invest more in community initiatives with the highest human impact.
Giving the example of how the Government through the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) is transforming the lives of city residents by constructing hospitals, sinking boreholes and opening up roads in informal settlements, the President said such projects benefit wananchi directly.
The President was accompanied in the meetings with his United Nations visitors by Foreign Affairs CS Amb Raychelle Omamo while Treasury CAS Nelson Gaichuhie and his PS Dr Julius Muhia joined the Head of State in the meeting with Mr Hansen.
Also present in the meeting between President Kenyatta and the new World Bank Country Director were Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua and State House Deputy Chief of Staff incharge of Strategy Mrs Ruth Kagia.
Shazam Launches New East Africa Risers Playlist On Apple Music
Shazam has launched its new playlist East Africa Risers on Apple Music, featuring the songs trending on Shazam in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda right now from the latest artists releases to the music featured in movies and TV shows, or going viral on social platforms.
East Africa Risers compiles songs by the region’s fast-emerging artists trending across the Shazam Charts. It offers a select mix of sounds that show what music aficionados have been actively discovering on Shazam, and reflect the energy and boundless spirit of East Africa, from Afrobeats and Bongo Flava through to Afro-Pop and Hip-Hop.
The playlist includes the likes of breakthrough artists Zuchu and Nandy, and East African superstars Ravnanny and Harmonize.
"I’m so excited to be one of the first artists on the new Shazam East Africa Risers playlist. It’s a blessing and I just want to thank my team and fans for the endless pushing and support, and Shazam which has been key in helping users discover my music by a press of the button.” - Nandy
The Shazam East Africa Risers playlist is updated with new music each week and is exclusively available to stream on Apple Music at http://apple.co/EastAfricaRisers
Shazam is one of the world’s most popular and highly-rated music apps, and lets users identify songs simply by listening to the music playing around them or on their device. With pioneering innovation in music identification, Shazam helps people discover, interact with and share video or audio content across devices and mediums.
Prominent Mombasa Businessman Abdulhakim Zubedi Is Dead
Prominent Mombasa businessman Abdulhakim Zubedi is dead.
Zubedi who was the proprietor of Nawal centre among other businesses died today (Wednesday) while receiving treatment in Nairobi. He had been sick for sometime.
In his condolence message Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho described him as kind, philanthropic and wise.
"It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the demise of Mr. Abdulhakim Zubedi. The late Zubedi was one of our elders and also an established and prominent business magnate. He will be remembered by many for his humility, wisdom, kindness and his philanthropic nature." reads the message from Joho.
On his part Mombasa businessman cum politician Suleiman Shahbal wrote " Today, Mombasa Business community mourn the death of businessman Abdulhakim Zubedi. Mr. Zubedi was a great businessman who gave opportunities to so many people, notably at Nawal centre."
The body arrived in Mombasa tonight (Wednesday ) after 8 pm and was received by Mombasa speaker Aharub Khatri, businessman Abubakar Joho and family members.
He will be laid to rest tomorrow (Thursday) at the Kikowani muslim cemetery after the afternoon prayers
Photos! 3rd Edition of Chile Themed Latino Sunday Hosted At Alchemist
Revellers thronged the 3rd edition of Latino Sunday which was Chilean themed in celebration of the Latin America Culture hosted at The Alchemist Nairobi.
The colourful event which began at 10.00am till late in the evening brought together different cultures from across the city to experience a fusion of food, dance, music and games featuring guest artistes and Dj’s.
Latino Sunday is a monthly cross-cultural celebration hosted by Circolo.Life in conjunction with The United Tribe of Africa at The Alchemist.
Held Once a month, it features a guest Latin American country in celebration of Latin America culture and it's connection to Africa in a platform that encourages inclusion, diversity and cooperation.
Previous Latino Sunday events featured Colombia in December and Brazil in January.
This month’s edition on Saturday 28th March will feature Costa Rica as it seeks to feature as many Latin American countries through the year.
Fast Rising Star Gabiro Releases 'Isabella', Audio And Visuals
Fast rising Kenyan star Gabiro Mtu Necessary has dropped his latest single titled Isabella. The single has been produced by Chuma sound for Jodifa Enterprises and is available on Spotify, Boomplay and Audio mack.
Watch Isabella : https://youtu.be/yig5w7N53bY
Over this soundtrack, Mtu Necessary reflects on his village love interest Isabella who gets an opportunity to go and work in the city. Shot in the lakeside city of Kisumu Isabella gives us a clear picture of how our ambitions can hinder us from loving the ones we choose.
“Isabella naogopa unasepa, Isabella ya kwetu kumbuka?” he croons. “Isabella, ningekuwa na pesa ningekupa Duka Ju unaenda njoo tuseti moja uketi chini ukivuta Oh mama kabla ukwende nipe busu nitakumbuka,Nipe tena, nikilala usingizi usiku naota,I'm stricken I can't deny Ukarimu wako ndo unakupa sifa
And am stuck here for life, I can't move you are my ride or die.”
The rising artiste is currently in the studio working on some new music and will release another single featuring Owuor Arunga, Blakangel and an album to boot in November.
