The fourth edition of the Pwani Innovation Week has been slated for October 2 to 6 at the Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa.

The organisers of the tech fair, Swahilipot Hub Foundation and Mombasa County Government alongside other partners announced that this year’s edition will happen at various destinations around the region with the heart of events being at the Swahilipot Hub Foundation.

Speaking during the media launch of the event, Swahilipot Hub founder Mahmoud Noor said that the tech fair aims to help create a widespread culture of innovation and stimulate the innovation ecosystem in the region.

This year’s edition has been themed ‘Sailing beyond borders; Empowering youth in the digital economy for a sustainable future’.

“This year’s edition will see the exchange of ideas on business enterprise solutions, interactive forum discussions on the Pwani’s economy, talks on education & skills development, exhibitions among other activities all aimed at ensuring youth in the Pwani region of East Africa are constantly connected to opportunities for economic growth,” said Noor. 

Noor said that Swahilipot Hub Foundation and Mombasa County Government are dedicated to supporting the youth in overcoming challenges and thriving in the Ecosystem.

He said that through strategic partnerships with communities, government entities, public/private sectors, development partners and the academia, they can leverage the strengths and diversity of individuals from all backgrounds to empower young people and enhance their quality of life.

He added that with a strong commitment to inclusivity, cooperation, self-reliance, and respect for diversity, it allows young individuals to take charge of their journey, while making long-term investments, forging partnerships, and fostering a vibrant culture of youth engagement in all aspects of development.

“The societies of the present and future depend on an empowered youth to imagine these into being. Youth must also be provided with the right ecosystem for this imagination to thrive and rise to contend with factors like climate change, high levels of unemployment, poverty, and conflicts that threaten this future,” Noor said.

The objectives of the innovation week he said includes showcasing the East Africa's Pwani region innovation potential, enhancing driving economic growth, fostering collaboration, and addressing regional challenges.

Other objectives he said include encouraging local participation through empowerment, including the creation of a vibrant innovation ecosystem and the retention of local talent in the region, and to also attract investment through its unique industries and rich biodiversity and promote the East Africa's coastal region visibility.

The Swahilipot Hub Foundation head of communications Suhayl Hamid said that one of the foreseen outcome of the tech week is the establishment of partnerships between startups, investors, academia and government agencies.

This he said will result in increased job creation, investment opportunities, and overall economic development.

“We foresee empowerment and ownership among the local participants, ultimately contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of Innovations, startups of the Pwani Region of East Africa,” said Hamid.

He added that they hope to champion and achieve policy recommendations to further develop the economy of the East African coastal region and also hope to launch of partner initiatives to enhance the development of innovative ideas and capabilities.

“Through the realization of these objectives, the Pwani Innovation Week, facilitates economic prosperity, social empowerment, and positions the Pwani region of East Africa as a hub for innovation and progress on both regional and international platforms which contributes to the long-term development and sustainability,” Hamid said.

The week-long event will entail a number of activities including innovation challenge and hackathons, training bootcamps and workshops, keynote speeches and panel discussions, women in Tech, Ubunifu zone (Exhibition) and cultural identity and digital spaces.

King Kaka is thrilled to announce the release of his highly anticipated music video titled "Nairobi," featuring the sensational Halisi the Band.

This visually stunning masterpiece captures the essence and energy of the vibrant city, paying homage to its unique culture and people.

"Nairobi" is an anthem that showcases the rich diversity and creativity found within Kenya's capital.

King Kaka's exceptional artistry, combined with the soulful melodies and electrifying performances of Halisi the Band, promises to take listeners on an extraordinary journey through the heart and soul of Nairobi.

The video, which was shot and directed by JijoDrumBeats, captured various iconic spots throughout the city.

With stunning cinematography and meticulous attention to detail, viewers will experience the bustling streets, the thriving arts scene, and the resilient nature of the people who call Nairobi home.

The collaboration between King Kaka and Halisi the Band brings together two great talents in the Kenyan music industry.

King Kaka, known for his lyrical prowess and thought-provoking storytelling, has garnered widespread acclaim for his contributions to African hip-hop.

Meanwhile, Halisi the Band has captivated audiences with their soulful sounds and passionate performances. 

"Nairobi" not only showcases the immense talent of King Kaka and Halisi the Band but also serves as a tribute to the city's thriving music scene.

The video exemplifies the beauty of unity and collaboration, as it brings together various artists and performers from different genres, symbolising the diverse and inclusive nature of Nairobi.

"Nairobi" music video is now available on all major streaming platforms and can be viewed on King Kaka's official YouTube channel

Good news to Genge and Bongo Fleva artists and music lovers as the Recording Academy has added three new categories for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards set for next February 

In addition, the existing categories of producer of the year, non-classical and songwriter of the year, non-classical will be moved to the general field. The general field has long consisted of four categories which have also been reffered as the Big four, they are. album, record, song of the year and best new artist. 

“The Recording Academy is proud to announce these latest category changes to our awards process,” Harvey Marson.

Adding "“These changes reflect our commitment to actively listen and respond to the feedback from our music community, accurately represent a diverse range of relevant musical genres, and stay aligned with the ever-evolving musical landscape."

According to reports, these category additions and amendments were passed at the Recording Academy’s most recent semiannual board of trustees meeting held last month.

The three new categories include:

Best African Music Performance
A track and singles category that recognizes recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent. Highlighting regional melodic, harmonic and rhythmic musical traditions, the category includes but is not limited to the Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Alte, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop, and Ethio Jazz genres.

Best Pop Dance Recording
Recognizes tracks and singles that feature up-tempo, danceable music that follows a pop arrangement. Eligible Pop Dance recordings also feature strong rhythmic beats and significant electronic-based instruments with an emphasis on the vocal performance, melody and hooks. Dance remixes are eligible in the Best Remixed Recording Category only and may not be entered in Best Pop Dance Recording.

Best Alternative Jazz Album
This category recognizes artistic excellence in Alternative Jazz albums by individuals, duos and groups/ensembles, with or without vocals. Alternative Jazz may be defined as a genre-blending, envelope-pushing hybrid that mixes jazz (improvisation, interaction, harmony, rhythm, arrangements, composition, and style) with other genres, including R&B, Hip-Hop, Classical, Contemporary Improvisation, Experimental, Pop, Rap, Electronic/Dance music, and/or Spoken Word. It may also include the contemporary production techniques/instrumentation associated with other genres.

Emirates and Kenya Airways (KQ) have announced an interline partnership that will allow customers of both airlines access to new destinations on the two airlines’ networks within a single itinerary.

The agreement will provide customers with increased travel options as well as seamless baggage check-in to their final destination.

Emirates customers will now be able to fly to 28 destinations on the Kenya Airways network using Nairobi as the gateway to destinations such as Nampula, Bangui, Bujumbara, Kigali, Dzaoudzi, Lubumbashi, Kinshasa, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Zanzibar, among many other regional points across Africa.

Additionally, as part of a bilateral interline arrangement, Emirates passengers travelling via Dubai can also book a single ticket itinerary from or to Mombasa, one of the most popular leisure destinations in Kenya.

Similarly, Kenya Airways passengers travelling from Nairobi and Mombasa will now be able to access the Emirates’ network and seamlessly connect through Dubai to 23 destinations across West and South Asia, the Far East, the Indian Ocean and Middle East such as Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Ahmedabad, Beirut, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul among others.

Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said, “We are pleased to ink our first partnership with Kenya’s flag carrier. Kenya is a strategic gateway in our Africa network, and this new interline agreement will enhance connectivity for Emirates’ customers and provide them more travel choices across the continent.”

Adding” We look forward to deepening our relationship with Kenya Airways, offering greater network opportunities and improving connections for both of our customers.”

Speaking on the agreement Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Kenya Airways said, “This partnership will provide the ideal gateway for our customers as we seek to increase our connectivity between Africa and the Middle East through Emirates’ hub in Dubai.”

Adding” Partnerships like these are key in aviation as they take advantage of mutual scale and efficiencies to provide customers with more seamless travel options”

Tickets are available to purchase on emirates.com, online travel agents (OTAs) as well as through major travel agencies.

Emirates began operations to Kenya with the launch of flights between Nairobi and Dubai in 1995, and since then it has steadily grown the route to 14 weekly flights, having flown over 5 million passengers through the years.

Emirates is also the only airline serving Kenya with private, enclosed First Class cabins, offering premium customers a superior experience across every touchpoint of their journey.

Kenya Airways recently launched direct flights between Mombasa and Dubai offering customers 4 weekly flights.

The flight from Moi International Airport, Mombasa marked the second hub, other than its Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, that the carrier connects passengers directly to the UAE.

KQ currently operates ten weekly flights to Dubai from Nairobi using a mix of B737-800 and the Dreamliner B787-800.

By Gloria Adhiambo

Music has a unique ability to transcend barriers, evoke emotions, and bring people together.

When an iconic group like Boyz II Men graces a stage, their timeless harmonies have the power to captivate audiences and create a magical experience.

The renowned American R&B group performed in Kenya, enchanting fans with their exceptional vocal talent and leaving an indelible mark on the local music scene. This event not only showcased the enduring legacy of Boyz II Men but also highlighted Kenya's growing significance as a global entertainment destination.

Boyz II Men's performance in Kenya can be seen as a testament to the growing cultural exchange between nations. The fact that an internationally acclaimed group chose to perform in Nairobi speaks volumes about the country's burgeoning reputation as a vibrant hub for arts and culture.

Such events serve as a catalyst for promoting tourism, fostering international relations, and creating a platform for local artists to collaborate with global talents.

Boyz II Men's success lies in their ability to deliver flawless harmonies that resonate with audiences across generations. From their soulful ballads to their upbeat R&B hits, their music has stood the test of time, maintaining its relevance and emotional impact.

The group's Kenya show was a masterclass in vocal prowess, showcasing the enduring power of their voices and leaving fans spellbound.

The chemistry and stage presence of Boyz II Men further enhanced the experience, creating a connection that transcended language barriers and cultural differences.

One of the positive outcomes of Boyz II Men's show in Kenya was the exposure it provided to local artists. Opening for a globally recognized group like Boyz II Men can be a life-changing opportunity for aspiring Kenyan musicians, allowing them to gain visibility and access to a wider audience.

Such collaborations enable a cultural exchange, nurturing a sense of pride and recognition for local talent while promoting diversity in the music industry.

Beyond the immediate entertainment value, Boyz II Men's performance in Kenya holds the potential to inspire and motivate the country's youth.

Witnessing a world-class act like Boyz II Men live on stage can ignite dreams and aspirations in young hearts, showing them that with passion, dedication, and talent, they too can achieve greatness on an international scale.

The event was a source of inspiration for aspiring artists, reinforcing the belief that dreams can become reality with hard work and perseverance.

Boyz II Men's show in Kenya was an unforgettable experience that not only delighted fans but also symbolized the power of music to bring people together and bridge cultural divides.

The event underscored Kenya's growing prominence as a global entertainment destination and served as a catalyst for empowering local talent.

Beyond the enchanting melodies and soaring harmonies, the show was a testament to the universal language of music and its ability to inspire, uplift, and connect people from all walks of life.

bBoyz II Men's visit will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in Kenya's musical landscape, inspiring future generations to pursue their artistic passions and strive for greatness.

Mombasa county plans to construct telecommunications ducts within the Central Business District.

The utility ducts will enable installation of cables without having to dig up roads within the CBD.

According to Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir,  the ducts which will be shared by all providers.

"We will soon introduce a new by law, the dig once, dig smart act. As a county either on our own or with partnership we will install the internet ducts in all our roads . If a company wants to install internet or fibre they will now just plug in their cables in the ducts, no one will have to go through the hustles of digging our roads" said Nassir.

Adding " They (companies) now will be only required to obtain authorization after making necessary payments, to lay their cables in the utility ducts. They will only pay the wayleave and rental".

Addressing the media in his office, Nassir said this is among the plans that the county is intending to roll out to ensure there is order and attract investors.

Nassir noted "We want to ensure that our county remains beautiful and there is order. We are ready to work together with any individual or company that wants to beautify our county" 

King Kaka, has successfully wrapped up his highly anticipated USA Tour, which took place throughout May and June 2023.

The tour showcased King Kaka's exceptional talent and captivated audiences in four major cities: Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, and New York.

The USA Tour marked a significant milestone in King Kaka's career, as he brought his unique blend of African music and captivating performances to international stages, further solidifying his position as a global music sensation.

Fans from all walks of life gathered to witness the artist's powerful stage presence, lyrical prowess, and infectious energy.

Kicking off the tour in Atlanta, King Kaka mesmerised the audience with his magnetic performance at Buckhead Theatre, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

From there, he continued to ignite crowds in Dallas at House of Blues, where fans sang along to his chart-topping hits and embraced the vibrant spirit of his music.

King Kaka then travelled to Seattle, where he showcased his versatility and ability to connect with audiences of diverse backgrounds.

The concert at Benaroya Hall witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as attendees were left in awe of King Kaka's dynamic stage presence and heartfelt performances.

The USA Tour's grand finale took place in the iconic city of New York, where King Kaka took the stage at Irving Plaza and delivered an unforgettable performance.

Fans from across the globe gathered to witness the musical genius in action, and they were treated to an unparalleled display of talent, showmanship, and the infectious rhythm of King Kaka's music.

The tour not only provided an opportunity for King Kaka to reach new audiences but also served as a platform for cultural exchange and celebration.

Through his music, King Kaka seamlessly merged African sounds with contemporary influences, creating a unique and globally appealing musical experience.

Commenting on the success of the USA Tour, King Kaka expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. He stated, "Performing in the United States has been a dream come true for me. I am humbled and grateful to all the fans who came out to support and made this tour an incredible success. I will continue to strive for excellence and bring African music to the world stage."

King Kaka's USA Tour has left an indelible mark on the international music scene, further cementing his status as one of Africa's most influential and talented artists.

With his unmatched charisma and dedication to his craft, King Kaka continues to push boundaries and inspire music lovers worldwide.

One of Africa’s foremost hitmakers, teams up with afropop star Adekunle Gold, and British-Nigerian producer/artist Maleek Berry for the single “Feel Different”.

This single serves as a prelude to Reekado Banks' forthcoming album and is accompanied by an eagerly awaited music video set to premiere on June 30th.

With the Tuzi-produced track, Reekado Banks presents a delightful perspective on love, acknowledging an unexpected romance with a significant other who evokes indescribable emotions, leaving him to truly “Feel Different.”

Reekado shares on his new single and upcoming exciting projects, “It's amazing to have both Adekunle Gold and Maleek Berry on this song so it's such a big deal and it has to feel different for real. “Feel Different” is the single leading to my album release later this year, and this album is filled with loads of beautiful collaborations. We’re coming with some fire music and we will take it to the fans on the road for my UK /Europe and US tour. I’m looking forward to this new adventure. I love my job.”

“Feel Different” is an enchanting fusion of deep and emotive vocals with melodies that create an irresistibly catchy and feel-good vibe.

Revealing a raw and vulnerable side, Reekado Banks showcases his lyrical prowess with lines like, 'Love e no get no meaning to me / All of a sudden I'm feening for your love / I feel one kind way.' Adding to the tunes allure, Adekunle Gold takes centre stage during the chorus, serenading listeners with his smooth vocals as he sings, 'Girl na your love dey make me feel different / I just can't help it I no dey fit run away / Girl na your love fe make me feel different.'

And just when you thought the collaboration couldn't get any more captivating, Maleek Berry enters the scene with his signature flow, seamlessly complementing the track's infectious rhythm and elevating the collaboration to new heights.

With his unique style and delivery, Maleek Berry adds a layer of finesse that flawlessly balances the heartfelt lyrics and beats, solidifying "Feel Different" as an absolute banger. 

Over the past two years, Reekado Banks has unveiled two highly acclaimed EPs that have catapulted him to new heights, including the creation of one of the continent's most iconic songs, "Ozumba Mbadiwe."

Following the success of the "Ozumba Mbadiwe" remix featuring Fireboy DML, which garnered widespread attention and secured placements on coveted playlists worldwide, Reekado Banks is now embarking on a thrilling journey of artistic evolution with his latest offering, and forthcoming album. 

With an impressive 200 million plays and a spot on the Billboard World Music Top 10 album chart, Reekado Banks skillfully invites listeners into his world, effortlessly connecting with fans through his music and narrating his story in his own unique way.

As he delves into this exciting new era of his artistry, he continues to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the music industry.