Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the launch of Def Jam Africa with a roster stars from across the continent.

With a remit to sign and develop talent from across Africa, the new label is initially based Johannesburg and Lagos and will be supported by the A&R, marketing, creative and digital teams from the UMG teams in both Nigeria and South Africa.

Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa is to lead Def Jam Africa.

The label launches with a roster including Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria).

Sipho Dlamini said, “Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more. For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing Tha Peace, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide''.

Adding ''It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally."

Def Jam Recordings interim chairperson and CEO Jeff Harleston said: “Def Jam is a globally recognised brand, synonymous with excellence in hip hop, and we enthusiastically welcome the launch of Def Jam Africa as an opportunity for audiences worldwide to discover the incredibly talented hip hop artists emerging from across the continent.”

Adam Granite, the executive vice-president for market development at UMG, said: “Def Jam has always been a respected mark of hip hop quality, and the calibre of artists already on the roster shows that this is a label truly dedicated to helping the very best rap talent from Africa reach new audiences on a global level.”

Multi-talented musician Mutoriah releases a classic love song Tosheka in which he collaborates with Bensoul, a musician that is now a household name. Tosheka is a single off Mutoriah’s acclaimed and self-produced debut album Dive In released in 2019.

Tosheka begins with a few spoken word lines giving both the song and video an enigmatic feel. Mutoriah and Bensoul ask their lovers to stay and be satisfied with them despite the dissatisfactions that life may bring with it.

They remind their loved ones that no matter what you do, people will always slander you day or night. While the song was written by Bensoul, both the artists’ vocals are captivating and have a refreshing balance between being mellow and powerful. 

 Watch “Tosheka” here: https://bit.ly/3cXIBT2 

Stream “Dive In” Album here: https://bit.ly/3gngjDt 

The video, shot by CJ Pixel and directed by DirectorKay, is set in a living room where Bensoul and Mutoriah perform to an audience that listens and sings along. The accompanying scenes are soothing while displaying Mutoriah and Bensoul’s chemistry and bromance. 

On the collabo, Mutoriah says, “Bensoul has a way with words, his writing is precise yet meaningful. I actually didn’t choose Bensoul, he chose me and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.” “The theme of love is timeless. Tosheka is a reminder that it’s important not to lose it all because of small things,” he adds, highlighting how the song applies to everyone’s day-to-day life.

This is not the first time that the two musicians are working together. Mutoriah has lent his ingenuity on most of Bensoul’s songs including Lucy, Favorite Song, and Niombee production-wise.

As a co-founding producer at Me & My Cousin Entertainment, Mutoriah has also been the pillar of production for Serro, Ayrosh, and has produced music for renowned musicians like Sauti Sol, Fena Gitu, and Gilad. 

With Tosheka leading, Mutoriah promises more visual releases from the Dive In album this year.

Tanzanian superstar, Diamond Platnumz once more killed and buried the show during the  MTV base Africa Day Virtual concert!

The Concert which was aired on MTV base YouTube channel brought Africas top performing artists including Kenya's Sauti Sol, Nigerian Burna Boy, Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz and many others, in bid to raise funds in support of vulnerable families and children during the Covid 19 pandemic.

The artists who had neatly arranged home stages all showcased their talent, great performance- but the two hours of fame were stolen by  Diamond Platnumz.

Diamond Platnumz performed one of his hit songs 'Jeje', he started the show from his bedroom as a dancer brings him breakfast on bed, giving fans a virtual tour of his house.

"Nobody, Nobody in Africa gives a better performance than Diamond Platnumz. Absolutely nobody. Best performer in Africa," applauded Charlotte "char" Bwana, a fan.

''Diamond Platnumz please come get your naija passport ASAP. MTV has already confirmed it, we know already but come make it official'' said another fan

Many other also gave credit to the creative use of his beautiful home for the concert.  At the same time his closet collections.

The concert which was sponsored by World food program and UNICEF, was hosted by the British actor Idris Elba. 

Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] acting Managing Director Rashid Salim has been locked out of the succession battle at the state corporation’s helm.

We have established his name was not among those the KPA board of directors has shortlisted for interview to succeed embattled Daniel Manduku who resigned as MD of the state corporation.

Former KPA officer James Ng’ang’a is among those shortlisted for the interview to succeed Manduku.

Ng’ang’a currently works for the African development bank in Abidjan, Ivory Coast 

http://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/1503-kpa-md-job-attracts-10-mohammed-ali-calls-for-free-and-fair-process

He is making his third attempt to head the controversial state parastatal which has been the centre of attention.

Rashid’s former divisional boss, who had headed technical service, retired Eng Ouma Atonga will be making his third attempt at the post as he is expecting to sit for the interview next month.

KPA general manager in charge of Lamu port Eng Abdullah Samatar will make his first attempt as he is among those to be interviewed for the top job.

KPA General Manager in charge of Kisumu port Sudi Mwasingo is also short listed and will be making a second go at the post.

Only two General Managers from the authority have not joined the race to succeed Manduku. These are General Managers Corporate Services Edward Kamau and Operation and Harbour Master Captain William Ruto.

Controversial KPA General Manager Finance Patrick Nyoike was locked out of the race as he is facing economic sabotage charges in court.

KPA Head of strategy at the Kisumu port Inland Container Depot Yobesh Oyaro who had served as procurement manager and in the audit department and soft-spoken KPA General Manager in charge of infrastructure development Eng Vincent Sidai Esyepet who was employed on a three year contract with different terms of reference were the first to miss out in the shortlist stage.

Multi-talented U.S based Kenyan artist King Kanja has been on a steady rise. After a stint of successful EPs and a string of successful tours, he finally presents his debut album titled VIBE LORD, released under his imprint label King Kanja Empire.

From Singapore, Kenya, Atlanta, Nigeria, Zambia and London to L.A, the 10-track album features a cross section of artists including OC Osilliation, Wntaln, Shank, Meaku, DJ Fred Muks, Mcrayanthedj, Ke4, Kanyeria and Kiara Lanier.

Acclaimed music producers on the project include Samklef in “Tonight”, Ife Love in “Pointy”, 1414 IN “My Ting Ya” and Kanyeria in “Nakupenda Ma”.

Stream VIBE LORD: https://empire.ffm.to/vibelord

King Kanja is celebrated for his unique style that blends hip-hop, R&B, reggae and African polyrhythmic music, while infusing Kikuyu and Swahili language into his lyrics.

Speaking about his debut album, Kanja says, “I am extremely proud of VIBE LORD because it represents the energy I bring in when I walk into a room or onto stage and my growth as a man and as a musician''

Adding ''The different people, views and culture I have experienced from my tour last year influenced this album. In fact, a lot of these songs were recorded during the tour because I wanted to captivate the energy of the place and the audience from the concert.”

The Covid-19 pandemic did not stop or slow King Kanja’s music plans for 2020. Instead it was a motivator to release VIBE LORD and connect more with his fans.

He says, “During this Covid-19 period, I found myself transitioning into a different mindset and energy. It made me dig deeper inside me to pull out the biggest vibes I had to compete this album reflecting on the vibes I collected from each city during my U.S tour.”

WAVE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuiCzeyF8bU

MAMBO NI LEO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqvAR827rIY

Executively produced by King Kanja, VIBE LORD singles include “Tonight”, “Oh Nana”, Kitty Purr”, “My Woman”, “Pointy”, “Fancy”, My Ting Ya”, “Nectar”, “Freak” and “Nakupenda Ma”.

The album’s music videos will be determined by fans favourites, Kanja is assertive, adding, “I wanted to give my fans a full studio album for them to fully experience my musical realm.” In the past three years, King Kanja has released two successful EPs: VIBES (2017) and MUCHOKI (2019).

This new album is the first of a 3-part full studio album trilogy by Kanja. King Kanja’s next projects are nearly ready and will be a reggae and hip-hop album, respectively.

ABOUT KANJA

KING KANJA is one of the most sought-after award-winning international recording artists in the music industry. Born in London to a Kenyan family and raised in the Silver Spring, MD area, Kanja Muchoki broke out after a performance on B.E.T’s legendary “106 and Park” in 2009. His style is often categorized as world music with a blend of hip hop, R&B, reggae and African polyrhythms.

He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA but regularly travels to London and Kenya.

He was also nominated at the 2017 AFRIMMA awards in Dallas, Texas for the “Crossing Boundaries with Music” award alongside international acts Wale, Wizkid, Maleek Berry, French Montana & Jidenna.

Over the years, he’s played at South by Southwest, starred in a Coca-Cola ad and become especially legendary in Kenya, in part because he often drops Kikuyu and Swahili into his lyrics. He has also performed in D.C. including at the John F. Kennedy Center.

Popular NBC Tv series The Blacklist closed out its seventh season with a twist, after production on the drama was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, the show turned to animation to help complete the season finale.

The animated scenes for the 19th and final episode of the 7th season aired on May 15th 2020.

The episode, titled "The Kazanjian Brothers," was midway through filming in New York when production stopped in mid-March due to the pandemic. 

Actors recorded dialogue from their homes for the animated scenes, and all animation and editing was done remotely. As The Hollywood Reporter has reported, production on a number of animated series continued largely uninterrupted during the pandemic as studios and producers had adapted to working remotely.

The season finale follows  the task force as it investigates an accountant who works for criminals in order to find the violent and thuggish brothers hired for his protection.  

The 7th season was initially planned to be a 22-episode season but was turned into a 19-episode season considering the circumstances. The Blacklist has been renewed for the 8th season that will hopefully come in 2021.

The third edition of Kenya’s first curated online live music platform will be hosting more exciting acts from Nairobi Kenya on May 25, 2020 on IGTV, Facebook and YouTube.

This follows the successful launch of edition 1 and 2 of, the first ever online virtual concert that was graced by Kidum and Gravitti respectively.

Speaking about the previous edition, curator and founder Dan Aceda, says, “Videos by StudioTisa have reached over 170k people and over 60k interactions in comments and likes. This performance has surprised me. I also don't think that it's possible to do this with a real life show.”

He further adds, “This is confirmation that this is a new way of doing things that we need to change to immediately."

StudioTISA is a unique online live music platform that’s working to develop, celebrate and elevate the work of young musicians in Kenya from all genres and styles. It is the first platform of this kind to be based anywhere on the continent of Africa, leveraging high quality media production experience, technology and social media to provide a brand-new way to experience and consume music and follow their favorite  artistes.

StudioTISA has a genre blind booking policy that’s geared towards new and emerging acts. It is focused on finding and developing new acts with the potential to deliver live performances of distinguished artistic quality.

Gearing up for their first major label release, “Midnight Train”, Sauti Sol releases their second instant gratification track from the forthcoming album out 5 June 2020. After their infectious, singles "Suzanna”, and “Brighter Days”, Sauti Sol returns with "Insecure".

Between rhythmic guitar strums, the track oscillates between the perspectives of two lovers, each dealing with their respective insecurities. “Everyone is insecure about something in their lives” says band member Chimano. “The song encourages one to consciously attack their insecurities rather than conceal them”.

Fusing Swahili into the melodic song’s lyrics and bridge, Sauti Sol addresses the anxieties of letting your guard down for the person you love.

Rather than a dour outlook and tempo, lines like "before we crash and burn, I hope we see the light," are celebratory of what can be achieved when two lovers are considerate of each other's feelings about themselves.

The song was inspired by general discussions that the band has in-between studio sessions and shooting. “We were just chilling and decided to share around the table what insecurities we all had’ added Polycarp Otieno, guitarist and producer in Sauti Sol.

Watch the "Insecure" video HERE

The Priorgod produced “Insecure” video was directed by Director K and was shot in a classic vinyl record store in Cape Town.  Cocooned in the space is an intimate performance addressing an onlooking love interest. Matching the theme of the track, the visuals conceptually depict a lover's bid to access their significant other's innermost feelings. With insecurities cleverly depicted as a spirit hauntingly hovering over a lady - the ensuing choreography is one of her dancing as a form of escape. The melodic guitar strums of "Insecure" soundtrack to this tango and help break down the walls of insecurity. In addition, lyrics like "your body is a movie, and I hope you feel the same" encapsulate the tenderness the track carries. This consideration is perfectly captured in the closing scene of the video where her friends embrace her and protect her from the menacing spirit of her insecurities.