President Uhuru Kenyatta has commended parties to the South Sudan peace process for the progress achieved in recent months despite the health and economic difficulties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The President underscored the setting up of the executive arm of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), the agreement on responsibility sharing at state level as well as the appointments of state Governors as key success indicators in the peace process.

"I wish to note that in the last five months, we have witnessed a positive political momentum in the South Sudan peace process. 

"Through significant compromises made by the parties, a number of important milestones and breakthroughs have been achieved," President Kenyatta said.

The President spoke today at State House, Nairobi during a virtual meeting of the 36th assembly of IGAD Heads of State and Government.

The Summit was convened by the Prime Minister of Sudan Dr Abdalla Hamdok who is also the current Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government to among other matters assess the South Sudan peace process and review regional Covid-19 response measures.

On the security situation in South Sudan, President Kenyatta said it was encouraging that the permanent ceasefire is holding.

He however cautioned against an increase in communal violence saying the insecurity risks worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.

"If the situation remains unchecked, these seasonal and perennial conflicts could have wider repercussions on larger security environment," President Kenyatta said.

The President appealed to South Sudanese leaders to work towards strengthening institutions of governance so as to attain sustainable peace and stability in their country.

On Covid-19, President Kenyatta commended joint response measures adopted by IGAD member states for helping slow down the spread of the virus in the region.

The President also spoke about Kenya's election to the UN Security Council saying the country "will carry the aspirations of all (UN) member states and continue to prioritize regional and African issues during its tenure."

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of IGAD Workneh Gebeyehu said the region's socioeconomic stability has been strained by several current challenges among them the desert locust invasion, floods and the Covid-19 crisis.

Dr Gebeyehu said the multilateral approaches adopted by IGAD member states were helping alleviate adverse effects of these challenges on regional economies.

On the South Sudan peace process, Dr Gebeyehu applauded the steady progress achieved despite the challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Besides President Kenyatta and Prime Minister Hamdok, other Heads of State and Government who addressed today's summit were Presidents Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Mohamed Abdullahi (Somalia), Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ethiopia).

Also present was Kenya's special envoy to the South Sudan peace process Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka as well as representatives of the African Union, the European Union and other IGAD partner institutions.

Foreign Affairs CS Amb Raychelle Omamo and Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua also attended the virtual meeting.

In her effort to support the community especially girls and women, Tanzanian Model and enterpreneur Miss Flaviana Matata has launched her new product the ‘Lavy Sanitary Pads’, a feminine sanitary pads of high quality, safe to use,comfortable and affordable.

The product, launched under the slogan “Siku Zako Ni Siku Zetu”, with the ultimate goal of breaking the silence and removing the negative notion about menstruation in the society, that menstruation is secret or shameful and it concerns the girls/female alone.

Although the product is commercial, it has a major goal of helping vulnerable girls to get the pads for free while in school.

This particular measure aims to reduce the challenge for girls to miss 3-5 days of school every month due to menstruation.

To successfully achieve these two goals, Lavy Pads will donate 10 per cent of profit from the products which will go directly to help girls in schools.

Lavy Pads have already identified 100 girls that will be getting free pads every year when in school.

Among those beneficiaries are 20 girls from Msinune Primary School in Kiwangwa Bagamoyo (Tanzania), the school that has been working closely with Flaviana as their guardian under Flaviana Matata Foundation.

Speaking about the product Flaviana said “This has been my dream that I have been working on for 6 years now, my main goal is to make sure girls do not miss their studies or other developmental activities due to menstrual challenges. Also to dispel the notion of girls/women and society as a whole that menstruation is a shameful, secretive and dirty issue as some people take it”

‘Lavy Pads are available in small size (290mm) and large size (330mm) with a total of eight pads in one pack, we have made every effort to make sure the product is available in many stores so that every Tanzanian has a chance to enjoy its quality and contribute to these efforts and our cause to empower girls for every pad they buy” She added.

In a brief interview with Ommy Dallah, the beauty queen revealed that she is also intending to introduce the product outside the Tanzanian market.

"For sure, currently looking for distributors and partners" she charged.

Flaviana has been at the forefront in empowering girls through her foundation, Flaviana Matata Foundation. few days ago she handed over two newly constructed  houses to be used by teachers from a local girls school in Tanzania. 

By Presshub Africa reporter

From Two Rivers Mall, law firms, medical centers, embassies, name them. One ICT firm has been behind web solutions for most remarkable organizations in Kenya, and region-Legibra Solutions Ltd founded in 2009. The ICT firm is now at an advanced stage of opening up a regional office in Rwanda to expand its services across Africa.

Presshub Africa sat down with Felix Mbugua, the CEO and co-founder of Legibra, on his life, their decade long journey and the dream to top in Africa!

What gets you up in the morning?

The endeavor to touch people's lives. I'm always keen on the kind of impact I make in people's lives, both for our clients and even those who work for our brand. I love empowering people and seeing that what we do has a direct impact on people's lives. Right now, at Legibra, we have 22 employees, and it is interesting to keep track of how each member of the team is growing!

How do you feed your mind at 34?

I read a lot. I love books that expand my knowledge and enrich my soul! Books take me into a world of reflection and soul searching. You'll realize too, that I am into horse riding. I savor moments that I allow my mind to wander away!

Legibra has just turned 10, tell me how the journey has been?

After I completed my ICT studies at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, I began looking for a job. I met Kagai Macharia (my co-director), who was also sailing in the same boat. We met one evening and sat down, talking just about everything. It is during that occasion that the dream was born. We decided to combine efforts and come up with an ICT firm that would host all the websites in Africa! Big dream, right? We felt there was a gap in many enterprises on how they were conducting their business, and we had something real to offer.

And then?

It's interesting. So, here we were contemplating a huge vision yet with no capital to kick-start anything. We didn't have a place to operate from, let alone the simplest of things-a laptop. We pondered and pondered. This was not going to stop us. We decided to start small-looking for small jobs by word of mouth and working from cyber cafés. At times, when there was work that needed to be worked on overnight, we borrowed a laptop from a friend. It was tough.

What's your highlight as Legibra, ten years on?

For us, every project for us is a top highlight! Every project we have undertaken has contributed to building our brand. We do not discriminate! From start-ups, SMEs, to NGOs and corporate businesses, every journey has fed into our portfolio! I always remind my team to take every stride seriously!

Tell me. Did your childhood shape the dream?

I grew up in Kiambu in a small village called Ting' ang' a. Brought up by a loving and caring single mum who was always there for me. My mum is a gem, strict, and steadfast. Most of what I exhibit is a direct product of the values she imparted in me from an early age! Exactly what you get when your mother is a former teacher!

After primary school, you joined the prestigious Starehe Boys Centre. Tell me about your experience.

Oh yes! I had the privilege of schooling at such a reputable center between 2000 and 2003. I had a whale of a time at Starehe Boys. Here I learned about leadership and the virtues of hard work and discipline. The late Geoffrey Griffin (His soul rest well) would not spare any opportunity to speak wisdom. This firmly became part of us. I had a special interaction with him because I used to clean his office. You realize that the things you learn at a tender age have a way of molding your adult life.

What the best advice someone has ever given you?

Start and keep going. If you don't start, nothing will ever happen. Find the ignition and go!

Do you ever take work home?

Except for my phone that knows no time to stop ringing, I don't take work home. It is not healthy because it isn't all about work. You need to create time for family. I am married with two boys, and every evening they are always looking forward to playing with daddy!

What does family mean to you?

Safety! After that tiresome, energy-sapping day, you want to retreat to a haven and where else but home!

What is your biggest fear right now?

The volatility that is in the world right now! Increasingly, it is becoming difficult to tell what tomorrow holds. It is even worse for SMEs to deal with such a climate and still try to remain afloat.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

I'd say both. Some are born while some made. You are lucky if you are both because it puts you at a point of resilience, especially when the going gets tough.

Is there something you wish you knew before you started the entrepreneurial journey?

That human resource is central to the success of a business. Capital, land, and everything a business needs are all important, but I've learned that human resources are key. At the center of every successful business, the venture is a resourceful human capital!

Do you love people?

You can't be a CEO of a company if you don't know how to deal with people. Yes, I love people and endeavor to build relations every day!

If you were to travel to a country you've never been to, which one would it be?

That has to be Indonesia and specifically Bali.

Are you a night or morning person?

I consider myself both.

What the last gift you gave to someone?

A book

What do you want the world to remember you for?

I want to touch as many lives as possible! I want to create avenues of growth for young people to hone their skills and grow. I am fully committed to doing this!

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan has tested positive for corona virus.

Bachchan, 77 broke the news to his followers and fans on twitter.

"I have tested CoviD positive .. shifted to Hospital .. hospital informing authorities .. family and staff undergone tests , results awaited .. All that have been in close proximity to me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested "he posted.

His son who is also a Bollywood star Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya and granddaughter Aaradhya have also tested positive.

However, other members of the Bachchan family have returned negative for coronavirus according to reports by local media outlets.

Bachchan Snr also known and Big B has taken part in several hit movies such as Zanjeer and Sholay.

Authorities in Mumbai were forced to put up banners outside the actor's house in the city, classifying it as a "containment zone".

India's health minister Harsh Vardhan was among the first people to wish the family a quick recovery.

"Dear Amitabh ji, I join the whole Nation in wishing you a quick recovery! After all, you are the idol of millions in this country, an iconic superstar! We will all take good care of you. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!"  Harsh Vardhan.

"Get well soon sir," the actor Paresh Rawal tweeted. "Praying for your speedy recovery Sir. Love and prayers," posted  Bollywood leading man Akshay Kumar.

Gospel singer Amani has opened up about the emotional impact of suffering miscarriage before conceiving her first child.

Taking to Instagram, the secular turned gospel singer narrated how she refused to give up and loose faith after the experience.

“When I took this picture last year I was pregnant but lost it. It hurt but in that moment I chose not to grumble or murmur or get angry. Though disappointed, I refused to give up and lose faith. I had conceived after not being able to conceive for a while. So I realized that my season had come and it was just a matter of time,” she posted 

Adding "I thanked God in advance and the following month I conceived again and this time the pregnancy was sustained,”

Amani went ahead to reveal that God blessed her with a baby after the experience.

“Today I hold my gift from God in my arms… My baby. It is still so surreal.Yahweh is a faithful God who is always on time. All the glory goes back to him.” she said.

Amani got married to her Nigerian husband Nigerian Chinasa Udeala in 2017. She gave birth to her first baby in May 2020.

The veteran singer switched to gospel 2 years ago and has since released several gosepl songs including , 'Jina lake Yesu', 'Upendo', 'My God'.

Multi award winning South African musician AKA, real name, Kiernan Forbes has tested positive for COVID-19.

The rapper announced the news on his Twitter page today (Friday).

“Multi-award-winning South African musician, AKA, has tested positive for the novel COVID-19 virus,” the post read.

The rapper pleaded with everyone to adhere to social distancing guidelines, to wear masks, and to hold to stringent hygiene measures by frequently sanitising and washing their hands.

Nigerian-born singer, songwriter and fashion icon Tiwa Savage widely regarded as the ‘Queen of Afrobeats’ releases her brand new single, “Dangerous Love,” via Motown Records.

The song is the first official single taken from her long-awaited fourth studio album ‘CELIA’, aptly named after her mother.

Produced by Cracker Mallo and recorded in Tiwa’s home city of Lagos, Nigeria, “Dangerous Love” is the perfect blend of R&B and Afrobeats.

With a powerful, enchanting chorus and silky ‘afro’ beat throughout, the mid-tempo record is a representation of Tiwa’s musical growth and preview to her upcoming project.

"Dangerous Love is such a vibe! It’s a song that is basically about a girl who is dipping in and out of a ‘relationship’ with a guy that really doesn’t deserve her time or attention. She knows that he is bad for her but she gambling with her heart anyway.” Says Tiwa Savage.

Adding “I feel like every girl and maybe guys too can relate to this one''.

Savage’s fearlessness in combining various genres has paid off, earning her abundance of award wins and recognitions.

In 2018 she made history by becoming the first female to win the MTV European Award for ‘Best African Act’.

She has since earned four Channel O Music Video Awards nominations, five World Music Award nominations, MTV Africa Music, BET & MOBO Award nominations and many more.

In 2019 she signed an exclusive recording contract with Universal Records and in September released her first global single titled ’49-99’ under Motown Records.

In May, 2020, Tiwa Savage graced the cover of Billboard Magazine’s first issue devoted entirely to Africa alongside Afrobeat superstars Davido and Mr Eazi.

Tiwa was born in Lagos, Nigeria, where she lived until the age of 11 when her parents decided to move to London. In her early days, like most families, she would attend church with her parents and soon developed a love for performing and relocated to London.

At the age of 16, Tiwa found herself singing backing vocals for George Michael. As a result of that session, Tiwa quickly found further work over the years with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Emma Bunton and Blu Cantrell.

Despite having already completed a degree in Business Administration at the University of Kent, she was focused to continue pursuing music and received a scholarship at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

With her newfound strength to push forward with music, Tiwa moved from London to New York City and began taking meetings with various producers and industry professionals.

Inspired and stimulated by the lack of true female superstars in her home country, she moved back to Nigeria.

Savage has also been active in her philanthropic endeavors, supporting various youth engagement organizations and breast cancer screening projects across Nigeria and further afield. Tiwa also is very active in #JusticeForUwa, loudly voicing her disgust at the rape of a young girl in a church in Nigeria, and creating an instagram page @WeAreTiredNg where rape victims can speak out.

Diamond Platnumz's father Mzee Abdul Juma wants his son to emulate his music rival AliKiba and settle down.

In an interview with one of Tanzania's popular online news site SnS, Mzee Abdul expressed his disappointment with the fact that his son has not yet settled down.

"AliKiba is married and settled. Diamond also needs to settle down and stop those funny games" said Mzee Abdul.

Adding ''I don’t understand what the problem with him is. I pray that he settles down.”.

He also revealed how Diamond once assured him that he will be settling down withTanasha.

"I fail to understand where the problem is, a good example is Tanasha we were once in a shoot and he told me that he will be settling down with her. I think the only solution is just dua (prayer)" he noted.

He further congratulated his newly wed step daughter Esma Platnumz for the move saying he is more than happy that so far his two daughters, Esma and Queen Darleen have settled down.

Mzee Abdul noted ''I'm so happy for her because her other sister (Queen Darleen) is also married, this brings respect to our family" 

He also offered some words of wisdom to her.

“All I’m saying is you need respect, get the right teaching on marriage and respect your husband and his family. Do not be rude just be obedient. Marriage is no child’s play.”

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1614-is-diamond-adding-a-new-baby-mama-to-the-long-list

Breshy Worships a new gospel sensation has  released a brand new single and visual –Umeinuliwa Juu, out now on YouTube .

Umeinuliwa Juu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wh3HVqTd-8  

Umeinuliwa Juu is the first single from her upcoming album due for release later in the year. The audio has been produced by Akwanga Akwanga of Studio Masterclef and video directed by Bwoy P.

Speaking about the song, Breshy explains. “Umeinuliwa Juu is a song about praising God for the things he has done in my life and that of every other person. It is meant to inspire and encourage anyone going through sickness, depression, loss of jobs amongst other challenges during this season”.

Breshy  continues, “I have encountered a lot in my life & He has and remains the unchangeable God, I urge everyone to look unto Him as His name is above every other name”.

Breshy is a Born again Multi talented Gospel Minister born and raised in Kenya. She is a praise and worship minister at her local church and a banker by profession.  She is also the brains behind The Cloud platform for pure and authentic worshippers in Kenya.

Breshy  looks forward to launching several singles in the next coming months  before her much anticipated album in December.

Her dream is that the gospel industry in Kenya will birth true worshippers of God in truth and spirit. You can get her Music on YouTube and other digital platforms.

Popular Cameroonian rapper Ngoma aka Mo'mbewing Pancho released his debut EP 'CAM NO GO', a body of work carrying a unique message to the youth work hard, live smart and share love (May 2020).

With the 7-track EP cutting across Afro-Trap to Hip-Hop genres, Ngoma is introducing to Africa, a retro-futuristic polyglot rap style that he terms “Jwe’Te”.

'CAM NO GO'  is laced in Ngoma’s smooth yet raw vocals, representing his best efforts. “I literally poured my heart out with gratefulness of being alive in producing this record that came right after I recovered from an accident,” reveals Ngoma.

Stream/ download CAM NO GO: http://smarturl.it/cam-no-go

Through a synchronization of wordplay in English, Ngemba, Pidgin to French and a blend of other genres from Afrobeats, Makossa to Folkore; the EP is captivating straight from the first track. While bouncy “Drip” dabbling between Pop and Hip-Hop is a fan favorite, Ngoma’s personal picks are “Letterhead” and “Curfew”.

He says, “Both the tracks carry the spirit of "Pancho" (my alter ego)—a young black boy that never gets enough love or money but would always mind his business.” CAM NO GO EP was produced by Dijay Karl and SwavBeatz and mixed & mastered by Dijay Karl and Beat Baller.

BAE music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XA6ibyBGTBs 

PENYA music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SJQYko9vLOg

'CAM NO GO' comes after many years in the game and Ngoma promises that this is the start of more great records that will display his ill bars and rhymes. 

'Cam No Go' was a name used to stigmatize the English speaking Cameroonians who were internally displaced to French speaking regions to survive.

“Thus I am implying I have come to stay” Ngoma asserts.

The EP advocates for the rise of underdogs, with interlinked lyrics about the struggles of a young black boy from Awing, going through different facets of life.

He adds, “I am trying to create a combined balance to marginalized experiences of an average African by expressing my paranoia with life, money and women, especially in country with high cultural diversity like Cameroon.”

Ngoma is already working on his debut album and has already recorded a collaboration featuring Tanzanian BET award-winning star Rayvanny for it.

He concludes, “My inspiration comes from life experiences and I am in love with the process of creating music and making money at the same time. That’s why I almost always write about money matters and my struggles so people can understand me.” In deed a rapper turned entrepreneur investing in positive vibes for the Cameroonian and African culture at large.