Popular hip-hop drama 'Empire' was always intended to finish after its current sixth season, but the coronavirus pandemic has now  forced filming to be shut down.

It will now end on episode 18 of the finale series.

The FOX show's writers Lee Daniels and Danny Strong have issued separate statements to Deadline confirming the abrupt ending of the show, but said they hope that one day they can "give the series its proper conclusion".

Lee said: "The success of 'Empire' and bringing the Lyon family to broadcast television will always be one of the proudest achievements of my career. "This show is the definition of breaking barriers.

"Thank you to our incredible cast, especially Terrence (Howard, Lucious Lyon) and Taraji (P. Henson, Cookie Lyon), along with our amazing writers and tireless crew, for all of their hard work and bringing this story to life.

"I think there's more to do with these characters, and I'm heartbroken we aren't getting to shoot the finale we wanted--at least not yet.

"But you know what they say in television? Stay tuned! To the Empire!"

Danny added: "We're so proud of this show and of everything this incredible cast - led by Taraji and Terrence - and crew accomplished over six seasons.

"The episode airing on April 21 was never meant to be the series finale, but due to current events it will likely be the last one our fans will see for a while.

"Big thank you to Fox for being our home for these many years.

"And here's hoping this isn't the end!"

The penultimate episode, 19, was believed to be halfway through shooting before the enforced shutdown.

The show - which launched in 2015 - focuses on the fictional hip-hop music label Empire Entertainment and its founders the Lyon family, and became a ratings hit for US broadcaster FOX.

A possible spin-off featuring Taraji P. Henson's character, Cookie Lyon, is reportedly in the early stages of development.

'Empire' creator Lee previously stated that it was "without question" there would be a spin-off investigating the backstory of the Lyon family matriarch.

Lee explained: "I have to tell a story that I know. I can't tell it unless I've lived it.

"OK, here (Cookie) is now. How did she get to where she's at right now? Let's go back and understand her sisters. Let's get back and understand the makings of her. That I know, because I know Cookie... It would be like a prequel."

Plans for the final series had already been altered after Jussie Smollett, who played Jamal Lyon, abruptly left the show after facing indictment for allegedly staging a fake hate crime attack and filing false police reports.

Legendary Bongo Flava star Ali Kiba who keeps his off music life secretive is yet to come clean amid Clouds FM radio personality Diva the Bawse’s claims to have secretly warmed his bed for a long time.

The Tanzania radio queen who commands more than 2 million followers on Instagram let the cat out of the bag on her affair with the ‘dodo’ hit-maker.

Ali Kiba is currently married to his Kenyan wife Amina Khalef with whom they have a son.

Diva made the allegations claiming that she wants to set the record straight after Ali Kiba allegedly sent out 'goons' to insult her online for quitting being his concubine.

“I and Ali have come a long way both as friends and low-key lovers for a very long time,” she wrote on her page.

Citing being fade up to be a ‘side chic’, Diva claimed to have ended the affair on February 16 adding that she has evidence to supports her claims.

She avers that irked Kiba and did not take her decision lightly accusing him of sending people to tarnish her name.

“There was no disagreement. I ended up everything peacefully because I wanted to move on and I was fade up (being a side-chic). I don’t understand the insults,” Diva said.

She added "Nimechoka. I told you so many times si we umeoa i even blocked you kila kona, i did things peaceful hasira zako unatuma watu vitu vya ajabu iknow everything i have mo evidence, nilikuheshimu sana and respected what we had, kama ninge expire usingekuwa unanibembeleza to see me in the middle of the night na kusema kuwa huwezi hata kulala mpaka unione..haya mambo hufanya teenagers kwani cha ajabu nini a woman to end things things with you? can't believe this"

Her revelations coincided with the move by Killy and Cheedy have ditched Kiba’s label King’s Music amid whispers that Diva could be behind it.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1480-blow-to-ali-kiba-as-two-artists-ditch-his-music-label

She said will address the matter soon saying, “Neither Killy nor Cheedy is joining anywhere.”

Diva who famously dated Kenyan rapper Jackson Makini alias Prezzo in 2013 threatened to leak bedroom videos and photos of her and Ali Kiba if the singer continues insulting her through his supporters.

The 31-year old radio presenter claimed to have evidence of the secretive romantic memories they made at Kiba’s Tabata home in Dares salaam.

“You (Kiba) have no right to insult me because I ended up things. If you continue I will post your intimate photos and videos when we were in your bedroom,” said Diva.

According to Diva, Kiba has been nagging her, sometimes in tears begging to see her “in the middle of the night” despite calling it quits.

“You want to be seen very confident but you cry like a baby behind the scene. Why did you cry last night?” Diva posed.

Ali Kiba is yet to respond to the allegations.

The Kiswahili & Maa versions of the award winning feature documentary, The Elephant Queen that was broadcasted on Citizen TV on Easter Sunday to much acclaim is now available. Link to view:  www.elephant.co.ke/elephant-queen

Following the overwhelming response to this movie, filmed in Tsavo East National Park and the Greater Amboseli ecosystem, the website: www.elephant.co.ke was launched where both language versions can be watched, free of cost until midnight on Monday, 20 April 2020.

Kenyans’ shared their experiences and reactions to the movie on social media - thanking Citizen TV for showing the film and expressing their pride and love for Kenyan wildlife.        

The Elephant Queen is narrated in English, by Academy Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Boy who Harnessed the Wind and The Lion King). It tells a stirring and intimate story about the most majestic and sentient animals in Africa.

This family-friendly film stars the ultimate leading lady, Athena, an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their waterhole. 

And the story is not only about elephants but of the animals that live at their toenail height...a tardy goose, a tenacious dung beetle and a determined tortoise to name a few.

This story is not just entertaining, it is one of survival, family and coming home.

So excited were viewers, that the hashtag #TheElephantQueen was trending in the afternoon.  “Heart felt.  The love, the unity, the leadership. Worth watching. I loved the fighting beetles”, tweeted one viewer as the audience picked their favourite in the film. 

Much was written about Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife “This was just amazing.  Nature is very therapeutic. Thanks for this wonderful gift to our families during this Easter.”

Kenya Film Classification Board, CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, who shared the countdown to the national broadcast on Twitter said at the end of movie:  “A film about wildlife that exemplifies the essential human virtues: compassion and humanity. How timely, coming at a time when the world needs love and friendship!”  Others commented “It’s been a while since local content felt this good.  This one here is a masterpiece!” 

The film is directed by Mark Deeble and Victoria Stone with Etienne Oliff as Assistant Director and produced by Victoria Stone and Lucinda Englehart.

The Kiswahili version is narrated by Fred Obondo and the Maa version by John Kisimir  and Amos Kipeen.

The Elephant Queen once again inspired audiences – this time in Kenya.  The film has in the past months, made friends for Kenya wherever she has travelled - from the top international film festivals including Toronto and Sundance to cinema screens across the US. 

The film, which celebrates Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife and biodiversity, won the Cinema for Peace Award and the UN World Wildlife Day Biodiversity Award and was awarded Best Cinematography at DOC NYC.

About Deeble & Stone

Mark Deeble & Victoria Stone www.deeblestone.com are award-winning directors known for their independent, genre-defining wildlife films. Mark and Victoria’s filming and choice of subject has always been driven by their passion for the natural world. They both direct, film, produce and write their own work. They are both accomplished divers and pilots.

Their films have won more than 100 international awards including Emmys®, Peabodys, Griersons, ‘Green Oscars’ (Wildscreen) and numerous ‘Best of Festivals’ including Jackson Wild and the UK Documentary Awards.

There have been reports that Kenyan artist and Diamond Platnumz's ex girlfriend Tanasha Donna has been put on forced quarantine after going against  the curfew which was ordered by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The reports emerged after the singer posted a video last Friday night of herself at a house party, she also went ahead to post a photo of her and singer Ringtone.

Her manager Castro has now come out to refute the reports.

Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Castro rubbished the reports saying the singer is free and going on with her business as normal.

"Don't trust everything that you read or see in the media out there. There is nothing like that." said Castro.

He further revealed that Tanasha will soon be releasing the next video from her EP 'DonaTella' which was released few months ago.

Bongo superstar Ali Kiba has suffered a major blow after two artists he had signed to his music label Kings Music decided to leave the label.

The two artists Cheed and Killy took to social media to share the news with fans stating that there is no bad blood between them and Ali Kiba. 

“Naitwa Rasheed almaarufu kama cheed nikijulikana kama msanii wa @kingsmusicrecords……… napenda kuwajulisha fans wangu watu wangu wote waliokuwa wakisupport mziki wangu na wanaoendelea kussuport kazi zangu na hata wasiosupport pia ni kwamba kuanzia leo hii napenda kutamka kuwa mimi sio tena msanii wa @kingsmusicrecords"posted Cheed

Adding "Alikiba amekuwa ni mtu muhimu sana kwenye maisha yangu amekuwa ni mtu ambae amenionyesha njia na kuniaminisha mimi pamoja na mziki wangu mbele ya jamii Inshallah mwenyezi mungu amlipe kwa kila alichonifanyia na kujitolea kwa ajili ya mziki wangu namshkuru sana sana sana nasitoacha kumshkuru siku zote za maisha yangu naumia Ila sina budi @officialalikiba nakupenda sana my brother nakupenda mnooo na unajua hilo,cha zaidi napenda nikushkuru kwa kunielewa nikiwa kama mdogo wako bado nahitaji baraka zako bado ntahitaji support kutoka kwako kwa namna moja ama nyingine ama kwa kile ambacho kitakuwa na umuhimu kuwa supported na ningeomba pia uniombee dua safari yangu iwe njema na yenye mafanikio popote pale ntakapokuwa as long as najua hatujaachana kwa ubaya na wala hatujawahi kuwa na ugomvi labda NO."

On his part Killy also posted " Naitwa Ally killy Omary almaarufu kama killy nikijulikana kama msanii wa @kingsmusicrecords, napenda kuwajulisha fans wangu watu wangu wote waliokuwa wakisupport mziki wangu na wanaoendelea kussuport kazi zangu na hata wasiosupport pia ni kwamba kuanzia leo hii napenda kutamka kuwa mimi sio tena msanii wa @kingsmusicrecords nimeamua hili kwa akili yangu timamu kabisa bila kushawishiwa na mtu wa aina yeyote ile na sijatumia kilevi chochote kile ni maamuzi yangu tu binafsi na ni kwa ajili ya muendelezo wa mziki wangu.

The Kenya Defence Forces has stepped up its fight against the #Covid-19 pandemic by carrying out a thorough disinfection exercise in its military establishments, starting with Nairobi.

The Defence Forces Public #Health team headed by Major Ojango Oyengo commenced the exercise on Friday, 10 April 2020. Embakasi Garrison, Lang’ata Barracks and Camp David were the first beneficiaries of the disinfection.

Kenyan gospel singer Ruth Matete has lost her Nigerian husband pastor John Apewajoye.

According to reports pastor John passed away on Saturday after being involved in a gas accident at their home. He died at a local hospital while receiving treatment.

A voice note doing rounds on social media allegedly from one of Matete's friends states , "Ruth and her husband John changed their gas cylinder and when they got to the house, he went to the kitchen to fix it. he noticed it was excess and he took the cylinder to the balcony and tried releasing some so that it would be okay to use. After coming back to the kitchen he lit the gas without knowing that there was excess gas on the clothes outside. His clothes caught fire immediately and it started spreading. The clothes on the balcony caught fire too. He ran to the sitting room screaming 'babe help me".

Matete is said to have asked for help from neighbours who helped her in rushing the husband to hospital.

"He has been doing so well until yesterday (Saturday) night when he breathed his last. it's so sad and Ruth is in her first trimester. That's the hardest part," adds the voice note.

Matete took to facebook to confirm the news.

“My husband Beloved John Apewajoye has gone to be with the lord… I humbly ask for your prayers during this difficult time,”  she posted.

The two got married in November 2019.

Tanzanian artist Rajab Abdul Kahali alias Harmonize has signed the very first artist under his Konde Music Worldwide music label.

Harmonize unveiled the new artist Ibraah last night through social media. This move comes just days after his former label owned by Diamond Platnumz unveiled their new signee Zuchu, the second female artist to be signed under WCB after Queen Darleen.

“Shukrani Sana (UONGOZI) Kiukweli Kabisa Mlipaswa kufocus Zaidi Na Mimi ili Kuendelea Kufungua Milango Zaidi ..!!! Na kuendelea Kuitangaza #Bongoflavour Lakini Mkasema Hapana Mtajikamua Mtajinyima Na Kwa Mapenzi Ya Wanachi Basi Kijana Mwenzetu Atimize Ndoto Yake Ili Yeye Pamoja Na Familia Yake Ipate Walau Faraja Asanteni Sanaa Kwa nia Ya Dhati Kwa Msanii Mwenzangu Ambae Naamini Katika Kipaji Chake Ama Tunu Aliyopewa Na Mungu ...!!! Naweza Sema Bila Shaka Hata Ikitokea Siku Siimbi Muziki Teena..!!! Naamini @Ibraah_tz Nimtu Ambae Anaweza Fanya Kila Ninacho Fanya ..!! 100% Kwaheshima Kubwa Sina Budi Kuku karibisha Rasmi @Kondegang" posted Harmonize 

Adding "Brother .!!!@ibraah_tz Naamini Kwapamoja Tunaweza Kuwa Njia Ya Kuupeleka Muziki Wetu Another Level....!!!! Na Kesho Kuwafungulia Vijana Wenzetu Njia Waliopo Mtaani Watoto Wa Kimaskini Kama Sisi ...!!! Nikuombe tu Uamini Katika Wananchi Watakao kupokea Na Kukusikiliza Ndio Wanaweza Kubadirisha Maisha Yako Nakusisitiza Kuwapenda Na Kuwaheshimu ...!! ? Pia Nikuombe Wewe Rafiki Unaesoma Ujumbe Huu Kumuandikia Neno (1) Tuu Ambalo Unahisi Litamfariji Kumtia Moya Na Ukawe Kati Ya Watu Wa Mwanzo Kabisa...!!! Walio Mtakia Heri Na Mafanikio Mema Katika Safari Yake Anayoianza Leo hiii Kijana Mwenzetu!! Ibraah_tz ? Pia unaweza Ku follow Handle Zake...!!! ? Instagram: @ibraah_tz” .

Zuchu has since released her first song 'Wana'' under the label which currently enjoys over 1 million views on you tube. She is also expected to release her EP on Sunday evening.

Zuchu is the daughter to legendary taarab singer Khadija Kopa.

Ibraah is also expected to release his first song under Konde music Worldwide on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile Harmonize took to social media to flaunt his new mansion which will be the headquarters for his music label 

The Executive Council of the Union of the Africa Catholic Press (UCAP), has urged Catholic Journalists in the continent working in the media especially those at the front line of the novel Covid-19 to maintain professionalism in their reporting by being factual and accurate.

In a statement signed by the UCAP President George Sungu, the union also urged the journalists to be guided by religious teachings.

"We are all aware and appreciate the sacrifice you make while gathering and sharing information in these times of immense uncertainty. We encourage you to soldier on by providing your listeners and readers with truthful and verifiable information" reads the statement.

Adding "Such a quality of responsible journalism, guided by Christian teachings, will help your readers and listeners stay informed about the impact of the Coronavirus crisis in your respective countries and communities, as the scourge pushes us over the edge".

The Executive Council is currently  monitoring the progress in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and will advise on what happens to the Congress which is scheduled for Libreville, Gabon, between 2^nd and 9th August this year.

Union of the Catholic African Press (UCAP) is an organisation that brings together Catholic journalists both in the church and secular media across Africa and recognised by the Vatican.

The U.S based Kenyan gospel rapper, Mohwaz has just dropped a new aggressive single titled ‘Shujaa’. 

Watch 'Shujaa' on YouTube here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtFdcVair54

Shujaa’ is a Swahili word translating to ‘hero’  and in this context it is used to represent that artist who will not give up on Christ despite the hardships encountered in the journey.

On the inspiration behind this single, Mohwaz shares “Shujaa is all about the diary of a struggling gospel artist who finds solace in the fact that God is on his side despite the ever-present setbacks”

 Rapper Mohwaz has gone in hard on this jam, a fact he will have you bumping your head to the bars that he spits from the start to the beginning to the end of the song without missing a verse.

He is working on his debut album expected to be released sometime mid-2020 and according to sources working closely on this project, it is expected to be a game-changer in the gospel hip-hop arena  

About Mohwaz

Mohwaz is a U.S based Kenyan gospel rapper who is highly revered for his diction, lyrical agilities, and astounding rap flows.

Born in Kitale Kenya, Mohwaz started writing and performing gospel rap songs at the age of 10 and recorded his first single “Toka Kwenye Giza” back in 2005 at Frameless Records.

Three years later, he made a special appearance on a song titled “Ni Muthingi” in Allan Aaron’s debut album. In the year 2009, he relocated to Boston Massachusetts and 2 years later released the hit single “Ruka Na Hii”. Subsequently, he released “Sema Nasi Bwana” which was awarded the Best Christian Hip-Hop song of the year in 2011 at International Music Awards.  

In 2012, the hit single “Lazima ni Eneze” was released and earned multiple award nominations including Best Diaspora Gospel song of the year at Sauti Awards and Best Hip-Hop Act of the year at Talanta Awards U.S.A.

In recent years, Mohwaz reunited with his old-time friend and associate Kamlesh on a bunch of songs including “Frequency Yake”, “Most High” and “Wanilinda”. He also featured on the “Mizani Za Uzani” album in a song titled “Disciples Wa Christ”.