Kenya was yesterday nominated to host the 2023 Africa Content Regulation Harmonisation Committee Conference and also to serve as the 1st Vice Chair of the Steering Committee.

The Committee by consensus decided to retain the status quo of its leadership with South Africa taking the Chairman of the Committee for another period of two years while Kenya and Nigeria will serve as the 1st Vice Chair and 2nd Vice Chair respectively.

Malawi, Zambia and Eswatini were also co-opted as Members of the Steering Committee that will drive the agenda of content regulations harmonisation in Africa.

Mashele Abongile of South Africa was nominated as the Chair while Alhaji Adedayo Thomas as the 2nd Vice Chair.

"Kenya looks forward to working with other member countries to promote trade and business in film, opening opportunities for jobs and wealth for our filmmakers while using films to promote African culture and values." said Kenya film Classification Board (KFCB)C.EO Ezekiel Mutua

Celebrated African photographer Twinsdntbeg are presently in Nairobi, Kenya for this year’s edition of the Entrepreneur Fashion Week.

They are the official photographers of the event. Entrepreneur Fashion Week is the biggest Fashion Week in Kenya that brings together top-notch luxury brands and also empowers emerging brands.

Some of the Luxury Brands that the Fashion Week has showcased since its inception have been featured not once in the British Vogue, British GQ, Tatler Magazine, while others are part of their country's export program

TWINS DON’T BEG BIO

Twins don't beg (Twinsdntbeg) from Ghana are one of the most sought after photographers in Africa. They run two brands; Twinsdntbeg and Swag of Africa. 

The twins, real names Emmanuel and Samuel Appiah Gyan, studied Agriculture and Landscape Management and Architecture, respectively at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana.

They began their career as professional photographers in 2015 and they have steadily grown since then.

Born and raised in Ghana, and because of their exceptional skills, Emmanuel Swag of Africa is the official cinematographers & the social media handlers for Mrs. Samira Bawumia, the wife of the Vice President of Ghana and Samuel was the official cinematographers of the President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo until 2017.

The duo has worked with a lot of high profile personalities both in Ghana and internationally including Stonebwoy, Efya, Jackie Appiah, Becca, Akosua Vee, Efya and DKB. They are well known in other countries and work with a lot of African models and brands.

The “snapping” twins have also covered major events in and outside Ghana and are regular faces at celebrity parties and private events. Twinsdntbeg were the official photographers for the 2020 Miss Universe Ghana event, and they went on to cover the international show in Bangkok, Thailand.

They have in the past covered the Ghana Music Awards 2017, Ghana Meets Naija, Afrimma Awards and the Miss Malaika 2017 pageant.

In February 2020, they were a part of the photographers who captured moments for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Awards in the USA which was aired on BET.

This awards show had them taking pictures of celebrities such as Rihanna and Jamie Foxx and a lot other world famous entertainers.

They live exciting lives as their job keeps taking them all around the world for the best photography experiences.

Achievements and Awards

1. Winners of Best nightlife Photographers of the year at the Ghana Nightlife Awards.
2. Brand ambassadors for Sultan Drink.
3. Most Influential Young Ghanaians in the Life Style Category of the Avance Media 50
4. Most Influential Young Ghanaians Awards 2018.
5. The Ghana Music Awards 2017, Ghana Meets Naija and Miss Malaika 2017 pageant.
6. Represented Ghana at the 51st NAACP Image Awards in California

Nigerian star Acerbergtm has debuted his latest track “Danca,” to his fans across East Africa. 

The Nigerian Rapper has also announced the #DANCACHALLENGE set to start on Monday ahead of the video release. 

The audio can be streamed across all the digital platforms. 

“Danca is a corrupted version of dance and is a fusion of Amapiano and rap. The track was produced by Kel P. 

Speaking on why he chose to drop the single in East Africa, He says. "The name of the EP is Far from Home, and looking around Kenya has received my music well and the fans there are very accommodating and this is just a way of thanking them and appreciating the love they have shown me. 

Danca is the first track from the Sir Justine World signed artiste's anticipated Debut EP , Far from Home, out on April 6th 2021. 

The talented Rapper is not relenting and has promised his Kenyan fans some good music once the Covid-19 goes down.

“Growing up as a kid, music turned out to be my only escape from peer pressure and other vices which kids my age were involved in such as smoking and street fighting; I got a strong sense of peace and satisfaction every time I heard my favorite songs growing up. My interest grew even more as I got older, I wanted to write, sing, rap, perform just like my favorite artists I saw on tv” - Acebergtm

Last Year, Acerbergtm released HeartBreaker, his debut single that explored a relationship stuck in the present and past.

Mi Casa has teamed up with Berlin-based production duo You Not Us to bring us the 5^th official single from their 2020‘WeMade It’ album, the long-awaited tribute to living well –“Chucks”.

The South African band kick straight back after the huge success of their smash hit “Mamela ”with their first international collab since signing their international record deal with Afroforce1 Records/Universal Music Group.

Earmarked as an important song from the album off the bat, “Chucks” has been waiting in the wings for the right time to bring some of that Mi Casa spirit back into the party feels.

And with the You Not Us collab, the result is a dance floor’s dream. Mi Casa front man J’Something has always held a special place in his heart for the track.

“It’s about making the most of every single moment because the future is not a given –all we have is right now and that time needs to be lived,” he states.

Having the opportunity to collaborate with international, multi-platinum EDM front-runners YouNotUs is an example of where Mi Casa’s musical ambition has seen them reach.

“Getting the YouNotUs  touch to “Chucks” has completely transformed it and we cannot wait to see how it lifts people’s spirits and hopefully it will land on fertile oil,” adds J’Something.

Luckily for technology the two acts were able to collaborate completely remotely during lockdown and working with the Mi Casa track brought out all the summer feelings in the Berlin-based act.

“During the production we were inspired by the longing for warm summer nights spent partying. We feel this song will guide us back into summer and a more carefree time,” Tobias and Gregor  from YouNotUs state.

While “Chucks” is a springtime release in Europe, it catches Africa’s magical summer times, dragging out some good times as life starts to return to normal in venues and on dance floors around the country.

“Chucks” will be released in Europe, South Africa and parts of the African continent on the 26thMarch, with the video due for release two weeks later.

You Not Us will be flying out to shoot the video alongside Mi Casa right in Namibia.

One half of celebrated Kenyan group Longombas, Lovy Longomba, has finally come back home - after 16 years.

This is following the tragic demise of his twin brother and partner from their award-winning music duo of the smash hits including “Vuta Pumz”, “Dondosa’’, “Piga Makofi’’ and ‘’Shika More’’, among others.

The singer-songwriter and 3 x Grammy-nominated record producer has been living in Los Angeles, US with his brother since they left Kenya nearly two decades ago.

Lovy’s solemn visit back home comes on the backdrop of Christian Logomba passing away after succumbing to a long illness.

Lovy says, “I came back home in honor of my brother Christian. This trip was supposed to be made by me and him at some point this year but God had other plans.’’ 

The question in many people’s mind now is whether Lovy will be making new music or sharing unreleased music.

He says, “It will take me some time to work on music again because my partner is no longer here with me. I need to heal. Christian was still writing with me even when he could not record. We have so many songs, maybe at some point I will put them out.”

He however states that he is still interested and looking forward to working with other Kenyan artists when the time is right.

While in Kenya, Lovy will be meeting with family and friends to pay their respects to Christian.

He will also be doing interviews to connect with Longombas’ loyal fans as he shares details of Christian’s final moments and wishes.

Thankful for the outpouring love and support his family has received since Christian’s passing.

He says, “It’s truly overwhelming. I must confess that the love we have received is so far healing us,”.

Adding, “Christian stood for his love for God, family and music. His unique voice like my late father Lovy Senior will be in the hearts of Kenyans forever.”

Longombas sound was perfected by a blend of contemporary Hip Hop with a tinge of Soukous heavily borrowing from their Congolese roots.

Reminiscing on their heydays, Lovy says, “There are so many [great and joint] memories because me and Christian have been inseparable to this point, but one of my favorite memories will always be the excitement he had when we finished writing and recording our first song “Dondosa”.

The celebrated dynamic duo enjoyed an illustrious music career in Kenya both under Ogopa DJs label and their imprint Bad Man Camp, alongside other pioneering voices of popular Kenyan music of the 2000s.

They included Deux Vultures, Mr Googz and Vinnie Banton. 

Looking back, Lovy is proud of the impact Longombas made during a defining moment in the Kenya music industry, “We pioneered and changed the sound of local music. We raised the standard so high when it came to performing and stage presence.”

Their last studio project before relocating to America, the album CHUKUA received a very warm reception across the region bagging the Best East African Album award at the 2006 Tanzania Music Awards.

Other awards from their discography include Best East African Group at the Kora Awards Africa (2005) and a memorable sweep at Kisima Music Awards (2006) that included Best Group (Kenya), Boomba Group, Best Song "Vuta Pumz" (Kenya) and Social Responsibility awards. 

Apple Music launches its Spirits Rejoice campaign, which celebrates the best and brightest Gospel voices with exclusive playlists from South Africa’s Joyous Celebration, Ntokozo Mbambo, Hle and Dr. Tumi, as well as Nigeria’s Sinach, Mercy Chinwo, Nathaniel Bassey, Tim Godfrey and Ada Ehi. 

The music selections seek to inspire, uplift and encourage, with a whole host of local and international artists including Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin and Donald Lawrence.

As one of the top-streaming genres on the African continent, Gospel music is characterised by emotion, choral voices and soulful sound that conveys a range of emotions that move the listener with every note. 

Gospel music has its roots firmly in Africa with its call-and-response style originating from numerous African tribes. 

Black gospel, Southern gospel, country gospel music, Bluegrass gospel, Celtic gospel and British black gospel have each developed their own style and characteristics over the years anchored in celebration.

On the other side of the world, African Gospel has become one of the most popular genres on the continent over the last few decades, specifically in South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria. 

African gospel is uplifting, rhythmic, and spiritual with lyrics that reflect diverse world views, theologies, cultures and experiences of Africans from all backgrounds. This is highlighted by the exclusive artist playlists created for Spirits Rejoice.

Comedian Chipukeezy real name Vincent Muasya Mutua is the new Vice Chairperson of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Board.

Chipukeezy was elected by the board of directors during a meeting held yesterday (Tuesday) replacing Peterson Mwai who served in that position untilll March 2021.

While annoucing the selection, NACADA Board Cjhairperson Professor Mabel Imbuga said that Chipukeezy will be instrumental in steering the Authority's mandate as he resonates well with the youth and young persons who are critical target group for prevention campaigns.

In his appreciation speech, Chipukeezy pledged to utilize the opportunity to spearhead youth and children programs in line with the Authority strategic plan to provide hope for the young persons struggling with addiction in the country.

He thanked the board for the vote of confidence and revealed that he is looking forward to working with the board members to provide strategic guidance and policy direction at a time that Kenya is facing a myriad of challenges including upsurge in alcohol and drug abuse consumption especially during this COVID-19 period.

Following the rising numbers of Covid-19 the organisers of the Made In Kenya Concert have postponed the concert to 5th June 2021.

According to the organisers, the decision was made after delibearation with artistes, sponsors and partners.

"As you may well be aware, the government has called on the public to stop gathering to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and after deliberations with artistes, sponsors and partners it wouldn’t be responsible for us to go ahead with the event at this time. This is not a decision we have taken lightly and there are two overriding concerns that have caused us to make this decision at this time."reads a statement from organisers.

Adding "Firstly it is the uncertainty caused by the fact that the Covid-19 numbers in recent weeks have massively risen and we care so much about the well being of every person involved and that includes our fans. We have met with the various stakeholders involved and we feel it's not proper to risk the lives of Kenyans and therefore have to reschedule the event to June  5th 2021".

The statement continues "Secondly, our primary concern is always the responsibility we feel towards our fans, artistes and partners, who fund the show – not only by purchasing stand space but also in the considerable additional investment they make."

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has called for a renewed commitment to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV and Syphilis in the country.

The First Lady emphasized the need for concerted efforts to accelerate the progress made towards achieving eMTCT through promotion of stronger partnerships.

“I am convinced, that our successes rely on harmonized efforts from both the public and private sectors.

“I believe that our targets are achievable because of the solid partnerships we have built with you,” she said.

The First Lady spoke on Tuesday when she virtually addressed a partnerships meeting on accelerating the progress towards achieving validation for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis by 2021.

Available records show that Kenya has made progress on the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and curbing maternal mortality with new HIV infections reducing by 47 percent from 12,826 in 2013 to 6,806 in 2020.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta in 2017 during a Beyond Zero Summit launched the Kenya Framework for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis 2016-2021 that contributed to the achievement.

The First Lady commended the innovative implementation of the Kenya eMTCT Framework adopted by counties through the county business plan model.

“So far, we have successfully launched 11 county business plans.  It is my hope that we, as partners, will commit to resourcing and supporting the remaining county governments on their respective journeys,” the First Lady said.

The county business plans provide for the sustainable and timely implementation of activities for counties to meet their unique eMTCT circumstances.

As the national patron and champion of eMTCT, the First Lady said her overall mission is to end preventable deaths of women and children as well as to eliminate new cases of HIV infections from mothers to their children.

She applauded the existing partnership between her Beyond Zero initiative and other health stakeholders including the national and county governments for working together in promotion of maternal and child health.

“Since I began my own journey in 2013 with the Beyond Zero initiative, we have depended on partnerships with the national and county governments and other health stakeholders.

“As partners, we remain inspired to do what we can to realize a world free of HIV and syphilis transmission to newborns. A world with zero maternal deaths,” First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said.

She observed that it was through the support of partners that the Beyond Zero initiative was able to deliver 52 mobile clinics across the country, adding that the initiative extended its resolve to increase access to healthcare through the Beyond Zero medical safaris.

“Our work is driven by our understanding that access to decent and affordable healthcare plays a huge role in saving lives.

“So far, we have conducted successful medical safaris in Nyanza, North and South Rift, Central and Nairobi regions,” she said.

Noting that there are still significant healthcare gaps affecting Kenyans – particularly underprivileged women and children – which require urgent attention especially during the COVID-19 pandemic times, the First Lady said a lot of work needs to be done to curb the spread of HIV infections in the country.

“This is why the Government of Kenya has committed, through universal health coverage, to scale up its efforts to improve access to HIV treatment to improve the health and well-being of women and children living with HIV,” she said.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, in a statement read on his behalf by CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi, commended First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for using her Beyond Zero initiative to rally the entire country behind the noble agenda of stopping new HIV infections among children and preventing mothers from dying while giving birth.

Other speakers at the hybrid meeting that drew both physical and virtual participants from the public and private sectors as well as development partners included Chief of Staff in the Office of the First Lady Ms Constance Gakonyo, National Aids Control Council CEO Dr Ruth Masha and National AIDS and STI Control Program Head Dr Catherine Ngugi among others