Realness Institute has launched its call for submissions for their latest offering, Episodic Lab, a series development lab presented in partnership with Netflix.

Episodic Lab will be looking for writers from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa with authentic and original stories of all genres.

The initiative is only open to writers from the 3 countries where Netflix is currently focusing its African Originals strategy.

Applications are open here: www.realness.institute/episodic-lab-application 

The Lab will take place remotely from 1 June 2021 – 31 August 2021 where selected writers will work on developing pitch documents for their story concepts.

6 writers will be chosen to spend 3 months in a ‘writers room’ format where they will work with a script consultant and a creative producer to fully develop their story concepts into an episodic pitch. Along with creative training, writers will receive feedback from Netflix Originals’ development team.

A stipend of $2000 per month will be paid to the participants to cover living expenses as they dedicate their time to the process. 

At the end of the lab, each writer will have an opportunity to pitch their finished product to Netflix and have their series developed for production.

If Netflix does not commission further development and/or production, the rights to the developed material default to the authors.

Creators should not be committed to a producer or director to participate in the lab.

The Writer’s Lab submission is open to writers from Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria with Film and TV experience in any genre (fictional or factual) or language.

“Series give writers the space to make bigger worlds and more layered stories,” says Asanda Biyana – Partner and Project Manager of the Episodic Lab at Realness Institute.

Adding, “There is no limit for what can be submitted, and I trust, with the pool of talent in our continent, that we will be blown away. I’m excited and looking forward to the tough job of choosing the first cohort.”

To apply, potential applicants must take note of the following:

 Eligibility Criteria:

• Writer/writing team* with either Film or Television experience. Only one writer will be able to participate if selected
• Any genre of fiction
• Language: English and/or local language
• Concept must be set in South Africa, Kenya OR Nigeria
• No producers or directors attached
• Payment of submission fee

TO APPLY:

Applicants must fill out the online application on the Realness Institute website at www.realness.institute/episodic-lab-application. Applicants are advised to read through the form before submitting. The deadline for submissions is the 31 January 2021 at midnight SAST.

Applicants will be required to pay a submission fee of 30 Euros via Paypal or 55 Euros via international wire transfer to cover the banking charges.

Wendy Kimani is one of Kenya's most sought after female singers. The Afropop and Soul star makes a comeback into the music scene with “Pagawisha”- new single and video. 

The Afrosoul banger in which Wendy sings of a lover who completely confuses [Pagawisha] her is produced by So Fresh.

Stream PAGAWISHA: https://ffm.to/wendykims.ois

Wendy says, “I am really excited to be releasing my new single after years of being away. I had so much fun working on this song. With it, I just wanted to bring musical joy to my audience,”

Adding on Pagawisha, “ It means, ‘you confuse me in the best way possible’. It’s a feel-good song talking about reigniting love in a relationship. It’s about finding that fire and feeling those butterflies again and getting romantic. It’s also about the fire I feel inside of me right now, I have fallen in love with music again.”

The music video, shot and directed by Alexander Ludwick and Kenneth Van Bochove, is a smooth dosage of Wendy and her love interest. 

In spirit “Pagawisha” that celebrates reigniting passion and falling in love is reflective of Wendy’s personal story of falling in love with music once again. With its positive vibes and African influences, this is the perfect song to bring some light into 2020.

Watch PAGAWISHA music video

This comeback means a journey to Wendy’s upcoming EP and single releases.

She teases her next single, “You will love my Afro House song coming up next, it’s called “Same Ol Love” and has got that South African house and dance vibes.

At the same time, Wendy launched a new YouTube channel, ‘Wendy’s New Normal’ that follows her life living in the Netherlands, since her relocation from Kenya.

She reveals, “It’s all about rediscovering myself, marriage, mental health, my hair journey and also health conditions like PCOS conditions.”

Wendy Kimani is one of Kenya’s top Afrosoul singers. Over her career, she has released a number of successful hit songs, including “Haiwi Haiwi” featuring Bien Aime-Baraza of Sauti Sol, “Unajua” and “Usiende” – both collaborations with Gilad.

Since its release, the “Unajua” music video has garnered over 6 million views on YouTube and received massive airplay across numerous radio and TV stations.

Grandpa Records founder and music producer Refigah has launched an exercise to donate thermo guns, sanitizers and facemasks to local churches and mosques in Kibra to help in the fight against the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

According to Refigah, there are over 83 churches and 14 mosques in Kibra and its environs, most of this places of worship are not equipped with thermometers or sanitisers .

"We want to ensure all Mosques and churches are well equipped with running sanitizers and Thermometers to face these challenging times ahead. Please continue to wear your masks, practice safe distancing and continuing to wash your hands as often as possible." said Refigah.

Among the places of worship that have so far benefited includes Jamia mosque, Makina, and Hossana Ministry Church in mashimoni.

This comes as the country's caseload is now at 82,605 with fatalities rising to 1,445.

The executive director of Sisters for justice(S4J) Naila Abdalla is the 2020 human rights defender of the year.

Naila received the prestigious award in Nairobi on Friday which recognized her efforts in defending rights of its community.

Her efforts in fighting against gender base violence have been remarkable to make her the first person from Mombasa to win the coveted awards.

With only few years into activism, Naila beat several bigwigs in the activism world to take the trophy back to Mombasa.

"Even though I do this work for humanity,it feels good when someone recognizes your efforts and awards you for the good job done,"she said.

The awards honours the extra ordinary works of HRDs  by awarding those who have demonstrated courage,innovation and impact in promoting and protecting the human rights and the fundamental freedom.

S4J is located in Kisauni area,right at the center of criminal gangs,extra judicials,sex predators and also extremism.

But with all this,Naila alongside other members in this community based organization who are mostily volunteers have continued to fight against injustices especially to women and children.

Naila has been vocal especially on GBV matters during this pandemic period.

Recently,she was recognised by a UK magazine,Wempower  magazine as one of change makers in terms of human rights defending.

From us Ommydallah.co.ke we congratulate Naila for her win.

Kenya's newest music star Mell has just released a new song titled Love.

The audio was produced by Ihaji and visuals done by Dolls. The project's executive producer is Jomination. 

Watch LOVE video here: https://youtu.be/Z6bp7izupDM 

ABOUT THE SONG

“The song 'LOVE' is just generally about love as the title speaks for itself. What inspired me to write the song is to appreciate our loved ones, the people who are special in our hearts, partners who inspire us in life and who play major roles in our love life experiences, best friends in all circumstances .This song is written for all ride or die couples.” – Mell 

EDITOR’S NOTE

Mell is a 23 year old singer, songwriter, trumpeter and plays drums as well. She is in her final year pursuing Bachelor of Arts in music at Maseno University. Mell is passionate about sharing life as she visions it and experiences it through her music. She has been performing in live shows with her bandmates Jiji Afrika and understands the live performance aspects as a building block towards growing as a versatile artist. On stage is where she let's go of everything holding her back.

Her past releases include Maumivu, Try Me (A cover), Chali and now Love, which is the newest release. 

Reekado Banks has unveiled his hotly anticipated new EP ‘Off The Record’—out 27th November on Banks Music.

The six-track release is a deep exploration into Reekado Banks’ Nigerian identity, with a global audience in mind.

This coming-of-age EP from one of West Africa’s most adored talents is his most accomplished release to date.

Stream “Off The Record” EP: https://mad.ffm.to/offtherecord

Things open with East African lead single “Mama’’ a highlife-influenced collaboration with Tanzanian artist Harmonize produced by Tee Y Mix, seeing both Reekado and Harmonize reeling off a list of locations before declaring that, ultimately, Nigeria and Tanzania is home.

Reekado says, “My brother Harmonize brought such a vibe to Mama, a very special song on this project. The song is a Pan African sound that anyone anywhere across the continent and beyond will connect with it instantly,”

Adding, “I knew my brother from the East was a perfect fit for this song. He was coming to Lagos often and as soon as we hit the studio, we made this classic!”

Reekado also revealed that he just worked on a song with Kenyan artist Otile Brown set for release soon.

“Mama” follows “Need More”, featuring Afrobeats rising stars Kida Kudz and EO, a blissed-out track that has already amassed more than 1 million combined streams.

Whilst the presence of the huge international hit “Rora” sees Reekado slow things down solo, the presence of starstudded guest collaborators continues throughout ‘Off The Record’, with exciting young singersongwriter Tiwa Savage lending her delicate vocals to the melodic “Speak To Me”, Reekado and Banku music pioneer Mr. Eazi channel a tropical vibe on “People Dey”, among other collaborators.

Reekado shares with fans on the EP, “The vibe is more mature in the sense that the messages touch on different realities, love, life, Africa and more.

Working with the likes of Harmonize, Tiwa and Eazi was great as we continue to move the culture forward and finally giving my fans something to rock before 2020 is over.”

‘Off The Record’ EP marks Reekado’s first extended release in four years, following on from 2016 LP ‘Spotlight’ which reached the Top 10 on the Billboard ‘World Albums Chart’.

Reekado is one of Nigeria’s most consistent hitmakers, racking up over 170 million streams across his back catalogue to date.

 ‘Off The Record’ Tracklist: 1. Need More Feat. Kida Kudz & EO

2. Happy Yourself
3.  Rora 
4. Speak To Me (Feat. Tiwa Savage)
5.  You Dey Mad (Feat. AttiFaya)
6.  People Dey (Feat. Mr Eazi)
7.  Mama (Feat. Harmonize)

MTV Africa and MTV Base announced the return of the continental flagship award show in 2021. 

The Iconic MTV Base celebration, MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), which showcases the ultimate in African culture, music, and creativity, will be held in a re-imagined virtual format in partnership with Uganda on February 20^th 2021.

The MTV Africa Music Awards Kampala 2021 will be broadcast on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130).

The repeat show will also be aired on BET Africa, BET International and MTV channels across multiple continents as a one-hour MAMA-themed MTV World Stage feature. 
 
The ultimate celebration of local African and international talent and achievement, MAMA 2021, in partnership with Uganda recognizes and rewards musicians, trailblazers and those who are shining a light on the continent's diverse talent and creativity by instilling positive impact on African music and youth culture over the previous year.

The awards ceremony will feature vibrant performances from leading African and international artists and will also showcase some of the biggest cross-genre and cross-border collaborations.
 
The event will celebrate African talent across 20 award categories, including Best Male, Best Female, Best Song, and Best Collaboration. 

The contribution of artists from Portuguese and French-speaking Africa will also be recognized in the Best Lusophone and Best Francophone categories.

Additional new categories included are the MAMA Generation Change Award, Best Fan Base, Alone Together Best Lock-down Performance and Personality of the Year.

These new categories seek to demonstrate MTV Base’s commitment to supporting the youth of Africa.
 
The MAMA Generation Change Award will recognize the inspiring, young changemakers of the continent who are tackling some of the world's most challenging social problems.

The Alone Together Best Lock-down performance recognizes outstanding performances that took place virtually by celebrating artists who took to streaming services to share their music and unite society during the unprecedented 2020 Lockdown.

The category selection criteria is from October 1^st 2019 to October 1^st 2020.

The nominees will be announced in December 2020 and music lovers will have their say by voting for their favourite stars online.

The engaging Q&A discussion included accomplished Ugandan artist Bebe Cool, highly skilled songstress Sheebah Karungi together with talented South African rapper Nasty C.

Commented Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & General Manager, VCNA, "We are excited to bring this amazing showcase to audiences across the continent and globally with an innovatively re-imagined awards show and celebration.”

Adding “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, content production has embraced innovation as the new gold and we are excited to take Africa to the World and showcase its immense talent and culture as we stage the biggest music awards show on the continent."
 
On his part  State Minister for Tourism Uganda Godfrey Kiwanda commented, "It is an incredible achievement for Uganda to host the continent and International stakeholders for the MAMA Kampala 2021 for the first time."

Adding "The awards are an extraordinary African cultural experience, and we understand the important role it plays in driving awareness, cross culture education and profiling the continent's rich leisure tourism offerings on the international stage.”
  
The MTV Africa Music Awards Kampala 2021 is brought to you by Uganda, The Pearl of Africa in an effort to promote tourism, wildlife and cultural heritage conservation for the socio-economic development and transformation of Uganda.

Craig Paterson, Senior Vice President & General Manager, VCNA, continued, "The latest edition of the MAMA promises to be our biggest and most innovative yet.

Millions of fans worldwide will enjoy the digitally re-imagined celebration and African music via multiple broadcasts globally.

Always celebrating the pan-African scope of the MAMA, the awards will encompass three pulsating Road to MAMA broadcasts featuring MAMA nominees from across the continent.

The MAMA Kampala 2021 brings the much-anticipated music industry workshops in a virtual format for the continent's aspiring musicians, youth upskilling and development.
 
First staged in 2008, the MTV Africa Music Awards has recognised the talent of musicians, achievers and personalities from across Africa, rewarding iconic artists and gamechangers such as 2Face Idibia, AKA, Anselmo Ralph, Big Nuz, Cassper Nyovest, Clarence Peters, Cabo Snoop, Davido, D'Banj, Diamond Platnumz, Flavour, Gangs of Ballet, HHP, Fally Ipupa, Liquideep, Lira, Lupita Nyong'o, Mafikizolo Nameless, P-Square, Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Toofan, Trevor Noah,  Uhuru, Wahu, Wizkid, Yemi Alade,  Zebra & Giraffe and many more.
 
The MTV Africa Music Awards Kampala 2021 will broadcast on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130) on February 20th 2021.

The show will also be aired on MTV channels across multiple continents as a one-hour MAMA-themed MTV World Stage feature. 
 

After a successful take off with over 100K users in the UK, TuKo has launched in East Africa ‘The King Of All Apps.’

TuKo is a service and convenience market with an inbuilt digital wallet, ability for customers to track their orders with free calls and without using data. Standard features of the TuKo include like 30 minutes-Emergency response, flexible ‘book now or later’ options, cash, card, or wallet payments, and inbuilt contactless delivery option in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

TuKo helps job seekers find their dream job, while bringing over 1000 services to the palm of their clients hands. Users will be able to order for whatever service they require; food, grocery, medical attention or parcel and have it delivered at their door step in under 30 minutes.

TuKo App CEO, TJ said "Tuko is a new multipurpose app here to revolutionise how people earn and connect with their community,”

“Tuko is the new app of this generation creating opportunity, new business and convenience at your finger tips,” he added

Speaking at the launch, TuKo Business Development Director, Bishop Climate said, “Tuko App is part of our company strategy to partner with ordinary Kenyans and businesses to create jobs and create access to world-class mobility and convenience service to everyone”.  

Speaking about the app’s service providers, TuKo Customer Relationship Director  Ms Patesha assured the clients that;

“All our service providers are fully vetted, professional and set affordable prices. Just order and will deliver in 30 minutes. With more than 500 retail partners and 3,000 brands available on TuKo, consumers and service providers are set to enjoy unrivalled convenience, jobs and connections” she said.

 The Brand ambassador Daniel ‘Churchill’ Ndambuki described this app as the future.

“With TuKo we have the future that people have been talking about.  The beauty about it is how clients are getting connected to service providers in a very vast way”

“I am excited to have the opportunity to be part of something that will revolutionize how we acquire services and how we get our products”

The TuKo application is up and running and is available for free for both iOS and Android devices.

Every Friday of this month is a Black Friday, and for the newbies, this is the time and day that brands offer amazing discounts and crazy offers on various products and services.

If you have never benefited from a Black Friday, then this is a great opportunity to grab some realme goodies.

Some individuals have mastered the art of getting great deals from Black Fridays and their pockets have never been disappointed. 

Black Fridays are best suited for buying electronics like smartphones because the kind of discounts you get that most probably only come once.

On Friday, November 27, 2020, Kenyan online platform Kilimall will be having a flash sale on three realme smartphones; realme 6 which will retail at 26,999Ksh, realme C15 (4+64GB) at 14,999Ksh, and realme C15 (4+128GB) at 17,999Ksh.

For the realme 6, the flash sale will be happening at 10 am while for realme C15 (4+64) and (4+128), the flash sales will be at 6 pm and 8 pm respectively.

On this day, during the designated flash sale times, you stand a chance to be a proud owner of one or two of these realme smartphones at affordable prices. All you need is the internet to access the Kilimall platform and wait.

As it makes inroads in the Kenyan smartphone market, realme has been feted as the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the world offering affordable entry-level and high-end electronics that cut across all age-groups from the millennials to the old age.

Among the realme brands that are in the Kenyan market include realme 7i, realme C3, realme C11, realme C15, realme 6, realme C12, realme Band, Air Neo, and Buds Q with the brand saying it is committed to enabling Kenyans to dare to leap through their innovative gadgets.

With its iconic punchline of Dare To Leap, realme brand says it is committed to ensuring that Kenyan smartphone lovers get the best with every release they anticipate.