Ommy Dallah
Boniface Mwangi's Film 'Softie' To Priemere In Mombasa This October
The powerful film 'Softie' that follows the life of Kenyan photographer and political activist Boniface Mwangi, his wife Njeri and their kids, will premiere nationwide in Kenya, starting 16th October 2020 .
The film will premiere in several towns and cities, in Eldoret (Rupa Cinema), Mombasa (Nyali Cinemax), Kisumu (Mega Cinema) and at Prestige Cinema, Anga Diamond Plaza, Motion Cinema and Westgate Cinema, in Nairobi.
Full “SOFTIE” film airing schedule: https://www.softiethefilm.com/
At the heart of the film lies the tale of how Boniface, nicknamed “Softie” in his childhood years, has long fought injustices in his country Kenya.
He is daring and audacious, and recognized as Kenya's most provocative photojournalist. But as a father of three young children, these qualities create tremendous turmoil between him and his wife Njeri Mwangi whose loyalty to her family is hard as a rock.
It’s a story of perseverance and love, evoking mixed emotions while exploring the themes of family, sacrifice and patriotism.
Boniface Mwangi says of the film, “It unveils the curtain of the struggles of activists; my personal struggles as a father. It’s brutally honest. You will see tears. I have watched it two times and cried both times because it’s vicerial and heartbreaking to see what kind of country we have."
Adding "It reveals our true colours as a nation and the role of money and ethnicity in politics.”
Directed by Sam Soko, the film chronicles a 7 year journey beginning with chaos filled street protests and culminating in Boniface’s decision to run for a political seat in his old neighbourhood Starehe.
He soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk. His wife, Njeri, has long been silent in the background.
The decision to run put her and the family on the spot. This brings forth a central question that many of the world’s brightest and most effective changemakers have had to ask themselves, ‘What comes first - family or country?’
The film premiered at Sundance in January 2020, winning a special jury prize for editing.
It has been greatly reviewed, citing its conscientious story telling of Kenya’s struggle with political tribalism.
It has since played at a couple of prestigious festivals including CPH:DOX, FullFrame and even won Best Film at the Encounters International Documentary Festival and Best Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 2020.
The DIFF win means that “SOFTIE” now qualifies for consideration for the Oscar documentary shortlist for the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
The next ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on April 25, 2021.
Softie was also the opening night film at the Hotdocs Film Festival and at the Human Rights Festival held in Berlin, Germany under the patronage of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad with opening and keynote speeches having included Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
For Njeri Mwangi, having their private family life on screen has been a difficult and rewarding experience.
She says, “This film is not just a single story but the story of what women and mothers and wives like myself give to the cause of what they too believe in but whose contribution is not counted as significant or acknowledged as prominently as their partners. It has given me a voice and hopefully a chance for women to see themselves and count their contributions to the betterment of not only their families but also their communities and country."
Adding “To all the women out there, this film is for you and your families. We too matter!”
“It’s a very important film for Kenyans to watch because it shows what happens behind the scenes in an activist’s family life and their daily struggles,” noting, “It took seven years in the making”. says Boniface.
Full “SOFTIE” film airing schedule: https://www.softiethefilm.com/
Nigerian Singer Sentenced To death For Blasphemy Against Prophet Muhammad
A young Nigerian musician has been sentenced to death after being convicted of sharing an insulting song about Prophet Muhammad.
Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, 22, was convicted of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad on 10 August by a Sharia court in Kano province.
His song which was shared on instagram caused riots throughout the city. Protesters burnt down his family home demanding his prosecution, leading to his arrest.
The singer is said to have gone into hiding after sharing the song. The song was praising an imam from the Tijaniya Muslim brotherhood to the point where it gave him higher status than the Prophet Muhammad, the BBC reported.
The UN’s Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner this week urged authorities to overturn the death sentence and to ensure his safety, saying that Nigeria “must take effective measures to protect” him, calling his case a “flagrant violation” of international law.
“We are deeply concerned over the serious lack of due process in Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case so far, especially reports that he has been held incommunicado, and that he did not have access to a lawyer during his initial trial, a trial that was not open to the public”, the office said in a statement.
Adding "For artistic expression or for sharing a song on the Internet" constitutes a "flagrant violation of international human rights law, as well as of Nigeria’s constitution”.
Amnesty International described the sentence as a “travesty of justice” and said Nigeria was obliged under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to restrict capital punishment to the “most serious crimes”, which involve intentional killing.
'Sorry For Lying', Wema Sepetu Comes Out Clean On Her Age
Getting a woman to tell you their real age is as difficult as convincing her that just one selfie is enough.
Women especially celebrities are known for not revealing their actual age and those who do so lie without even bating an eyelid.
Tanzanian actress Wema Sepetu has been forced to state her true age, this is after lying about it close to 14 years.
It all started in 2006 when according to reports she was just 15 years but lied she was 18 just to qualify for the Miss Tanzania beauty pageant which she won after faking her age.
On Monday while marking her birthday , Wema who currently has her own reality show through a mobile application (Wema App) decided enough is enough and came out clean on her age.
"30 years old Queen. I promised to say the truth on my exact Day, September 28th 1990, I was Delivered from the Womb of Mariam Athmann Sumbe. Iam Happy Im celebrating 30years of my Life. Sorry I lied," she posted on Instagram
Mombasa Bar Owners Welcome Uhuru's Decision To Re-open Bars
Mombasa bar owners have welcome President Uhuru Kenyatta's address that saw the re-opening of bars after seven months closure to curb the spread of the corona pandemic.
Addressing media in Mombasa Tuesday, Kennedy Mumbo secretary Mombasa Bar owners association said they appreciated the decision to re-open the businesses that employ millions of Kenyans from suppliers, attendants, DJs.
Mumbo said the re-opening came at a good time to prepare for the upcoming Christmas and new years season adding that many families had lost livelihoods from closure of bars noting that the business does not only entertain the drinker but hugely impacts the country's economy from the money generated from the sales.
Mumbo however appealed for the president trough his advisers to go round and assess the negative impact the industry has suffered and consider giving them recovery incentives including soft loans.
“A bigger percentage will not resume business since they hire shops and run businesses on loans and in our approximation, only 20 percent will be able to resume the bar business and we call on the government to come to our aid since its our only source of hope.” Said the secretary
Mumbo appealed to the government to consider extending the opening hours to midnight so as to make up for the lost business time due to set guidelines by the ministry of health to counter the spread of COVID-19.
The secretary on behalf of the bar owners vowed to ensure they comply to the new directives so as to remain operational calling on the government not to pressure them so much instead bare with them as they strive to gain their back their footing.
Caleb Mwangi a young bar owner in Mombasa sympathized with the workers who lost their jobs and bar owners who have lost stock that has expired calling on the government to chip in support to help those affected remain in business and continue building the countys economy.\
“We have been out of business for six months and some goods have expired. We urge KEBS to conduct inspection of drinks and food items to ascertain if they are still usable.” Said Mwangi
He added that equipements like fridges, Tvs, speakers and other machines have spoilt from rust and rat attacks, including crates of beer.
He reiterated for government to intervene since they do not know how they will ever recover.
Tomoca Coffee Opens It's Doors At Two Rivers Mall
Tomoca Coffee Kenya Ltd officially opened its doors to the Kenyan market last Friday at an intimate event held at the Two Rivers, Nairobi.
"Kenya has a very young and dynamic population with good purchasing power, which demands high-quality products and services that are on par with international standards. The retail industry is also supported by low overhead fees, mainly through low rental fees and attractive incentives by property landlords.”-says Amir Yusuf, Tomoca Coffee Kenya Limited, MD.
Tomoca Coffee is Famed for authentic coffee experience and it prides itself in the art of marrying Ethiopian Coffee with the Italian technique. Some of their drinks include the Macchiato, Sprice and Cravato Coffee.
Tomoca coffee prides itself on being a pioneer for change and disrupting the status quo based on the origin of coffee and the ripple effect it had from domestic use to commercialization.
Tomoca plans to create beverage blends with Kenyan, Rwandese, and Ethiopian coffee. If you are in the store early enough, you get to watch the master roaster freshly roast and package coffee beans and smell the coffee.
Present at the event was Ethiopian High Commissioner - Meles Alem, Businessman Chris Kirubi, Capital Group - Group Commercial Director - Farida Idris, Media Personalities Betty Kyalo, Pinky Ghelani, Events Organisers - Chris and Cate Kirwa, among others.
Teferah Unveil Dynamic ‘Ule Dem Wangu’ Video
Calling all Hotties! Teferah is back with another choleric single “Ule Dem Wangu” which follows a number of other all-star singles and collaborations Teferah has released this year, including "Blessings" with Jabidii, "Good Day” and the chart toppers "Anna Marie"
If you have been online for the early part of this week you have definitely seen a status that goes like “So we started off with a text, had to let go off my ex”
With luxurious visuals Teferah always catches your imagination on how he delivers his work, and this video seems to have captured the Kenyan ladies attention and currently one of the most used sounds on IG, TIKTOK and Facebook
The ladies are enjoying the word play.
The song talks about giving your girl a lot of gifts when you make it in life since she stayed with you from day one. A topic that has always caused a lot of strain in relationships with girls saying once a guy makes it in life he never keeps his day one.
This is probably a favorite for the girls this year and with the release of the official video. This will definitely be a hit.
Produced by Mpact Muzik’s Mike Minor the beat is awesome and Teferah just rips the track apart considering he is being rated as the Kenyan Demarco, he is definitely a beast in the making.
Pretty Mutave Laid To Rest (Photos)
Celebrated Kenyan actress Pretty Mutave was finally laid to rest at her rural home in Kibwezi, Makueni county yesterday (Saturday).
Mutave died a week ago while being taken to hospital.
http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1749-popular-mombasa-actress-zari-dies-on-her-way-to-hospital.
Among those who attended the funeral was Citizen Tv news presenter Rashid Abdallah accompanied by some casts from the popular citizen tv show Maria ,and colleagues from the film industry.
http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1764-candlelight-vigil-held-for-actress-pretty-mutave-photo
Photos/ courtesy
Uhuru Restates Government Commmitment To Upgrading Sporting Facilities
President Uhuru Kenyatta has restated the Government’s commitment to upgrading sporting facilities in the country to match international standards.
Speaking when he opened the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium today, President Kenyatta said the redevelopment of the stadium is not an isolated case.
“Our endeavour is to ensure that our sporting facilities can compare favourably with the top addresses around the world. In that regard, we are in the process of developing other sporting facilities throughout the country,” President Kenyatta said.
He said the Government is the on the verge of completing the construction of Jamhuri Sports, Leisure and Entertainment Park in Nairobi as well as the upgrading of sporting facilities in Eldoret, Marsabit, Meru, Chuka, Kisumu, Nyeri, Makueni, Wanguru in Kirinyaga and Kirigiti in Kiambu.
The President directed the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage to work round the clock to ensure the facilities are completed and ready for commissioning by the end of December 2020.
“In addition to the facilities, I have earlier mentioned, we are in discussions with the county governments of Mombasa, Kakamega, Narok and Kisii to co-finance and upgrade to international standards, the existing facilities in their counties,” President Kenyatta said.
With the re-opening of Nyayo National Stadium, President Kenyatta said Kenya’s sportspersons will add new pages to the country’s long and celebrated history as a sporting powerhouse.
Meanwhile, the Head of State expressed satisfaction that in just over a week Nyayo National Stadium will host the Kip Keino Classic – the first ever World Athletics Continental Tour event to be held on the African continent.
“The event named after our great hero and trailblazing Olympic champion, Kipchoge Keino, will bring together elite athletes from all over the world to compete in various track and field events on Saturday, October 3rd 2020.
“Our being entrusted to host this global event is evidence of the confidence that the world has in our country and our levels of COVID-19 containment as it will be the first global sporting event to be held on the African continent since the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the President said.
President Kenyatta pointed out that the Kip Keino Classic and other sporting events that will be held as the country gradually and progressively re-opens will be conducted with strict adherence to all applicable Covid-19 protocols, guidelines and regulations.
“This will ensure that sportspersons, coaches, media and spectators are kept safe and healthy,” President Kenyatta said.
He asked the Ministry of Sports to redouble its efforts in re-convening major sporting events that were postponed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“I further direct the Ministry to resume preparation processes towards the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to engage with our local sports associations on how Kenyan athletes can resume competing in sporting events abroad,” the President said.
The President also took the opportunity to wish Kenyan athletes success as they head out to the London Marathon scheduled for 4th October 2020.
“Led by World Marathon Record holders Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei, I have no doubt that they will, once again like their colleagues in Doha, make Kenya proud, despite the challenges they have had in training due to the COVID-19 restrictions,” he said.
The Head of State reminded Kenyan athletes to safeguard the country’s reputation as a sporting powerhouse by competing clean and winning fairly as he ordered the Ministry of Sports to provide the required resources for enhanced anti-doping education, testing and reporting.
Sports, Culture and Heritage CS Amina Mohamed thanked President Kenyatta for being the force behind the revitalisation and facelift of the Nyayo National Stadium popularly known as “the arena of champions”.
The CS disclosed that several international sports bodies have sent their representatives to inspect the facility and have rated it among the best on the African continent.
Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei gave a brief history of the development of Nyayo National Stadium since its inception.
Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko, CS Eugene Wamalwa, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports Culture and Tourism Chairman Patrick Makau, legendary sports heroes and a host of senior Government officials attended the event.
realme C15 Excites Kenyans With 57-Day Standby Battery
Every great smartphone is defined by the power of its battery; how long it lasts, how long it takes to charge and its durability while the phone is in use.
Most smartphones are coming with inbuilt batteries. In fact, it is hard to get a phone with a removable battery like before. A battery is the heart of every phone. A phone functions as long as the battery is on with its abilities to retain power for long.
It is with this in mind that the world fastest-growing smartphone brand, realme, hit the Kenyan market with the realme C15 from its entry level C series category on 18th September as the first 6000mAh smartphone in the market with AI quad camera retailing under 20k.
The massive battery smartphone also features 18W quick charge which ensures that the phone charges faster within the shortest time possible cutting on time lost when charging an average phone. It can charge up to 25 percent which is about 1500mAh battery in 30 minutes, maintaining several hours running of the phone. Once fully charged it stays longer than an average smartphone giving the user the convenience and freedom of surfing and operating the phone without the worry of the phone running out of charge.
The amazing revelation about this massive battery that you are unlikely to find in any other phone is that it has been found to be capable of retaining power for 57 days (almost two months) while on standby.
The battery is also able to last for 46 hours if one is continuously making calls. What is more, if one is a YouTuber or enjoys watching videos on YouTube, with realme C15, one can watch YouTube continuously for 28 hours without power running out.
At the time, the world of holding meetings has shifted to the use of mobile phones through Zoom and Webinars due to the pandemic. In light of this having a long-lasting battery to help you stick to your virtual meetings all day long is not just an added advantage but a need that you should strive to fulfil.
Launching in the Kenyan market with a starting price of Kshs16,999 for 64GB and Kshs19,999 for the 128GB it is also equipped with the fast and trendsetting realme UI, which is specially designed for them.
For those who love documenting their memories through taking photos and recording videos, realme C15 has them covered with a 13MP quad-camera that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to bring out every minor detail object and event.
The phone has an instant fingerprint sensor that cannot be compromised once incorporated. This gives your phone an extra security feature preventing others from accessing data and information on your phone without permission.
For continuous and sustenance playing of games, the phone comes with an Helio G35 gaming processor whose main frequency reaches up to 2.3GHz which always works well for daily App operation or gaming that gives the phone a high performance during the game and cuts down on the possibilities of the phone slowing down or restarting.
The mega battery smartphone rolls in the footsteps of the brands call to “Dare to Leap” which inspires the power of self-trust and confidence appealing to the young generation’s aesthetics and habits.
Its first sale already kicked off on 21st September 2020 and has so far received good reception in the Market. Kenyans can get this affordable smartphone by purchasing it through offline and online platforms such as Jumia, Kilimall as well as other retail outlets to join the 15 million C series users around the globe.
A hot sale day “realme Brand Day” is also coming up on 2nd October on Kilimall where for each purchase of the realme C15 you get a set of free realme Buds Q worth Ksh 3,999
realme, also recently partnered with Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider Safaricom for a sale on their platforms and outlets of the realme C15 at the end of the month.
The brand has so far launched the realme C3, realme C11, realme 6, realme Band, Air Neo and Buds Q which have been well received in the market.
AliKiba Displays Rapping Skills In New Song, Hits Out At Diamond Platnumz
Tanzanian singer AliKiba has just dropped a new song titled 'Mediocre'.
Unlike in his previous songs, in this one AliKiba displays his rapping skills.
In the song AliKiba calls out musicians who approach life with mediocrity and casualty. He also calls out at unspecified musicians who just joined the industry of disrespect reminding them that he is still the king and has been in the industry for over 18 years.
He further accuses the musicians of just selling controversies while he make hits.
“Mimi nafanya wimbo, wewe unfanya scandal uonekane.Marekani nishatamba, Ulaya yote nishatamba...tena unatukwana unajiona mjanjaa…mediocre, speed ya mediocre,” sings Alikiba.
The song has spiced with different sounds including RnB, reggae, Bongo, Hip Hop and Afro beat.
In an interview with clouds fm on Thursday afternoon, AliKiba said every line in the song makes sense but the song is not targeted to anyone.
"Everyone has branded himself in his own way, so stick to what you are. Some people have been going round calling themselves president, commando. There is only one king" said Kiba.
Fans have interpreted this song as a direct attack to his music rival Diamond Platnumz.
