Kanye West is a billionaire, and he wants the world to know.

After months of requests, the hip-hop superstar shared his financial records with Forbes. “There’s only one number that West cares about. A billion, as in dollars. And he cares a lot,” writes the magazine.

Kanye was featured on the cover of Forbes last summer, which detailed his successful Yeezy empire. But the magazine didn’t declare him a billionaire at the time, much to his dismay. He blasted them while speaking on an industry panel in November and in private said Forbes was “purposely snubbing” him.

When Forbes released its annual billionaires list earlier this month, West was absent. “You know what you’re doing,” he texted. “You’re toying with me and I’m not finna lye [sic] down and take it anymore in Jesus name.” He also claimed Forbes was “purposely a part of a group of media” that was trying to undervalue his self-made success because of his race.

So he decided to make it official. On Thursday, West told his team to provide Forbes with “what we feel is an authentic numeric look into Kanye, Inc.”

He claims in his words and through paperwork that he’s worth more than $3 billion. West owns 100% of Yeezy, which is contractually tied to adidas for at least five-plus years. The Yeezy apparel division is not believed to make money. Based on documents, Forbes estimates the final revenue number for the shoes is closer to $1.3 billion.

West’s agreement calls for him to receive a royalty around 11%, which would put his Yeezy royalties over $140 million from last year. Forbes notes that West’s “aggressive” $3 billion self-appraisal is based on the idea that the business is infinitely portable, but separating Yeezy from adidas is “almost prohibitively cumbersome, if not contractually impossible.”

In conservative terms, a 10x multiple applied to West’s Yeezy cut of $140 million makes his stake worth about $1.4 billion. Due to the fact that the asset is not very liquid, Forbes reduced the value by 10%, arriving at $1.26 billion.

Kanye’s statement of assets supplied by his team lists just $17 million in cash and $35 million in stocks. The largest assets are $81 million in “buildings and improvements” and $21 million in land, including the Hidden Hills mansion he shares with his wife Kim Kardashian and four children, and a pair of $14 million Wyoming ranches. Documents reveal West’s G.O.O.D. Music label, his own recorded music, and publishing rights to be worth at least $90 million.

In the end, Forbes estimates Kanye’s current net worth at $1.3 billion, $300 million more than his sister-in-law Kylie Jenner and JAY-Z, who was declared hip-hop’s first billionaire in 2019.

Still, Kanye claims he’s worth triple that amount. “It’s not a billion,” he texted Forbes last night. “It’s $3.3 billion since no one at Forbes knows how to count.”

Courtesy of : Rap-Up

It has now been revealed that Kenya ports Authority acting managing director Eng Rashid Salim is not interested in replacing his former embattled boss Daniel Manduku.

Rashid was named acting managing director after the resignation of Daniel Manduku as the managing director last month.

KPA advertised for the position of the managing director early this month with the deadline being set as April 24.

According to a source who did not want to be mentioned, Rashid failed to apply for the position due to medical reasons and advise from family not to seek for the position.

"His family was against him applying for the position considering the pressure that comes with the office" said the source.

According to the source, Rashid who is also the general manager for engineering services is due for retirement by end of next year.

The race to succeed Manduku attracted several candidates including the general manager in charge of Lamu port Eng Abdillahi Samatar, former general manager engineering services Eng Atonga Ouma and head of strategy at the Kisumu Port Inland Container Depot Yobesh Oyaro.

This will be the third time that Eng Ouma will be applying for the post after failing twice before.

Sarova Hotels and Resorts, Kenya’s first indigenous hospitality company, has volunteered to provide food to frontline healthcare workers at both Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi Hospital in an effort to help the Government manage the Coronavirus pandemic that is threatening to stretch the limits of the country’s health facilities.

The program which will run for 30 days will see Sarova provide daily lunches to the more than 200 healthcare workers who are providing the most critical services to patients at the facility.

The move is a gesture by Sarova to say thank you and  recognize the bravery and commitment of the heroes and heroines in the facilities who have put their lives on the frontline to lead the war to eradicate the virus.

While launching the exercise, Sarova Hotels and Resorts Managing Director Jimi Kariuki lauded the healthcare workers for their selfless devotion to save the lives of Kenyans during this trying period.

“It is indeed a trying time for humanity and at the end, we must all work together to flatten the curve. It is very important that we recognise and encourage the healthcare workers who are working flat out every day to save lives. We are privileged as a country to have dedicated healthcare workers who we need to support in every possible way”. Mr. Kariuki explained.

He added “This is a deadly disease which can be fought through strict adherence to the recommended guidelines from the Ministry of Health. If we do so, we shall overcome".

Kenyatta National Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. Evanson Kamuri highlighted that “Feeding frontline healthcare workers is a direct pat on the back that will boost their morale and make them feel appreciated. Thank you Sarova Hotels for this kind gesture.”

Celebrated Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones seems to have had enough of online bullying, which has now become a norm in Kenya.

In his new song titled 'Hao' featuring Masauti, Khaligraph addresses the issue on cyberbullying highlighting the struggles Kenyan celebrities have to go through in their daily lives.

In the song the rapper uses examples of celebrities who have gone through cyberbullying, the recent cases being of Bahati and comedian Mulamwah.

"Kukuwa celebrity Kenya ni kujitolea kuapologizia watu haujakosea, kama wewe ni msofti utasema wanakuonea, kama wewe ni mjanja itabidi umeozea, wtakutusi ndio ucatch wakuceheke" states Jones.

Kenyan gospel artist pastor Anthony Musembi has found himself in trouble with Tuku music, the custodians of late Zimbabwe music icon Oliver Mtukudzi music and composition rights after using some elements of the song ' Todii' by the late Mtukudzi.

Pastor Musembi released a rendition of the song with the title  "Todii cover" last Saturday creating awareness for the COVID- 19 which went viral on social media.

In a statement, Tuku Music states "We were notified about the cover version of the song “Todii”  on the 19th of April 2020 and after watching it we immediately reached out to Pastor Athony Musembi via his Facebook. We did not get a response from him and after contacting our colleagues we managed to get his phone number and management made contact with him and are waiting for his official statement via email."

Adding "We have listened to his version of the song and we understand that it will help raise awareness in Kenya where Pastor Athony Musembi is from and possibly to other parts of Africa. Dr Mtukudzi considered himself an African musician who just happened to have been born in Zimbabwe and Kenya was and will always be home to Tuku Music".

According to Tuku Music, pastor Musembi did not seek permission from them before releasing the cover song  thus infringing on their rights.

"Pastor Athony Musembi however did not seek rights and pemission to use the song for the “COVID -19 “ awareness cover version for the song “Todii” and he has shown willingness to rectify the mistake and will work with our publishers and legal team to make sure the necessary paperwork is in order. We believe his version of the song will compliment efforts to flatten the curve in the fight against COVID -19 in Kenya and in Africa." reads the statement from Tuku Music

The statement further states" We encourage artists  to follow the correct protocols when they need to use copyright protected material to avoid unnecessary issues that can arise from violations of these protocols". 

Pastor Musembi has not yet responded to the issues raised.

OIliver Mtukudzi died last year (2019) January in Harare Zimbabwe.

Apple Music is now available in 52 more countries.

The roll-out of the streaming platform means that Apple Music is now available in 167 markets in total.

“We’re delighted to bring many of Apple’s most beloved Services to users in more countries than ever before,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and International Content.

Adding “We hope our customers can discover their new favorite apps, games, music and podcasts as we continue to celebrate the world’s best creators, artists and developers.”

The App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and iCloud are now available in the following countries and regions:

• Africa: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Libya, Morocco, Rwanda and Zambia.
• Asia-Pacific: Maldives and Myanmar.
• Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia.
• Middle East: Afghanistan (excluding Apple Music) and Iraq.
• Oceania: Nauru (excluding Apple Music), Tonga and Vanuatu.

Apple Music, with its catalog of 60m tracks, is also expanding to the following countries and regions:

• Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Chad, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Tunisia.
• Asia-Pacific: Bhutan.
• Europe: Croatia, Iceland and North Macedonia.
• Latin America and the Caribbean: the Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Turks and Caicos and Uruguay.
• Middle East: Kuwait, Qatar and Yemen.
• Oceania: Solomon Islands.

The App Store, now in 175 countries and regions, is the world’s safest and most vibrant app marketplace, with over half a billion people visiting each week.

New Apple Music subscribers in the 52 additional countries can enjoy a six-month free trial of the service, with locally curated playlists including Africa Now, Afrobeats Hits, Ghana Bounce and more.

In addition, users have access to world-class music experts, tastemakers, and artist-led programs from globally celebrated creators including Virgil Abloh, Billie Eilish, Elton John, Pharrell, and more.

Apple Music’s pricing in the new territories ranges from USD $2.99 per month in markets like Angola, Cameroon and Zambia to $10.99 per month in Iceland.

Mombasa based music production house, Above the rim has joined other well wishers in making donation to the Mombasa County Emergency Household Relief and Nutrition Project .

The project being chaired by Mombasa County Governor Hassan Joho and County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo is intended to aid in the fight against Covid-19.

Above the rim made a cash donation of over kshs 40,000 which was presented to Governor Hassan Joho and the County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo by musician Susumila who is a director at the production house.

"This disease is affecting everyone of us and as above the rim we felt it was also our responsibility to join in the fight against it and support our county government under the leadership of Governor Joho" said Susumila.

Adding "The disease has disrupted life in our communities hence the need to provide social support during this difficult time, i encourage all those who can help to also come out and help"

On his part Kitiyo recognised artists who have recorded songs to educate the community on the virus.

"We also have artists like Susumila, Amarila, Odinareh Bingwa, Modan Photography and others  who have composed songs on coronavirus, we also recognise and thank you for your contribution" said Kitiyo.

The Safe Hands Kenya campaign to stop the spread of Covid-19 has received a boost after Pwani Oil announced that it will contribute 5.5. million kilograms of soap for distribution to Kenyans.

The campaign is aimed at rallying Kenyans to join hands through behavior change and social distancing, good sanitary practices and other measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.  

Pwani Oil has donated foodstuff and hygiene items worth Ksh 1.5 million to be distributed to 10,000 families in Kilifi County.

 The donation comprising soap and cooking oil was received by Kilifi County officials. Last month, the company also donated 20 hand washing kits to police stations in the County.

Pwani Oil Commercial Director Rajul Malde described the Safe Hands campaign as a noble cause and pledged his company’s full support.

“As a company, we have actively partnered with Kenyans of goodwill as the country steps up efforts to halt Covid 19. We are proud to be part of Safe Hands Kenya, a noble cause bringing together Kenyans from diverse backgrounds in the fight against this disease,” said Mr. Malde.

He added that the company was committed to working with the national and county governments, and other Kenyans of goodwill, to help communities mitigate the challenges presented by Covid 19. 

 “The partial lockdown, coupled with social distancing, is bound to affect many poor households in Kilifi and other parts of the country. Covid 19 has disrupted life in our communities hence the need to provide social support during this difficult period,” said Mr. Malde.  

He further said that Pwani Oil wants to partner with counties to improve access to sanitation as the country is facing the threat of Covid-19. 

Safe Hands Kenya, a private-sector driven initiative bringing together technology firms, manufacturers, suppliers, media and community based organisations, is also distributing free soap, sanitisers, surface disinfectants and masks.

Pwani Oil has also partnered with the government and various organizations to scale up provision of sanitary items like soap, hand sanitizers and hand washing kits to the general public, and for use by health workers in hospitals across the country.

Among the beneficiaries are Kenya Ferry Services, National Police Service, Kenya Progressive Nurses Association and various counties.

Pwani Oil, working with Kenya Pipeline Company, has supported the production of 60,000 bottles of hand sanitizers.

The company has also reduced prices of its soap brands to make them affordable and promote regular washing of hands as a way of preventing the spread of Covid 19

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.