Mombasa based artist Susumila now appears determined to widen his fan base, claiming his fair share of the East Africa market in the music industry.

Last year (August), Susumila who has already established a strong fan base in the larger Coast region and other parts of the Country (Kenya) released a successful collabo with Tanzanian artist Lava Lava 'Warembo' which currently enjoys over 2.5 million views on you tube, a milestone to his career.

He was scheduled to release another collabo with yet another artist from Tanzania and from the same music label WCB, Mbosso on the first day of the new year 2020,1st January , this however did not take place, his management came out to apologise to fans for the delay.

A statement form the management reads "Due to unavoidable circumstances we were unable to release @officialsusumila ft @mbosso_ new jam Sonona. New dates to becommunicated asap. Our sincere apologies to our fans. Happy New Year Fam"

In a brief interview with Ommy Dallah, Susumila stated "I know my fans are really waiting for the song but we are just finalising on some issues, the song will be out before end of this month".

He further went ahead to reveal that he is currently working on a collabo with Ommy Dimpoz.

"We are shooting the video today (Tuesday) and we will release the song after releasing the one i did with Mbosso" said Susumila.

Fashion designers from Ethiopia and Kenya held “The Narrative Designers Showroom” in Nairobi at the house of co-working space Ikigai Westlands, with the main room being transformed with racks and mannequins, into a space where the public and buyers could touch and feel their collections.

The keynote speaker, Ms Anne Mutahi, SME Advisor to his Excellency the President, highlighted the emotional connection humans have with cloth, from the moment they are born throughout life.

She challenged Kenyan designers to address the needs of the mass market as clothing imports to Kenya currently stand in KES billions per year. I

In support Ms Akinyi Odongo, Chair of the newly formed Kenyan Fashion Council, outlined what the council is now doing to organize and harness the power of the 75,000  designers and tailors around Kenya, and encouraged the young designers to become members.

Madam Kavita Chhabra, wife of the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, spoke about the power of fashion in entrepreneurship in transforming lives.

In attendance were the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, His Excellency Mr. Rahul Chhabra, Ms Julie Deb of Midori India designers and Chimano of Sauti Sol with other well-known personalities.

The showroom format was new to Nairobi with the audience responding well as it allowed designers the opportunity to interact and explain their collections.

The designers were all beneficiaries of the Mitreeki Fashion Incubator Program organized by Supporting Indian Trade and Investment for India (SITA), which is an International Trade Centre (ITC) program, funded by the United Kingdom’s Department of International Development, which builds trade and investment linkages between India and East Africa.

The program spaced over 10 months in Kenya and 6 months in Ethiopia, was a part-time business and design course focused on the reality of doing business in the 2 countries.

The course was initially designed by Nairobi design veteran Ann McCreath of KikoRomeo and modified by Hebret Lakew of Kooroo for Ethiopia.

Both played a key role in teaching and mentoring the designers throughout the program.

The main focus of the course was on finding yourself as a designer and defining your unique Brand DNA to be able to better compete in local and international markets.

Designers also learned how to do Lookbooks, Linesheets, write a Press Release and other essential things for presenting their work to buyers and the public.

Designers from Kenya exhibiting included AAchera, Akinyi Wamboi, Chuak Clothing (S Sudan), Cinched by Mia Mara, Frika Designs (Embu), Hisi Studio, Nikech Amor, Ogato, Otsieno Otieno, Pure Maiden, Sonoek, Tafari Designs, Wanderi Culture and Elsie Netia Management. 

Others who went through the course were:  Esperanza Fashion & Design (former refugee in Kakuma, now resettled in Canada), Kiumbe Kulture, Mrembo Clothing, Queens & Kings, Ranks Leather and Shake the Tree.

Designers from Ethiopia included: Etsub, Fozia Endrias, Kunjina, Loza Designs, Lua Mua, Mela, Menena, MimiSho, Shamrock Addis and Ma’Ebel.

Speaking about the Showroom, beneficiary of the course Ms Elsie Achieng said “I joined this program thinking the only way I could participate in fashion was by being a fashion designer". 

Adding "It is only when we were exposed to the moving parts of this sector that I realized it’s more than just design. I discovered I need to be in fashion marketing”.

Elsie PR is now handling marketing for several of her fellow participants.

There was drama at a church in Bamburi, Mombasa today (Sunday) after a pastor stabbed his wife to death before committing suicide during church service.

Pastor Elisha Misiko of Ground For Jesus Church unleashed a knife at the pulpit where he was sitting together with his wife and stabbed her on the back and head, the pastor is said to then immediately committed suicide by slitting his throat using a knife.

Kisauni Police Commander Julius Kiragu confirmed the incident saying investigations into the incident that occurred at 10am are underway.

The wife died later at the Coast general hospital where she was receiving treatment. The two are said to have had a domestic row.

Tanzanian star Harmonize real name Rajab Abdul has expressed his love for Mombasa fans.

Through a video, the artist who has recently been making headlines after leaving his former music label Wasafi revealed Mombasa has always been special to him due to the love he has always received from fans.

"I have been travellling all over the world, but Mombasa is very special to me because when i always come to Mombasa i feel like special seat. I love the energy, reception and love from my fans".

Adding "Ilike the fact that they take me so special, i want to let you guys know that you are so close to my heart"

Harmonize is currently in Mombasa where he is expected to headline the NRG wave concert today at the Mombasa Sports Club grounds alongside Nigeri'as Burna Boy 'The African Giant'.

Hundreds of fans yesterday came out to receive him as he arrived in Mombasa

Boomplay, the #1 music streaming service in Africa just released its anticipated 2019 Kenya Music Facts, declaring Willy Paul as the ‘Most Streamed Artiste’ in Kenya.

Nyashinski, Sauti Sol, Masauti and Nadia Mukami, followed taking position 2 - 5, respectively.

King Kaka, Khaligraph Jones, Evelyn Wanjiru, Arrow Boy and Ethic Entertainment, also joined the list of Kenya’s Top 10 Trending and Most Listened to Artistes in 2019.

Boomplay also collected data for the Most Streamed Songs as well as Albums. Willy Paul’s “Mmmh” feat. Tanzania’s Rayvanny came first in the Top 10 Kenyan Songs.

“Ipepete” by Masauti came second, “Radio Love” by Arrow Boy feat. Nadia Mukami came third with fourth position taken by Moji Shortbabaa’s “Vimbada” with Jabidii.

Others in the Top 10 Most Streamed Kenyan Songs of 2019 include “Narudisha” by Gloria Muliro at position 5, “Pandana” by Ethic Entertainment at number 7 and “Mungu Mkuu” by Gloria Muliro at number 9. Nyashinski with “Marathon Runner”, “Mungu Pekee” and “Free” took positions 6, 8 and 9.

The data and charts presented in the Music Facts sheet are based on data from the music app, which has over 60M+ users globally with over 5.3M from Kenya.

Boomplay also boasts of an expansive catalogue of over 20M tracks and is available on iOS, Android and web.

Among the top streamed albums was Hart_The Band’s 2019 debut ‘Made in The Streets’, followed by King Kaka’s 2018 ‘Eastlando Royalty’, then Evelyn Wanjiru’s ‘Mungu Mkuu’ 2017 release at third position with Arrow Boy’s 2019 debut ‘Hatua’ at fourth place.

Other 2019 albums that made it into the Top 10 Most Streamed Kenyan Albums in Kenya Music Facts include ‘Spectrum’ by Kagwe Mungai at position 8 and ‘Yesu Mtaani’ by Moji Shortbabaa at position 10.

The late E-Sir’s legendary status had him in this list with ‘Nimefika’ at position 9.

The service also released some insights on Kenyan streaming culture and music tastes.

From the facts sheet, Gospel Music tops the list of Kenya’s most streamed genre with Bongo Flava, Afrobeats, Hip-Hop & Rap and Reggae, following suit.

Thousands of revelers flocked the Mombasa sports club yesterday to usher in the biggest end year festival in Kenya dubbed the NRG WAVE.

The grand festival which will be running through to the 31^st of December brought together big artists in Kenya and East Africa on the first day, giving all the attendees a vibe of what is to be expected in the next following six days before the year officially closes down.

Among the artists who graced the night included Kenya’s Nadia Mukami, Kenyan favorites Bensoul, Willy Paul and Tanzania’s songstress Nandy, Nviiri, and The Sailors who closed down the show for the night.

“I did expect the party to be lit but this is so major like everything is beyond amazing. And the performance, and the drinks are very affordable- a tusker at 200 shillings. This is definitely my kind of festival and I will be around to the last day,” said Jacinta Muthoni who was attending the party.

According to another reveler, the festival was way under advertised for its magnitude, describing the set up as super amazing.

“Honestly, I came in because a friend of mine told me she was here…otherwise I saw it on TV a couple times I just did not know that it was going to be this big.  I came in and it was already a party in here. I know it is goi8ng to be even crazier on the day Burna will be performing and I am going to be in here. This is the biggest party in Kenya this year,” Added Charles Katana.

Some of Kenya’s best alcoholic brands had so much to offer all the party people while some of the best coastal dishes caterers graced the festival to ensure that everyone had more than enough to bite on.

While the next two day will be hosting kids party arenas, the 28^th will be graced by Africa’s own GOT- Burna Boy and Harmonize. And as the old wise people say that a good day is seen very early in the morning it is very correct to predict that it is going to be one super blown party at the NRG WAVE!!

Kenya’s popular award-winning actor Tyler Mbaya popularly known as Baha, in partnership with his Management Company Moonsun Pictures International held a successful Meet & Greet at the Thika Road Mall on Sunday 22nd Dec 2019.

Tyler joined his fans in fun activities & games as he auto graphed Christmas cards for them. In  the Christmas spirit his fans also came with food stuff and clothes in support of a children’s home close to Tyler’s heart (Makimei Children's’ Home) which he will present to today.

Bongo fleva star Ali Kiba has come out to refute claims by Kenyan socialite and Nairobi Diaries reality star Bridget Achieng that they were once in a relationship.

Speaking to journalists yesterday (Wednesday) evening, the 'Mshumaa' hitmaker denied knowing or having met Bridget Achieng.

Concerning the tattoo on Bridget's left hand, Ali Kiba said it's normal for fans to have tattoo's of their favourite artist on their bodies.

In an interview with Radio Jambo's Massawe Jappani Bridget Achieng claimed that she dated the Bongo star before calling it quits after discovering that they were on different paths.

"Kwa relationship there is a path you take and so does the other person, so i think we were just on different paths. I cannot undermine him. He had uswahili and ustarabu mi nna haraka zangu, nikaona sitaweza. It was a good relationship and we are still friends.” said Achieng

Adding "“I put this tattoo of him akanitafuta, the way he used to wine his waist made me love struck. I am not a stalker i am a go getter that is why i tattooed myself with his name. He looked for me and the rest is history. We talked for six months and our relationship lasted for a year"

Meanwhile Ali Kiba has shared with fans some photos of his new state of the art studio (Kings music studio) set to be opened soon.

The holiday season is here with us yet again and as usual many holiday makers flock the tourist city of Mombasa to enjoy themselves at the sandy beaches.

Party lovers have not been left behind, alot of concerts have been lined up in Mombasa starting next week, the Christmas week.

Mediamax Networks Limited has officially partnered with Energy Media Limited in bringing forth the most awaited end year festival dubbed NRG Wave festival.

The event which will host some of the World’s greatest music artists including the Nigerian Star Burna Boy and grammy award-winning reggae maestro Buju Banton, real name Mark Myrie.

Others expected to be in Mombasa for the festival includes Harmonize, Navy Kenzo, Darassa and Nandy from Tanzanian, from Kenya Khaligraph Jones, Willy Paul, Jua Cali, Nadia Mukami, Susumila,Nameless, Masauti, Ethic, Sailors Gang, Fena, Samidoh,and Redsan will also be available to thrill fans with a serious line up of Deejays including DJ Pierra Makena, Xclusive, Kace and Niche.

The event is expected to have five main shows that will cut across each day; NRG Wave Showdown, Comedy Binge Party, Kids Arena, African Giants and NRG Wave New Year Eve.

Meanwhile the famous noons goes to the beach will be going down on 31st at the Sun Africa Beach Hotel.