Pine Creek Records presents Mankind's new song - F.A.M.E

Mankind is an Alternative Music Duo based in Nairobi, Kenya, known for their experimental sound.

A Brief Story Of F A M E

"F A M E" is the second single off of mankind's upcoming debut' studio album. As a follow up to the lead single "take & go" released in October of 2018, "F A M E" is ambition in a bottle, it's an attempt at expressing aspiration in a way most people would find relatable. Contrary to the title, it isn't wholly about fame and the pursuit for acclaim as described by the duo, "FAME “is merely a place holder for anything that we as a collective people as well as individually, aspire to accomplish within our brief tenure as humans.

Here are a few fun facts about the song:

1. The title is an acronym the duo has completely refused to divulge 
2. The song was produced by the uber talented Sofresh and Enos Olik was there, for the video though.
3. F A M E is exactly 3 minutes and 33 seconds and apparently, it's intentional for best results listen to the song at very beginning of the day.
4. It’s been reported from inconclusive studies that it's possible to hear the song under water rich and famous people can't relate to this song. 
5. The song is a great soundtrack for any hitchhiker trekking through the galaxy finally, mankind and the team at pine creek are beyond grateful for all your support so far and maybe with your continued faith and assistance, someday they'll get the chance to shout out their mothers at the Grammys.

 

Over the weekend I decided to visit Moshi, for the first time. It is among the popular tourist cities in Tanzania.

Moshi is located  in the northern part of the country (Tanzania) also known as the gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. It's near the Kenyan border in Taveta, Holili.

So, I applied for my temporary permit (my passport has expired, i haven't renewed it yet) to Tanzania a day before my journey (Friday, May 10) thanks to the new digital process through e-citizen that has now made it easy to apply for the permit and other services from the government. 

The temporary permit costs kshs 350.

I left Mombasa at exactly 7am (Saturday) by bus since i had opted to travel by bus so i can at least also have a first hand experience of the journey from Mombasa by road and of course see the wild animals at the Tsavo national park in Taita Taveta County on my way to Taveta.

We arrived at the border at exactly 12 pm and it's here where my journey almost came to an end. I had no clue that i was also supposed to have a copy of my invoice (from my permit application), an extra passport size photo ,a copy of my national identification card and also a photocopy of my permit.

I only had one copy of the permit, the original one that i downloaded from e-citizen and my original ID card. The officer at the Kenyan immigration office informed me that it was mandatory that i have the documents.

"I'm very sorry that this might be the end of your journey Mr Omar" the officer told me.

However, i must thank the officer since he called one of the guys from the bus company and told him to assist me in getting copies of the documents which i successful did from one of the bureaus outside the offices, in the Tanzania side and quickly came back to present them to him for him to stamp my permit which he did and proceeded to the Tanzanian immigration offices where it was also stamped and i rushed to the bus to continue with my journey.

The bus was still waiting for me all this time, it took me about an hour to be cleared and was the only passenger waiting to be cleared before the bus leaves.

We finally arrived in Moshi at around 2:30 pm. I took a taxi from the bus station to my hotel, Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel which is just some 4km away frrom town centre. Upon arrival at the hotel i was received by one guy who we quickly bonded and became friends as if we knew each other yet we were total strangers. Moses Alen the door man at the hotel was very good to me, i liked his hospitality, friendly and joyful nature.

By the way the hotel was my official host, special thanks to the General Manager Micheal Solaiman.

This hotel is actually one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities, it is located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport.

The hotel is ideal for visitors visiting Moshi town for adventure seeking or for business travel. 

Started in October 2016, the hotel has a total of 44 rooms with standard rooms, twin rooms, grand rooms and also grand suites. It also has two bars, one at the ground floor just beside the pool and the other at the roof top which is also popular with guests who want to have a view of the popular Mount Kilimanjaro. One can easily see two peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro , Uhuru and Mawenzi. 

A fully equipped fitness centre (gym) is also available at the hotel, located at the 4th floor,roof top.

The hotel also has a meeting room, a fully equipped conference facility is currently under construction, upon its completion (before end of this year), the conference facility will be able to accommodate 60 to 80 people.

In terms of food, the hotel offers different delicacies including local delicacies, one unique thing about the hotel is it sources its coffee locally from local farmers. Moshi is one of Tanzania's major coffee producing hubs and is also known for its coffee farms and auctions.

A view of the Mount Kilimanjaro from Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel Moshi, at the left is Uhuru peak and Mawenzi peak at the right.

Places to visit in Moshi.

Here are some places that you should consider visiting while in Moshi.

Materuni Waterfalls & coffee tour

This very impressive Waterfall is one of the tallest in the area, spewing crystal clear glacier water 70m into its basin. The beautiful path leading to Materuni Waterfall is located 2500m above sea level

It traverses thru valleys and hills covered by tropical rainforest, past coffee, banana and avocado “shambas”, the Kiswahili word for farms. On a clear day great views of Kibo and Moshi town can be seen. The hike to the base of the Waterfall can be demanding and hiking boots are recommended. As this trip is so close to Moshi town it is ideal for those people with limited time but who would still like to see some of the nature and beauty that this region of Tanzania has to offer.

Materuni is one of the few villages of wonder in Northern Tanzania sitting at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The village is blessed with full of all the beauty worth much visiting for holiday, week-end outing or vacation. While in the village, scenic view of Moshi Town and Mount Kilimanjaro is astonishing. This green village with fresh air from green vegetations welcomes visitors to explore the beauty of the land and cultural heritage of the Chagga people.

A cultural experience such as banana beer brewed or coffee roasted the traditional way can be added to your hike.

Chemka hot springs day trip

Kikuletwa Hot Springs or Chemka hot springs are an unexpected paradise hidden in the desert scrub outside the town of Boma.

Situated about 35 kilometres from Moshi, in the heart of the Sanya Plains, lie the Rundugai Springs. They are an extraordinary phenomenon, rushing up from underground in the middle of parched and dusty landscape. Locally called Chemka, meaning boiling, this refers to the way in which the water appears to boil as it emerges from underground. In fact, the water is not hot rather it is a pleasant temperature! This is a good place to visit for a picnic and a swim too. And the views of Kilimanjaro on a clear day are also fabulous. Unfortunately, the water is full of fluoride which means the local people can’t use it for drinking.  The crystal-clear, turquoise waters surrounded by palm trees and winding roots offer a picturesque spot for a relaxing afternoon swim.

The spring is actually rather big and over 6 meters deep in some places although you can see the bottom through the crystal clear waters no matter where you are. You can also wrap your arms around one of the roots and just let the water flow by as you drift off into a daydream listening to the monkeys and birds in the treas.

You can have as much fun or relaxation as your heart desires and your mind and body needs.

Kilimanjaro National Park

 

Photo/ courtesy

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the World, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding savannah elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres MASL (19,336 feet).

Kilimanjaro is one of the World’s most     accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the World. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, Stella Point or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories.

But there is so much more to Kilimanjaro than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic World tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. Even before you cross the national park boundary (at about 2700m), the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with other worldly giant lobelias. Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

Credit www.tanzaniaparks.com

 

 

The Kenya Ports Authority's Corporate Social Investment (CSI) project dubbed 'Tunahusika' has won an award in the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) World Ports Sustainability in the category of Ethics and Governance.

General Manager Corporate Services Mr Edward Kamau was presented with the award in Guangzhou, China. He was accompanied by Head of Security Services Ms. Mariam Khamis, Head of Corporate Affairs Mr Bernard Osero and Senior Human Resource Officer (Change Management) Ms. Fiona Mbandi.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has send a message of condolence and comfort to the family, friends and relatives of former clerk of the National Assembly Justin Bundi who succumbed to cancer over the weekend. 

Describing him as a seasoned and committed public servant who had a deep understanding of legislative processes, the President said the late Bundi distinguished himself as forthright and dependable public officer. 

“The late Bundi's commitment and devotion to his work saw him rise through the ranks from a District Officer in the then Provincial Administration to the position of National Assembly Clerk, where he again demonstrated his acumen and deep understanding of legislative processes, all aimed at improving the lives of fellow Kenyans,” said the President.

“His service and interaction with members of parliament, who are representatives of the people, enabled him to understand and appreciate the challenges facing us, as a nation, thereby ensuring that all legal aspects of Bills coming from the National Assembly fulfilled the aspirations of Kenyans,” he added.

The President said the late Bundi has left an indelible mark, not only in Kenya but in the whole region having previously served as the Clerk of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Bundi's death was  confirmed by the Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi.

“Mr Bundi, a personal friend whom I have known since our days in high school succumbed to cancer last evening while undergoing treatment at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi,”  said Muturi

 

 

Award winning dancer and Choreographer Ian Wainaina of Sura ya Malaika makes a comeback with a debut of his latest single – Mrembo

After 10 years of actively missing in the music scene, Ian is back with a Kizomba inspired beat produced by Paccy Bwoy of BlacJack Recordz and video by Alex of Raw Talent.

Mrembo is about a beautiful girl, and Ian sings his heart out acknowledging the beauty of this fine lady whom he holds in high regard.

Speaking about the song, Ian said “I was  challenged by two of my youngest dancers to go back to the studio after nudging them to always follow their dreams, I took  up challenge and so far I have recorded four songs and am back in the studio cooking more good music for my fans, it’s been a long time coming and am hopeful Mrembo will inspire all the beautiful ladies out there and all my fans. Mrembo is currently out on YouTube and will soon be available on all digital platforms”

 

 ABOUT

Ian is a singer, songwriter, Dancer and Dance Choreographer from Kenya. Ian is known in the industry for his dance moves and is also known for the hit song “Sura Ya Malaika” a single that brought him to the limelight.

Ian Wainaina has been involved in the entertainment and dance scene in East Africa for more than fifteen years. As an artist, he has a wide range of performance interests and has staged variety shows, performed in concerts and has been a judge and producer for major dance competitions, including Tusker Project Fame and Sakata Mashariki.  

He has also choreographed many renowned artists and events. Ian is keen to share his enthusiasm for music, dance and fitness, and he teaches a wide variety of dance styles including Latin Dance, Modern African Dance, Hip-Hop, and Dance Fitness both privately and in large group settings. 

 Ian is co-founder of Raw Talent Kenya, LTD, a talent consulting company that works with artists to fuse their different arts and talents encompassing music & video production, dance & choreography, theatre, music and dance events. He is also the sole creator of Kudunda, a Dance and Fitness program geared toward a healthy lifestyle, fitness and overall well-being.  

 

 

Just a month after dropping 'Kiboko remix' ft Khaligraph Jones which was well received and currently doing well in most music charts with over 900,000 views on you tube, Masauti the Kenyan boy is back with another banger.

The young talented artist from the Coastal city of Mombasa has just released his new song dubbed 'Ipepete'. Audio has been produced by Motif Di Don.

Watch the video below

 

 

Coke Studio Africa just released the music video of “Switch It Up”, performed and written by fierce fast-rising Namibian femcee Lioness, South African media personality and rapper Boity and legendary Kenyan femcee Nazizi.

The video carries through the theme of the season finale of Coke Studio Africa, which was to blaze a new trail for women in music, and place talented females behind the scenes and in front of the cameras and mics.

It’s an all female original composition produced by Kenyan producer Viola Karuri with the video directed by Thandi Lottering.

Over the years Nazizi had to balance another kind of challenge: “I was trying to think back to my day, and if I had anybody to inspire me as an African female rapper.”

Her step back in time drew zero memories of such: “I started rapping in 1998, so that’s 20 years of rap, being the only female. “

She frequently wonders, “So who am I inspiring?” She got to see on Coke Studio Africa when she met up with other Femcees. “It’s nice for me to sit back and watch and see other female MC’s coming up. You can really tell how different we are on Switch it up,” noted Nazizi.

Nazizi is a Kenyan veteran of 20 years who added Swahili spice to her bars, Setswana flexing Boity is a South African cover girl celeb who had only been in the game for months when this song was recorded and Lioness is surely the only Doctor and MC known in hip hop.

Lioness not only managed this balancing act, she flourished, making serious waves that she was invited to be on Coke Studio Africa. She says, “We can do what we want, we can choose what we want to do.” For her this made the whole experience even more dreamlike, “I had to be in studio and in the hospital, it was really hard for me to balance a lot of my life.”

Though as Boity said of their banger, “This track is based around women and female empowerment,” Boity found it “Fantastic” that African artists now have the freedom to show off their skills regardless of their gender, “At the core we are doing this without having to be ‘female MC’s, we are just being rappers.”

“Switch It Up” Coke Studio performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUIvv2Gzd8I

And every rapper wants to kill it says Nazizi, so “It’s very important to stop making that distinction, that she’s a female MC and he’s a male MC - we are rappers full stop."

The music video of “Switch it up” follows the impressive run of the Coke Studio Africa 2017 original composition “Said” that featured South African award-winning rapper Nasty C and highflying Nigerian singer and producer Runtown.

 

King Kaka is once again trailblazing and carrying the Kenyan flag high as he travels to France this coming Monday.

The trip solidifies his adapted nickname Mr. International.

While in France, he is slatted to meet and network with relevant players in the film, music and arts industries in Paris, Cannes and Cognac.

King Kaka’s France trip comes fresh off his successful Eastlando Royalty USA Tour. 

While in France, he will hang out with Baptiste Loiseau, world renowned cellar master as he exclusively tours the distillery, cellar and vineyard at Club Remy Martin in Cognac town.

King Kaka will also attend Cannes Film Festival, underlining his love for the Film Industry.

The successful musician, entertainer and entrepreneur continues to demonstrate to Kenya and the world that he is indeed a man of many hats.

The nominees for the 14th Annual Groove Awards have been unveiled at an exclusive red carpet event held at the Kenya National Theatre last evening, which saw artistes nominated in 23 categories.

This year’s nominees list had great surprises having new entries into some of the most tightly contested spots.

Receiving the highest nominations for a second year running was Jabidii. Last year, he received 7 nominations which made him the highest nominated artist in the history of Groove Awards.

This year, he has smashed his own record by bagging 11 impressive nominations including the highly contested Artist of the Year category, Collabo of the Year, Song of the Year, Teens Choice Song of the Year (in which he received 2 nominations ), Reggae/Ragga Song of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the year, Collabo of the year and Dance style/song of the Year – a category that saw him receive 3 nominations.

He was followed by Timeless Noel and Moji ShortBabaa who received 6 nominations each.

This year saw the introduction of new categories following continuous insights and changing industry dynamics.

There was a split of the Breakthrough Artists Category to accommodate both the Male and Female artists separately and the introduction of new categories; - Online/Digital Personality of the Year, Young Groover of the Year  and the Diaspora Artists of the Year category respectively.

Public participation in the nomination process having been introduced last year continues to generate a lot of excitement amongst stakeholders and the industry, giving greater ownership and participation to music fans across the country.

“The announcement of the nominees follows a rigorous process of reviewing 154,371 submissions that the public put in. Having refreshed the nominations process last year to include the public in the process for greater ownership and inclusion, the feedback has been very positive. 14 years on and we are excited and grateful to be unveiling the list of contenders for the 14th edition,” said Groove panel Chairman Charles Kairu.

Adding “We are truly honored to be in a position to shape culture, recognize and celebrate today’s talented artistes and their contribution to the growth of the gospel music industry.” 

The theme of this year’s awards show is: “Better Together.” It focuses on the message of unity in building better relationships, synergies and societies. It encourages a spirit of togetherness and highlights how togetherness helps build powerful and stronger bonds.

Online voting on www.grooveawards.co.ke will begin at 10pm tonight 8th May 2019. SMS voting will be introduced on Wednesday 15th May 2019 to compliment online voting and will run concurrently until midnight 31st May 2019.

This year’s winners will be announced on 1st June 2019 at the Gala Awards ceremony, to be held in Nairobi.

A winner’s concert is slated shortly after the awards ceremony on 8th June 2019 in Mombasa and will see all winners meeting their fans to celebrate their wins whilst appreciating their support during the nomination and voting process.

 

Below is the list of nominees.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Pitson

Moji Shortbabaa

Jabidii

Evelyn Wanjiru

Eunice Njeri

Alice Kimanzi

SONG OF THE YEAR

Zaidi Na Zaidi - Eunice Njeri

Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii

Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii

Celebrate - Evelyn Wanjiru

TEENS CHOICE SONG OF THE YEAR

Washangaze - David Wonder

Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii

Toka Teke - Mob K

Paripapa - Jfam

Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii

Confidence - Masterpiece

COLLABO OF THE YEAR

Wema Wako - Baraka Musiq ft. Guardian Angel

Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii

Ni Poa - Amani G ft. Pitson

Mwaka Wako - Florence Andenyi ft. Anastacia Mukabwa

Kurutu - Peter Mbui, Ruff, Dan Mbui & Kabi Wa Jesus

Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii

PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR

Zaidi Na Zaidi - Eunice Njeri

Usikiaye Maombi - Kathy Praise

Nikuabudu - Alice Kimanzi

Neno Lako - Godwill Babette

Even Here - Rebekah Dawn ft. Allan Sucre

Celebrate - Evelyn Wanjiru

HIP-HOP SONG OF THE YEAR

Relax - Stonee Jiwe

Realest - Kriss Erroh

Nice - Eko Dydda

Kalamu Nzito - Kamlesh Kagaba

Issues - Muhanji

Eyy Okay - Josh Xtra & Kibunjah

REGGAE/RAGGA SONG OF THE YEAR

Paripapa - Jfam

Nikuone - Dafari

God Is In Control - Kush Tracey

China - Jabidii

Atatenda - Havoc Musiq

Again (Step on Him) - Garvey Royal

HYPEMAN/MC OF THE YEAR

Timeless Noel

Mc Price

Mc Neb

MC KIbunjah

Mc Acts

Hype Ola

Hype Helena

Hype Gad

Hype Dago

Hype Belly

DANCE STYLE/SONG THE YEAR

Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii

Niko Rieng - Josay Flamer

Mbwayaga - Jabidii

Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii

Again (Step on Him) - Garvey Royal

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Satisfy - Joyce Omondi

Pekee Yangu - Moji Shortbabaa

Nifanane Nawe - Wahu

Ni Tembee Na Wewe - Size 8

Mwenye Baraka - Laura Karwira

Mtu Wa Maana - Pitson

MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Timeless Noel

Syombua Mwele Osiany

Kambua

Joyce Gituro

DJ Soxxy

Dj Ruff

DJ MO

Antony Ndiema

MALE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Zack Art

Revival

Ndume

Josay Flamer

Dess

Baraka Musiq

FEMALE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Njoki Munyi

Mwangi Nimo

Lydia Ndigwa

Faith Nduhiu

Emma Omonge

Branny

BREAKTHROUGH DJ OF THE YEAR

Ken The DJ

DJ Tripple B

DJ Son

DJ Sean

DJ Ray

Dj Prince Kim

DJ Justin

DJ Dolphin

DIASPORA ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Zangi

Proud Refuge

Naomi Karanja

Emmy Kosgei

Churchil King

Benachi

ONLINE/DIGITAL PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Laura Karwirwa for KarwirwaLaura.com

Kambua for Reflections With Kambua

Kabi & Milly for The WaJesus Family

Jasmine Macharia for Cooking With Jazz

Ernest Wamboye for Pen Strokes

Brendah Jons for Ministry Through Comedy

YOUNG GROOVER OF THE YEAR

Whitney Joy

Shyro P

Shanah Manjeru

Praise Makena

Keep It Real & Am Blessed

Cynthia Inzai

Breanna Njeri Ngugi

Amani G

COASTAL COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

U Mwamba Wangu Jesu - Dickson Nyamawi

Subira - Cate Njane

Siku Yako - John Isa

Neema - Michael Yena

NAKUPENDA - Eve Bahati

Mwanakondoo - Susan Mwalimu

CENTRAL COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Thimo - Shiru Wa GP

Ni Gukena - Ruth Wamuyu

Ngai wa mwanya - Paul Waiganjo

Muheani - Phyllis Mbuthia & Sammy Irungu

Kaba Ngai Ungirathima Umwe - Loise Kim

Guoko kwa Jehova - Chege Wa Willy

EASTERN COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Testimony - Bessy Blessing

Tamuka Ndeto - Eunice Kyalo

Ngwate Kwoko - Justus Myelo

Mundu Uiva - Ev. John Kay

Kyaa kya Ngai - Stephen Kasolo

Kava Ndiwe na Yesu - Wilberforce Musyoka

NYANZA COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Conquerer - Fenny Kerubo

Ok Abi Tho - John Okidi

Ababisa - Douglas Otiso

Donge Nyasaye - Eunice Ogoma

Kik Ikala - Florence Robert

Oloyo Lweny - Christine Otieno

RIFT VALLEY COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Very Nice Tumdo - Rose Cheboi

Shoretisho - Ole Nkukuu

Osiligi - Tychicus Keret

Kapchi - Mum Cherop

Kalamit - Pst. Joel Kimeto

Atajewuo - Sanino Bless

WESTERN COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR

Yeso Nolwanda - Eunice K.

Wanyangala - Jackie Wanyama

Lwanda Ni Yesu - Timothy Kitui ft. Ali Mukhwana

Khwekanile - Grace Sunday

Khongonda - Henry Mutonyi

Chinyinga Chimalilisi - Rose Ondenyo

 

 

 

Former Kenya Defence Forces Spokesperson Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna has been appointed the new Government Spokesman taking over from Eric Kiraithe.

In a statement signed by ICT CS Joe Mucheru, the move takes effect immediately as the government rebuilds its communication structure.

"In line with directions from the Executive Office of the President through the Head of the Public Service, the office of the Government Spokesman shall be domiciled at the ICT Ministry," the statement read.

Oguna has previously held various positions relating to the management of personnel, operations and communications within the Kenya Defence Forces and government.

Between 2014 and 2017, he served as Defense Advisor/ Attache at Kenya's High Commission in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Kenyans got to know Oguna when Kenya entered Somali in 2011, he was the one updating the public on the operation.

In his statement Kiraithe, who is also the former police spokesperson noted that Oguda is equal to the task.

"It is my great pleasure and honour to welcome Oguna as the new government spokesman. I have worked with Oguna in the past and can assure Kenyans that the colonel is equal to the task." said Kiraithe