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

 

 

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has seized counterfeit goods worth over Kshs 100 million in the last one month in various parts of the country.

This includes electrical appliances, sportswear and equipment’s of premium trademarks, motor vehicle spare parts, digital TV antennas and toners among others. Most of these are from the far East Countries.

Among the seized goods was a 40-foot container of fake circuit breakers imported from China valued at over Kshs 10 million seized on Saturday 4^th May.

Speaking earlier today during an Inspection Tour of the ICDN, ACA Chair Ms. Flora Mutahi highlighted the negative effects of illicit and counterfeit trade on the economy.

“Left unchecked, illicit trade is the biggest threat to attainment of the Manufacturing and Job Creation Pillar of the government’s Big Four Agenda. As Government, we are committed towards safeguarding the interests of genuine traders, hence the increased efforts to curb illicit trade.” she said.

Research shows that there is a high correlation between illicit trade and slowed economic growth, development of local industry as well as unemployment rates. Illicit trade crimes are also related to other crimes such bribery, money laundering, terror funding and tax evasion, among others.

Additionally, illicit goods have adverse health, safety and environmental effects to the innocent consumers since they are often of inferior quality and standards.

“We also want to assure the genuine traders and public that the government is out to facilitate and not frustrate traders. We are strongly combating all forms of illicit trade in the interest of promoting a fair-trade environment and protect the rights of genuine traders, promote our local manufacturing industry, safeguard jobs and improve the ease of doing business,” added Ms. Mutahi.

ACA Executive Director, Mr. Elema Halake said that unscrupulous investors are increasingly changing tact and are now involved at several points across the supply chain from manufacturing, importation, distribution, wholesale and retail. To curb this, he revealed that the Authority was investing in technology to increase efficiency, in line with its mandate of protection of intellectual property owners.

“As an Authority, we are strengthening our capacity to detect counterfeits at the Ports of entry through use of modern technology and automation as well as leveraging multi-agency collaboration approaches, which are bearing fruit”, added Mr. Halake.

He also underscored ACA’s commitment to protecting the rights of brand owners by ensuring compliance with the legal framework.

The Managing Director of Sarova Hotels & Resorts, Jimi Kariuki has been appointed the Chairperson of the Kenya Tourism Board for a period of 3 years. Mr. Kariuki will serve effective this May until 2021. 

In March 2016 President Kenyatta also appointed him as the Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) where he served effectively until his re-appointment.

Among his significant previous tourism industry contributions, he served on the Board of Directors of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) representing Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) from 2003-2004, and on the Board of Directors of the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) from 2004-2006.

He joined Sarova Hotels in 1992 as the Group Marketing Manager.

In 1996 he was appointed on to the Company’s main Board of Directors, and in 2001 was promoted to the position of Director Marketing & Sales. He was appointed the Group’s Managing Director in January 2018.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa, and a Bachelor of Science (Bsc) degree in Marketing from Huron University South Dakota, USA. 

Scottish Highland distillery Glenmorangie hosted a single malt whisky tasting at the Tamarind Hotel Mombasa on Thursday evening.

The event aimed at creating an exceptional immersion to Glenmorangie’s elegant refinement, a layered complexity that adds depth and substance to the captivating sensory taste experience.

Speaking at the event, Alexandre Helaine Market Manager Moet Hennessy noted that “We are pleased with the uptake of Glenmorangie in Kenya. Glenmorangie has the tallest stills in Scotland, thereby producing one of the smoothest Single Malt in the world. This appeals to discerning drinkers who recognise and appreciate the best things in life.”

About Glenmorangie

Welcome to Glenmorangie, lovingly distilled since 1843. Our founder, William Matheson, was a man of vision and a stickler for quality.He created a single malt whisky of particular delicacy, smoothness and complexity of flavours that remains unrivalled today.

The recipe is deceptively simple, the attention to detail quite extraordinary. Marrying the pure mineral-rich waters of the Tarlogie Springs with local golden Scottish barley, we create an exquisite mash that we then distil in the tallest stills in Scotland.

The benefit of this obsession with height? Only the lightest and purest vapours condense into our spirit, which we then mature in our very own Missouri White Oak casks. (It takes a while, at least ten years.)

Made from 100-year-old trees, seasoned for a further two after felling, these carefully selected casks impart a colour and a creamy smoothness of flavour that is pure perfection.Of course, there are easier and quicker ways to make whisky. And there are other single malts too. But after one taste of Glenmorangie you would never try anything else.