After a rigorous selection process, the Realness Institute, in partnership with Netflix the world’s leading streaming entertainment, is excited to announce the twelve participants selected for the 2022 Episodic Lab (EPL) and Development Executive Traineeship (DET).

Realness Institute is a non-profit organisation which aims to empower Africans to tell their stories from an unapologetically African point of view.

Each of the twelve participants (six per programme), will receive a monthly stipend of USD 2 000 during the incubation period.

This is to cover living expenses as they focus on their concept and professional development.

The successful applicants were drawn from a competitive pool of 200 submissions from an open call, which closed on 21 January 2022.  EPL and DET commenced on 1 May and runs until 31 July 2022, with the last week of the programme consisting of in-person sessions in Gauteng, South Africa.

For the Episodic Lab, selected applicants include: Hussein Kurji with Bushcamp (Kenya), Khanyo Mjamba with Byline (South Africa), Mlilo Mpondo with Bayeti-Visitors (South Africa), Neo Sibiya with Ukushona Kwelanga (The Setting of The Sun) (South Africa), Sandra Madu with From Lagos with Love (Nigeria) and Voline Ogutu with Dilemma (Kenya).

The selected screenwriters will spend 3 months in a virtual lab where they will work on developing their original story ideas, in any genre, alongside the mentorship of Realness Institute Creative Producers.

 Elias Ribeiro and Mehret Mandefro, and Story Consultants, Selina Ukwuoma and Thandeka Zwana. After this stage of mentorship, the lab participants will have the opportunity to pitch their incubated stories to Netflix executives.

“Anxious and excited. It's not every day an opportunity, specifically to showcase African talent, comes around. The Lab will strip our writing bare, and we'll all be better for it. Bring it!” – Hussein Kurji.

"Being selected for the Realness/Netflix Episodic Lab is a giant leap forward in my screenwriting career. I'm absolutely ecstatic to be a part of this gifted group of African professionals and see this programme as an accelerator for us towards the pinnacle of authentic, fearless showrunning. I'm so chuffed!!" – Khanyo Mjamba. 

For the Development Executive Traineeship (DET), selected participants include: Babalwa Baartman (South Africa), Khosie Dali (South Africa), Mona Ombogo (Kenya), Neiloe Whitehead (South Africa), Omotunde Akiode (Nigeria), Pedro Duarte Soulé (Cabo Verde).

These selected participants will gain a deeper understanding of the story development process, working alongside creative producers and story experts.

DET Participants will work in teams to support the development and crafting of the Episodic Lab Participants’ respective projects  and help translate their concepts into pitch decks.

The approach, of the Episodic Lab and DET programmes, is vertical and horizontal learning, using writing rooms as a co-creating collaborative space.

“So wow! Realness Institute and Netflix! There are those moments when you know your life is about to change exponentially.  This is one of them. I’m ecstatic to take this journey with fellow writers and become more… More stories, more truth, more boundaries. Just more!” – Mona Ombogo.

“DET 2022 is an important tool to support building my professional career and help develop the Industry in my country and region."- Pedro Soule.

While there is no guarantee that any proposal will be developed further by Netflix, it is a unique opportunity that affords the participants the space and time to develop their stories and skills with the guidance of international experts, including Netflix Executives.

Swangz Avenues newbie and signee Zafaran has today officially kicked off her music career after dropping her first single and video.

The sensational singer is here to prove to many how her vocals and lyrical maturity is powerful through her song.

The song sweetheart was written by Dokta Brain and Produced by Bomba and the video was directed by Gabriel Kyambadde. Zafaran, real name Josephine Nakyoonyi joined the Music record label Swangz Avenue early last month after signing an undislocsed contract.

In the simple and colourful music video, Zafaran is seen doing moves and gestures of being deeply in love with her long time sweetheart.

In the video are scenes of beautiful choreographers that add sauce to the lyrically rich and good song.

The costumes that are characterised by cultural wears and outfits bring out her real image of a proud African artiste and these too paint an extra picture that’s eye-catching in the video.

The song is defined by good acoustic instruments and beats giving you access to Zafaran’s vocals and her lyricism.

Whereas she sings about her unending love for her intimate handsome sweetheart, the song is also danceable too which will see it hitting lots of airwaves and top countdowns on media platforms.

The lines, “Title ya ma lover kanjikuwe kuba amasanyu ompera mu bandale” are a deliberate jab at the tag- hashing generation that we have become, and an overdue one.

Bomba’s signature production style defines the song, with light synth strings and some gorgeous harmonies.

Another favourite thing about this song is its littered with bridges, interludes and progressions, aspects that define a new generation of musicians that have tones of technical ability to back their creativity.

Throw in the fact that Sweet Heart is surprisingly a catchy tune and better to grudgingly admit that watching this video and listening to the audio is an enjoyable experience.

Sweet Heart is now available on all streaming platforms worldwide

Orange Democratic Movement ODM leaders in Mombasa have asked residents to reject former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko in his quest to succeed Governor Hassan Joho in the August 9 general elections.

The leaders who spoke during the annual Eid Baraza celebrations held at the Mombasa’s Treasury Square grounds on Tuesday, termed Sonko as a failure in Nairobi and therefore, saying Mombasa cannot afford to elect a failure.

They said although Sonko has a right to vie for Mombasa seat, the region is already sealed in ODM and thus there is no space for political intruders. The leaders instead, asked electorates to vote six pieces in the upcoming general elections.

Likoni Mp Mishi Mboko cautioned residents not to be carried by a wave of coming politicians like former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko who has declared to contest for the top seat in the next general elections.

"We are seeing a lot of excitement in Mombasa, because of people who want to come and vie here in Mombasa, we urge our people to stand firm and elect Nassir, if they are brought return to the sender, Mombasa is not a dumping site,” said Mboko.

Read: https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2827-video-sonko-entry-in-mombasa-governor-race-continues-to-ruffle-feathers

Mombasa senator Mohamed Faki asked Kalonzo to withdraw his plan to field Former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko in Mombasa.The leaders term the plan a mockery to Mombasa people, saying it's going to fail.

"Here in Mombasa, we have no shortage of leaders, we have leaders who have been tested and have proved to be good leaders,but importing leaders to come and lead us is something we cannot accept,” said Faki.

On his part, Mombasa county speaker Hatub Khatri asked Mombasa residents and especially ODM supporters to remain united so as to win the gubernatorial seat against Governor Sonko.

"Everyday people are coming, being implanted on us, we urge our people to stay united so that they can vote in ODM leadership,” said Khatri.

Jomvu Member of Parliament BadiTwalib slammed Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for planting Sonko in Mombasa, saying it's not done with good intentions except dividing Mombasa electorates.

"There are many leaders in Mombasa who can lead, how can we implement a project here in Mombasa, this is mockery and not in good faith,” said Twalib drumming up support for Nassir.

"Those that are bringing this person, they are the one with bad intentions to divide us, we will do all what it takes to ensure no newcomer takes over leadership in Mombasa, “said Twalib.

On His part, Mombasa governor Hassan Joho reiterated that Mombasa will vote a six piece leadership, so that it can grant its presidential candidate Raila Odinga more votes in the presidency.

“People will make noise, we have seen people saying s that we are blocking them from campaigning, if you are in wiper party you can campaign, you can send a leader to campaign for you, but don’t take away my right to support my ODM candidates in Mombasa because we want all candidates to come from ODM,” said Joho.

Joho drummed up support for Nassir saying he fits the bill to succeed him. Nassir is contesting for Mombasa county governor seat through ODM party ticket.

“I know if Abdulswamad messes, he will be willing to listen to advice, he is someone who can seek guidance, that’s why I want to ask the people of Mombasa to elect Nassir as the governor of Mombasa,” said Joho.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced a minimum wage increase of 12 percent with effect from today, 1^st May 2022, to cushion workers against further erosion of their purchasing power.

Noting that for over three years there has been no review of the minimum wages while the cost of living has increased with inflation ranging between 5 to 6 percent annually, the President said the Government has found it necessary to increase the minimum wages.

“In that regard, and in full appreciation of the critical contribution of workers to the economy; following the recommendation of various stakeholders; as a caring Government, we find that there is a compelling case to review the minimum wages so as to cushion our workers against further erosion of their purchasing power while also guaranteeing the competitiveness of our economy,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi when he led Kenyan workers in marking this year’s Labour Day.

The Head of State lauded the role and resilience of workers in bolstering the country’s efforts to bounce back and build stronger after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our workers are the backbone of our economy and our way of life. Throughout the Covid-19 disruptions that began in the year 2020, our workers have kept the Kenyan flame burning bright. For that, we will remain forever grateful and indebted to them,” the President said.

While commending the country for remaining focused in the face of adversity such as the Covid-19 and the global rising cost of living, President Kenyatta castigated some political leaders for inciting Kenyans to blame the Government for the global challenges instead of offering solutions.

“Instead of coming out to offer solutions on challenges facing the country, you have made it your responsibility to go out there spewing insults which do not help Kenyans.

“Insults and empty promises will take you nowhere but hard work and the labour of your hands,” President Kenyatta told politicians.

On the global rising cost of living, the President assured Kenyans that the Government has taken sustainable measures to cushion the vulnerable, including the workers and farmers on the cost of inputs.

Citing the cost of fuel as an example, President Kenyatta said the Government has subsidized prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene making them the lowest in the region.

He pointed out that had the Government not protected consumers against the global increase in fuel prices, petrol price would have been approximately Kshs 173 per litre.

“But to cushion our people, the Government has had to pay Kshs 29 per litre as a subsidy. We have similarly subsidized diesel and kerosene.  Currently, our diesel pump price is Kshs 125.5 a litre; the lowest price of diesel in our region and beyond secured by the government subsidy of Kshs 40.2 per litre,” he said.

In this regard, President Kenyatta warned that stern action will be taken against oil marketers who sell the subsidized fuel outside the country.

He also asked the private sector, as key partners of the state in the economic development journey, to make re-adjustments that secure the elusive balance between profitability and sustaining the wellness of their labour force.

The President also pointed out that the various economic stimulus packages rolled out by his administration over the last two years have helped Kenyan families to cope with the challenges arising from shrinking opportunities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Unlike the private sector that declared redundancies that led to retrenchments, the public sector maintained its workforce at pre-Covid levels,” the President said.

He encouraged workers to embrace positive energy to continue powering the country’s development by building, believing and being champions of the Kenyan Dream.

President Kenyatta commended groups like the Jua Kali artisans on Ngong Road, Kamukunji and Kariobangi who came together to form a company worth Kshs 250 million.

He also cited the Government’s Kazi Mtaani initiative that benefited over 500,000 young people as an example of positive energy

“From the Kazi Mtaani initiative, 1,266 youth groups were organically formed.  Of these groups, 1,025 have benefited from commercial loans and our affirmative action funds,” the President said.

The Head of State also appreciated Kenyan workers in the diaspora for remitting approximately Kshs 375 billion every year.

Responding to Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli’s request, President Kenyatta directed Labour CS Simon Chelgui to ensure the person picked by workers to represent them at National Social Security Fund (NSSF) board is gazetted.

He also took the opportunity to congratulate former Togo Prime Minister Gilbert Houngbo for being elected as the first African Director General of the International Labour Organization.

Speaking at the event, CS Chelgui thanked President Kenyatta for his leadership which ensured that workers and employees were protected during COVID-19 pandemic.

“Your Excellency, the programmes that you laid down including the reduction of Pay As You Earn (PAYE), the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and payment of stipend to those who lost jobs went a long way in protecting the Kenyan people and workers,” CS Chegui said.

He also pointed out that Kenyan workers have been at the forefront in supporting the implementation of the Government’s Big 4 Agenda.

On his part, Mr. Atwoli commended the President and his Government for supporting the Kenyan worker especially by creating a conducive environment for the manufacturing sector to thrive despite challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Federation of Kenya Employers Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders in the labour movement for working together as partners to promote the interests of the Kenyan workers.

Bongo flava superstar Rajab Abdul Kahali, popularly known by his stage name Harmonize, has downplayed allegations that he assaulted controversial Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi at Kileleshwa police station.

The 'Jeshi' Hit Maker has also denied of any bad blood between him and the Kenyan comedian.

Omondi had accused Harmonize of assaulting him, causing injury at his lower lip.

Addressing media outside Kileleshwa police station Omondi, who showed journalists his bleeding lip stated that he had sought for the musician to refund the money paid to him for performances at various Nairobi night clubs, which he allegedly did not honour.

But while responding to the allegations after leaving the police station on Sunday afternoon, the Tanzanian musician expressed his disappointment why Omondi made such unfounded allegations against him.

The musician who was being sought by four different clubs, including Cocoricos and Captain Lounge, also denied having pocketed Money by false pretense.

He apologised to his Kenyan fans for the unfortunate incident that he said was done with an intention to taint his image.

“Wewe unaweza kupiga mtu kwenye kituo cha polisi? Kama Polisi wanakuangalia?" does it look sane for one to do so? Harmonize asked reporters.

Harmonize also took time to express confidence that the matter will be resolved.

He left the station in the company of former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko in the same car and is likely to stage a powerful performance in Mombasa.

"We are leaving to Mombasa,"said Harmonize without shedding much details about his planned Mombasa visit but according to Club Volume owner, Mike Sonko, Harmonize will stage a performance at the club today (Sunday) evening.

"Harmonize will perform in Mombasa in conjunction with other musicians, the matter that he was being sought for has been resolved and now is a free man," said  Sonko.

Sonko termed the Nairobi incident as just a miscommunication and some conmanship from some individuals who were out to make money through Harmonize's name.

"I think there was miscommunication in the whole thing, some people wanted to ride on the influence of Harmonize to make money, si munajua mambo ya kanairo, but that is a matter that is already been solved," added Sonko.

The musician also hinted that he will take part in the Kenyan presidential campaigns but promised to disclose his candidate at the right time.The musician hinted part he will be in the campaign trail for some months.

"My love for Kenya can't be measured, Kenya is my home and for your information I will be taking part in the presidential campaigns in Kenya, I can't say who I I'll campaign for but I will revel when the time comes," said Harmonize.

Harmonize was for the better part of Sunday detained at the Kileleshwa police station, for questioning over complaints from the club appearances that were reported that he snubbed.

Police said they were investigating claims of obtaining money by false pretense. Several of his fans thronged the station when news of his arrest came out

Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz has said he currently does not consider anyone as a competition in his home country (Tanzania), when it comes to music.

Speaking during an interview with UK's podcast 90s Babyshow hosted by Fred Santana, Temi Alchemy & VP, Diamond revealed this is the main reason why he refused to participate in the Tanzania music awards (2022).

"I will tell you this,  I have no competition and the whole continent knows this. That is why I told the organisers of the Tanzania music awards not to nominate me because I'm now at a point where I should be empowering musicians from Tanzania and competing with them." said Diamond.

Adding "If you go to all platforms, like You tube, just last month I had 53 million views the one following me had 17 million and he is an artist that I introduced, under my label, so why should I compete with my fellow Tanzanian artists, it does not make sense."

Asked about the artists that fans should watch out for, Diamond who is currently promoting his new FOA Ep, mentioned Zuchu and Nandy, Rayvanny, Mbosso, LavaLava and AliKiba.

https://twitter.com/dallah_ommy/status/1520704557994627073?s=20&t=BnTNz14omaU_QS9CVUig6w

Hollywood movie star Lupita Nyong'o has been named as the AfrIcities Goodwill ambassador.

Africities is the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa’s flagship pan-African event that is held every three years in one of the five regions of Africa.

The 9th edition of the Africities Summit is scheduled to take place on May 17 to 21, 2022 in Kisumu, Kenya.

"For the first time, the Africities Summit will have a Goodwill Ambassador: Ms. Lupita Nyong'o, Oscar-winning Kenyan actress, star of the film "Black Panther" and its sequel “Wakanda Forever”. reads a tweet from the Afrocities official twitter account.

Placed under the high patronage of Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta, the theme chosen for the summit is: “The role of intermediary cities in Africa in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and of the African Union’s Agenda 2063”.

One of the goals of this edition is to mobilise the African and Afro-descendant diaspora to begin the journey towards African renaissance with their fellow citizens who have remained on the continent, as well as with all people of goodwill interested in the development, integration, and unity of Africa.

This flagship event of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa organised in partnership with the Government of Kenya, the Council of Governors of Kenya, and the County of Kisumu will for the very first time be held in an intermediary city.

More than 10,000 delegates are expected to attend the event.

Participants are expected to discuss the 2030 and 2063 Agendas which call for urgent reflection on resilient and sustainable urbanization in Africa.

The theme  for the event is “The role of intermediary cities in Africa in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and of the African Union´s Agenda 2063”.

Soulful Kenyan singer and songwriter Bensoul has just released a special tribute song in honour of the late third President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki.

The song titled 'Kibaki Atabaki' has been produced, mixed and mastered by Hendrick Sam.

In the song, Bensoul praises Kibaki for transforming the country in different sectors.

Bensoul also features Kibaki's famous witty quotes and speeches in the song.

The late Kibaki who died a week ago will be laid to rest today (Saturday) at his home in Othaya, Nyeri county.

Apple Music is celebrating the beauty and diversity of the African continent this Africa Month with their Africa Is… campaign.

Africa is many things to many groups of people and by honouring its musical complexities, Apple Music pays homage to its melting pot of innovation, creativity and sounds.

Africa Is will feature music from West Africa, Francophone Africa, East Africa, Lusophone Africa, and Southern Africa, with 18 exclusive guest playlists that are all inspired by what it means to be African.

The curators for the guest playlists on Apple Music include West Africa's Rema (Nigeria), Moliy (Ghana) Basketmouth (Nigeria) Kelvyn Boy (Ghana), Prince Gyasi (Ghana) and Andrea Iyamah (Nigeria).

 Representing East Africa is Chimano (Kenya) and Hussein Suleiman (Uganda), for Lusophone Africa it's Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde) and Eliana Murargy (Mozambique), for Francophone Africa we have Ferre Gola (DRC), Serge Ibaka (DRC) and Chrystel (Ivory Coast), and lastly representing South Africa are Bongeziwe Mabandla, Uncle Waffles, Slikour, Nduduzo Makhathini and Wanda Lephoto.

In addition to this, Apple Music will have a dedicated Africa Is… section featuring flagship Editorial and Genre playlists, special Artist Essentials and Behind The Boards playlists, as well as Exclusive Home Sessions and the hottest music videos from the most popular artists.

Here is what the guest curators had to say about the inspiration behind their playlists:

"To me, Africa - like our music - is diverse, rich, colourful, and beautiful. We know how to have fun. We know how to brighten up a room while preserving the soulful essence of our sound." - Rema (Nigerian singer and rapper)

“Africa is the future. Sounds from the continent have always been a force to be raved about, but recent years have proven that won’t be slowing down anytime soon as this new generation continues pushing boundaries." - Moliy (Ghanian singer-songwriter)

“The world is opening up to the beauty of African music. Hence, it is important that we as Africans continue to propagate our art in every way possible, because no one else can see us the way we would ourselves. Listen to this playlist I made of my favourite African songs.” - Basketmouth (comedian, filmmaker and singer)

“AFRICA IS MUSIC, AFRICA IS AUTHENTIC. This playlist proves how authentic our sound is and how dominant our sound has become over the years." - Kelvyn Boy (Ghanaian Afrobeat singer)

"God has blessed Africa with beautiful kids and I love her because she raised her kids well. Each kid has contributed to the creative world. Art, music and fashion are so original in everything they do. Love them. Africa is original.” - Prince Gyasi (international renowned visual artist)

“Africa is inspiring" - Andrea Iyamah (Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer)

"Africa Is... royalty. I call this the African Royals playlist. I have selected some of the top artists and songs from different generations and origin in Africa. Our musical journey starts in Angola then heads South to the beautiful Zimbabwe, and then up north to Mali the birthplace of music legends and creators of some of the most beautiful music in the world." - Bongeziwe Mabandla (South African musician) 

“Africa to me is its music’s, stories and cultures. Africa is all the things that have survived the catastrophes imposed by the west. Africa is the spirit that refused the erasure and became immortal. Africa is the essence of being and all things (Ntu)." - Nduduzo Makhathini (South African jazz musician)

 "Africa is the spirit in which the world we live is guided on.” - Wanda Lephoto (South African designer)

"Africa is authenticity. Our sweetest songs are those that come from the saddest thoughts and sung in a melancholic voice.” - Ferre Gola (Congolese recording artist) 

"Africa is… diverse. One thing I love and respect the most about Africa it’s its diversity and versatility. This is what I tried to show with this playlist. Even though I’m a huge fan of Congolese music I find sounds and vibes I love in every country of Africa.” - Serge Ibaka (Congolese NBA player and artist) 

“African music is where it all starts for me. These are just some of the songs I grew up hearing on the way to school, around the house, the memorable bass I heard at parties. And then some of the music I love today.” - Chrystel (Ivorian singer and songwriter) 

“Africa is black. Black is room to create, to inspire, to elevate, to stamp. Africa is foundation" - Chimano (Kenyan musician)

"This playlist is reflective of the rich and varying sounds of Africa. From old gems to future sounds, I wanted to present a glimpse into how I experience music from the continent. Please find below the very many artists that influence and inspire me on a daily basis as I make my way through the rest of the world.” - Hussein Suleiman (Ugandan founder of streetwear brand Daily Paper)

“Africa is part of my ancestry, from my musical influences of Cabo Verde and being brought up in Europe (France and Switzerland) my taste for music is diverse, from the Rhythms beats and Melodies from Africa, I hope everyone treasures this playlist as much as I do from Africa to the World on this special month!'' - Soraia Ramos (Cape Verdean singer) 

“Africa is our heartbeat. Past, present, future… music has and always will be part of my life.” - Eliana Murargy (Mozambican fashion designer)