Sarova Hotels and Resorts yesterday celebrated Madaraka day with frontline healthcare workers at both Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi Hospital in appreciation for their selfless devotion to save the lives of Kenyans during the pandemic.

The hotel has been providing meals to the healthcare workers for the past 40 days with over 8,000 meals so far as a gesture 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.

Sarova Hotels and Resorts Managing Director, Jimi Kariuki applauded the healthcare workers and reiterated that Sarova will continue working with the Government and authorities by offering support during this period.

He urged Kenyans to continue adhering to the recommended guidelines from the Ministry of Health. “If we do so, we shall overcome," he added.

In this time of crisis, the Hospitality and Tourism Industry which has instantly been affected following global lockdowns and travel bans, has made a bold choice to come together and join in the fight against Covid-19 by offering support to the Government, Health workers and the Community.

Under the #TourismKECares campaign, the pandemic provides an opportunity for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry to come together and show its unequivocal support in the fight against Covid–19 under the umbrella of the Ministry for Tourism and Wildlife.

Lush beaches, tantalizing senses, heavy technology, and visual surprises.  “I want my audience to feel the words”, is all Viola cares about with her latest hit, “I Like It”.

Video shot by Director Joowzey, Audio Produced by Kimambo, mixed and mastered by Lucas Bikedo. 

Check out “I Like It” video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E2cjxr0_1U

The catchy beat by Kimambo, paired with Viola’s luscious vocals will most definitely leave you asking for more.

The crisp music video shot on pristine Tanzanian beaches feature colorful scenes and energetic visuals under the direction of seasoned music video director, Joowzey. 

About Viola Karuri:

Viola Karuri is a firm believer that music shouldn’t just be heard but felt and experienced.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter fell in love with music at a tender age and began her professional music career at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where she studied Vocal Performance, as well as Music Production & Engineering.

A force to reckon with in the East African music scene, her style is always powerful, tantalizing hits.

In 2017, using her signature style, she adapted the mega-hit ‘Despacito’ into Swahili, which grew her fan base and continues to expose her to new listeners.

In 2019, she became Coke Studio's First Female music super-producer, a moment that was not only career-defining but also rewarding & empowering. It was not just a win for her, it was a win for the African woman.

‘I Like It’ is her first single which sets the stage for what she has in store for her fans in 2020.

Newest up-and-coming Afro-Pop artiste Badman Anchor has dropped the visuals to his debut single Badman off his upcoming album titled Mastermind.  

The new catchy dancehall/Afro-Pop vibe is different from his previous works which were bongo ballads. On this one he enlists super producer Magix Enga as he switches it  a notch higher with his angelic voice

The visuals have been directed by award winning videographer Nezzoh Montana.  The video is now available on YouTube and online platform – Skiza 8549326

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVsNMY7KiX0&feature=youtu.be

This is Anchors first project and it’s off his debut album set for release later in the year.

Badman looks forward to collaborating with local international acts in the next five years to solidify his presence in the industry.

With two explosive singles under his belt and more to be released soon, Badman is set to continue work on his upcoming album release that will be communicated to the media soon.

 About Badman Anchor

Badman Anchor is a Kenyan rising artiste whose music genre ranges from Afro-Pop/Dance-hall and some bit of Bongo. He got his start in music early, with encouragement from his mum who supported him to pursue his dream. Born and raised in Ruiru, Anchor hopes to inspire young upcoming talents in the music industry and also inspire the society through his music. Anchor has developed his own voice. Badman Anchor’s sound is unique and does not fit the mold of one genre. A multidisciplinary at heart, this is just the beginning fans can look forward to from the new artist.

Kenya’s growing female sensation SERRO hits a career milestone with the release of her first album - Kuwe.

A Zulu word translating to “For You”, Kuwe comes 4 years after the singer debuted her single Rongai (2016).

In the 14-track album, Serro not only displays her vocal growth but also vulnerability by sharing her journey through music and life. 

Written in blends of six languages: Luo, Kikuyu, Giriama, Swahili, Zulu, and English, Kuwe holds ballads, serenades, songs of thanks, and the misgivings of love and life.

Serro flaunts her musical diverse musicality in the album with fusions of neo-soul in Aheri, Okello, Kuwe, Asante, Reggae in Hey Baby, Benga sounds in Kasyoki, Pop in Ya Dunia, Niiuradukania, Salsa in Mtumwa and jazzy elements in Rongai. 

Stream/Download Kuwe - https://serro.streamlink.to/kuwe  

Download Kuwe Assets (Images, Artwork, Tracklist & Credits): https://bit.ly/KuweAssets   

About the album, Serro says, “I hope that my listeners connect with the music because I believe we’ve all gone through an experience or two that I shared in the album.

On the timeliness of the release, she adds, “I think this would be a good playlist to ponder upon, now that we have more time to connect with ourselves and others during the lockdown.”

From the album art to lyrics, Serro is paradoxically seen as fierce yet calm, playful yet mature and graceful through her ups and downs.

In Aheri, she tells a story of love turning sour and eventually betrayal, resentment, and regret in love set in Rongai, Mtumwa, and Hey Baby. Serro takes us back to her long lost love in Okello and shares the beauty of a mother’s love in Mama and Niind.

The transition of love and relationships from newness and admiration in Kasyoki to deep infatuation in Niiuradukania, to progress in a relationship in Ahiko is visible.

Kuwe was co-composed and produced by Mutoriah - a gifted producer and musician in his own right who has collaborated a lot with Serro in her projects.

“I really enjoyed working with Serro, she’s musical, experimental, and pushes boundaries. Her open-mindedness makes her easy to work with. Her talent and musical ear also make the process exciting. Our souls are on the same frequency, I love it!” says Mutoriah, sharing on Kuwe’s creative process.

For the past 4 years, Serro has been releasing singles that continue to grow her fandom and attention from different stakeholders in the entertainment industry.

Through her electric live performances, she continuously woos Kenya as a top performer.  Kuwe’s release marks the beginning of the next phase of her career, which includes an ambitious regional takeover.

The much-anticipated solo debut album by Steph Kapela is finally out.

Vikky Secrets is an introspective perspective of love. A sweet love that sours in the end like most love stories. It explores some of the issues no one likes to talk about in a personal and vulnerable way through themes such as intimacy, the other woman, sex addiction, chasing fantasies and regret of lost love.

The nine (9) track album pulls back the curtain and lets in the listener into the good, the bad and ugly sides of a relationship.

When asked why this album and why now, Steph Kapela stated the following: ‘This album for me at least, is the right album for the now. I needed to find myself, find the love again, I wanted to hold nothing back and deal with all of it, love, lust and longing, and I feel many people need that right now, especially being isolated with their loved ones. It's good to explore how things go right and how they go wrong and just maybe find a way through it.’

The sound of the album is a cocktail of Trap, Hip-hop, RnB and Afropop dance anthems.

The production is a collaboration on an international scale. Several highly skilled and passionate professionals worked on the audio production of this project. From Giggz and Festus in the US, Kaxi in Malawi and Nelson Cryptic, Jeraw Beats, and Ivan Odie right here in Nairobi.

Vikky Secrets is Executive Produced by Ivan Odie of Callivan Creatives, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Callivan Creatives Studios.

The album is now available on all digital streaming platforms.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasized the need for global solidarity in response to Covid-19 saying all stakeholders need to come together so as to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The President said Kenya is doing her best to not only slow down the spread of the virus in the country but to also support the region and the continent in dealing with the health crisis.

"At the national level, we are doing our best. Beyond our national commitments, at regional and global levels, we have contributed within regional inter-governmental, continental African Union efforts," President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta spoke last evening during a virtual high level meeting on development financing in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic convened by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his Jamaican counterpart Andrew Holness and the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterress.

The Kenyan President told the meeting attended by a cross-section of world leaders including several Heads of State that the current health crisis will constrict global growth this year leading to financial market volatility and increased debt risk especially in developing countries.

"The economic and financial shocks associated with Covid-19 such as disruptions to industrial production and supply chains, falling commodity prices, financial market volatility and rising insecurity have derailed the already tepid economic growth and development," the President said.

To address the socioeconomic challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, President Kenyatta said the global community needs to focus on the implementation of the United Nations Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Specifically, the Kenyan Head of State advised world leaders to concentrate on expansion of global liquidity, addressing debt vulnerability especially for developing nations and enhancement of external financing to ensure inclusive growth and continued job creation.

The Kenyan leader also proposed the expansion of the fiscal space and promotion of domestic resource mobilization by preventing illicit financial flows.

On private sector participation, President Kenyatta pitched for partnerships that help build indigenous local production and forestall the need for long supply chains.

In his capacity as the current President-in-Office of the Organization of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), President Kenyatta announced plans to host an extraordinary summit to deliberate on the effects of Covid-19 on the people and the economies of member countries.

Speaking on behalf of the African Union, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Covid-19 is a real threat to collective ability of the global community to achieve SDGs especially for developing countries.

The South African leader called for innovative approaches in the deployment of resources in support of private sector and the Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) which he termed as the engines for wealth and job creation.

In his closing remarks, UN Secretary General Guterress unveiled a 6-point road map he said would help the world overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Guterress said expansion of liquidity in the global economy, addressing debt vulnerabilities of developing nations and the increased participation of private sector creditors will help provide timely and effective solutions.

Other measures advanced by the UN boss include enhanced financing for inclusive growth and job creation, expansion of the fiscal space and promotion of domestic resource mobilization as well as alignment of recovery policies with SDGs.

The softest rolls, smothered in a variety of garnishes, dripping with sauce or simply all extras removed for the traditional taste, burgers continue to be a firm favourite for Kenyans.

Now, Uber Eats has compiled the list of the nation’s favourite flavour combinations, additions, subtractions and down-right quirky requests when it comes to the world-famous sandwich dish. 

Best Burgers 

Tough days, cheat meals and well-deserved spoils can only be commemorated with the very best in taste and flavour, and in Kenya, locals munched on multiple beef burgers, as this was the most ordered burger. Variations included the removal of tomatoes and the added slice of cheese making the already delicious fan favourite even more desirable. 

Bacon cheeseburger was a close second followed by the grilled chicken burger. These honourable mentions prove that Kenyans take the basic bun and truly make it the supreme sandwich. 

Burgers are the meal for any type of day and go down great at any time. Locally, the most popular ordering time is 13:00 PM with thousands of orders coming through, while dinnertime at 18:00 PM was a close second. 

Favourite Flavours 

While the old-school burger consists of a protein staple topped with a mayo-whip, lettuce and trimmed with fresh tomato, locals are anything but basic in taste. No stock-standard ground round will do. The healthier the better, with the most popular request being that patties should be grilled not fried, while favourite sauces included chilli and mayo. 

No trimmings left unused, extra cheese and spicy, curly and skinny fries were among the most requested while it seems that not everyone loves tomato, as this was the most common ingredient left off. 

Quality in Quarantine 

As everyone adjusts to this new way of living, homes have become safe spaces and with Uber Eats, staying fed is convenient. During the lockdown, most popular burger orders included the classic beef snack burger and much-loved veggie cheeseburger. With the app’s leave at door policy, all orders are dispatched via contactless delivery, making satisfying any hamburger hankering as good as done. Another new feature has been added to the app, allowing customers to easily send treats and share the status of delivery with a simple tracking link.

It’s the ultimate customisable meal, that’s strong enough to stand on its own, or perfect with some chips. Be it simple and traditional, bunless or double, gourmet or vegan, there is a burger for anyone this International Hamburger day and it’s just a tap away with Uber Eats!