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BREAKING NEWS
Ommy Dallah

Ommy Dallah

Tanzanian artist Ben Pol has proposed to his Kenyan girlfriend Anerlisa Muigai.

Dressed in all-white, the 'Moyo Mashine' hitmaker went down on one knee on the beach and popped the big question to Anerlisa who is also the Keroche Breweries heiress, she  said yes.

Announcing the news, Ben Pol wrote on his Instagram page , “Well, this just happened… she said yes!"

On her part Anerlisa posted ""Holidays are full of surprises."

She continued, "I Said YES ?. #engagement. #❤️".

This comes just few days after rumours started making rounds that she (Anerlisa) is pregnant and this is after Bonfire Adventure’s boss Simon Kabu shared a photo alongside his wife Sara and Anerlisa who seemed to be having a bulging tummy.

Anerlisa however responded by stating “I am here minding my own business then I get a lot of DMs saying Congratulations to me. Can somebody tell me what the Congratulations are all about?”

Kenyan farmers will now export their popular hass avocados to China following a trade deal signed when President Kenyatta met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing today.

The signing of the agreement which makes Kenya the first African nation to export avocados to the Asian nation with a market of over 1.4 billion consumers comes after a long and comprehensive approval process that included Chinese experts visiting Kenyan farmers.

It is estimated that when the agreement is fully implemented, the Chinese market will absorb over 40 percent of Kenya’s avocado produce, making it one of the largest importers of the fruit. Other famous destinations of Kenyan avocado include Europe and the US.

The signing of the protocol on sanitary and phytosanitary (an agreement relating to the health of plants, especially with respect to the rules of international trade)requirements for the export of frozen avocado was the last major hurdle for the Kenyan crop to be accepted in the highly regulated but lucrative Chinese market.

Avocado becomes the second farm produce from Kenya to access the expansive Chinese horticultural market after Stevia and will be followed by 13 other priority farm produce among them flowers, mangoes, French beans, peanut, vegetables, meat, herbs, bixa and macadamia.

The meeting between Presidents Kenyatta and Xi Jinping and their delegations focused on promoting economic and trade exchange in 8 key initiatives identified during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting held in Beijing last year. These initiatives include industrial promotion, trade facilitation, infrastructure connectivity, green development and people-to-people exchange. Others are capacity building, healthcare, and peace and security.

In addition to the avocado deal, President Kenyatta witnessed the signing of an agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation covering all sectors of mutual interest and an MOU on joint promotion of the implementation of the 8 FOCAC priority areas.

President Kenyatta is in Beijing, China for a three-day working tour where he will also attend the Second Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation that will be officially opened by President Xi Jinping on Friday.

The President is accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya (Trade), Dr.Monica Juma (Foreign Affairs) and James Macharia (Infrastructure) among other senior government officials.

The BRF conference at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC) is being attended by world leaders from 37 countries, 5000 delegates drawn from 150 nations and representatives of 90 international organizations.

During the bilateral talks held at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing, President Kenyatta applauded China’s continued readiness to open its market to Kenyan products.

He said the solid partnership between the two countries has brought great benefits to the people of Kenya especially in areas of poverty alleviation and economic development.

On his part, President Xi Jinping thanked President Kenyatta for attending both the first BRF conference held in May 2017 as well as the current summit saying the Kenyan leader is a witness and core participant of the globally transformative Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which aims at promoting global growth and economy through policy coordination among participating economies, infrastructure connectivity, trade investment and industrial cooperation.

President Xi Jinping further congratulated President Kenyatta for pursuing national reconciliation after his re-election in 2017 which he said has created a conducive environment for the implementation of the Kenyan government’s big 4 development agenda.

Speaking to the media shortly after the signing of the agreement on the export of frozen avocadoes into the Chinese market, Trade CS Peter Munya welcomed the deal and assured that it will immensely benefit Kenyan farmers especially small-holder growers of the crop by not only expanding the market but also improving the prices.

CS Munya encouraged farmers in avocado growing counties to take advantage of the new market by increasing the volumes of production and enhancing quality standards to meet the stringent Chinese regulations.

The BRI, started by China in its efforts to boost people-to-people exchanges, brings together over 150 countries from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Kenya and South Africa are key participants of the BRI from the African continent.

In recent years, China has grown to become one of Kenya’s key development partners, a relationship that has among other successes led to the implementation of key infrastructure projects among them the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and several key roads.

In separate events, President Kenyatta met and held talks with the First Vice Premier of the Communist Party of China Han Zheng during which the two leaders discussed the strengthening relations between Kenya and China. 

The Head of State also met the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde. 

Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa has once again been awarded five-star status by the Tourism Regulatory Authority.

After a rigorous assessment, “Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa was awarded five (5) star rating.This is after the hotel scored 100 % on essential items as required by the EAC grading procedure,” wrote the Director General, Kipkorir Lagat, Tourism Regulatory Authority in the letter conferring the award.

According to Bobby Kamani, Managing Director, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, this classification will give Diani Reef a boost to its local and international tourist markets who can expect quality and reliable hospitality services.

“The Diani Reef Family is ecstatic to once again be awarded the Five Star Classification by the Tourism Regulatory Authority. We are immensely grateful to our team and credit this achievement to their tireless efforts; uplift in service and refreshment of key areas of the property in 2018. As always, we remain committed to investing in and supporting initiatives that elevate Diani, Africa’s leading beach destination, to new heights and look forward to welcoming all our guests as members of our own family.” said Kamani

This classification comes shortly after Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa received global recognition as “Africa’s Leading Beach Resort” at the 2018 World Travel Awards and being nominated once again for “Africa’s Leading Beach Resort” and “Kenya’s Leading Beach Resort” at the 2019 World Travel Awards. A prestige which the resort has been previously bestowed in 2010 and 2015.

Veteran Tanzanian female singer Lady Jaydee 'Anaconda' has finally dropped her much awaited video 'I don't care'.

Check out the video.

 

Just under a year ago, Aggie The Dance Queen’s life changed after her catsuit-encased gyrations caused a sensation with a scene-stealing appearance in Kenyan super group Sauti Sol's clip for their hit "Short N Sweet".

The video vixen went viral when her Odi dance moves made her the kind of celebrity rarely seen in the African dance world. So, when Coke Studio Africa’s new season began, there was only one person to enlist as the choreographer to come up with dope dance designs for the series: Aggie The Dance Queen. 

For the past seven years, Aggie The Dance Queen has been a member of the Sarakasi Dancers, and for the last three, the fitness trainer has also been a choreographer. She believes her success comes down to “hard work, discipline, dedication and commitment".

A lethal combination when topped with her “insatiable desire to dance". Her turn as choreographer and star of Sauti Sol's video not only upped her profile, it also, she believes, “made people appreciate dance as a career in Kenya”. 

She got to put her career to the test on Coke Studio Africa's grueling schedule that featured many artists, singers and dancers collaborating to show off Africa at it’s best.

It was a challenge she relished:  "It was an amazing prospect because I got to show my work, skills and creativity. I got to work with so many African artists - the best singers, dancers and directors; it was an unforgettable experience.” 

How did she go about creating the routines for such a cast of colourful creatives from all over the continent, all repping different genres, flavors and histories?

She shares, “It started with listening to the song several times, listing down the ideas in mind to incorporate props, costumes, dancers and acrobats," adding, "It was also very much about getting the best dancers and most suitable dance styles for certain songs.” 

Coke Studio Africa is a fabulous addition to her resume.

She says, “It helped me create new relationships, elevate my career and has opened me up to more job opportunities,” says agile Aggie who has a  Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Kenyatta University. Her time on set was even sweeter as she got to work with her husband Oscar Mwalo who is as talented as she is as a choreographer and fitness trainer… “We have a very healthy competitive spirit,” she laughs about the hubby who also manages her. 

There are many highlights she remembers from filming this season of Coke Studio Africa “If I could relive the experience, I would! But dancing on that stage for almost each artist was the highlight!!” She pauses and changes her mind, yes she had a standout experience on the show: “The all-female season finale!!!! Whaaaaaattt! I felt so strong and powerful!” 

 

One of the main trending news when it comes to the East Africa entertainment scene currently is that of Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz and his Ugandan baby mama Zari.

This is after Diamond revealed that Zari was cheating on him with Peter Okoye of P Square and her personal gym trainer, that was last night during an interview with Wasafi Fm.

In one of her responses Zari indirectly attacked Diamond's current girlfriend Tanasha Donna , who is from Kenya and a radio presenter with the NRG radio.

“By now, my ex-boyfriend will be telling his new girlfriend how bad I was; and the girl will be feeling pity for him… thinking she has gotten a Saint… Two idiots,” posted Zari on instagram.

Well this did not settle down well with Tanasha who also took to instagram to respond.

she posted "“Y’all know I don’t speak unless really needed but damn, I am just out her like what do I have to do with this? I am sorry but I will not respond by speaking ill of someone I don’t know, I am all about positive energy.

Adding " I can never disrespect a woman I have never met and don’t even know simply so I can get a point across. I have no reason to hate to be honest. I am just a NOBODY who is out here grinding and tryna get these cheques, way too mature to tear another woman down. Yours sincerely, idiot,”

For now lets just keep waiting to see what will transpire next from the whole saga.

Multiple award-winning Ugandan sensation Eddy Kenzo releases two new hit videos, ‘’Signal’’ and ‘’Ogwo’’ featuring Wembly Mo and the phenomenal dancers from his foundation.

The two tracks are off his seventh album ROOTS, released in 2018 and both capture his ardent love for dance, sound and style.

‘’Signal’’, a magnificent love ballad shot at an undisclosed exquisite palatial home was directed by multi-award winning South African video director Justin Campos while ‘’Ogwo’’ was captured in the vast and vibrant countryside of Uganda. It is a captivating analogy of African law keepers and suspects as the prisoners plot an audacious escape through their infectious moves in pursuit of education.

Speaking on the tracks, Kenzo said ‘’ I’m excited to share the two videos with the rest of Africa and the World. ‘’Signal’’ is a very beautiful love story. Big shout to my brother Wembly Mo and the wonderful dancers from his foundation for capturing the spirit of dance and sound of Uganda, we had so much fun making ‘’Ogwo’’.’’

Watch video of SIGNAL on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrPOby9Mkr4

Watch video of OGWO on You Tube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC9TwT6YtFo&feature=youtu.be

Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz has for the first time come out to explain why he parted ways with his Ugandan celebrity baby mama Zari.

Speaking to Wasafi Radio last night, Diamond accussed Zari of being unfaithful, explaining that she cheated on him with two different men. One of the said men is Nigerian artist Peter of the P Square brothers, the second was her personally trainer.

"The most unfortunate thing is she used to date with Peter Okoye of P square while we were still in  a relationship . I once came across some messages from Peter on her phone" Said Diamond.

"She was even dating her personal trainer, she even brought him into my own house. I even have the photos" added Diamond

This did not however go down well with Zari who came out gun blazing accusing Diamond of turnishing her name all in the name of promoting his music.

"When your music is no longer enough...kiki ni nani..Zari..Nyt fam" posted Zari

She also posted " Never believe a man who once too many times denied his own blood, i mean his own. what other truth can come out of his mouth?. I will sacrifice my kids souls if i ever cheated on you. Own your mistakes and use them to grow and change into a better man.you can still reform." 

Diamond Platnumz also went ahead to accuse Zari of blocking him from communicating to his kids Tiffah and Nillan after the break up.

Zari responded to this allegations too terming them as false accusing Diamond of being the one who blocked his kids from communicating to him leaving it all to his mum to communicate with them.

"I remember giving you the nunny's number ,the boy's numbers at the house to call the kids when you want but you never called, the couple of times the boys tried to reach you , you never responded even when they sent you messages saying Tiffah wants to speak you, eventually you blocked them. Then your mum kept calling because she loves the kids but you told her not to call. I never stopped you from calling the kids, you have all the numbers" she said

Gracious 13 year old breakout star Amani G premiered the fourth record from her upcoming album last week Monday.

The song titled ‘Asante’ featuring her younger but equally talented sister Pendo is a thanksgiving song to God for all the good He does for mankind since time immemorial. 

When Pine Creek Records discovered Amani G, music producer Chris Adwar went on to start writing and producing.

During the first session, Amani tagged her mother and sisters along. Whilst in the studio, Amani told Chris that Pendo, her little sister, could also sing.

She pestered Pendo to sing Amazing Grace and that's how Pendo’s amazing voice was discovered in the middle of Amani G’s recording session.

Immediately, a decision was made to have her on the album. Pendo was very shy. In fact, during the recording of this song "Asante", Amani had to hold her and sing with her and reassure her for the first few sessions. From that moment her voice and confidence continue to grow.

During the launch of the album 13, the song #Asante was the most emotional moment.

Pine Creek Records hopes that #Asante speaks to peer mentor-ship by encouraging kids to try out new things and exploit their talents. 

 Watch the video below

 

Zahenga Entertainment presents Leyla's new song - I BELIEVE

Leyla is the 13 year girl (now 14) who wowed Kenyans including President Uhuru Kenyatta last year with her rendition of Wimbo Wa Historia.

Now a form one student at St. George's Girls High School, she says the song is about her journey of resilience from being a little known Muslim girl in Eastleigh to becoming a celebrated singer and a beacon of hope to other young people.

The song was written by Kenya's newest boy band Vijana Barubaru with Leyla's life experiences in mind, which she has executed incredibly well. The inspirational and catchy song is produced by Kenyan based American producer, David Hunter.

THE "I BELIEVE" PROJECT

Her success is a direct result of her belief in herself and people believing in her and investing in her.

She has sang what she has endured with her mother, the sacrifices they have had to make, being homeless, and her mother’s struggles trying to make ends meet.

In gratitude, Leyla has worked on a new song titled “I Believe” that talks about her struggles and her change of fortune.

The song is a dedication to her number one supporter, and best friend, her mother, and to all who believe, and who need to believe in themselves.

Leyla has inspired the nation, and has many young fans that admire her. She continues to inspire as she embarks on her high school education, and balances that with her music and her mission to be a positive role model for her fans.

Watch the video below