Ommy Dallah
Kenyan Rising Star Wacuka Releases First Single Off Her Upcoming EP
U.S based Kenyan Rising Star Grace Wacuka has dropped her first single "Run Dem" off her upcoming EP- The I am Wacuka Project.
Watch: https://youtu.be/oRomZUOLPSc
Run Dem is a reggae song produced by Johnttez Krucial.
The video was shot in the streets of Nairobi and was directed by Grace Wacuka, shot by Nesh Maina, and edited by Borche Dimoski.
Speaking about the song, Grace Wacuka says "Run Dem was written when I felt I was on top of the game and so completely in control.
Since this year has been hard for so many, I thought the song would be a great way to say 'we still got this' to the universe and everyone who needs to find a reason to dance,”
Besides music, Wacuka is a budding movie film actor currently doing her Masters in Acting at Columbia University.
She has been featured in several movies, most recently, the internationally acclaimed “A New Christmas” that premiered at The HBO South Asian International Film Festival in New York.
Wacuka is set to release her EP - The I am Wacuka Story Project before the year ends and is keen on coming back to work with other Kenyan stars to shoot further film and music projects.
Trump, First Lady Melania Test Positive For Coronavirus
U.S President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for coronavirus, the President announced early Friday morning.
"Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" tweeted Trump.
The President had said earlier in the night that he planned to quarantine after he confirmed one of his longest-serving aides Hope Hicks with whom he had recently traveled received a positive test result.
"Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!" Trump tweeted Thursday night.
Trump, 74, was the latest world leader to test positive for COIVD-19. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the first major leader in March.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro also tested positive in July and recovered.
Trump has often downplayed the virus claiming the U.S. has the pandemic "under control''.
US has for recorded over 200,000 deaths from the virus.
Boniface Mwangi's Film 'Softie' To Priemere In Mombasa This October
The powerful film 'Softie' that follows the life of Kenyan photographer and political activist Boniface Mwangi, his wife Njeri and their kids, will premiere nationwide in Kenya, starting 16th October 2020 .
The film will premiere in several towns and cities, in Eldoret (Rupa Cinema), Mombasa (Nyali Cinemax), Kisumu (Mega Cinema) and at Prestige Cinema, Anga Diamond Plaza, Motion Cinema and Westgate Cinema, in Nairobi.
Full “SOFTIE” film airing schedule: https://www.softiethefilm.com/
At the heart of the film lies the tale of how Boniface, nicknamed “Softie” in his childhood years, has long fought injustices in his country Kenya.
He is daring and audacious, and recognized as Kenya's most provocative photojournalist. But as a father of three young children, these qualities create tremendous turmoil between him and his wife Njeri Mwangi whose loyalty to her family is hard as a rock.
It’s a story of perseverance and love, evoking mixed emotions while exploring the themes of family, sacrifice and patriotism.
Boniface Mwangi says of the film, “It unveils the curtain of the struggles of activists; my personal struggles as a father. It’s brutally honest. You will see tears. I have watched it two times and cried both times because it’s vicerial and heartbreaking to see what kind of country we have."
Adding "It reveals our true colours as a nation and the role of money and ethnicity in politics.”
Directed by Sam Soko, the film chronicles a 7 year journey beginning with chaos filled street protests and culminating in Boniface’s decision to run for a political seat in his old neighbourhood Starehe.
He soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk. His wife, Njeri, has long been silent in the background.
The decision to run put her and the family on the spot. This brings forth a central question that many of the world’s brightest and most effective changemakers have had to ask themselves, ‘What comes first - family or country?’
The film premiered at Sundance in January 2020, winning a special jury prize for editing.
It has been greatly reviewed, citing its conscientious story telling of Kenya’s struggle with political tribalism.
It has since played at a couple of prestigious festivals including CPH:DOX, FullFrame and even won Best Film at the Encounters International Documentary Festival and Best Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 2020.
The DIFF win means that “SOFTIE” now qualifies for consideration for the Oscar documentary shortlist for the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
The next ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on April 25, 2021.
Softie was also the opening night film at the Hotdocs Film Festival and at the Human Rights Festival held in Berlin, Germany under the patronage of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad with opening and keynote speeches having included Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
For Njeri Mwangi, having their private family life on screen has been a difficult and rewarding experience.
She says, “This film is not just a single story but the story of what women and mothers and wives like myself give to the cause of what they too believe in but whose contribution is not counted as significant or acknowledged as prominently as their partners. It has given me a voice and hopefully a chance for women to see themselves and count their contributions to the betterment of not only their families but also their communities and country."
Adding “To all the women out there, this film is for you and your families. We too matter!”
“It’s a very important film for Kenyans to watch because it shows what happens behind the scenes in an activist’s family life and their daily struggles,” noting, “It took seven years in the making”. says Boniface.
Full “SOFTIE” film airing schedule: https://www.softiethefilm.com/
Nigerian Singer Sentenced To death For Blasphemy Against Prophet Muhammad
A young Nigerian musician has been sentenced to death after being convicted of sharing an insulting song about Prophet Muhammad.
Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, 22, was convicted of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad on 10 August by a Sharia court in Kano province.
His song which was shared on instagram caused riots throughout the city. Protesters burnt down his family home demanding his prosecution, leading to his arrest.
The singer is said to have gone into hiding after sharing the song. The song was praising an imam from the Tijaniya Muslim brotherhood to the point where it gave him higher status than the Prophet Muhammad, the BBC reported.
The UN’s Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner this week urged authorities to overturn the death sentence and to ensure his safety, saying that Nigeria “must take effective measures to protect” him, calling his case a “flagrant violation” of international law.
“We are deeply concerned over the serious lack of due process in Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case so far, especially reports that he has been held incommunicado, and that he did not have access to a lawyer during his initial trial, a trial that was not open to the public”, the office said in a statement.
Adding "For artistic expression or for sharing a song on the Internet" constitutes a "flagrant violation of international human rights law, as well as of Nigeria’s constitution”.
Amnesty International described the sentence as a “travesty of justice” and said Nigeria was obliged under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to restrict capital punishment to the “most serious crimes”, which involve intentional killing.
'Sorry For Lying', Wema Sepetu Comes Out Clean On Her Age
Getting a woman to tell you their real age is as difficult as convincing her that just one selfie is enough.
Women especially celebrities are known for not revealing their actual age and those who do so lie without even bating an eyelid.
Tanzanian actress Wema Sepetu has been forced to state her true age, this is after lying about it close to 14 years.
It all started in 2006 when according to reports she was just 15 years but lied she was 18 just to qualify for the Miss Tanzania beauty pageant which she won after faking her age.
On Monday while marking her birthday , Wema who currently has her own reality show through a mobile application (Wema App) decided enough is enough and came out clean on her age.
"30 years old Queen. I promised to say the truth on my exact Day, September 28th 1990, I was Delivered from the Womb of Mariam Athmann Sumbe. Iam Happy Im celebrating 30years of my Life. Sorry I lied," she posted on Instagram
Mombasa Bar Owners Welcome Uhuru's Decision To Re-open Bars
Mombasa bar owners have welcome President Uhuru Kenyatta's address that saw the re-opening of bars after seven months closure to curb the spread of the corona pandemic.
Addressing media in Mombasa Tuesday, Kennedy Mumbo secretary Mombasa Bar owners association said they appreciated the decision to re-open the businesses that employ millions of Kenyans from suppliers, attendants, DJs.
Mumbo said the re-opening came at a good time to prepare for the upcoming Christmas and new years season adding that many families had lost livelihoods from closure of bars noting that the business does not only entertain the drinker but hugely impacts the country's economy from the money generated from the sales.
Mumbo however appealed for the president trough his advisers to go round and assess the negative impact the industry has suffered and consider giving them recovery incentives including soft loans.
“A bigger percentage will not resume business since they hire shops and run businesses on loans and in our approximation, only 20 percent will be able to resume the bar business and we call on the government to come to our aid since its our only source of hope.” Said the secretary
Mumbo appealed to the government to consider extending the opening hours to midnight so as to make up for the lost business time due to set guidelines by the ministry of health to counter the spread of COVID-19.
The secretary on behalf of the bar owners vowed to ensure they comply to the new directives so as to remain operational calling on the government not to pressure them so much instead bare with them as they strive to gain their back their footing.
Caleb Mwangi a young bar owner in Mombasa sympathized with the workers who lost their jobs and bar owners who have lost stock that has expired calling on the government to chip in support to help those affected remain in business and continue building the countys economy.\
“We have been out of business for six months and some goods have expired. We urge KEBS to conduct inspection of drinks and food items to ascertain if they are still usable.” Said Mwangi
He added that equipements like fridges, Tvs, speakers and other machines have spoilt from rust and rat attacks, including crates of beer.
He reiterated for government to intervene since they do not know how they will ever recover.
Tomoca Coffee Opens It's Doors At Two Rivers Mall
Tomoca Coffee Kenya Ltd officially opened its doors to the Kenyan market last Friday at an intimate event held at the Two Rivers, Nairobi.
"Kenya has a very young and dynamic population with good purchasing power, which demands high-quality products and services that are on par with international standards. The retail industry is also supported by low overhead fees, mainly through low rental fees and attractive incentives by property landlords.”-says Amir Yusuf, Tomoca Coffee Kenya Limited, MD.
Tomoca Coffee is Famed for authentic coffee experience and it prides itself in the art of marrying Ethiopian Coffee with the Italian technique. Some of their drinks include the Macchiato, Sprice and Cravato Coffee.
Tomoca coffee prides itself on being a pioneer for change and disrupting the status quo based on the origin of coffee and the ripple effect it had from domestic use to commercialization.
Tomoca plans to create beverage blends with Kenyan, Rwandese, and Ethiopian coffee. If you are in the store early enough, you get to watch the master roaster freshly roast and package coffee beans and smell the coffee.
Present at the event was Ethiopian High Commissioner - Meles Alem, Businessman Chris Kirubi, Capital Group - Group Commercial Director - Farida Idris, Media Personalities Betty Kyalo, Pinky Ghelani, Events Organisers - Chris and Cate Kirwa, among others.
Teferah Unveil Dynamic ‘Ule Dem Wangu’ Video
Calling all Hotties! Teferah is back with another choleric single “Ule Dem Wangu” which follows a number of other all-star singles and collaborations Teferah has released this year, including "Blessings" with Jabidii, "Good Day” and the chart toppers "Anna Marie"
If you have been online for the early part of this week you have definitely seen a status that goes like “So we started off with a text, had to let go off my ex”
With luxurious visuals Teferah always catches your imagination on how he delivers his work, and this video seems to have captured the Kenyan ladies attention and currently one of the most used sounds on IG, TIKTOK and Facebook
The ladies are enjoying the word play.
The song talks about giving your girl a lot of gifts when you make it in life since she stayed with you from day one. A topic that has always caused a lot of strain in relationships with girls saying once a guy makes it in life he never keeps his day one.
This is probably a favorite for the girls this year and with the release of the official video. This will definitely be a hit.
Produced by Mpact Muzik’s Mike Minor the beat is awesome and Teferah just rips the track apart considering he is being rated as the Kenyan Demarco, he is definitely a beast in the making.
Pretty Mutave Laid To Rest (Photos)
Celebrated Kenyan actress Pretty Mutave was finally laid to rest at her rural home in Kibwezi, Makueni county yesterday (Saturday).
Mutave died a week ago while being taken to hospital.
http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1749-popular-mombasa-actress-zari-dies-on-her-way-to-hospital.
Among those who attended the funeral was Citizen Tv news presenter Rashid Abdallah accompanied by some casts from the popular citizen tv show Maria ,and colleagues from the film industry.
http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1764-candlelight-vigil-held-for-actress-pretty-mutave-photo
Photos/ courtesy
Uhuru Restates Government Commmitment To Upgrading Sporting Facilities
President Uhuru Kenyatta has restated the Government’s commitment to upgrading sporting facilities in the country to match international standards.
Speaking when he opened the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium today, President Kenyatta said the redevelopment of the stadium is not an isolated case.
“Our endeavour is to ensure that our sporting facilities can compare favourably with the top addresses around the world. In that regard, we are in the process of developing other sporting facilities throughout the country,” President Kenyatta said.
He said the Government is the on the verge of completing the construction of Jamhuri Sports, Leisure and Entertainment Park in Nairobi as well as the upgrading of sporting facilities in Eldoret, Marsabit, Meru, Chuka, Kisumu, Nyeri, Makueni, Wanguru in Kirinyaga and Kirigiti in Kiambu.
The President directed the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage to work round the clock to ensure the facilities are completed and ready for commissioning by the end of December 2020.
“In addition to the facilities, I have earlier mentioned, we are in discussions with the county governments of Mombasa, Kakamega, Narok and Kisii to co-finance and upgrade to international standards, the existing facilities in their counties,” President Kenyatta said.
With the re-opening of Nyayo National Stadium, President Kenyatta said Kenya’s sportspersons will add new pages to the country’s long and celebrated history as a sporting powerhouse.
Meanwhile, the Head of State expressed satisfaction that in just over a week Nyayo National Stadium will host the Kip Keino Classic – the first ever World Athletics Continental Tour event to be held on the African continent.
“The event named after our great hero and trailblazing Olympic champion, Kipchoge Keino, will bring together elite athletes from all over the world to compete in various track and field events on Saturday, October 3rd 2020.
“Our being entrusted to host this global event is evidence of the confidence that the world has in our country and our levels of COVID-19 containment as it will be the first global sporting event to be held on the African continent since the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the President said.
President Kenyatta pointed out that the Kip Keino Classic and other sporting events that will be held as the country gradually and progressively re-opens will be conducted with strict adherence to all applicable Covid-19 protocols, guidelines and regulations.
“This will ensure that sportspersons, coaches, media and spectators are kept safe and healthy,” President Kenyatta said.
He asked the Ministry of Sports to redouble its efforts in re-convening major sporting events that were postponed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“I further direct the Ministry to resume preparation processes towards the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to engage with our local sports associations on how Kenyan athletes can resume competing in sporting events abroad,” the President said.
The President also took the opportunity to wish Kenyan athletes success as they head out to the London Marathon scheduled for 4th October 2020.
“Led by World Marathon Record holders Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei, I have no doubt that they will, once again like their colleagues in Doha, make Kenya proud, despite the challenges they have had in training due to the COVID-19 restrictions,” he said.
The Head of State reminded Kenyan athletes to safeguard the country’s reputation as a sporting powerhouse by competing clean and winning fairly as he ordered the Ministry of Sports to provide the required resources for enhanced anti-doping education, testing and reporting.
Sports, Culture and Heritage CS Amina Mohamed thanked President Kenyatta for being the force behind the revitalisation and facelift of the Nyayo National Stadium popularly known as “the arena of champions”.
The CS disclosed that several international sports bodies have sent their representatives to inspect the facility and have rated it among the best on the African continent.
Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei gave a brief history of the development of Nyayo National Stadium since its inception.
Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko, CS Eugene Wamalwa, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports Culture and Tourism Chairman Patrick Makau, legendary sports heroes and a host of senior Government officials attended the event.
