Kenyan artists can now breathe a sigh of relief after President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday signed the copyright amendment bill 2019.

The Copyright (Amendment) Act 2019 is aimed at addressing growing concerns about royalty rights in the country especially the collection and disbursement of fees and dues to copyright holders.

There have been concerns from artists on the disbursement of royalties from the music copyright society of kenya (MCSK). 

Just last month there was an uproar from artists after MCSK sent Sh2,530 as royalty payment to each member via M-Pesa.

As a result of this, President Uhuru Kenyatta  ordered the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), to investigate the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).

“Na pia kwa copyrights na pia tumeona pia labda huko kuna shida, na jana mimi niliamrisha DCI na watu ya EACC waanze upelezi huko tujuwe kama kuna shida huko ya watu kama wanakula pesa ambayo siyo jasho yao. Na hiyo itafanyika na tumesama tunataka report to be made public, na kama kwa ukweli kuna watu wanakula pesa za wenzao washikwe,” said President Kenyatta.

The President, who was speaking during popular musician John Mwangi Ng’ang;a aka De' Mathew’s burial in Gatanga, Murang’a County, also noted that MCSK’s offices will be relocated. 

“The ICT department will be able to know what music has been played and in which station, and ensure musicians are paid for it but the attorney General’s office which is just made up of lawyers,” he said.

Nigerian multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer Cobhams Asuquo has released a new single - MORE THAN PRETTY.

The powerful song speaks against any form of violence and is a special dedication to all women.

The up-beat tempo jam produced by Cobhams is a fusion of pop and EDM beats with such a catchy hook.

MORE THAN PRETTY is a self-love anthem with a special message for all the women not to feel pressured by the world around them and place their worth beyond looks.

Cobhams says, “Dear woman, you are worthy you are in no way the inferior sex, because there is no such thing".You are valuable by virtue of just being you. You are beautiful no matter your external appearance. You are talented. You are stronger than you think. You are capable of so much more than you know. You do deserve to be loved just as you are.”

MORE THAN PRETTY lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eveLXxIiWBM

Speaking about the inspiration to writing and producing the song, Cobhams says, “This song is a reminder that contrary to what we have been made to believe, there is more to a woman than her contours, proportions and wifely potential.” Cobhams continues to make music that is entertaining and highly inspirational.

He sent a special message to his Kenyan fans saying, “I love you all and thank you for supporting not only music we can dance to but also African music that carries a strong message.”

With a wide catalogue of music, Cobhams is known for his smash hit singles including, “One Hit”, “Starlight”, “Ordinary People”, “Empty” and “Boosit” featuring Falz.

Cobhams’ name has gone on to become synonymous with world-class production and musicianship across the African continent.

Over the years, he has amassed a number of local and continental awards some of which include: Producer Of The Year (The Beatz Award, 2017), Recording of the Year (The Headies, 2014) and is a recipient of the national award for British Council’s International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year.

Cobhams released his debut album titled “For You” in 2017. Following its critical acclaim, Cobhams is currently working on an EP and several new releases set to drop later in the year.

He says, “My next single speaks to a human condition we often find ourselves in. Its strong message will echo MORE THAN PRETTY’s and will resonate strongly with Africans, and all humans in particular. Watch out for it.”

The government is in the process of recruiting a new Kenya Power and Lighting Company [KPLC] Managing Director cum Chief Executive Officer [CEO] after the prosecution of Ken Tarus who headed the organization.

At least 14 individuals have denied charges of the irregular acquisition of faulty transformers.

Eng. Jared Othieno is currently acting as the company MD and doubles up as CEO after being appointed by Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter in June following a day-long meeting by the Kenya Power Board to bridge the gap left by the arrest and prosecution of the officials.

The acting MD will face an acid test when he will be forced to battle it out for the position during an open and transparent interview.

According to an advertisement in local dailies, a consultancy firm has been hired to carry out the recruitment process.

The company is seeking to recruit an exceptional and visionary leader with good professional and ethical standards to fill the vacant position.

Those interested in the position are to submit their applications for consideration through the consultancy firm latest September.

The candidates will be required to satisfy the requirements of chapter six of the constitution.

Those who have qualifications and experience will have an advantage during the short listing process according to the consultancy firm.

Olakira is one of Nigeria’s fast rising Afrobeats artists, music producers and songwriters, this decade.

He has excelled in songwriting and production severally and that can be heard from the smash hit singles he has written, co- written and produced like "My Woman" by Nigerian artist Dotman, "Xpressions" by Haekins featuring Mayorkun. Etc.

His success and growth lead him to release “Wakanda Jollof” EP (June 2019), under his record label U&I Music.

Olakira wrote and produced all “Wakanda Jollof” songs with the assistance of co-producer Zimbabwean beatsmith Mr. Kamera.

The EP is a series of love songs, from “Aya Mi” (My Love), “Flirty Signal”, “Ma Cherie Coco”, “Money Groove”, “Summer Time”, “Till Dawn” to “Wakanda Jollof”; exploring the different aspects of relationships and the challenges that lovers go through.

It covers the themes portrayal of love, betrayal, and steadfastness. 

Speaking about the inspiration behind the EP, Olakira says, “With ‘Wakanda Jollof’, I put together the best music styles and genres from the continent, spiced up for a global audience"

Adding "Wakanda is a unifying word, recognized worldwide as a good symbol for Africa, while Jollof is Africa’s favourite spicy rice dish, so I’m basically serving up a spicy dish from the continent to the rest of the world”.

Prior to the 7-track EP, Olakira’s breakout single was HEY LOVER—the mid-tempo jam 2018 summer jam, now being released in East Africa.

HEY LOVER music video, following a love in turmoil storyline, was shot and directed in Lagos by the acclaimed video director: Unlimited LA.

HEY LOVER on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNnKROaiLGA

Speaking of HEY LOVER’s East African release, Olakira says, “Hey Lover is the perfect song to introduce me to my East African fan base as it represents all my sounds as an Afrobeats artist but at the same time, it’s quite musical and I know my fans will enjoy this,

Adding, “I am equally excited to launching my brand in East Africa. Can’t wait to share more of the content I’ve been working hard to create. I want to connect with my fans, starting with in Kenya, where I plan to shoot my upcoming video soon!”

Making his debut into the music scene with a hit single “Hey Lover” , Olakira has been making waves across Nigeria over the past 12 months, and is already hotly tipped to be one of Africa's next rated stars.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged the new National Youth Service (NYS) Director General Matilda Pamela Aleyo Sakwa to transform the agency into a training institution that effectively delivers on its mandate.  

The President told Ms Sakwa to ensure that NYS reclaims its position in national development by equipping the youth with adequate skills and expertise to enable them contribute to nation building. 

The Head of State spoke today at State House, Nairobi when he witnessed the swearing in of Ms Sakwa as the new NYS Director General.

The President congratulated Ms Sakwa and expressed confidence that she has what it takes to successfully lead NYS and enable it to offer appropriate training, mentoring, encouraging and giving hope to young Kenyans. 

“You are a person with experience in management of public resources and also in public service and administration. I have confidence that you will deliver not only to the Government but also to the people of Kenya. 

“You have the capacity to take this organization to the next level,” the President told Ms Sakwa. 

As part of her swearing in, the new Director General took oath of office, and signed the General Integrity Code and the Accountability Pledge committing herself to discharge her duties according to the law without fear or favour. 

The President observed that NYS has in the past failed to deliver on its mandate due to challenges of integrity and weak leadership, and tasked Ms Sakwa to rebuild the trust, confidence and faith of Kenyans in the institution. 

“I have never failed to believe in this organization as an instrument of transformation of our Republic and of our young people,” the President said as he assured the new Director General of his support. 

He said the ongoing reforms at NYS including the set up of the management council led by Lt. Gen (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki are aimed at strengthening the institution to make it more accountable and transparent. 

Present at the ceremony were Public Service CS Prof Margaret Kobia, State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita and NYS Council Chairman Lt. Gen (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki among others. 

Let's work together to link artisanal and small scale miners to the Big Four Agenda, this is according to Taita Taveta Deputy Governor Majala Mlagui.

Speaking during the Second Biannual CEMEREM Conference on sustainable development in the extractives industry in Africa held in Voi Majala said the linkage will support the miners who face marketing challenge for their minerals.

The 27th edition of the Koroga Festival is set to go down this weekend 21- 22 September at the prestigious Two Rivers Mall in Kiambu County.

This edition of the Festival features yet another explosive line up of award winning artistes from across Africa.

Day 1 will feature the newest sensation in the Kenyan Music scene, the Sailors who are currently riding high with their hit songs Wamlambez and Pekejeng, which are currently two of the biggest tracks in Kenya right now.

Also featuring on day one are the Decimators and Zzero Sufuri.

Day 2 which is the highlight of the Festival will feature two of Kenyan dancehall legends Redsan and Wyre the love child, and the Legendary Reggae act from Cote D’Ivore -Alpha Blondy and the Solar system band.

This will be the first time the Sweet Fanta Diallo singer will be performing in Kenya.

Speaking on phone ahead of his performance, Alpha Blondy revealed, " I am excited to be performing in Nairobi after a long break, it feels good to be back to this beautiful country in the motherland Africa.

"Everything has been put in place by the Koroga Festival team to ensure our fans have a great experience as it is the custom of all our events". Said The Commercial director of Capital Group Limited, Farida Idris.

For smooth transportation to the venue, Koroga Festival organisers have partnered with SWVL to provide transportation to commuters to and from the venue on both days.

This edition of Koroga Festival promises to be show stopper in the entertainment industry.

The organisers have unveiled dates for the next four editions of the Koroga festival as follows.

• 28th Edition 30th Nov 1st Dec 2019
• 29th Edition 15th and 16th Feb 2019
• 30th Edition 11th and 12th April 2020 in Nanyuki, Kenya

Over 2,000 workers have been left jobless after Mombasa's giant apparel firm EPZ Simba apparel closed one of its production unit in Changamwe.

The workers have been on strike for the last one week.

The management of the firm has accused the workers of staging "illegal strike" since September 9 following the internal fight between the two shop stewards of their union.

They also accuse the workers of failing to honour two return to work agreements.

According to the first return to work agreement signed by TTWU Deputy General Secretary Ezra Ojuka, John Ngari (National Organizing Secretary), Odengo Otieno (Branch Secretary), Collis Omondi (Deputy Shop Steward)  Damaris Munyao Chef Shop Steward and Meshak Mwanganji., the workers were supposed to resume work on September 13 but they failed to turn up.

“We decided to shut down the factory because the workers have refused to honor two return-to-work agreements we signed with their representatives,” said the firm in a statement.

The proprietors also pointed out that they recorded loss of Sh20 million due to its failure to export 100,000 garments to the USA.

They also accuse a local politician of fueling the unrest in the workers.

“Since September 9 the workers have staged an illegal strike due to internal in-fight between two shop stewards of the union which is supporters by local politicians,” said the firm.

Today the workers led by chief shop steward Meshack Mwangangi held a protest.

They said they  called for a strike after gang attacked some of the workers inside the factory.

The workers are demanding their jobs back.

September 12 of every calendar year ushers in new year in Ethiopia, according to their Orthodox calendar.

Ethiopians living in Mombasa joined their fellow country men in celebrating the new year also known as Enkutatash.

The celebrations were held at the Sheba club led by the Ethiopia ambassador to Kenya Meles Alem. Kisauni Mp Ali Mbogo was also present during the celebrations.

Enkutatash which literary means “a gift of jewel to your finger” marks the Ethiopian New Year based on the Coptic calendar of Julian calculation. It signifies the end of the rainy season and the ushering in of the sunny one.

The tradition goes back 3,000 years as it was started to commemorate the Queen of Sheba of ancient Ethiopia and Yemen who visited King Solomon of Israel in Jerusalem.

During the celebration in Mombasa, the proprietor of Sheba club Wondwossen Kassie was also unveiled as the Ethiopia's cultural ambassador.

There is an eight-year gap between Ethiopian calendar and that of the one adopted by the rest of the world which follows the Gregorian calendar.

The Luo community residing in the coast region under the umbrella of Ramogi Welfare have refuted claims their focus is on the 2022 presidential succession battle.

They said the welfare's strategic plan has nothing to do with the battle to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta but the economic welfare of members.

Led by Mombasa county government chief of staff Joab Odhiambo Tumbo they said their five year strategic plan is beyond the 2022 general elections.

He said the strategic plan from 2019 to 2023 focuses on the economic empowerment of the members and the realisation of sustainable development.

"Let's unite and strengthen the community members apart from the cultural funeral gatherings in the region," he pointed out.

He spoke when he presided over the launch of the welfare community's five year strategic plan held at the Mombasa Women’s hall in Mvita constituency, Mombasa county.

The county chief of staff cautioned their critics they won’t allow the welfare to be used as a political vehicle for the 2022 polls.

Tumbo, who was accompanied by Mombasa County Executive for Devolution and Public Service Administration Seth Odhiambo Odongo, vowed he will ensure the welfare is not used as a stepping stone to politics.

He reiterated the welfare will not allow itself to be used as a campaign tool for the 2022 general election in the region.

"The welfare's strategic plan has nothing to do with the next polls," he pointed out.

On his part, Seth urged the community to engage in constructive politics which will empower them than politics of division which will ruin them.

He advised the community that they will succeed and prosper if they unite and speak with one  voice in the region.

Ramogi Welfare Community chairperson Ishmael Ochola has acknowledged the formation of the members' welfare was started in 2004 with the sole agenda of organizing funeral gatherings for transportation of the deceased for burial but assured them they want to transform the outfit to focus on economic empowerment of members.

He said since he took over he has been able to offset the minibus loan through a funds drive and they have plans to acquire a second minibus.

Ochola said they have identified a plot to put up a multi-purpose hall for generating income and they are targeting to recruit almost 30,000 members in the next five years.

"Before the implementation of the five year plan we will establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative (Sacco) initiative to empower members,’’ he pointed out.