Ommy Dallah
Confirmed: Harmonize Is Leaving WCB
After months of speculations on the fate of Harmonize at WCB, the truth is finally out.
According to one of the managers at the record label Sallam Mendez, harmonize has alredy informed the management of his intention to terminate his contract.
Speaking to Wasafi fm, Mendez said they are not against the move.
"As for now his heart is not at WCB, its only the contract that is keeping him there but he has already informed us that he wants to terminate the contrcat" said Mendez.
Adding "We like his approach since he has followed the due process so we have no issue with that"
Reports of Harmonize exiting the label recently gathered weight after he officially changed his Instagram bio.
He removed the ‘Signed under WCB Wasafi’ tag which is used by all artists signed under the label
According to reports Harmonize's decision came about after some differences with his boss and founder of the biggest label currently in East Africa, Diamond Platnumz.
In one of his songs (Inama), Diamond suggested that Harmonize had to fire his former bodyguard Mwarau fighter after he slept with his Italian girlfiend Sarah.
Harmonize who has formed his own clique 'Konde Gang' will be the second artist to walk out of the label after Rich Mavoko who left the label shortly after being signed in 2016.
KPA Officials Sent Away From Parliamentary Committee Sitting
Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] board chairman Gen (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana and KPA General Manager in charge of operation William Ruto were sent away by parliamentary committee for labour after failing to convince it over its 30 percent tender awarding for youths and persons with disabilities.
They had appeared before the committee chaired by Ali Wairo and Vice Chairperson Joyce Korir Chepkoech to shed light on over the 30 per cent constitutional requirement for youths and person with disability.
They were accompanied by KPA acting Procurement Manager Aza Dzengo at the Tamarind Hotel in Mombasa during an interrogation which did not even last 30 minutes.
The committee was never convinced with the procurement document presented to them and decided to shelve the meeting to another day.
The committee chair directed KPA Managing Director Daniel Manduku to appear in person instead of sending a presentation to the committee.
The KPA team was unable to prove crucial documents relating to tender awarding at the authority as per committee demands before the angry committee members adjourned the session.
Earlier in the day National Social Security Fund [NSSF] board of trustee member Mark J. Obuya was given a go ahead to organize a one day workshop to discuss perennial issues pending at the organization.
This was after the committee was furnished with various procurement and tender documents issued at the company helm.
The committee will have a session with the National Youths Service [NYS] tomorrow at 9 am (Thursday) over the stalled bus transport project which was meant for the urban centres.
African Union (AU)Endorses Kenya For UN Security Council Bid
President Uhuru Kenyatta has welcomed the African Union’s endorsement of Kenya’s bid for a UN Security Council seat and called on the rest of the United Nations member states to support the country's candidature.
The President said the backing by the African Union is a mark of confidence in Kenya’s capability to represent the continent’s interests at the global arena.
Kenya won the Eastern Africa region spot after garnering 37 votes against Djibouti’s 13 during an election held by the African Union Permanent Representatives’ Committee (AU PRC) today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
President Kenyatta expressed confidence that with the support of the continental body, the country is better placed to secure the non-permanent seat for the period 2020 to 2021 the during the elections scheduled for June next year.
“I am grateful to the African Union's PRC for the confidence they have shown by endorsing our candidature for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) non-permanent seat,” said the President.
The President, who called on the rest of the UN member states to back Kenya during the June 2020 elections, said the country's bid is informed by the critical role the UN Security Council plays in the maintenance of international peace and security.
The African Union will present Kenya (Eastern Africa), Niger (Western Africa) and Tunisia (Northern Africa) for the UNSC elections.
Kevin Mulei Feted At Achievers Awards Amongst Other Great African Leaders
Uganda's Irene Ntale Joins Universal Music Goup
Ugandan singer and songwriter, Irene Ntalé has just inked a major deal with Universal Music Group Nigeria (UMGNG).
A household name in Uganda and East Africa with over 10 Million streams and downloads, Ntalé is known for her ability to fuse together sounds from the region.
She is one of the leading female artists on the continent and the first artist from Uganda to be signed to Universal Music Group.
Meanwhile she has just releasesd her first single, ‘Nyamba’ under Universal Music Group Nigeria on Wednesday 21st August 2019.
The word, ‘Nyamba’ means ‘Help Me’ in Luganda, Ntalé’s local dialect.
‘Nyamba’ is a romantic ballad inspired by a past experience, the track is very personal to Ntalé as it speaks to the fragility and vulnerability of love.
Ntalé says, ‘I want all my fans to fall in love, dance, and be unafraid to express themselves when they listen to this song”.
Ntalé is a multifaceted artist whose genre-blending mix of RnB, Afropop, reggae, and acoustic soul has formed her unique sound.
The ‘Nyamba’ release comes highly anticipated following the release of hit singles such as ‘Kyolowooza’, ‘Stamina Daddy’, and ‘Gukuba’.
Universal Music Group Nigeria, General manager Ezegozie Eze said, “We are excited to have Ntalé join the family. She is an extremely talented artist and her dedication to her craft has paid off in East Africa".
Adding "This partnership has been 2 years in the making and we are excited to be on this journey with her as she sets her eyes on Africa and then the world”.
Since their arrival into the market, Universal Music Group Nigeria has been on a mission to push African sound globally.
The signing of this East African superstar is yet another opportunity for UMG Nigeria to take Africa to the world and bring the world to Africa.
Ntalé’s deal with the entertainment company goes beyond music, she will also be partnering with U-Live Africa (a division of Universal Music Group Nigeria) to produce her annual concert Ntalé Live, which debuted in 2018 with a sold out show at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
“Being signed to Universal Music Group, Nigeria is the beginning of a new journey as we plan to take over the world.” Ntalé commented.
Navio Releases New Video 'Kyekyo' Hot Off The Heels Of His Nupitals
Navio, the multi-award winning Ugandan artist and one of the most versatile rappers in East Africa, has released the music video to his latest single – KYEKYO.
The video was shot and directed by HenixTouch Filmz.
This comes ahead of his upcoming album #SiN (Strength In Numbers).
Produced by Aethan, KYEKYO was recorded at Icon Studios by Mio Made.
The single has an eclectic but modern beat coupled with live instrumentation from Congo guitar sensation Charmant, adding another dynamic to the song.
Watch KYEKYO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX7cKeMrX-km
“My #SiN Album (Strength In Numbers) is about balance, showing people that good music, versatility and a clear vision is what’s needed,” says Navio ahead of his upcoming album
Adding, “They say in order to lead sometimes you have to follow. After winning 50 awards I really had to take a step back from the industry to see what’s really going on"
He went ahead to state " A lot of new acts are coming into the industry with low goals or high ones before good music and proving their worth.”
Pronounced ‘Che-cho’, KYEKYO is a word used when somebody likes what you’re doing and they want you to keep doing it.
The expressive term in Uganda used to mean: “That’s what’s up”, “Like that” or “That’s how to do it”.
This release comes right after a life event (his wedding with long-time lover) and is yet a new direction for Navio and the industry and shows the versatility that we have come to expect from the rapper.
His ability to blend seamlessly Urban sound into African Rhythms saw him win “Best Album” at the HiPipo awards 2017 for his critically acclaimed album “The Chosen”.
Reaveled : WCB To Unveil Two New Signees
Diamond Platnumz's record label WCB is set to unveil new artists, a male and a female.
This is according to a reliable source who hinted to Ommy Dallah that plans are already underway to officially unveil the two.
The source revealed that the two artists are Hanstone and songstress Zuchu.
"Hanstone was one of the two artists who were previously behind the track Chibonge alongside Marioo but after a fall out Marioo decided to remove him from the track , which rumor has it that Marioo did not like the fact that Hanstone’s verse was better than his hence the fight and falling out" said the source.
Adding "Diamond has picked him(Hanstone) believing he is better than Marioo and wants to prove that point by having him under his label and he also believe that he too will be releasing hit songs as it is with other artists signed under WCB".
Hanstone is the ghostwriter behind Maua Sama’s hit song 'Iokote'.
"The two will be unveiled either after Tanasha gives birth or at the end of Wasafi festival" said the source.
This comes at a time when there is alot of speculation on whether Harmonize is still under WCB with some quarters suggesting that he has already left the label and is currently working on his own 'Konde Gang'. There has been no word from the management of WCB concerning this.
In one of his tweets, on 11th of last month (July), Diamond revealed that he had just signed a new artist but did not give more details.
Some of the other artists who are currently under WCB are Lava Lava, Rayvanny, Queen Darleen and Mbosso.
In 2016 Rich Mavoko joined the label (WCB) only to leave after sometime under unclear circumstances.
Video: Harmonize Teams Up With Uganda's Sheebah In 'Follow Me'
Bongo flava star Harmonize has team up with Uganda's celebrated female singer Sheebah in a new song.
The song is titled 'Follow me'.
Watch the video below.
Mombasa Chef Breaks Guinness World Record After Cooking For 75 Hours Non-Stop
A Mombasa-based chef, Maliha Mohammed, today joined the annals of fame by setting a new world record cooking non-stop for 75 hours.
Ms. Mohammed, a self-taught chef, joins a galaxy of Kenyans including renowned athletes like Paul Tergat, Tegla Lorupe and the late Samuel Wanjiru, who have previously shattered world records in various human endeavors.
She awaits official confirmation from Guinness World Record.
A thrilled Ms. Mohammed attributed her achievements to determination and her passion for cooking.
“I have always loved cooking. My greatest joy is in coming up with exciting dishes both local and international cuisine, I will forever be greateful to Pwani Oil for their sponsorship and helping realize my dream" she said .
Adding "I will continue perfecting my cooking skills and look forward to surpassing this record in future"
She also encouraged young people with various talents to aim for the sky and "show the world what they have to offer,”
The 36-year old chef, who works for a local NGO, added she is keen on showcasing Kenyan dishes to the world especially Swahili cuisine.
Currently, the record is held by Rickey Lumpkin II of California, US, who cooked for 68 hours, 30 minutes and 1 second in December 2018.
Indian chef Vishnu Manohar in 2017 spent 53 consecutive hours cooking, while Benjamin J. Perry did 40 hours in 2014.
She thanked Pwani Oil, a Mombasa-based edible oils, soaps and detergents manufacturer, who sponsored her trials.
Pwani Oil commercial Director Rajul Malde hailed Ms. Mohammed for putting Kenya on the world map, adding the company is keen on promoting local talent.
“We are really delighted as Pwani Oil to have been part of Malika’s journey. There are many talented Kenyans who if given opportunity can accomplish great things” said Malde.
Prior to setting the new record, Ms. Mohammed undertook two trial sessions, first in June when she cooked for 36 hours and then in July, for 54 hours, preparing over 100 recipes.
She was supported by a team working in nine-hour shifts.
Other sponsors were Kenya Bay Beach Resort, Sea Gas who supplied her with free cooking gas, , Sheffield Africa and Farmers Choice.
The Guinness World Records, previously also known as Guinness Book of Records, lists outstanding human achievements as well as unique natural phenomena.
Being listed by Guinness World Records is considered prestigious.
Other Kenyans who have previously featured on the world list include Joseph Love who in 1992 milked 30 cows by hand in 24 hours, and Kimani Maruge who became the world’s oldest pupil at 84 years in 2004.
Mama Ngina Water Front Park Project At Advanced Stage, Says Balala
The Mama Ngina Drive in Mombasa county which is being regenerated into a waterfront and cultural district is 90 per cent complete.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala defended the contractor saying the 10 per cent remaining is the additional work before the facility hosts this year’s Mashujaa Day national
celebrations.
He said the facility will be handed over to the national celebrations committee three weeks prior to the one day event and assured journalists there is no cause for alarm.
"The additional work is a results of hosting the presidential event during the national celebrations in October in the county,"he pointed out.
Balala hinted the presidential square and its environs has a sitting capacity of 25,000 people.
He spoke after he led his ministry officials to the supervisory weekly inspection of the facility.
The CS said they have come up with clear arrangements with security organs on how they would do the one day event together.
Balala, who was accompanied by his principal secretary Joe Okudo, told journalists there is enough time to hand over the facility to the celebrations committee.
He added at the moment they are clearing the site to install the tents and put up infrastructure which normally takes less than a week.
"We have clear arrangements with local provincial administrators on how we are going to do the celebration as a team," he pointed out.