Former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho seems to be enjoying every bit of his retirement life after serving the people of Mombasa for two terms as the county chief.

From spending some quality time with giraffes at his posh Vipingo home to hanging out with celebrities abroad.

Last month, Joho got netizens talking after he shared a video on his official Instagram page which boasts over 1.2 million followers of himself in shorts and a white vest walking in a well manicures lawn where he then proceeds to stand next to three giraffes admiring them.

In the video the former governor turns to the giraffes and goes, "twendeni... let us go, let us go guys c'mon," as he waves his hand towards the animals while walking away.

On Friday, Joho was spotted hanging out with American singer Jason Derulo in one of his shows at the Cocacola arena in Dubai.

This is not the first time Joho has been spotted in the company of top celebrities.

He has previously been spotted with Paris Hilton, Fat Joe among others.

Parents living with Children suffering from Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus have been urged not to hide them at home.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir said there is need for creating awareness and seeking help for the victims.

Speaking on Saturday while flagging off the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus awareness walk, Nassir revealed that there are plans to start a special program for treatment, shunt at the Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus centre in Likoni .

"We are working on starting the special shunt procedure which drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and I want to make sure that this will be performed permanently here at our facility. We already have donors who have shown interest in supporting us towards achieving this" said Nassir.

Adding" My special appeal is to the parents living with children suffering from this disease to stop hiding them in the houses and instead come out and seek help, members of the public should also stop the myth about this disease, linking it to witch craft".

His sentiments were echoed by the county Woman representative Zamzam Mohammed who called out on well wishers to come out and support the county government and other stakeholders in creating awareness for the disease.

"It is good that we all come out and support children living with this disease, they are all our children and as the Women representative I will do my best to support such initiatives inside and outside parliament."

Spina bifida is part of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects while Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid on the brain, also called 'water in the brain'.

Kilifi governor Gedion Mung'aro is the new Chairman of Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP).

Mung'aro takes over form former Taita Taveta governor Granton Samboja.

"The Jumuiya za Pwani Governors at a meeting held at the new offices of the Jumuiya Economic Development Secretariat immediately after the official opening resolved to have Kilifi county assume chairmanship of the Kenya Coast bloc" reads a statement from JKP C.E.O Emmanuel Nzai.

Mung'aro becomes the third chairman of the JKP, the first chairman was former Kwale county governor and current Mining cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya.

"I am committed to the task and believe with our unity, we shall meet the people's expectations and grow our economy as Coastal people." said Mung'aro.

Adding "Coast counties are daughters of the same mother and forging forward we need to collectively put our strength together and find permanent solutions to problems ailing the region so as to restore the region's glory."

Realness Institute in partnership with Netflix, the world’s leading entertainment streaming service, has opened the calls for submissions to its 2023 Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET) programmes which will take place from 30 April to 30 July 2023.

The Lab and Traineeship aim to support screenwriters and mid-career industry professionals from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa who are seeking opportunities to develop their original story ideas in any genre and are looking to enhance their skills as story consultants respectively.

Bringing together a wealth of creative talent from Africa in these programmes, Realness Institute offers the Episodic Lab participants the opportunity to pitch their incubated stories to Netflix executives at the end of the programme.

It also offers DET participants a deeper understanding of the story development process, exposure to a more nuanced approach in the support of writers whilst simultaneously holding writers accountable for their creative work. 

To support the participants to focus on their involvement in the programmes, Realness Institute will provide a monthly stipend of ZAR 33,000 (Thirty-Three Thousand South African Rands) for the duration of the Lab and traineeship to help cover their living expenses.

“As filmmakers we understand how difficult it is to find time and space to focus on our creative processes: to unpack stories, mull over and bounce ideas off others, benchmark ourselves against our peers as we hustle to make films, and pitch and search for funding and finance,” says Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnerships, Realness Institute.

Adding  “In understanding this landscape, we are delighted that Netflix has once again partnered with us, to bring these two symbiotic programmes for African filmmakers in our joint quest to grow African stories and content on the continent.”

While there is no guarantee that any proposal will be developed further by Netflix, it is a unique opportunity to interface at key milestones with Netflix executives and be afforded the opportunity to pitch.

The 2022 Episodic Lab alumnus, Voline Ogutu from Kenya pitched an idea for a romance crime thriller Dilemma that has received a greenlight from Netflix for further development.

Reacting to her story idea being selected for further development, Voline Ogutu, who has now started to turn her attention to next steps which include Writers’ Room planning, says, “I am honored and grateful to be part of this rare opportunity. To those who dream of telling African stories on the global stage, it is truly within your reach. Thank you to the Netflix and Realness team who were part of this process.”

Commenting on Netflix’s partnership with Realness Institute, Allison Triegaardt, Manager for GROW Creative Africa at Netflix says, “We are so thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Realness Institute for the 2023 edition.  It is such a great opportunity to find, grow and nurture African storytellers and their uniquely African stories by giving them the time and resources they need to fully realize their vision and someday share their stories with a global audience.”

The Lab and Traineeship take place online and then for a week in-person in July 2023 at the Coot Club in Stanford, Western Cape.

 Interested participants are encouraged to visit https://www.realness.institute/episodic-lab for Episodic Lab programme application and https://www.realness.institute/det for Development Executive Traineeship programme application and wait to be shortlisted.

Uganda is seeking partnership that will see big number of visitors to Kenya’s coastal towns and the respective beaches on the coast visit it's safaris.

In the agreement which will compliment both beaches and safaris found in Kenya and Uganda respectively, the two countries will market their tourists destinations as a package.

To harness the opportunities, Uganda’s Consulate in Mombasa has organized the first Uganda Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and exhibition set for November 17th this year.

Uganda's Consulate General in Mombasa Amb.Paul Mukumbya said both countries can benefit from tourist arrivals to each country by selling their respective tourism packages to tourists from abroad.

“The partnership will ensure thousands of tourists visiting either Kenya and Uganda move freely between the two countries. The tourists can have breakfast at the beach and lunch in a safari in Uganda,” said Amb Mukumbya.

In the agreement, the two countries will promote beaches and different tourism products on the coast and adventure tourism in Uganda as one package which will not only increase tourist numbers in the two countries but will create more opportunities for tourism stakeholders.

“In the deal, Uganda Airways will operate direct flight from Mombasa to Entebbe three times a week but we shall also engage other transporters such as tour and bus operators to offer special rates for travelers of the two countries,” said the consulate.

Speaking during a joint media briefing in Mombasa with the Kenya Coast Tourism association (KCTA) officials, the Ugandan Consulate said Uganda has completely different tourism products from Kenya and yet there are so many travelers who come to the Coast.

“We shall be having a conference between Uganda and Kenyan Coast tourism stakeholders on 17th November this year where we shall elaborate more on the way forward,” he said.

The conference will bring together over 100 Uganda tourism players and exhibitors to showcase some of their products and brands at the inaugural event in Mombasa slated for Nov 17.

Amb. Mukumbya said the conference under the theme ‘strengthening Networks, synergies and diversity to maximize the tourism potential between Uganda and the Kenya Coast region’ will be a game changer.

According to Mukumbya, tourism arrivals in Uganda in 2021 stood at 512,945.Out of that,326,387 were from Kenya which he said translated to 63 percent of all arrivals in Uganda.

KCTA chairman Victor Shitakha said the partnership facilitated by both governments will be between the private tours operators of Kenya and Uganda so as to work together to market each other's tourism products.

"The move will create networks and synergies and we are not in competition but we compliment where we shall come up with packages marketed together where we shall sell both safari and beaches as one package,” said Mr Shitakha

After the success of his hit son, ‘Buga’, Nigerian superstar, Oluwatobiloba Daniel, popularly known as Kizz Daniel, is back with another chart-topping hit single titled ‘Cough’, with an accomplishing dance move, ‘Odo.’

The new release has already achieved massive hype as number one on the Top 100 Nigeria Apple Music chart in less than 48 hours on social media and airwaves , and is also one of the singles from an upcoming album ‘WHERE WE COME FROM’ from an International Music Distribution Company, EMPIRE.

The single, with a new dance moves called ‘Odo,’ has not only gained attention from music lovers just last the down-to-up Low-low-low-low steps with lifted shoulders in ‘Buga’ dance; did but also it has another dance steps that sees the dancer squatting with a slight jump back while holding their thigh, which is now trending.

With the official video yet to be released, music lovers and fans have started trending with dance steps and ‘Odo’ challenge, with several dancers posting videos of themselves, including top celebrities Kate Henshaw, Sabinus (MrFunny1) and Brodashaggi, among others.

The much anticipated love song has kept thousands of fans hailing Kizz Daniel for dropping another soon-to-become world anthem, as the new song begins with an actual cough and lyrics stating, “I wanna flex my love,” alongside hit jams.

Kizz Daniel has the undeniable X-factor! Still on his world tour, the entertainment industry’s golden goose recently performed for millions of his fans in Canada, Suriname, Malawi, Rwanda and Uganda.

The widely acclaimed singer who’s known for his historic ‘No Bad Songz’ record has bagged numerous successful singles and albums that have become street anthems across Africa and the world, making him one of the most sought-after musicians of his time — as he knows the exact type of music to dish out and continually fan the eternal flame of good music for his fans in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

Stream HERE

Dubai is set to host one of the flagship International FIFA Fan Festivals.

This FIFA World Cup viewing area is projected to host 10,000 fans daily and is set against the iconic Vista at Dubai Harbor, the extraordinary seafront district.

Screening every minute of every game of this year’s FIFA World Cup, on custom designed gigantic 330sqm screens, featuring cutting-edge 4D audio; fans will feel the true ambiance of the games and cheer along with people from around the world with every goal.

 Visitors to the BudX FIFA Fan Festival will be treated to live entertainment with state-of-the-art immersive technology and breath-taking skyline views, brought to you by AB InBev and its flagship brand Budweiser.

Confirmed official event partner is adidas alongside the venue partner Dubai Harbor.

Produced by BRAG, this vibrant entertainment space has been designed to capture the imagination of the public, transforming Dubai Harbor into an extraordinary luxury football and entertainment experience from the 20th of November until the 18th of December.

To add to the thrill of the games, several local and international live acts and DJs will take to the stage both between matches and after the final game of the day, with plenty of games and activities on hand as well, including some exclusive Adidas entertainment, this is set to be the best place to catch the FIFA World Cup moments.

In a bid to ease travel during the world cup; the UAE Government is offering a new multiple-entry visa exclusively for Hayya card holders (those with entry permit into Qatar and stadium access) for a period of 90 days which costs just AED 100.

In addition to over 20 public viewing places and major fan zones, footie takeovers, alfresco events, music, sports festivals, and mega screens, Dubai is well set up for fans to watch the games.

This festival of football will also give attendees the chance to explore some of the most unique F&B offerings, featuring culinary delights, to be enjoyed throughout the greatest sporting event on earth.

 With some delicious light bites, juicy burgers, tasty finger food, and plenty of beverages for the legal drinking age consumers As an official FIFA partner, adidas is set to introduce a 1050sqm experiential space within the official FIFA Fan zone where football fanatics will be able to watch matches, test products, meet their favourite legends, shop localised product and watch the games inside the adidas space.

The Al Rihla Camp is an unrivalled football and entertainment experience and immersive brand space that aims to bring to life the love of the game through engaging activations with regional football clubs and communities, as well as exclusive retail experiences and content creation spaces.

 Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) note “ As we gear up to welcome football fans and sports enthusiasts, this FIFA-endorsed event at Dubai Harbour will further reinforce Dubai’s position as an international events hub and serve as a catalyst to the growth of sports tourism in line with the vision of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the most visited city and the best place in the world to live and work.”

Adding “ Every FIFA World Cup provides us an opportunity to bring the festivities to Dubai too, and the FIFA Fan Festival will ensure that Dubai with its deeply rooted traditions in sport will once again be a focal point for the football fraternity. The special celebration of football across our city will also perfectly complement the diversity of leisure, lifestyle, and sports offerings that Dubai is promising residents and visitors throughout the FIFA World Cup season.”

 The BudX FIFA Fan Festival™ at Dubai Harbour is set to be the best backdrop for this 21+ event. Opening 2 hours before the first kick-off every day right up until 3am, visitors are encouraged to use public transport for this unrivalled viewing unique experience.

Over 170 people from 20 different countries are expected to converge at Likoni, Mombasa county for the signs, wonders and peace festival.

The five day festival organised by the SOS adventure under Austrian native evangelist Johannes Amritzer is expected to kick off on 26th October to 30th October.

"This will not be a normal crusade of evangelists but a holistic gospel, we have come not only to preach the gospel but also do something for the people here" said Amritzer, founder SOS adventure

Adding "We have chosen Likoni because it is impoverished and there have been issues of insecurity here and we believe when we preach the gospel that is the only solution. I'm a good example, I was a criminal but I put away the knife and the life of crime after hearing the gospel."

The festival will be graced by Tanzanian gospel singers Rose Muhando, Miriam Lukindo and Julia Wilkander fromSweden.

There will be daily street outreaches with dancing and dramas and nightly festivals. During the festivals , Johannes uses music and illustrated talks to present the gospel and a message of peace , hope and love.

Over 6,000 residents are also expected to benefit from free medical clinic.

SOS adventure will also conduct a seminar on how to start a new business targeting the locals. Other activities include distribution of reusable hygiene kits for girls to local schools.

"We started in DRC went to Burundi and Dakar ,Senegal and this will be the sixth episode and we call upon all Mombasa residents to come out and attend this festival, it is not just a normal festival. You will not regret it " said Amritzer.

The SOS adventure organization is partnering with the Mombasa pastors fellowship to make the event a success.

"We are very happy that this festival is finally here in Mombasa, we believe the activities lined up will bring a change to Likoni and Mombasa at large." said pastor Zechariah Mwagandi, Chairman Mombasa pastors fellowship.

Adding "We are here not just to preach the gospel but bring change to our people. Those attending the festival from different countries will also help boost our local economy because they will sleep, eat and use our local things, so this is a positive thing and we thank our county and national governments for being coperative and ensuring that we get all the necessary documents and licenses to have this festival."

Tanzanian music sensation Harmonize is set to release his new album this week.

The album titled '“Made For Us” will be released on Friday. The album has 14 tracks.

Taking to his social media platform instagram, Harmonize teased the new piece of art.

The second song off the album “my way” which he teased narrates his love life with all the women he has dated from Jacky Wolper, Sarah and Briana.

The artists featured on the album are Spice, Ntosh Gazi, Nak, Bruce Melodies and Abigail Chams.

This will be Harmonize's third album after Afro East released in 2020 and High School released in 2021.

A Zimbabwean-written, directed, and produced the anti-poaching film - Gonarezhou The Movie, produced by Tariro Washe, is set to premiere in Kenya on Friday 3rd November 2022 at the Westgate Mall.

Gonarezhou The Movie, written and directed by award-winning director Sydney Taivavashe raises awareness against poaching, human trafficking, and human-wildlife conflict.

This production showcases Zimbabwe’s filmmaking talent whilst highlighting real social issues. It was produced in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

The film’s awards include Best First Feature at its World Premiere at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and was an Official Selection at the prestigious Monaco Streaming Film Festival in May 2022.  

Watch the movie trailer here https://youtu.be/LE5H5cly-kk

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Gonarezhou: The Movie is a crime story of a young man called Zulu who joins a notorious armed poaching group after a series of misfortunes in his life. In the chaos that ensues, he finds love and must navigate out of this highly charged environment to meet his fate, good or bad. The story was inspired by the killings of 300 elephants by poachers using cyanide in 2013.

The film, shot in Zimbabwe in 2019, is produced by Zimbabwean Producer, Actor, and Conservationist Tariro Washe, who also stars in the movie as Sargent Onai.  The film boasts an all-star cast that includes Tamy Moyo, Eddie Sandifolo, Tendaiishe Chitima, Tinashe Nhukarume, Charles Mzemba, Jackson Chavhanga, Courage Murambadar, and Tawanda Mazvanya.

The Film Director behind the movie, Sydney Taivashe opened up on the inspiration for the film, “Gonarezhou: The Movie is meant to raise awareness of cruel acts against wildlife in Africa with a purpose to instill a sense of responsibility and fear to those who might be considering poaching as a way to gain quick riches”.

ACCOLADES

"Gonarezhou The Movie", (GTM) won the Best First Feature Film Award at the 2020 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. GTM was also a finalist at the 2020 Flickers’ Rhode Island (USA) International Film Festival and has been nominated for National Art Merit Award's Outstanding Feature Film 2022 (Zimbabwe). Recently, GTM was selected for screening at the prestigious Monaco Streaming Film Festival 2022.

KENYAN SCREENING EVENT PROGRAM

The premiere presents an opportunity for dialogue, interaction, and networking between young people, conservation stakeholders, and local filmmakers on how the shaping of narrative can be mutually beneficial.

This event will be divided into two; the movie screening and a panel discussion. It will be attended by an invited audience that includes guests drawn from the Kenyan and Zimbabwean Governments, the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Zimbabwe Nationa Parks, and Wildlife Management Authority, conservation organizations, human-wildlife conflict activists, filmmakers, journalists, media personalities, and influencers.

According to the organizers, this premiere will take place at the Westgate Cinema. Doors will open at 5.30 pm for the safari-themed red-carpet event, at 6.15 pm there will be opening remarks from the Cabinet Secretaries who will be present and then the movie screening will begin at 6.30 pm.

After the screening, there will be a panel discussion from 8.00 pm to 8.30 pm to reflect on the African Solutions to African Conservation Problems followed by closing remarks and a vote of thanks at 8.40 pm. Those in attendance will also take a sneak peek at Ms. Washe’s upcoming new film.