Renowned Kenyan rap acts: Calvo Mistari and Naiboi are back in top form with their latest banger “Rudisha” – a collaboration featuring Bobby Mapesa and Zzero Sufuri.

“Rudisha” is a perfect meetup of hip hop and Kenyan pop, produced by renowned Kenyan music producer Dillie. It’s a perfect party starter embodying the unmatched spirit of Kenya’s 254 party scene. 

Speaking about the collaboration, Calvo Mistari expressed his admiration for his counterparts.

“I have worked with my Bobby for a pretty long time and our projects are always a breeze because we have developed a genuine brotherly relationship since we connected. With Zzero it was a new experience as I bumped into him in the studio. Dillie played him the song which he vibed to and dropped a verse. Bobby heard of it too and jumped on it without hesitation.” 

While the new track has reconnected Calvo Mistari and Naiobi with their loyal fanbase, Naiboi feels like it’s their way of paving way and paying tribute to Nairobi's young artists and rising stars.

He says, “I always wanted to connect with younger artists at home and merge my sound with theirs and this is a perfect start.” 

Watch “Rudisha” music video on YouTube

The release is accompanied by an attractive music video that matches the track’s rhythm and flow.

It seamlessly blends the seasoned expertise of Calvo Mistari, Naiboi and Bobby Mapesa with Zzero Sufuri’s unique style and contemporary flair.

Video is produced by Callivan Creatives and Team Mistari.

They partnered with VJ One as a director and his directorial expertise combined with Calvo Mistari and Naiboi’s creative vision has resulted in a visual masterpiece that complements the song.

Following their last music collaboration in 2021, this new year single jumpstarts a new chapter in their music career as they push the boundaries of their craft.

Calvo Mistari says, “This year Naiboi and I are gearing up to release back to back projects with new sounds. We are currently buzzing with loads of new music so stay tuned to watch the growth and rebrand in the music industry.” 

A group of Kenyan motorcycle riders have embarked on a journey around several Africa countries.

Their mission is to raise funds to support education in the country.

The riders, known as the Around Africa on Motorcycle Bikers, will be joined by fellow bikers from the countries they pass through, celebrating the beauty and unity of the African biker community.

"We are doing this because of the spirit of adventure, when you get to a certain point in your life you want to the things you have always hoped. So when the opportunity to ride around Africa came it was for me a no brainer to join but more importantly is you just don't want to ride because people are riding the fact that we are doing this with a charitable angle and angle that is so powerful like education, this money raised will bless Children who do not have opportunity to go to school." said Moses Nderitu one of the riders supported by Watu.

The riders begun their journey in Mombasa on Saturday proceeding through some of the countries where WATU has a presence including Tanzania, South Africa, DRC, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

"We are prepared for the challenges but one of the major challenge that we experienced riding from Nairobi to Mombasa was how hot it was, the heat was with us from very early in the ride that means getting dehydrated more than usual, the wind also dehydrated us and so when you are riding you have to hydrate. One of us severely dehydrated and we had to come to their rescue and we stopped, parked the bike and find somewhere to rest, one of the bikers also experienced a mechanical failure and that meant looking for a local mechanic but it was mixed. The biggest challenge is when we got to Mombasa and were received by Mombasa riders and one of them got involved in an accident, luckily we had two medics in the team so they were able to work on it and inform his family."

Speaking about the partnership, Watu head of commercial Chris Rumenda emphasized the need for promoting road safety.

"As a key stakeholder in the boda boda industry, Watu is committed to participating in initiatives that promote safety within the community. Our primary mission is to empower entrepreneurs by enabling asset ownership for the boda boda sector. To date, we have financed over 500,000 assets, significantly contributing to the total 1.8 million motorcycles in Kenya. said Rumenda.

Adding " However, with an annual average of over 9,000 motorcycle accidents across the country, it is imperative that we address this issue head-on. The assets we finance should empower our customers to support their families and drive economic growth—not become tools that lead to harm or loss of life. This year marks our 10th anniversary, and it is an excellent opportunity to reflect on our growth and the positive impact we’ve had across the various markets we serve."

Among the Safety Initiatives that Watu has initiated includes 'Tujenge Msingi Safety Events' which is conducted quarterly in partnership with the NTSA, these events educate our customers and the broader boda boda community on road safety, Safety Gear Distribution, Bodaboda stage engagements Scholarship programs among others.

Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir has firmly thrown his weight behind the Council of Governors (CoG) in opposing the recent directive by the Controller of Budget barring county governments from issuing bursaries to secondary school students.

The Governor condemned the move as a direct attack on the rights of vulnerable students during a speech at the launch of last-mile water connection projects in Jomvu, where he was accompanied by area MP Hon. Bady Twalib.

Addressing a gathering of residents, Governor Nassir described the decision as “a threat to the social safety net” established by devolved governments to bridge gaps in education access for the most disadvantaged.

"At a time when families are grappling with the harsh realities of an economic downturn, denying students bursaries is tantamount to cutting off their lifeline. This directive must be reconsidered,” the Governor stated passionately.

He further emphasized the critical role counties play in supplementing national efforts to promote education.

"Here in Mombasa, programs such as the Governor’s Scholarship, the No Child Left Behind initiative, and the Boarding School Bursary program support over 55,000 students. These initiatives ensure that no child is left out of school due to financial challenges,” he added.

The Governor echoed the CoG’s stance that the directive undermines the principles of devolution and contravenes the constitutional rights of county governments to manage their budgets in a manner that directly addresses local needs. 

He called for a more collaborative approach between the national and county governments to ensure that education remains accessible to all, especially in economically marginalized areas.

"Devolution was designed to bring services closer to the people. Education is a cornerstone of this commitment. Denying counties the ability to fund bursaries is not just unfair—it is unconstitutional,” Governor Nassir asserted.

During the event, Bady Twalib, the MP for Jomvu, also voiced his support for the Governor’s position, highlighting the significant role county bursaries play in keeping students in school.

"We cannot allow our children to suffer due to bureaucratic decisions. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our communities, and we must safeguard it at all costs,” Hon. Twalib remarked.

The event, which marked the launch of crucial last-mile water connection projects, underscored the county government’s commitment to improving basic services even amid fiscal challenges.

Governor Nassir reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to prioritizing projects that directly benefit residents, ensuring that both education and essential infrastructure remain at the forefront of his agenda.

As the Council of Governors continues to lobby for the reversal of the directive, Governor Nassir’s vocal support adds weight to the growing call for equitable treatment of devolved functions, especially in critical sectors like education.

The Governor urged all stakeholders, including the Controller of Budget, to reconsider the implications of such decisions, warning that they could exacerbate existing inequalities and derail progress made in ensuring access to quality education for all.

"This is not just about counties—it is about the future of our children and our nation. We must protect their right to education at all costs,” he concluded, to resounding applause from the Jomvu residents.

Rwandan super star Bruce Melodie has  released his highly anticipated debut album ‘Colorful Generation’ on S-Curve Records —available to stream worldwide.

The album marks a significant milestone in Bruce’s already impressive career, showcasing his diverse musical influences and further cementing his place as one of East Africa and Africa’s brightest stars. 

Ahead of the release, Bruce Melodie expressed his excitement about the release of his new album.

“This album is for the new generation—Gen Z, Gen Alpha. It shows that it's okay to be seen as different. This album describes our struggles, our happiness and our perspectives on various matters, while also embracing the stories and melodies in songs.” he said.

Alongside his latest album, Bruce Melodie has released the album’s lead single “Beauty on Fire”, a captivating collaboration with Nigeria's Afro-pop sensation Joeboy.

Directed by Bahali Ruth and J. Chretien Munezero, the music video tells a compelling story of a lover who refuses to give up on their partner despite the challenges they face

 In the end, it is her fiery beauty that always saves the day.

The single blends infectious Afropop rhythms with heartfelt emotion, celebrating both love and beauty—the very essence of the genius that fans adore in Bruce and Joeboy.

Colorful Generation is a 21-track album that masterfully blends Afropop, Amapiano and R&B, showcasing Bruce Melodie’s diverse musical range.

A standout track is “When She’s Around (Funga Macho)”, a bonus collaboration with GRAMMY-winning Jamaican reggae legend Shaggy, highlighting Bruce’s versatility and international appeal.

The album also features an exciting array of collaborations with top African artists, including South African chart-topping duo Blaq Diamond as well as Kenyan hitmakers Bensoul and Bien.

One of the album's key tracks is “Niki Minaji”, a smash hit with Blaq Diamond that took the continent by storm. Its infectious Amapiano beats continue to resonate across Africa and beyond.

Another major highlight is the album’s debut single “Iyo Foto”, featuring pop star Bien of Sauti Sol, who was recently named Kenya’s most streamed artist on Spotify in 2024.

The track has amassed over 100 million views on TikTok in just three months, topping East African charts and further solidifying Bruce Melodie’s growing influence in the music scene.

Mombasa County Executive Committee Members have signed performance contracts, committing to deliver the highest possible quality of services.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir who oversaw the exercise emphasized the need for citizen focused and digitized services.

Nassir noted that the performance contracts signing will be cascaded downwards to Chief Officers and Directors while other officers upto the lowest in rank will sign performance appraisals.

"I signed my performance contract with the people of Mombasa the day I was sworn in, today is our turn, make sure that you stay true to what you have signed. As we reach the mid-term mark of our mandate, this important step ensures that we remain focused, aligned, and driven to deliver tangible results for the residents of Mombasa. Together, we are setting the pace to finish strong and transform our vision into reality. said Nassir.

Adding "Whatever we are doing today has to be replicated downwards, it has to be forwarded."

GRAMMY-nominated Afropop sensation Yemi Alade has released the highly anticipated remix of her hit single “Baddie” featuring Femi One from Kenya and Konshens from Jamaica.

The cross-continental collaboration released under Effyzzie Music Group unites Africa and the Caribbean, through a fusion of Afrobeats, Hip Hop and Dancehall.

Shot in Kenya and Miami, the music video, directed by award-winning filmmaker Ovie, amplifies the song's global appeal, perfectly capturing the essence of Yemi Alade’s international aura.

Ovie’s creative vision brings the track to life, blending cityscapes with cultural elements and modern aesthetics.

The video highlights the superstars’ undeniable chemistry, unique style and influence in music and culture.

Yemi Alade, known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, delivers yet another electrifying remix, reinforcing her position as one of Africa’s top music exports.

Femi One, Kenya’s trailblazing rapper adds her signature fierce lyricism in the track while dancehall heavyweight Konshens injects his unmistakable Jamaican flavour to the remix.

Speaking on the collaboration transcending borders Yemi Alade said, “I'm a huge fan of Konshens, and we connected via Instagram DM and made good music. Femi one has always been one of my favorite female MCs. I'm happy we made this remix.”

Femi One added, “Being part of ‘Baddie Remix’ is a milestone. Collaborating with Yemi and Konshens has been a dream and I’m excited for the world to hear what we’ve created. This is more than a song; it’s a vibe!”

Konshens echoed the excitement, stating, “This remix is fire! It’s an honour for me to be in one track with two of Africa’s baddies. Yemi and Femi brought their A-game and together we’ve created a banger that represents the best of Africa and the Caribbean.”

This release follows closely on the heels of Yemi Alade’s first solo Grammy nomination for her hit single "Tomorrow" off her album ‘Rebel Queen’ from which the single “Baddie Remix” is taken.

Yemi Alade says, “Tomorrow is about my inner thoughts, desires and prayers, and it goes to show that the gift of tomorrow is the number desire and need for every human on the face of the earth.”

‘Rebel Queen’ album has received critical acclaim for its bold themes and innovative sound, further cementing Yemi’s place in the global music scene.

The 2025 GRAMMYs will take place on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where Yemi will compete in the Best African Music Performance category. 

Yemi sums it up, “Rebel queen album is an album that keeps giving, each song is a piece of my life's journey in melody and rhythm. It gives me unfathomable joy when I see my people connect with any of the songs. Thank you for rocking with me over the years. I promise to keep it coming

Kenyan wine brand Lolie Wines has been nominated for the prestigious V d’Or awards 2025.

The V d’Or, Vinexposium’s Business Awards  encompass four categories across wine and spirits: Best Sustainability, Best Digital Strategy, Best New Product Strategy, and Best Education & Knowledge Sharing.

The awards are designed to celebrate “the most innovative and sustainable initiatives” in the world of wine and spirits

Lolie wines known for it's high-end quality wine made from premium French grapes has been nominated in the 'Best New Strategy' category.

This category is for a brand, a winery or a distillery rolling out an innovative strategy aimed at a new product launch that responds to changing consumer tastes.

"This is a proud moment as we showcase the innovation and excellence behind African wines." reads a statement from Lolie Wines.

The winners will be announced during the V d’Or awards ceremony, which will take place on 9 February 2025 at the Pavillon Gabriel in Paris, France.

Meanwhile Lolie Wines C.E.O Judy Ngene has been selected as a panelist at Wine Paris 2025, discussing the topic: "The Rush for Africa, Why Now?" alongside global wine industry leaders.

Wine Paris 2025 will take place from 10-12 February at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The 2024 iteration of the event hosted a record-breaking 4,000 exhibitors from 48 countries, with international exhibitors up by 53% compared with last year.

The Mombasa ladies hokey team has come out to appeal for for financial assistance as the team prepares to represent the country at the upcoming African Club Championship (ACCC) in Port Said, Egypt.

According to officials, the team requires Kshs 6.3 million to enable it take part in the tournament.

Speaking to members of the press at the Mombasa sports club, Mombasa county hockey association President Oliver Mascarenhas said the team is ready and eager to make the trip to Egypt to represent the county and country at large.

“We are excited about this opportunity and are calling to all well-wishers out there to come out and support our girls. We are currently in need of kshs 6.3 million for travel, accommodation and visa, as you know the visa fees have now gone up from kshs 5,000 to kshs 12,000 thus also making our budget go up. We are thankful to the Mombasa sports club, they have been able to give us Kshs 600,000 as part of their support” said Mascarenhas.

Adding “We are very proud that a Mombasa team can qualify to go and represent the country. We want to send our young girls to Egypt to show what Mombasa can offer. This is the time for our girls to shine internationally. Please come out and support them.

His sentiments were echoed by the Mombasa Sports Club sports convener Rajab Babu noting that the team participating in the tournament will help in promoting the country.

“By the team going to Egypt it will be a game changer for our ladies. This is a market, this is where we can shout about our talent. I can see some of the ladies not coming back, joining professional leagues and international teams and this is key to us because this is a market, they are going to a big market in Africa. So we need to understand the extent of this tournament.”

Adding “With this we are selling Mombasa and Kenya as a country. We are asking all stakeholders to come and chip in. Every player in the world dreams of playing in the higher level and so let us make this a reality for our girls.”

On her part the team captain Esther Mwende noted ” It has not been easy reaching where we are. It will be demoralizing if we do not travel.”

The tournament starts from 30th January to 7th February 2025.

Female lawmakers are set to launch a nation wide grass roots campaign to combat the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya. 

Dubbed "Komesha Dhuluma", the initiative has been spearheaded by the H.E President William Ruto through an allocation of Kshs. 100 million. 

The campaign will involve 102 Members of Parliament, including 47 Woman Representatives, 28 constituency MPs, 6 nominated National Assembly Members, 3 elected Senators, and 18 nominated Senators. 

Each MP will lead community sensitization barazas and community outreach programmes unique to their constituencies to address the root cause of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide.

The funds will facilitate sensitization campaigns across 102 constituencies, ensuring grassroots reach and community engagement. 

Speaking during a consultative meeting ahead of the launch, Hon. Leah Sankaire, Chairperson of Kewopa Kenya , emphasized the importance of addressing GBV at its roots.

"This campaign is for our people at the grassroots level. Previous national campaigns have raised awareness, but we must now bring the message closer to the community," she stated.

The initiative will also bring together key stakeholders, including the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Center for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), the Community Advocacy and Awareness (CRAWN) Trust, and the National Gender and Equality Commission.

President Ruto, in his remarks delivered by a representative from the Women's Rights Advisor, Office of the President, called for a diverse and inclusive grass roots campaign. 

"Counties with high rates of GBV may require more emergency response resources, while others might need programs focusing on education, prevention, and community engagement,” the message read. 

In his message, President Ruto further stressed the importance of grounding the campaign in local realities to ensure no region is left behind.  

The initiative comes amid an alarming surge in femicide cases in 2024, with civil society organizations calling for femicide to be declared a national disaster. High-profile cases, including the brutal killings of three family members in Eastleigh and journalist Lillian Achieng' Aluko that have led to public outcry.

Hon. Lilian Gogo called for the involvement of law enforcement and judicial systems in addressing GBV.

"We must work closely with the Inspector General of Police and the Judiciary to ensure perpetrators are held accountable," she urged.

On her part, Principal Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action, Ms. Anne Wang’ombe, stressed the importance of engaging men and boys in the campaign.

"Gender-based violence is a societal issue. We need our men and boys to stand up and join us," she said.

The "Komesha Dhuluma" campaign, set to run for two and a half months, will culminate on International Women’s Day in March 2025 in Parliament Buildings.