The 14th Annual Groove Awards Gala went down on Saturday in a colorful celebration held at Mövenpick Hotel Westlands.

Glam, Fashion, Pomp and Color graced the red carpet with Government Officials, Celebrities, Gospel Artists, Media Personalities and Music Fans bringing the best of fashion.

Kenya film classification board CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua, Nairobi County Women Mp Esther Passaris and Businessman Gor Semelango were among those who attended the event.

In line with the theme “Better Together,” this year’s awards season was focused on the message of unity in building better relationships, synergies and societies.

Eunice Njeri was the biggest winner of the night bagging the Artist of the Year Award which was the most coveted award of the evening.

A triumphant comeback, Eunice during her acceptance speech noted that it hasn’t been all roses and the wins came as pleasant surprises.

“The last two years have not been easy, I have gone through the most difficult season- but God saw me through”, she noted 

Jabidii, after smashing Groove Awards Nominations record with 11 nominations, topped the list of winners bagging 5 awards;- Reggae/ Ragga Song of the Year, Teens Choice Song of the Year, Collabo of the Year, Dance Style/ Song of the Year and Song of the Year awards respectively.

Other winners from the night were those from the newly introduced categories.

This year saw an introduction of new categories necessitated by continuous insights and changing industry dynamics. Online/Digital Personality of the Year went to the WaJesus Family, Young Groover of the Year award was bagged by Amani Gracious while Benachi bagged the Diaspora Artists of the Year award.

“The announcement of the winners followed a rigorous process of reviewing over 900,000 Online and SMS votes that the public casting.,” said Groove panel Chairman Charles Kairu.

Adding “We are truly honored to be in a position to shape culture, recognize and celebrate today’s talented artistes and their contribution to the growth of the gospel music industry.” 

The Awards, which were first launched in 2004, are held annually to celebrate gospel artists both in Kenya and in the region, and have over the last decade grown into a highly anticipated feature of the gospel industry calendar.

Among the highlights of the night were performances of some of Kenya’s biggest gospel hits by Pitson, Eunice Njeri, Makena, Timeless Noel, Moji Short Babaa, Jabidii amongst others. Other performances that carried the night included Mash ups of 2018 big songs, throwback hits and a cypher to amplify the theme of the season-Better Together. 

Winners in each category were selected based on number of votes by the public, a two weeks long process that began soon after the Groove Nominations Night in May.

To protect the integrity of the voting process, all votes were assessed by leading audit firm EY.

The 14th Annual Groove Awards was produced by MoSound Events and was proudly sponsored by NRG Radio, Coke Studio, Little Cab, M-Akiba, Bonfire Adventures, Coca Cola, Pace Africa, Vivo Energy, Intercontinental Hotel and Safaricom.

Congratulations to all Nominees and Winners.

Here's the full list of the Groove Awards 2019 winners.

Artist of the Year - Eunice Njeri

Song of the Year: Vimbada - Jabidii, Moji Short Babaa

Music Video of the Year -  Nifanane Nawe - Wahu Kagwe

Young Groover of the Year - Amani Gracious

Reggae/ Ragga Song of the Year - China - Jabidii

Teens Choice Song of theYear - Vimbada - Jabidii, Moji Short Babaa

Collabo of the Year - Vimbada - Jabidii, Moji Short Babaa 

Dance Style/ Song of the Year - Vimbada - Jabidii, Moji Short Babaa 

Outstanding Contributor - RKay

Diaspora Artist of the Year - Benachi

Hypeman/ MC of the Year - Timeless Noel

Song Writer of the Year - Pitson

Online/ Digital Personality of The Year - Kabi and Milly for the WaJesus Family

Video Producer of the Year - Steve Mugo

The Audio Producer of The Year - Gideon Kimanzi

Breakthrough Female Artist of The Year - Emma Omonge

Breakthrough Male Artist of The Year - Baraka Musiq

Breakthrough Dj of the Year - Ken the Dj

Media Personality of The Year-  Syombua Mwele

Praise and Worship Song of the Year - Eunice Njeri Zaidi na Zaidi

Nyanza Counties Song of the Year - Conquerer - Fenny Kerubo

Rift Valley Song of the Year - Kapchi - Mum Cherop 

Eastern Counties Song of the Year - Stephen Kasolo

Coastal Song of the Year - Nakupenda - Eve Bahati

Central Song of the Year - Mutheani - Phyllis Mbuthia and Sammy Irungu

Western Song of the Year - Lwanda ni Yesu - Timothy Kitui and Ali Mukhwana

About Groove Awards

Since 2004, Groove Awards has celebrated excellence in gospel music in Kenya and across Africa.

The awards, entering their 14th year, are Kenya’s most prestigious and recognized gospel awards with a regional resonance and relevance. Groove seeks to promote gospel music as a message of hope and an avenue to address issues affecting young people across the African continent with a key focus on its main objective - Shaping culture through positive content and entertainment.

Groove Awards has seen over 2,500 artists/groups nominated and 900 Groove statuettes presented to gospel musicians in Kenya and East Africa region.

Otile Brown has gifted singer Jovial a brand new car. Jovial is Otile's first signee under his label, Just In love Music.

This comes just few weeks after Jovial was signed under the label.

Otile took to social to show the new car presented to Jovial praising her for her vocals.

"Mtoto mkali na anaimba ajabu.. i bless you with this small moti to help carry you around.. they ain’t ready for you .. And by the way @jovialmusic_ is kenyan , born and raised in Mombasa .. let’s support her #zichune ft @jovialmusic_ link on YouTube #justinlovemusic #wegotnothingbutlove" he posted 

In a previous interview with Ommy Dallah, Otile's manager Noriega revealed that they will soon be revealing more of their plans 

"Otile has alot of plans and projects he intending to do, we will tell you more when the right time comes" he said

Afro-pop star Ashleye Scarlette is back with one of her most vulnerable releases to date,“Nikuamini”.

The song is a standalone single from the singer based on her personal experiences.

The new track, her first of 2019, is an impactful dance-tinged ballad that puts the emphasis on Ashleye Scarlett’s expressive vocal tone as she flits between airy breathiness and powerful, sweeping belts.

Lyrically, the song relays the artist’s sense of assurance and focuses on a relationship that might end in sorrow despite her putting her trust in it -- “Nifanye Nikuamini,” she sings -- and shares how the singer wanted to hold onto it even though she knows that it was something she needed to turn away from.

A deep Afro-pop track, “Nikuamini” is a tempo-shifting dance song that puts the focus on her synergy as a vocalist. It seamlessly flits between the breezy tones of the vocalist and her gruffer deliveries to create a vibrant soundscape soaring with shimmering synths and groovy beats.

The music video for the song bring even more focus on the theme as portrayed in the lyrics with the director capturing scenes of the singer having a conversation with the said lover then back solely onto the star, doing away with the flash and flare often associated with the world of pop and instead pans over the normal union of a couple in argument.

Watch the music video for the new song "Nikuamini” below          

President Uhuru Kenyatta today presided over the launch of new generation currency notes for all denominations with an announcement that the old 1000 shillings banknote will be withdrawn by October 1.

The President presided over the rollout of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings notes that have been issued in accordance with the 2010 Constitution.

Central Bank Governor Dr Patrick Njoroge who took the President through the profile of the new notes at Narok Stadium said the CBK was guided by the constitution in choosing the features and elements depicted on the banknotes as well as input from Kenyans through an elaborate public participation programme.

“The Central Bank of Kenya has now completed the process of producing the New Generation banknotes, in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws. I confirm that the New Generation banknotes were issued yesterday, May 31, 2019, by a Gazette Notice. They are now legal tender,” Dr Njoroge said.

The Governor announced that the old 1000 shillings banknote will be withdrawn by October 1 to deal with illicit financial activities including reported cases of currency counterfeiting.

“We have assessed the grave concern that our large banknotes—particularly the older one thousand shillings series—are being used for illicit financial flows in Kenya and also other countries in the region,” the Governor said.

He said the issues concerning the 1000 shillings note raised grave concerns that would jeopardize proper transactions and the conduct of commerce in Kenyan currency.

“By a Gazette Notice dated May 31, 2019, all persons have until October 1, 2019, to exchange those notes, after which the older one thousand shillings banknotes will cease to be legal tender. More details about this will be provided,” the Governor said. 

All the other new banknotes except the 1000 will circulate alongside those previously issued but not withdrawn.

The launch of the new notes, witnessed by Deputy President Dr William Ruto, was conducted immediately after President Kenyatta read his speech to the Nation during celebrations to mark the 56th Madaraka Day.

“The launch of the New Generation banknotes at the Madaraka Day celebrations underscores that the history of the Central Bank is intertwined with the history of our country,” Dr Njoroge noted.

The new banknotes bear significant aspects of the Kenyan nation and will serve as a means of passing knowledge, conserving culture and promoting the country’s global uniqueness, the CBK boss said.

All banknotes bear the image of Kenyatta International Conference Centre, one of the most iconic and recognisable landmarks in Kenya.

The banknotes also embody each of the big five; nyati, chui, kifaru, simba, and ndovu. Each banknote has a unique theme to showcase the richness of the people and nature in Kenya.

The fifty shillings notes showcase green energy, one hundred shillings (Agriculture), two hundred shillings (social services), five hundred shillings (tourism) and one thousand shillings has the governance theme.

“These are the drivers of a Newly Reborn and Prosperous Kenya,” said  Dr Njoroge

The new banknotes bear features that make them more accessible to the visually impaired members of the society.

Almost 10,000 school principals will converge  in Mombasa for  the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads [KESSHA] National Governing Council meeting at the Kenya School of Revenue Administration [KESRA] ground next weekend.         

KESSHA National Chairman Indimuli Kahi has confirmed that a meeting will be held on Saturday from 2pm ahead of the 44^th annual national delegates’ conference at the same venue.

He said he had issued a notice to all association members notifying them of the national governing council meeting which will take place.

“The meeting takes place ahead of the five-day annual delegates conference in partnership  with  the ministry of education and the Teachers Service commission [TSC],” he pointed out.

Indimuli reiterated the 44^th annual delegates’ conference is organised by KESSHA with the 2019 theme being Quality Education in the Context of the 100 per cent Transition.

He made the notification in an advertisement through the national newspapers.

The KESSHA national chairman said the registration of the delegates will begin on Sunday and exhibitors should set up before settling down for the conference on Monday.    

Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka and Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha will be the main guests during the official opening of the conference.

President Uhuru Kenyatta last evening made history by becoming the first sitting President of Kenya to visit a Mosque and pray with Muslims.

The President joined worshippers at Jamia Mosque where he joined Muslim faithfuls in prayer and in  breaking their fast. 

The Head of State's visit was made more significant by the fact that Muslims are marking the last five days of the holy month of Ramadan. The last days of the fasting period are regarded as more rewarding to Muslims.

Before the Iftar and the prayers, the President was taken on a tour of Jamia Mosque complex where he visited the library and Horizon TV station operated by the Mosque.

He addressed viewers on live TV and extended best wishes to Muslims as they approach the end of the holy month.

President Kenyatta later addressed worshippers inside the mosque where he reiterated his rallying call for all Kenyans to be united no matter their background.

“We are proud of our diversity as a nation of many ethnic groups, colours and religions,” said the President.

He urged Muslims and all other Kenyans to always remember to foster peace and unity, adding that tolerance is the bedrock of harmonious coexistence.

The President assured the community that the Government will never advocate injustice against any one group of Kenyans. He said the community should work closely with the government in fighting crime and extremism.

“When we see violence occasioned, this violence is not occasioned by Muslims or Christians but by criminals. It is this criminal that we fight because they are enemies of Muslims and Christians and all other religious groups,” said the President.

Muslim leaders who spoke at the Mosque said the President has opened a new window of unity by making the first visit by a sitting President to a mosque.

The Chairman of the Jamia Mosque Committee Sheikh Mohamed Warfa said “this is the first time in the history of Kenya a sitting President has visited a mosque. He is opening new doors for the unity of the country.”

The Treasurer of the Mosque Prof Abdilatif Essajje said Muslims have always stood for peaceful co-existence, fairness and justice for all. He added that Jamia Mosque has always rallied muslims against extremism. 

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said the County Government of Nairobi is working on availing new burial grounds for Muslims after being informed that Langata Cemetery is full.

Cabinet Secretaries Najib Balala (Tourism) and Adan Mohamed (East Africa) also addressed the worshippers.

Earlier in the day, President Kenyatta flagged off food stuff destined for various mosques.

The food consisting of 480 bags of rice, 340 bags of beans and 190 cartons of cooking oil will be distributed to 13 mosques within Nairobi and will be distributed to needy people. The President further flagged off a truckload of cattle that will be distributed to the various mosques.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has today told Harambee Stars players to always be at their best and to ensure they represent the country well while in Egypt for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The President spoke when he flagged off the team at State House, Nairobi ahead of the continental championships which will to be held  between June 21st and July 19th.

While handing the national flag to the team, President Kenyatta told the players and the technical team to be good ambassadors for the country even if they do not win the finals.

"It is not about winning but giving your best. That is the most important thing. You are out there flying the Kenyan flag,” said the President.

The team which leaves the country tonight, will be based at Marcoussis, south of Paris where they will pitch their training camp.

During their stay in France, Harambee Stars will play two friendly matches against Madagascar and DRC Congo before heading out to Cairo for the games

It is the first time in 15 years that Harambee Stars is participating in the biannual event. The team was last at the championship in 2004.

Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne thanked President Kenyatta for ensuring that the team received full support through the National Sports Fund.

“We endeavour to represent the country well. Thank you for your support,” said the coach who leads a 27-member team for the tournament in Egypt.

Fourteen of the players are already in Europe.

President Kenyatta assured the team of continued support saying Kenya’s comeback to the continental tournament  marks an important milestone for the country.

“A journey begins with a single step. The sports fund is the first step in ensuring that all our national teams are properly funded and supported,” said the President.

Kenya will play its first game against Algeria on June 23rd before facing neighbours Taifa Stars of Tanzania on June 27th followed by Senegal on July 1st.

Before qualifying for the championship, Harambee Stars played return matches against Sierra Leone, Ghana and Ethiopia finishing 2nd in qualification group C.

Sports , Culture and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohamed who accompanied the team to State House said her ministry had disbursed over Shs 244 million to Football Kenya Federation to facilitate AFCON preparations.

Kenya’s qualification and participation in AFCON is a major milestone for the country whose sports profile is on the rise.

The Kenya Rugby Junior team has already qualified for the World Rugby Trophy slated for July in Brazil while "Malkia Strikers", the National Women Volleyball team, recently qualified unbeaten for the 2019 Africa Games to be held in Rabat, Morocco.

Kaka Empire Foundation’s Sanitary Bank Campaign continued on its quest to ensure that 100,000+ girls stay in school.

On the 28^th 0f May, to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day, King Kaka hosted three schools within Samburu County.

King Kaka along with his partners on board Kim-Fay East Africa LTD, The Samburu Project and Kaka Empire LTD donated sanitary towels to the girls in Wamba town, and encouraged the girls, thus assisting them in dealing with menstruation challenges.

The event and campaign as a whole was supported by several public figures such as Owago Onyiro who accompanied King Kaka’s donation drive in Samburu, Wamba Town.

King Kaka’s Sanitary BankOnMe Campaign by Kaka Empire Foundation was launched in 2018 by the Trustees Dennis Njenga and King Kaka, Co-Founders & Directors at Kaka Empire LTD.

The campaign since its launch seeks to be a refuge and ray of hope for girls giving them the much needed support to keep them in school and make them feel more confident about themselves.

 The Sanitary Bank Campaign is a campaign about keeping young girls in school, giving the girls an opportunity to learn without having to miss school due to menstruation.

As envisioned in the foundations mission which is to empower girls, keep them in school and keep them away from having to engage in transactional sex in order to afford sanitary towels.

Speaking on this activity, Eric Lekolii, Project Manager, The Samburu Project said “Not many are sensitized to the plight of the girl in relation to menstruation and the negative effects poor menstrual hygiene has on a society.

On her part Evelyne Wangechi, Brand Manager - Confidence Brand, emphasis on empowerment of the girl child noting "We are for empowering the girl child and are here to give donations. We have been a part of this since its inception in 2018 so far benefiting 12,000 girls. I encourage you to be a part of this”

Public Health Nurse,(Samburu East Sub-County) A. Anamunyi on World Menstrual Hygiene Day  said “I liked what the Kaka empire Foundation and its partners have done today. The have come together to teach our girls on personal and menstrual Hygiene”

Through the website bankonme.co.ke, The Sanitary Bank Campaign has managed to raise about Ksh. 72,799.00. Donations can be done simply by following the instructions on the website.