The 2019 edition of Coke Studio Africa has featured Africa’s greatest talents and created career breaks for many of this continents new acts, but what it has been most notable for is a strong commitment to empowering women involved in all aspects of the music and entertainment scene. 

Coke Studio Africa consciously tried to empower and celebrate women in the industry by giving them a platform to showcase themselves.  

This was done on each episode eculminating in a historical Season Finale that features an all-female cast in front of the cameras and behind the scenes, recording music, styling, choreographing, playing instruments and recording the show.

Uganda’s Sheebah Karungi and Mozambique Lourena Nhate got to remix their songs with Viola, a female producer, and 11 female musicians joined up for the power packed track ‘African Woman (Yelele Mama).

This amazing song represents a variety of sista-soundscapes from zouk, bongo flava and kizomba, to afrobeats, dancehall and hip hop Mozambique’s Shellsy Baronet; Tanzania’s Nandy and Keisha alongside their sister on the rise Mimi Mars, Kenya’s Nazizi; Namibia’s Lioness and Boity from South Africa as well as big break vocalists Nadia Mukami of Kenya and Tamy Moyo repping Zimbabwe.

 The track was produced by Kenya’s Viola with female studio engineer Muna in the mix. 

Lourena Nhate noted the importance of this season finale in changing prevalent mindsets, and Coke Studio’s support of women acts throughout the season 

 She said “I think it is not easy for a woman to make it in the music industry, because many people still see women as housewives, so we need to be really motivated, some are luckier than others and treated well, but others are not, depending on the country they are in, but with a lot of dedication, it’s possible.” 

After more than 20 years in the game, it was Coke Studio Africa that finally made Kenyan hip hop legend Nazizi feel like it had all been worth it. 

“It got tiring being the only woman backstage, the only woman in the battles and cyphers…” She said on the Coke Studio Africa couch, “I was trying to think back to my day, and if I had anybody to inspire me as an African female rapper.” On Coke Studio Africa she finally saw that times had changed when she recorded with Boity and Lioness: “It’s nice for me to sit back and watch and see other female MC’s coming up.” 

Mother, Politician and singer Keisha, from Tanzania,  was thrilled to appear on two songs in the season finale, ‘African Woman' and a Viola remix of her 2013 collabo with Diamond Platnumz ‘Nimechoka’.

“I am so grateful to Coke Studio Africa. Working with a group of female musicians made me so happy, we connected, we understood each other and we knew what each other wanted, it has been a very good experience for me.” She notes

Kenyan percussionist Kasiva has been a constant throughout the shows recording sessions and live performances. 

She sees Coke Studio Africa as “A really important project for female artists, it is a huge brand with a massive viewership, so this just gives women a stage to be seen and a stage to be known and to express themselves musically”

“This season has been really special because we have had more women band members than ever. This is one of the biggest stages for people to see African females killing it and be like ‘Hey women can do this, this is a decent job, it’s a serious career option and it’s ok for women to be musicians.”

This season finale of Coke Studio Africa has shown how a dedication to empowering females across the continent’s music industry is not a hard task at all, and doing so can create not only wonderful music, but also an important shift in the scene and society as a whole.

Otile Brown has suffered another major setback after his latest video featuring Khaligraph Jones 'Hapo Kidogo'  was pulled down from you tube.

The video 'Japo Kidogo' had been released early this week, Tuesday. It is still not yet clear why the video has been deleted.

This is not the first song from Otile Brown to be deleted from you tube, In October last year his collabo with Tanzanian artist Aslay 'Nikupe nini ' was also deleted.

His major hit featuring Sanaipei Tande 'Chaguo la Moyo'  was also once deleted on you tube but later reuploaded. Another song that was also deleted is "Mungu Wetu Sote".

Mombasa based Dancehall and Reggae Frankie Dee has come out to claim that Tanzanian artists Diamond and Ay blocked his song Zigo Dancehall refix 'Ting Go' on you tube.

Taking to social media the artist wondered the two top artists had to 'block' the song.

"I still wonder to date what made this two Bongo stars Ay and Diamond fear that Zigo Dancehall Refix #Ting_Go to the extent of having it blocked on YouTube I'm sure they never understood 90% of my lyrics in that song . Anyway that's #TBT but 2yrs later we still run Dancehall and tomorrow another big one drops on YouTube"

The song was a refix of the original 'Zigo remix by the two artists(Diamond Platnumz ft Ay).

King Kaka has just released a new video featuring the mellow voiced Bridget Blue.

The video titled 'Njia' is off his Eastlando Royalty album.

Watch it below

After serving us with 'Njiwa', Willy Paul and Nandy, from Tanzania are set to drop yet another collabo.

Through their social media pages the two artists have been teasing their fans on the upcoming song.

In one of his posts Willy Paul notes " Africa Stand Up !! Are you ready for this?? Comment yes if you want this dropped now !! Willy Paul x Nandy again".

On her part Nandy shared a small video which seems to be from the video shoot and captioned it 'Hallelujah"

"Njiwa" which was released on June 2018 was well received and turned out to be a major hit, it currently has over 9 million views on you tube.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and visiting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today toured the Port of Mombasa where they were briefed on the operations and recent developments at the facility.

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia briefed President Kenyatta and President Museveni on the enhanced Standard Guage Railway (SGR) cargo transportation services from the port to the Nairobi Inland Container Depot. 

The Transport CS pointed out that over 3 million tonnes of cargo was moved via the SGR between January 2018 and January this year. 

In his presentation to the two Heads of State, Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Daniel Manduku highlighted the improved performance of the port and the ongoing expansion of the facility.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) commissioner for customs and border Control Kevin Safari and Julius Rubagumya, the Uganda Revenue Authority Manager in Kenya, spoke on the achievements in cargo transportation between the two countries since the implementation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT). 

“Our presentation focuses on the concept of the Single Customs Territory whereby we now have Kenya Revenue Authority working side by side with the Uganda Revenue Authority,” said Safari.

Safari said the implementation of the SCT has eliminated duplication of customs procedures in Kenya and Uganda leading to a reduction in cargo clearance time.

On his part, Rubagumya explained the benefits of the SCT saying it has enhanced cargo security through the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System in both Uganda and Kenya.

“Enhancing cargo security through the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is a huge relief to our governments but more so to the private sector. We used to have issues of escorts where police would escort cargo from here to Malaba and if you miss an escort on Friday evening maybe you are likely to get escort on Monday,” said Rubagumya. 

“I am pleased to report that the physical escort is now history. We are using Electronic Cargo Tracking and we have monitoring centres both in Kampala and Nairobi such that as the trucks start the journey at the port, our officers on those centres are monitoring their movement,” he added.

Rubagumya said that along the roads there are also rapid response units that ensure no one diverts cargo or evades paying tax.

President Kenyatta and President Museveni were impressed by the operations at the port and the close collaboration between the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Uganda Revenue Authority that has improved efficiency at the port.

While at the port, President Kenyatta inspected the ongoing construction of the modern Cruise Ship Terminal that is currently 40 percent complete. 

Briefing the President on the benefits of the cruise ship terminal, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the modern facility will boost cruise ship tourism in the country.

Bobby Mapesa and Calvo Mistari: BC release new smash single and their first release of 2019 “Niko Sawa’ Featuring Camp Mulla rapper, Shappaman the song is off their debut joint album BC.

The song is a hip-hop song encouraging guys to acknowledge their own success no matter how small it is as they are the ones who know what journey they've been through.

The video directed by Odibz of Team Mistari is simply neat.

Speaking on the track, Bobby said, “This song is for those who love the deeper side of our lyrics.”

The same was echoed by Calvo who said, ‘Niko sawa’ is a masterpiece from production to execution.”

‘Niko Sawa’ the ninth single off BC’s successful debut album released in 2017 was mastered at Decimal Records by the legendary Kenyan music producer Eric Musyoka. The song was produced by Dillie at House of Dillie.

Shappaman speaks of his first collaboration with BC,  "It was fun and easy to do. Nothing but good vibes from my big brothers, can’t wait to get more work in with them both individually."

Watch the video below

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today commended innovative Kenyan women for coming up with ideas that continue to transform lives in Kenya and the world.

The First Lady said innovations that bring change are key to removing of structural barriers that have in the past hindered women and girls from realising their full potential. 

She said it is through innovations that the country will be able to address gender inequalities that slow down the achievement of national development goals.

“Innovation unlocks opportunities by placing people at the heart of development and programs that empower their lives,” said First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. 

The First Lady spoke to Kenyan women at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete, Nairobi during celebrations to mark International Women's Day. Today’s date was specifically set aside to mark the celebrations locally. The annual  event is normally celebrated globally on 8th March.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is, 'Think Equal, Build Smart and Innovate for Change.' 

The theme places innovation at the centre of development especially the role played by women innovators and the impact of their innovations on gender equality and women empowerment. 

The First Lady cited various innovations that have transformed households and communities in Kenya such as M-Pesa and the Kenya Women's Finance Trust's mobile banking solutions. 

She said these innovations have unlocked opportunities for millions of women in the rural areas across the country. 

“Tele-medicine has saved many lives of mothers and children in hard to reach remote areas,” said the First Lady.

She applauded Kenyan women and girls who have embraced innovation saying their new ideas in technology and science have helped in coming up with helpful interventions using the internet, mobile telephony and other emerging technologies. 

“We celebrate our Kenyan women who are not only consumers of innovation, but also influencers in the innovation space – for providing real solutions using limited resources to improve women and girls access to infrastructure and public service,” the First Lady said. 

“I especially want to recognise the school girls who came up with sensors for explosive devices; girls who produced mobile apps to fight Female Genital Mutilation; and girls who developed sensors to alert and avert human wildlife conflict, amongst others. You have made us proud,” said added.

During the function, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta launched the first edition of a book titled, "Pioneers & Transformers: The Journey of Women Trailblazers in Kenya.” 

The book celebrates the achievements and the journeys of women as mothers, wives, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, activist, conservationists and politicians.

The First Lady also launched a curriculum on women leadership, which will be used to train women interested in politics. 

She challenged eminent women in the country to embrace this year’s theme and start mentoring young women to take up science subjects in schools and colleges and also encourage them to enrol in Technical and Industrial Vocational courses to enable them fully participate in the country’s development.

Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs CS Margaret Kobia said her ministry would continue to strengthen the policy framework to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. 

She said her ministry has   put in place measures to eradicate all forms of discrimination against women and men.

“I am happy to report that since the last International Women’s Day, the country’s endeavour to realize the right to equal opportunities in all spheres for men and women, girls and boys has been remarkable and remains on course,” said CS Kobia. 

Spouse to former Prime Minister Ida Odinga condemned the Court of Appeal judges proposal to lower the age of girls consent to sex  from 18 years  to 16 years saying it is unconstitutional and urged women to reject such a proposal.

Mrs Odinga said at age 16, a girl has not matured enough to make independent decisions on such weighty matters.

Other speakers included ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Canada's High Commissioner to Kenya Lisa Stadelbauer. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between Kenya and Uganda in areas of mutual benefit.

Addressing the press at State House, Mombasa, after the two Heads of State led their delegations in bilateral talks, President Kenyatta commended the two delegations for ensuring that the inaugural session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation is a success. 

“I am particularly pleased with the progress we've made in recent years in the areas of trade promotion, the free movement of goods, services and people across our borders, and the people-to-people interactions,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan delegation at the bilateral meeting included Deputy President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretaries Monica Juma, Najib Balala, Peter Munya, Farida Karoney, James Macharia, Eugene Wamalwa and John Munyes.

President Kenyatta noted the success of the One Stop Border Post at Busia and the ongoing improvement of infrastructure and processes at Malaba and Lwakhakha Border Points.

He called for an increase in the number of one-stop-border-posts to promote the free movement of goods and people between the two countries. 

On his part, President Museveni commended President Kenyatta for enhancing efficiency at the Port of Mombasa by modernising infrastructure and re-engineering systems, interventions that have increased the speed of cargo clearance.

“During his first term in office, President Kenyatta took the perennial problem of delays at the port head-on,” President Museveni said. 

President Museveni pointed out that the enhanced efficiency in handling of cargo at the port and in the movement of goods along the Northern Corridor has been of great benefit to the economies of both  Kenya and Uganda, and for the other countries that depend on the Port of Mombasa for their import and export business including Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

He commended President Kenyatta for the rapid development of infrastructure in Kenya.

“While we are still waiting for the railway (in Uganda), the Kenyan Government has already moved and is now constructing modern jetties and petroleum pipelines," President Museveni said.

“That means that in the coming years, a lot of cargo will move from the roads to the railway and fuel will move from the roads to the pipeline and across the lake through tugboats which can carry the fuel across the lake cheaper, faster and safer,’ he added.

President Kenyatta commended the Government and the people of Uganda for their trust and continued use of the Port of Mombasa. 

“I wish to express my Government’s full commitment to continue improving service delivery at the Port. I am pleased to report that the time taken to transport cargo between Mombasa and Nairobi has significantly reduced with the full operationalization of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Mombasa and Nairobi,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader invited his Ugandan counterpart to join in the joint development of the SGR to ensure that the line continues all the way to Kampala as envisioned.

On Migingo, President Kenyatta said Kenya and Uganda were working together to address the issue.

“Lake Victoria is an important transboundary resource that has continued to support the livelihoods of our people, not just in Kenya and Uganda but the entire East African region,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta also spoke on the bilateral relations between Kenya and Uganda, saying the two countries shared a strong and principled commitment to multilateralism and the reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.

“It with this background, that Kenya presented its candidature for a non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2021-2022. Kenya, Your Excellency, counts on the support of Uganda and her East African sister nations to make this aspiration a success,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta announced that President Museveni will tomorrow travel to Nairobi using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), making him the first visiting Head of State to use Kenya’s modern train.

Tanzania music star Harmonize has released a second video off his new EP,  Afro Bongo, few weeks after releasing 'Kainama featuring Diamond Platnumz and Burna Boy

In the video titled 'Niteke', his Italian girlfriend Sarah plays the video queen.

Harmonize pours praises to Sarah and makes fun of his ex girlfriend Jackline Wolper who also appeared in one of his videos 'Niambie'

He posted "Nilikwambia kuwa Baby yupo katika #AfroBongo na ameuwa ? tuseme ukweli huwezi fananisha na ile video ya kwanza niliyo shoot na naniliu....!!!! Fundi naniliu ??? Natania ? ila Mtoto kama sio wewe waliekuwa wanakuita Sarah Masai.....????? Thanks for the Love & support @sarah__tz ❤❤❤❤ OYAAAAA LINK PA BIO ???"