Not even a global pandemic has been able to stop Africa’s amazing voices from being heard.

Season two of Old Mutual Amazing Voices singing competition is on its way to the TV screens across Africa from 11 April 2021.

Since the announcement of the return of season two last year, 546 entries flooded in for the audition phase, in which the top 10 acapella groups from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa will be selected to experience the gruelling judging process as they display their passion and determination competing for the whopping US$ 100 000 grand prize. 

It all began in October 2020, when all entrants submitted online videos. After an initial screening process, Africa’s top unsigned talent attended closed auditions before celebrity selectors in their home countries.

The in-country selectors and assistants included 

•       Nigeria: E-Kelly / Aramide  

•       Ghana: Pauline Odduro / Reggie Rockstone 

•         Kenya: Sanapei Tande / Ted Josiah  

•         Zimbabwe:Thembalami Tagwire / Misred 

•         South Africa:Buhlebendalo Mda / Morena Sefatsa 

The top 10 groups, two from each country, will then set out for South Africa were they will undergo an intense musical, educational, and inspirational bootcamp at Sun City. 

During an intense three weeks, while living in a Covid bubble, the groups, of four, six and eight members, are put through their paces as they prepare for the final phase sing-off by having their vocal and performance abilities perfected by a team of experts. 

Their journey to stardom will be closely monitored by the experienced judging table from each of the countries and supported by the show advisor Zwai Bala. 

The talented judges table includes: Zimbabwe’s afro-pop and RnB singer/songwriter, Ammara Brown Kenya’s Filah Tuju, renowned as a performer, voice coach, writer and producer and founder of a Music Academy, Ghana’s Trigmatic, a multi-award winning rapper, composer and songwriter, South Africa’s Vusi Nova, the best afro album and best male awards winner.

Nigeria’s Evelle, a previous Nigeria Idols winner, singer and collaborator 

All the drama and the build-up of one of Africa’s premier musical shows will be shared with a pan-African TV audience when Amazing Voices season two premiers on Sunday, 11 April 2021: 

Simulcast on Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu in South Africa at 17:00 Zambezi Magic in Zimbabwe at 17:00 Africa Magic in Ghana at 15:00 Maisha Magic East in Kenya at 18:00 Africa Magic in Nigeria at 16:00.

“Music is universal language and passion for millions of Africans. As one of Africa's most respected brands, Old Mutual has, for many years, championed positive futures for all our stakeholders. .” says Carol Kipsanai, Group Head of Marketing and Communications - UAP Old Mutual. 

Adding “ One of the sectors benefiting from Old Mutual’s ongoing support is musicians and performers We encourage them to learn career management skills as well as the personal financial skills they need to survive and succeed in a highly competitive business,”

Despite the collective trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Idahams shined through with his Man On Fire EP, a collective of songs to comfort his audience who were in desperate need of encouragement.

From the mid-tempo bounce of “Ada” to the definitive air of “Man on Fire” and the addictiveness of “Shima,” Idahams showed his ability to mix African sounds with pop.

On the deluxe version of Man On Fire,  he retains the best bits of last year’s run with more star power, calling on Falz for a remix of the titular track.

The rapper brings his signature wit and charm to the track, fitting into the song’s narrative while maintaining the same song scheme that made it such a well-received anthem.

The other additions to the album are  “Belle,” where Idahams’ blunted voice coats his mischievous edge while “God When” dabbles into the aspirational over its 3:00 course, serving as a spiritual follow-up to 2018’s “No One Else.”

On this deluxe, Idahams updates some of 2020’s high points with more emotive highs and textured singing.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the impact of climate change on African economies noting that the continent's GDP had, for the first time in 25 years, dropped by over three percent in 2020.

"We do this in recognition of the fact that Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change and climate variability, a situation aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic." President Kenyatta said.

Adding "Multiple systemic shocks are now simultaneously threatening African communities: a health crisis, an economic crisis, and a food security crisis, all compounded by the climate change crisis,".

He noted that Covid-19 had driven over 40 million Africans into extreme poverty, adding that African countries will require improved access to finance to be able to restart their economies and embark on a low carbon, resilient and inclusive recovery.

The Head of State spoke Tuesday evening at State House, Nairobi during a virtual leaders' dialogue on the African Covid-Climate Emergency organised by the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

President Kenyatta emphasized the need for climate action that supports sustainable development and post Covid-19 green recovery plans to build back better saying, Kenya loses three percent of its GDP annually to climate change.

He told the high level meeting that was co-chaired by GCA Chairperson Ban Ki-moon and President of AfDB Akinwumi Adesina that Kenya had deployed significant national resources to scale up climate change adaptation efforts.

"Kenya’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) provides a comprehensive overview of adaptation priorities, with an estimated implementation cost of US$ 4.4billion per year.

"While we can realistically mobilize domestic resources to meet 13% of this cost, we would need our external partners to support us fund the remaining 87%," President Kenyatta said.

For Africa to achieve its climate change adaptation agenda, President Kenyatta called for more private sector participation and support from development partners.

"I must underscore on the need to leverage on the private sector and international finance, if we are to achieve this Climate Adaptation agenda.  It is only through partnerships that we can strengthen and accelerate resilience on the Continent," he said.

President Kenyatta commended AfDB and GCA for spearheading the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) saying the initiative will assist African countries to address climate change better.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guteress called for stronger financial commitments from developed nations to support climate change mitigation and adaptation programs in the developing world.

US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, who represented President Joe Biden, reiterated America's commitment to the Paris Agreement and vouched for a balance between economic growth and climate change mitigation.

Ndume is one of Kenya’s fast-rising Conscious hip-hop musicians and dancers of this decade.

He has excelled in songwriting and dancing severally and has worked with the likes of Viki Pondis, Teddy B and Alexis on the Beat. You may also know Ndume from being in one of the most successful dance groups known as Flamerz Dance Crew who have won multiple awards countrywide.

However, in 2015, Ndume hung his dancing boots to focus on music and has since then released a number of singles such as Stuck Like Glue, Nakutazamia, Haya, Pepeta featuring Mr Seed among other hits.

For his latest single, Ndume has teamed up with Kaka Empire for this classic titled NYORORO which features super talented singer and producer Bern Mziki. 

The mid-tempo song was produced by Bern Mziki with the visuals directed by Ambia Jannii

The song is brilliantly written to provoke your thoughts on various issues in your life. Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, Ndume had this to say.

“For Healing to take Place, acceptance must come first, kicking off the road to recovery, this song was inspired by the daily challenges and fights that most If not all youth Face. From battling drug addiction, pornography addiction (now on the rise due to the Pandemic) to battling with yourself influenced by faith. " he says.

Adding "NYORORO is to Encourage you that there is hope, that you are not alone, that you can talk about it without being judged. We are all human, we all have demons we battle, but we shall overcome. we shall win.”

Watch NYORORO on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IkY4-4ocLQ

Kanu party leader Gideon Moi has mourned the death of Mombasa political activist Mama Zena Bala.

Mama Zena who died on Tuesday morning was also an executive member of the party, Mombasa branch.

In his condolence message, Moi who is also the Baringo Senator described the late Zena as one of those who contributed to the growth of the party especially in Mombasa.

"Indeed, we will miss her profound contributions to the growth of our party" said Moi.

Adding "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mama Zena and assure them that they are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

She will be laid to rest at the Kikowani Muslim cemetry on Tuesday after the evening prayers (Asr).

Popular Rhumba Artist Papa Lando taps Kenyan hit-maker Arrow Bwoy for his latest single Tumbler.

In the certified club banger, the two musicians echo their love for tumblers and curvy African women.

Produced by iLogos music, the tune samples melodies from classic African hits: “Momou” by Franco, “Salome” by Saida Karoli, and Flavour’s “Nwa Baby.”

The colorful video was shot by Big Dreams and features picturesque set displays, curvy models, and dancers that spice up the vibe of the video.

Watch the video here - http://bit.ly/PapaArrowTumbler

Speaking on how the collaboration came to be, Papa Lando says, “We met coincidentally in a studio where we both record and started freestyling to a beat and ended up recording this tune.”

He further adds, “I have always been a fan of Arrow Bwoy’s music and I am glad that we finally got to work together.”

Tumbler’s release follows other Papa Lando’s collaborations: “Ex” featuring P-Unit’s Gabu and “Pesa Ni Maua” featuring Padi Wubbon.

Tumbler will be part of Papa Lando’s upcoming album “Mbogi Ya Rhumba” which will adopt a distinct approach by fusing urban rhumba sounds, Swahili, and Lingala.

About Papa Lando:

Papa Lando is not new in the local music scene as he been creating and releasing music since he was 10 years old. He prides himself in pioneering the fusion of rhumba with urban elements to create a unique urban sound that he calls KiswaNgala.

The 37-year-old singer draws inspiration from popular Congolese artists such as Koffi Olomide, Ferre Gola, and Lokua Kanza as well as Kenyan legends Eric Wanaina, Sauti Sol, and Kidum.

Skyward express has updated its temporary schedule for flight timings and frequency  along the coastal strip between Mombasa–Lamu & Malindi–Lamu.

The airline will now operate four flights per week starting from 7th April  to 30th April 2021.

According to a statement from the airline, flights in and out of Nairobi remain suspended until further notice, following the government’s announcement on the cessation of movement in and out of  the capital city.

"We also wish to remind our customers who purchased their tickets on or before the 26th March 2021 and are affected by the travel restrictions into & out of Nairobi that they will be allowed to leave their tickets open with a validity of 12 months from the first date of travel as indicated on their current tickets" reads the statement.

Adding "All open tickets applications will be honored according to the unused airfare value in form of a credit voucher issued to the traveler for future use within the one year period stated above. The customers will be able to use the credit voucher to re book flight to any domestic Skyward Express destination without incurring amendment, re-routing or name change fee and subject to the prevailing rates at the time of re-booking."

Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz has reached another milestone in his illustrious music career.

Diamond real name Naseeb Abdul has become the first Sub-Saharan African artist to rack up 5 million subscribers on You tube, through his youtube channel.

The second closest is Davido with 2.38 million subscribers, Burna Boy with 1.82 million with Wizkid having 1.68 million subscribers on his channel.

This latest achievement by Diamond comes on the heels of yet another record he set late last year (2020) after his hit song 'Waah' featuring Congolese music maestro Koffi Olomide garnered over one million views within 8 hours of its release, breaking the record set by Nigerian artiste Davido after his song 'Fem' attracted one million views within 9 hours of release.

Another record that the singer set was becoming the first artiste in Sub-Saharan Africa to reach One billion views on youtube.

Last week, American rapper and business mogul Jay- Z was spotted out in public wearing a Lamu Riyadha Mosque T-shirt designed by Kenyan designer Zeddie Lukoye of Blkburd Genes.

This excited many Kenyans praising the rapper for supporting a Kenyan designer.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2112-jay-z-steps-out-in-a-lamu-inspired-t-shirt-designed-by-kenyan-designer

The management of the mosque has now come out to react to the photo.

According to the management, they feel insulted by the photos.

"Rest assured we neither consider it an honour nor a priviledge for the historical mosque and its founder Habib Swaleh" reads a statement from the management.

The management now wants the designer to remove the image of the mosque.

Below is the full statement.

Stori Yangu, the most in-depth and intimate profile documentary show in the region, is back for the 4th Season.

Stori Yangu tells the stories of Kenyans who have contributed to the society in different fields,from public service to business and even entertainment.

Stori Yangu Season 4 Trailer: https://vimeo.com/505205834 

The show speaks to the main subjects and gets the side of the story of those around them; parents,siblings, teachers, long-time colleagues, employers, and in some cases, competitors.

The show aims to bring to light the inspirational stories behind our most celebrated public figures,inspire generations to chase after their dreams tirelessly and entertain through the exciting stories shared.

Season 4, which has 13 episodes, will be a cocktail of personalities as it will profile political leaders,athletes, media personalities, religious leaders, corporate executives, etc.

These groundbreaking individuals are Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, Rev.Lucy Natasha, Martha Karua, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Dr. Mary Okello, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, Adelle Onyango, John Allan Namu, Cpt.Koki Mutungi, Rachael Shebesh, Rev.Timothy Njoya, Dr. Alfred Mutua, and Millie Odhiambo.

Stori Yangu will premier on 3rd April 2021 at 8.00 pm on the following channels: Maisha Magic Plus DSTV 163, Maisha Magic East DSTV 158, and GoTv Number 4. You can catch the show every Saturday at 8.00pm. 

“Stories about people attract curious attention and stories about famous and influential people are a staple for TV audiences. Our society is not short of people with inspiring stories that need to be spotlighted in order to inspire generations. Stori Yangu, now in its 4th is a celebration of our strength and resilience as a people and our audiences continue to identify and draw from these fascinating stories season on season.”- Margaret Mathore Head of Channels, M-net East Africa

"We've been doing a season of Stori Yangu on Maisha Magic East for the last three years, and each Season has only gotten better from the previous. We are very excited about this Season because it has the highest profiles of guests yet.” Eugene Mbugua, Executive Producer, Stori Yangu.

Adding “ We learn how Martha Karua started her law firm, John Allan Namu's brushes with danger, the banking path that Dr. Mary Okello created for women across the country and even Kalonzo Musyoka's exploits with diplomacy in South Sudan. There's no other show that takes the audience this close and this intimate into the lives of prominent Kenyans."

“ What I really enjoy about Stori Yangu is that we get a chance to unravel our Kenyan high achievers and get a glimpse into the journey they have had to travel to be who they are today. The "Backstory" is always intriguing and reminds us that even superheroes are, at the core, normal people who face everyday challenges. How they surmount these challenges is their own unique story of determination, faith, inspiration and bravery that we too can emulate and glean from. Welcome Season 4 of this all new and exciting Stori Yangu! - Mwaniki Mageria, Producer, Stori Yangu