Ommy Dallah
Boniface Mwangi's Film 'Softie' Now Screening At Kenya Cinemas Nationwide
On Friday (Fri 16th October 2020), the powerful film “SOFTIE” that follows the life of Kenyan photographer and political activist Boniface Mwangi, his wife Njeri and their kids, premiered nationwide in Kenya, at Prestige Cinema, Nairobi.
The star-studded opening night screening was attended by a host of guests including film industry professionals, influencers, production crew and Kenya’s top media personalities, thespians and activists.
Press Images from the opening night: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/16ClBz4wFObYGb64-ZE6ONeBSZFbRzMa-
The film is now showing at Eldoret (Rupa Cinema), Anga Diamond Plaza, Unseen Nairobi, Prestige Cinemas and Motion Cinemas, Donholm.
Full “SOFTIE” film airing schedule: https://www.softiethefilm.com/watch
Softie official soundtrack “Naona Mbali” by King Kaka, Dan Aceda, Miriam Ayoo & Juliani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DInQcdhkawA
At the heart of the film lies the tale of how Boniface, nicknamed “Softie” in his childhood years, has long fought injustices in his country Kenya.
He is daring and audacious, and recognized as Kenya's most provocative photojournalist. But as a father of three young children, these qualities create tremendous turmoil between him and his wife Njeri Mwangi whose loyalty to her family is hard as a rock.
It’s a story of perseverance and love, evoking mixed emotions while exploring the themes of family, sacrifice and patriotism.
Directed by Sam Soko, the film chronicles a 7 year journey beginning with chaos filled street protests and culminating in Boniface’s decision to run for a political seat in his old neighbourhood Starehe.
He soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk. His wife, Njeri, has long been silent in the background.
The decision to run put her and the family on the spot. This brings forth a central question that many of the world’s brightest and most effective changemakers have had to ask themselves, ‘What comes first - family or country?’
The film premiered at Sundance in January 2020, winning a special jury prize for editing.
Softie was also the opening night film at the Hotdocs Film Festival and at the Human Rights Festival held in Berlin, where the film also won The Willy Brandt Documentary Award for Freedom and Human Rights on 10th Oct 2020.
The film also bagged the award for Best Feature Documentary at the Lunenburg Doc Fest on 1st Oct 2020.
The jury described the film as “a beautifully crafted and edited documentary that highlights the extraordinary dreams of a young Kenyan activist.” It has been greatly reviewed, citing its conscientious story telling of Kenya’s struggle with political tribalism.
It has since played at a couple of prestigious festivals including CPH:DOX, FullFrame and even won Best Film at the Encounters International Documentary Festival and Best Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 2020.
The DIFF win means that “SOFTIE” now qualifies for consideration for the Oscar documentary shortlist for the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
The next ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on April 25, 2021.
Boniface encourages all Kenyans to go watch the film.
He says, “It’s a very important film for Kenyans to watch because it shows what happens behind the scenes in an activist’s family life and their daily struggles,” noting, “It took seven years in the making”.
For Njeri Mwangi, having their private family life on screen has been a difficult and rewarding experience.
She says, “ This film is not just a single story but the story of what women and mothers and wives like myself give to the cause of what they too believe in but whose contribution is not counted as significant or acknowledged as prominently as their partners.”
Another Hit From Nadia Mukami In Dream Collabo Ft Sanaipei Tande
The world of Music has finally matched Kenya’s finest songbirds- Nadia Mukami and Sanaipei Tande who have literally taken over the airwaves with their newest track- Wangu.
Written by Nadia and produced by Alexis on the Beat in Sevens Creative Hub, Wangu is in no doubt a definition of a perfect match. It is exactly what you get when you combine quality with quality.
In melodious vocals exchange, aided by cutting edge visual work by J blessing of Pink Lab video the Kiswahili lyrical queens drive home a message on squabbles between wives and side chicks in 3 min and 35 sec of fever pitch edutainment.
From the opening verse and all the way to the end, mellow voices of Sanaipei and Nadia invite you closer to the music, massaging your ears from the outer to the inner, and then to the brain, leaving your body relaxed and itching for a replay button.
For Nadia who is fast gaining global audience and popularity thanks to her fluency of swahili lyricism and soothing melodies, “Wangu featuring Sanaipei Tande” is her dream collaboration as she always looked up to her as a mentor.
VERSE 1
(Nadia)
Wewe nani, unanipigia simu kama nani
Eti niachane mume wako nani
Unajua Nadia kweli mi ni nani?
(Sanaipei)
We ni nani, unampigia simu kama nani eeh
Ata utoe vya ndani
Atarudi hapa kwangu tu nyumbani eeh
(Nadia)
Anapenda vidogodogo
Mwenzako anavimumunya
Mwanamke unapenda zogo
Tafuta jambo hilo la kufanya
CHORUS
(Nadia)
Oh oh ni wangu
Huyu nasema ni wangu
Oh oh ni wangu
Kubali yaishe ni wangu
(Sanaipei)
Oh oh ni wangu
Huyu nasema ni wangu
Oh oh ni wangu
Mwishowe yataisha ni wangu
VERSE 2
(Sanaipei)
Hivo vimesegi na kuficha simu havinishtui
Atachoka nawe, kwengine aende, yule hakagui
(Nadia)
Kelele ya chura haizui ng'ombe kunywa maji
Kwangu habanduki
Kwako hatoboki
Nakwama naye
(Sanaipei)
Anapenda wife material
Mwenzako anakudanganya
Mwanamke una kasoro
Tafuta jambo hilo la kufanya
CHORUS
(Sanaipei)
Oh oh ni wangu
Huyu unasema ni wangu
Oh oh ni wangu
Mwishowe yataisha ni wangu
(Nadia)
Oh oh ni wangu
Huyu unasema ni wangu
Oh oh ni wangu
Kubali yaishe ni wangu
BRIDGE
(Nadia)
Mi sitakoma, koma, koma, koma
MI sitakoma koma koma mama ye
(Sanaipei)
Ntakukomoa komoa komoa komoa
Ntakukomoa komoa komoa msichana we
CHORUS
(Sanaipei)
Oh oh ni wangu
Huyu unasema ni wangu
Oh oh no wangu
Mwishowe yataisha ni wangu
(Nadia)
Oh oh ni wangu
Huyu unasema ni wangu
Oh oh ni wangu
Kubali yaishe ni wangu
Meet The Only Person Joho Follows On Instagram
Elijah Gongo Chonga a.k.a Ko is not a household name, but you need to know the next big thing in the Coast music industry now.
At the age of seven, that was 2010, Ko produced his first song.
It was not easy, especially for a young boy his age, but where is will and real talent , there is a way.
His parents were supportive, however, the journey faced hurdles when the father, who was one of his cheerleaders died.
Lady luck came his way after Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho became part of his life.
The up-and-coming artiste got a big boost as the county boss has been sharing his songs on Instagram which enjoys a following of over 900,000 followers.
He also happens to be the only person Joho follows on the photo and video sharing social networking site, instagram.
In one of the posts, Joho is seen jamming to one of Ko's compositions titled, Kasuku.
The governor being a public figure with a huge online presence, that must be good marketing, which only very few musicians will get in their lifetime.
"I cannot take this support lightly, it is a major boost to not only my music career but life at large" he told Ommy Dallah.
Governor Joho also offered to sponsor secondary education for the Form Three student at Shimo la Tewa Secondary School.
"The governor has offered to pay my entire school fees until I finish secondary school" he revealed.
The 17-year-old is dreaming big and hopes that one day, just one day, he will put East Africa on the global map through his music.
Rabai Residents Defend Aisha Jumwa
A section of Rabai residents, Kilifi county have come out to defend embattled Malindi Mp Aisha Jumwa.
Speaking in Mombasa, the residents argued Jumwa is a victim of state machinations.
The residents accussed some unnamed individuals from the government of being uncomfortable wit Jumwa's 'rising' political star.
"What they doing to Aisha Jumwa is not new, Over the years they have been making sure that Coast residents do not benefit from the natural resources found in the region. That is why they have been trying to silence any leader who seems to be vocal from Coast" Said one of the residents Mariam Mkumbi.
Adding "Why is it only leaders alligned to certain faction who are being targeted"
On his part, political activist Mohammed Matifo accussed some Coast politicians of being used to fight fellow pliticians from the region.
Russian Bear Collaboration With Costa Titch | Dreamteam | Champagne 69 | Gunna On Limited Edition Bottle
From the brand that brought you the #KingofKicks, the award winning #IamNext campaign, and an explosive #BeUs concert in 2019; Russian Bear continues to make its mark in curating the cool and taking things to the Next Level.
Last year we brought our fans #BeUs, a night of ultimate collaboration with some of the dopest artists from SA and abroadperforming at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg on 23.11.19.
The event flipped the script by having consumers at the center of a monumental collaboration, with attending fansappearing live on the 360 screen as they sang along to SMA by Nasty C featuring Rowlene, while the duo performed the smash hit on the #BeUs 360 stage.
Taking it to a new level once again, Russian Bearis celebrating the epic #BeUs event through a Limited-Edition Bottle and true to form, collaboration and inclusivity two key pillars of the brand were integral in the bottle design.
It features international rapper - Gunna alongside South Africa’s Champagne 69, Costa Titch and DreamTeam – all of whom formed part of the phenomenal #BeUS line up last year.
“We are so excited to launch the #BeUs Limited Edition Bottle and extend the opportunity to the full Russian Bear fam to relive the excitement of our favourite night in SA music history. We are inviting all Russian Bear and music stans to #BeUs, #BeRussianBear and be a part of it once again by getting their hands on this Limited-Edition Bottle” said Bongi Matsolo the Snell Portfolio, White & Brown SpiritsSnr. Brand Manager.
In true #TheNextLevel style, the Limited-Edition Bottle has an exciting experience built into the QR code featured on the bottleand as if that wasn’t enough, Russian Bear isalso giving fans the opportunity to win #BeUs merchandise, that celebrates the Limited-Edition Bottle.
To stand a chance to win, be sure to purchase a bottle of Russian Bear and check out the Russian Bear socials for entry details.
Nikita Kering Releases 2nd Single Off Her Upcoming Debut Ep
After the release of her first single Never Let You Go, off her upcoming debut EP BETTER THAN EVER, the award-winning Kenyan songwriter and power vocalist Nikita Kering’ releases her second single ‘Where You Been’ off the EP.
Basing the song on experiences around herself, family, friends and other people who have impacted her life, Nikita states that “I was writing the lyrics to the song when I was at an awkward phase in my life with my friends.” To this songbird, she claims that, those are the perfect moments to write a song.
The song is about being in love, but inside there is an emptiness and loneliness and only when you walk away from that relationship do you find yourself and the strength that’s within you.
Nikita explains that ‘Where You Been’ is relatable to people who are in relationships but are unhappy. She continues to say that she just wants to be honest with her audience and give them something they don’t expect which is HER TRUTH.
Nikita sums it up by saying “First, sing it loud! It only hits deeply when you do so, and lastly, while you listen to it wherever you are, understand that it comes from a place of Truth. That is when you’ll truly understand what it all means and stands for.”
The song is Mixed and Mastered by Trevor and produced by SoFresh254.
WHAT’S NEXT
Nikita’s upcoming debut EP ‘BETTER THAN EVER’ is a piece of the bigger, exciting and better project that she has been working on.
About the EP, Nikita says “My EP! I truly can’t wait for my fans and everyone to listen to it. The project is an integral part of my growth in this music industry and it represents my versatility as an artist”
The debut EP should be available early November 2020.
Chama Iko Imara, Says Joho As He Refutes Claims Of Resigning From ODM
Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has refuted claims that he has resigned as the ODM deputy party leader.
The vocal Governor and a strong defender of ODM party leader Raila Odinga was responding to a letter making rounds on social media dated 4th October 2020 addressed to Raila Odinga alleging that he has resigned as his deputy.
"I hereby thank you for the opportunity you granted me as a deputy party leader in ODM" reads the letter.
Adding "It has been a learning experience for me and I do hereby tender my resignation as your deputy.”
The ODM party also responded to the letter stating ''Our DPL is firmly, strongly and unwaveringly in the Party... ignore the FAKE news."
Joho is tomorrow expected to lead a host of ODM politicians from the Coast region including Governors to accompany the ODM candidate for the Msambweni by election Omar Boga to present his papers to the independent electoral and boundaries commission (IEBC) in Kwale
KFCB To Help Industry Players Recover From Effects Of Covid-19
Kenya Film and classification board KFCB is doing a review and analysis on modalities of revamping the entertainment industry and sourcing on strategies of post Covid-19 business recovery for the film industry.
Since the first case of coronavirus was reported in the country the Film industry was adversely affected by the pandemic as social distancing was impossible for the players in the sector.
It is During a tour of Mombasa Swahili pot hub KFCB chief executive Ezekiel Mutua said the government is committed to cushion the creative industry by revamping all theatres across the country as one way that will help nurture talents among the young people.
He vowed to help the creative centre by donating two cinema screens for premiering films and mats for those training Yoga.
While meeting the industry stakeholders Mutua said in collaboration with the ministry of ICT and the Kenya Private sector alliance ( KEPSA) his team had developed guidelines and protocols that were key to the reopening of entertainment sector as well as help in combating the spread of the virus.
He observed that 3 theaters are open in Nairobi and others in preparations to open in other parts of the country including Nyali cinemax in Mombasa.
“If you are ready do not wait for the government to call you approach the government and it will help and facilitate you.
He challenged the youth and all those who lost their jobs due to effects brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic to invest on working on their talents so as to earn a living.
According to the CEO the KFCB board is committed to promoting moral responsibility in the society by ensuring productions and exhibitions centres contribute to both Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and National development goals.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta Encourages Early Screening And Treatment Of cancer
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has encouraged Kenyans to go for early screening and treatment as a step towards winning the war against cancer.
The First Lady reaffirmed her support for ongoing efforts to scale up breast cancer awareness to save women’s lives through her Beyond Zero initiative.
“We know the importance of early screening, the benefit of early detection and treatment and how these improve the survival rate and advance our collective efforts of reversing the trend of rising breast cancer incidences among our communities,” the First Lady said.
In her message to commemorate the breast cancer awareness month of October, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta recognised breast cancer survivors and encouraged those battling the disease as she appreciated their families for standing with them.
“It is also the month when we reaffirm our support and stand in solidarity with women, courageous women, who have spoken up and shared stories of their unique journeys. We thank you because through your voice, we have heard your stories of survival,” she said.
The First Lady stressed that information and advocacy as well as timely health choices help to ease the toll and burden of cancer and ill health in general.
Meanwhile, the breast cancer awareness month was today marked in Makueni County by the launch of a cancer clinic constructed at the Makueni County Referral Hospital through the Empower project of the County First Ladies Association.
The cancer clinic dubbed “Purple Room” takes cancer screening, detection and treatment closer to the people of Makueni.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta was represented at event by Beyond Zero’s Coordinator Angella Langat who underlined the First Lady’s commitment to promote advocacy on breast and cervical cancer for women as well as prostate cancer for men through free cancer screening at the Beyond Zero Medical Safaris.
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, his deputy Adelina Mwau and the County’s Executive Committee Member for Health Dr Andrew Mulwa commended First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for donating a Beyond Zero mobile clinic that has boosted the county’s efforts to fight cancer.
The event was attended by 14 County First Ladies led by host Mrs Nazi Kivutha who is also the outgoing Chairperson of the County First Ladies Association and incoming Chairperson Mrs Maria Mbeneka of Laikipia County.
Smart Djaba Is Back With A New Banger 'Jiji'
Prolific songwriter and singer Smart Djaba is at it again. This time he brings us a groovy afro pop track titled Jiji, a song produced by two top Nigerian producers Kel-P Vibes and Ransom.
These two producers are credited with creating bangers for mega stars like Burna Boy and RunTown.
Listen to Jiji here: https://youtu.be/2DhZGNSahf0
About Jiji
"Jiji is a song about my experience when I came to Nairobi for the first time" Smart Djaba says. "I had a very rosy image of the green city in the sun, an image created to the people who haven’t been to the city by the media. When I reached Nairobi, I was struck by the reality that it is a tough place to live in especially if you do not know anyone and you have to start life from scratch" he adds
The song’s melody is soulful and manages to bring out Djaba’s message in an easy manner despite the fact that what he is singing is deep and very personal.
