Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced an exclusive global recording agreement with acclaimed Nigerian singer songwriter Tiwa Savage.

One of Africa’s biggest stars and an artist whose success spans music, fashion, film and television.

Under the agreement, her future music will be released internationally through UMG’s operations in more than 60 countries worldwide. Projects will be executively produced by Efe Ogbeni of Regime Music Societe and Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna.

Tiwa Savage said, "My biggest goal is to make Africa proud. I’m so excited for this moment and I’m thankful to Sir Lucian Grainge and my new UMG family for their belief in my dreams. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career and I’m more ready than I have ever been."

The acclaimed singer-songwriter was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and later received a scholarship to study Professional Music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts before embarking on a career that has seen her achieve creative success across a multitude of mediums. 

2018 was her most successful year to date, which saw the singer-songwriter, philanthropist, entrepreneur and fashion icon crowned Best African Act by the MTV European Music Awards, making history as the first female to win the accolade.

In the same year, she also became the first African female to sell out London’s IndigO2. In December, Tiwa was handpicked by Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin to perform alongside Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Jay Z live at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg to a 70,000 strong audience and millions across the globe in celebration of the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth.

An accomplished live musician, she has performed around the world, including a notable performance at Jay Z’s Made In America festival in Philadelphia in 2017.

Tiwa was named one of the world’s Top 100 Inspirational Women in Fashion by Vogue US then later featured in British Vogue’s December 2018 issue as one of 10 women that are changing the face of music globally. She has released a string of singles including ‘Mr Lova Lova’ ft Duncan Mighty, ‘Diet’ and ‘Tiwa’s Vibe’ all of which hit the No.

1 spot across charts within Africa, securing her position as one of Afrobeats leading artists. A resilient force within Africa’s ever-growing entertainment industry, she has also managed to carve a career as a reputable songwriter, conquering the charts in Africa whilst balancing her roles as an entrepreneur, mentor and mother.

Throughout her career, Savage has been active in her philanthropic endeavours, supporting various youth engagement organisations and breast cancer screening projects across Nigeria and further afield.

Through her work with MTV’s Shuga, Savage is also keen to share further knowledge of HIV/ AIDS prevention and awareness within the continent. One of Africa’s most followed women on social media, Savage was the first African female to represent Pepsi as an ambassador and represents leading global brands including Nike, MegaGrowth Hair, MTN and Star Beer.

Throughout summer 2019, Tiwa will play a string of international festivals including the UK’s Wireless Festival, Afropunk in Paris and Oh My! Festival in Amsterdam.

Adam Granite, EVP Market Development, Universal Music Group said, “We are looking forward to partnering with Tiwa and her team to help her music reach new audiences around the world. As one of Africa’s most successful, influential and dynamic singer-songwriters, Tiwa has truly global ambitions and UMG is committed to help her in achieving them.”

Efe Ogbeni & Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna of Stealth Management said, "We're very proud to be a part of this ground-breaking partnership between Tiwa Savage and Universal Music Group. Tiwa is undoubtedly the most hardworking and talented female artist crossing over from Africa to the rest of the world, and UMG has demonstrated its commitment to the Continent by placing its formidable machinery behind her amazing career. Partnerships like these symbolise the hopes and dreams of so many talented artists back home in Africa and it is an honour to be the executive producers of her project.”

Fresh off the release of banger ‘Hiyo One’, Femi One just showed her fans and the world why she is indeed the top Kenyan female femcee.

Last Thursday, on her 25^th birthday, Femi released her highly anticipated Extended Play (EP) which is available on all platforms for download.  

The celebrated female rapper’s EP is to mark 25 years of her hard work as she turns 25.

The EP (XXV) named using Roman number XXV which is significant to her age,has six songs all produced under Kaka Empire by producer JackJack on the Beat, Kevin Provoke, Musyoka, and Rico Beats.

The creative direction for the EP was also facilitated by King Kaka, Mbithi and Kevin Provoke.

Speaking on the release of her EP during her listening party at Wings Kenya last Thursday, Femi said…

"It is my quarter life! It comes with a lot of things. Mostly I give thanks! For my gifts and how far I’ve come and for the inspiration that I’ve gained these 25 years. This EP is a gift to my fans showing them why rap is my first and only love"

Femi One has shown tremendous growth in the music industry with a string of hits upon hits. The EP XXV is a representation of how much her craft has grown, watch this space for more from the star!

You can Find the EP XXV on all platforms.

Popular Mombasa based Music producer Shirko has taken it upon himself to lecture young and upcoming musicians on the business of music.

According to Shirko who recently relocated to Mombasa from Dareslaam, most upcoming artists lack proper knowledge on the business of music adding that talent is not enough.

"Nahitaji siku itokee watu wafundishwe biashara ya mziki ilivyo na mipango yake. Wengi wanadhani kuwa na kipaji ndio mwisho wa mawazo, mengine yanajileta. Hayako.pana shida ni watu hawaambiani ukweli kuwa mziki unahitaji uwekezaji nayo nipesa, kama biashara ngingine. Hawa wasanii wachanga wanahitaji waeleweshwe na sio kudanganywa na kuibiwa wakidhani wanaonewa (I pray that a day comes when artists will be taught on the music business. Many think that talent is enough which is not true. No one is being told that music also needs investment just like any other business, young artists need to be educated on this and not chaeated" posted Shirko.

Adding "Mziki sio mziki tu tena kama zamani kuimba tu, mziki ni maisha ya mwanamziki kiujumla na usimamizi wa kutosha. Bila kuwa na pesa huwezi kufanya mziki hata uwe na kipaji. Waliobahatika wamenahatika ila hujui walipitia nini wakafika, bahati ya mwenzio usiilalie mlango wazi. Pambania mziki wako ili uwe maisha. ( Music has changed, its not like the way it used to be years back, music involves many things including a proper management. Without enough money it will be hard for you as an artist to succeed even if you are talented. There are those who have succeeded but you don't know what they did to be where they are so stop competing and complaining about them, work your way out and fight for your music"

Producer Shirko has worked with several top artists especially from Tanzania.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/660-video-shirko-returns-home-mombasa-sets-up-a-state-of-the-art-studio

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa chapter chairperson Rukia Rashid lost the seat to his vice chairman Mohamed Ramadhan Mustafa during the chapter's election held yesterday.

Mustafa trounced the incumbent by 85 votes to 20 to be declared the winner during the election which was carried out by the KNCCI independent electoral board chairman Benjamin Onkoba.

The voting was done through the secret ballot.

A total of 105 votes were cast during the Mombasa chapter's annual general meeting cum elections ahead of national elections slated for next month.

In attendance was KNCCI deputy President James Mureu who said he is ready to face KNCCI Nairobi chairman Richard Ngatia.

Mureu and Ngatia will fight it out to succeed outgoing KNCCI president Kiprono Kittony who has served two terms since 2012. 

In his acceptance speech, Mustafa described his outgoing chairperson as a worthy opponent since he had served under her in her first tenure.

He refuted claims the chapter was divided before and after the election day despite differences in opinion. 

"There were differences in opinion which is healthy but the chamber is intact and stronger than before," he pointed out.

The newly elected Mombasa chapter boss assured county members he will honor his manifesto which he promised to adhere to during his election campaigns.

Mustafa said his manifesto was a contract between county members and himself prior to the election day.  

He told journalists he is optimistic he will deliver most of it before his first tenure ends in three years.  

"My first agenda will be to review the chamber data base to get in touch with current and former members to ensure I update their contact details," he pointed out.

Award-winning Afropop sensation Yemi Alade gets in bed with American rapper Rick Ross for the remix of her sultry classic "Oh My Gosh".

The steamy DJ Coublon produced number sees Miss Alade gush uncontrollably over her “true lova”, megastar Rick Ross, who takes the track to a new hip-hop realm.

The video opens with Yemi announcing herself as the only object of her new love’s affection.

Draped in African splendor she is joined by a legion of beautiful dancers who celebrate her new man.

And despite the fact Yemi has “many toasters” admiring her, it’s Rick who “caught a flight and jumped off the jet” to make the ultimate toast to his new-found love.

Sure to be on summer pool party playlists all around the world, the track is a fun up-beat song with rhythmic African drums that got Rick and Yemi dancing.

Yemi on working with Rick Ross, “It was beyond what I expected, he had such a humble spirit and was very encouraging.

 He made me feel very comfortable. (It’s incredible) to have someone as magnificent as he is describe me in one word, and the word he chose was motivation. I hope it will reflect in the video.” Yemi Alade

With 6.5 million Instagram followers, Yemi Alade has a massive streaming fanbase, with record-breaking streaming numbers for any Nigerian artist, including one of Nigeria’s most-watched music videos “Johnny,” now with 101 million YouTube views

"Oh My Gosh" (Remix)" is released under Effyzzie Music Group.

The track will be featured on Yemi Alade's fourth studio album titled "Woman of Steel" which is expected later this year.

Alongside Rick Ross, Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo, Afrobeats icon Duncan Mighty and Nollywood star Funke Akindele are set to appear on the LP.

Just some few weeks after losing eight of it's presenters, Kwale based Mijikenda radio station Kaya Fm has now been forced to respond to increasing reports that the station has been bought out too.

In a statement the station's Managing Director Rose Makwere assured the public that the station is still independent and there is no cause for alarm even after the presenters left, they were poached by Pili Pili fm now Asena fm.

The radio station (Kaya Fm) is owned by former minister and Matuga Mp Chirau Makwere.

"Our attention has been drawn to the increasing reports that Radio Kaya has been bought out. We wish to notify the public that Radio Kaya remains to be an independent Mijikenda Radio Station and it has not been bought out by any company" reads the statement from the MD.

The presenters who left the station are, Cyrus Ngonyo, Bahati Ngazi a.k.a MC Baha, Gunga Kitsao Gunga a.k.a PPO Pyukapyu Wa Pyukapyu, Mgeni Shaban Salim a.k.a Sister Shanniez, Fatuma Mwangala a.k.a Toto Bomba la Kaya, Teddy Nyae Tina a.k.a Mwanamgambo, Micheal Otieno and  Binti Hassan Mariam Gao.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/component/k2/item/930-pili-pili-fm-reinvesting-presenters-declared-redundant

Another station that has also lost its presenters is Pwani Fm, the presenters are Maitha Masha, Josephine Medza and Gasper Tumaini.

According to a source at Kaya Fm, the management has been forced to respond after the station's associates started raising concern.

"Our associates have also been asking if indeed the reports are true. We have even been forced to run special adverts to let our listeners know that we are still independent" said the source

Adding " Some of those former presenters have also been making things worse by going round stating that the station has also been bought out"

Kenyans have only today to submit gospel music/artists works  they would want to see on the Groove Awards Nominees list this year.

Artists and other Industry stakeholders have taken to social media and mainstream platforms since the opening of the submissions/nominations process to urge fans to nominate their best works for the much anticipated 14th edition of the Awards ceremony.

As was introduced last year after research and public insights, Groove allows for the public involvement in the nomination process giving them the power to choose who makes it to the nominees list.

This continues to generate a lot of excitement amongst stakeholders and the industry as it gives greater ownership and participation to music fans across the country. Additional insights this year also saw the introduction of new categories to cater for the changing dynamics; 

The new categories this year are;-  

• Young Groover of the year
• Digital/Online Personality of the year
• Top Diaspora Song

Other categories in which the public will submit their preferred nominees are:

• Artist of the year
• Song of the year
• Teens’ Choice song of the year
• Breakthrough artist of the year
• Hop-Hop song of the year
• Ragga/Reggae song of the year
• Praise and Worship song of the year
• Collabo of the year
• Music video of the year
• Dance Style/Song of the year
• Radio Presenter of the year
• TV Presenter of the year
• Hypeman/MC of the year
• Breakthrough DJ of the year
• Eastern Counties song of the year
• Western Counties song of the year
• Rift Counties song of the year
• Nyanza Counties song of the year
• Central Counties song of the year
• Coastal Counties song of the year

Fans have been directly nominating their favourite songs and artists through www.grooveawards.co.ke ; a process which closes on 30th April.  

As is customary, the nominees are set to be unveiled at the Groove Nomination Night-a Red Carpet event graced by the Gospel fraternity and media.

Groove Awards continues to be the region’s premier Gospel Award ceremony. It has always sought to promote and connect Gospel artists across Africa and foster unity among industry stakeholders, all the while raising the quality and standards of the local music industry. 

Voting will then open to the public shortly after the nominees unveil. Who will make it to the list this year? You have only 1 more day. The power is in your hands!

Kenyan Pop artist and one of the biggest hitmakers of our generation, Kristoff has released a brand new video 'RAINBOW'.

Known for his slew of club bangers including “Umeniwahi” and “Handle It” and the 2018 mega collaboration “Dundaing” with King Kaka and Magix Enga, the certified hit maker delivers a heartfelt mid-tempo jam that is perfect for the lovers - blending rap and infectious melodies.

Produced by JackJack On The Beat, 'Rainbow' was mixed and mastered by Lucas of Ogopa DJs with Yvonne Darcq providing the backup vocals.

The video was shot in Zanzibar by top cinematographer Kenny from Tanzania. Kristoff shares that of all his music videos, this is the one that he has really enjoyed shooting the most.

Ahead of the release, he says, “This song was inspired by Love, Beauty and Happiness and is a fun love song for people to enjoy with their lovers. I wrote this for my fans and I hope they all vibe to it.” Adding, “The fact that I also love colorful things is one of the reasons behind the title RAINBOW.”

Kristoff has built a strong brand consistently releasing a series of chart-topping hits. In 2019, so far he has already released two collaborations “Somaga” and “Bungee Jump” with Naiboi which are currently ruling the airwaves and receiving airplay across the country. As one of the artists with several collaborations, he stands out for his signature flow and catchy lyrics and has a midas that seems to turn every song he's on into a mega-hit.

Currently, Kristoff is working on an album set for release next year. Before then, he is planning on releasing several hit singles and collaborations all year.

Watch the video below

After a successful launch of her first album titled 'The African Princess" In Daresalaam, Tanzania last year on 9th November (her birthday), Tanzanian songbird Nandy finally managed to also launch the same album in Nairobi last Sunday at the Golden Ice Bistro, exclusive to her Kenyan fans.

Nandy becomes the third Tanzanian artist to launch an album in Kenya, Nairobi after Diamond who also launched his album "A boy from Tandale ' in Nairobi last year and Vanessa Mdee who also launched hers 'Money Mondays" in 2018.

In an interview with journalists at the red carpet Nandy who was accompanied by her 'close Kenyan friend' Willy Paul maintained that she is not in competition with her fellow artists from Tanzania (Diamond and Vanessa).

"I know that Diamond and Vanessa did their launches here, I am not here to copy what they did or for competition. I have a management that knows what is right for me" said Nandy.

On his part Willy Paul refuted claims that they are dating saying they are only close friends and that he enjoys working with Nandy. The two already have two collabos together 'Njiwa' and the latest one 'Hallelujah'.

The launch was attendend by artists from both Kenya and Tanzania. From Tanzania there was Dogo Janja and Linex who recently released a collabo with Akothee.

The team from Kenya included Prezzo, Masauti, Dufla, Naiboi, Viola Karuri among others. Media personalities, Rashid Abdallah, Haassan Mugambi, Willy Tuva and Alex Mwakidue were also present.

During the launch fans were taken through Nandy's music journey through a short video played on screens. She also performed all the 13 songs in the album using a live band with fans  singing back to most of her hits.