The new found bromance between UDA Vice Chairman Hassan Omar and ODM Deputy leader Hassan Joho seems to have shaken the UDA family in Mombasa.

Omar has recently been publicly supporting Joho in his bid to become the ODM party leader should incumbent Raila Odinga move to Addis Ababa to become the African Union Commission chairman.

Omar was among Coast leaders who attended an iftar at Joho's Nyali home a week ago.

During the event, Omar called on Coast leaders to stand with Joho in his quest to inherit Raila Odinga as the ODM party leader.

"My brother Hassan, we wish you all the best and stand with you in this. I have asked my people in UDA to also stand with you as Coast, let us all be united as the Coast people and leaders" said Omar.

On Thursday, a section of UDA members mostly allied to Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali criticised the new friendship between Omar and Joho terming it "not helpful to the UDA party".

The disgruntled party members, led by Mombasa coordinator Samir Omar, denied claims party members support Joho’s ODM bid.

“At an Iftar dinner this week, he said UDA members have come together to support a rival party. That is not true. That is his personal opinion and personal move,” Samir told journalists.

He accused Omar of escaping his leadership role and failing to unite UDA while supporting a rival party.

“How can you work with a rival party yet the party that sponsored you and which you are a high-ranking official has problems, which you have not solved yet?” Samir posed.

On Saturday, another wing of UDA members came out to defend the unity between Omar and Joho.

Led by the UDA Mombasa Chairman Mutungwa Wambua, said the unity between the two leaders (Omar and Joho) has the blessings of party members.

"Why should it be an issue for you if two leaders from the same region unite?, what is your agenda?' posed Wambua.

Adding "This is not the first time that leaders from different parties  are uniting, this has happened before, our President has also united and even met the opposition leader Raila Odinga, so what is the big deal about two leaders from Coast region coming together"

On his part Mgandi Kalinga accused the coordinator Samir Omar of being a stooge.

"We are aware that the coordinator is a stooge and he is just bitter. What Hassan Omar is doing has the blessings of party members. We will always follow his instructions" said Kalinga.

Adding "Joho is our son and one of our own , we have a responsibility of ensuring that he becomes the next ODM Party Leader."

Local airline Skyward express is bringing more affordable domestic flights to Mombasa.

The carrier has officially launched the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Moi International airport.

The maiden flight landed at the Moi Airport Mombasa on Thursday 11:30am.

On board the flight was Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya Maritime Authority Chairman Hamisi Mwaguya, Skyward express Chairman Captain Mohammed Abdi among other passengers.

"Travel between Mombasa and Nairobi will always be a critical link, this is between the two largest cities in Kenya. We will continue to invest in this route and offer world class travel." said Captain Mohammed.

Adding "For Skyward, investing in this route is a vote of confidence in the economies of Mombasa and Nairobi, we believe Skyward and its peers operating this route will see success and that demand will continue to grow."

On his part CS Murkomen commended the airline for the new route.

"Skyward is a good example of the bottom up economic, it has been growing slowly from the bottom" said Murkomen.

Adding "As a ministry we are proud of our local airlines like Skyward for it's efforts in improving the economy of the country. As a government we will always support our local airlines."

The CS further stated that the government is currently working on the infrastructure at the Coast especially the airports to improve tourism.

"We cannot improve the tourism sector if we dont invest in our airports and roads" argued Murkomen.

Skyward express currently operates scheduled passenger services to Eldoret, Lodwar, Kakamega, Kitale, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa and Ukunda.

Red Bull Dance Your Style, the biggest urban street dance competition in the world, is back in Kenya for its fifth edition. 

The dance competition will once again take to different regions around Kenya to find the best dancers who will battle to become Kenya’s ultimate champ. The dance battle will pass through two universities and different Kenyan cities, starting with Eldoret (13 April), Kisumu, Mombasa and back to Nairobi (29 June), after which the National Finals will be held on 13 July.

To join the competition, sign up for your preferred qualifier. You must be 18+ https://participate.redbull.com/en/events/red-bull-dance-your-style-kenya/2024 

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a unique competition, with no judges. The twist? The crowd decides who wins by voting for their favourite dancers. The dancers’ creativity, freestyle, and musical skills are put to the test in front of a live audience. All urban dance styles are welcome except for break dancing– the only rule you can’t break.

The DJ plays unpredictable music, and the dancers will have to adapt, dance their style and impress the crowd. After each battle, spectators hold up blue or red placards to choose a winner. In other words, YOU decide the champion, who guarantees a place in the world final.

International Red Bull dancer and world champion Stalamuerte from Switzerland, celebrated globally for his signature hip hop dance moves, was in Kenya over the past weekend (23 March 2024) at the official launch of Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024 edition. Speaking after the event Stala said, “Africa is my favourite continent and I am thrilled to be here. Being my first time in Kenya– I'm feeling like an infant experiencing things for the first time. I’m taking in every moment.”

Stalamuerte met Kenya’s dance community and interacted with them through a panel discussion and a Q&A session that was hosted by Kenyan media personality Azeezah Hashim. He later gave an interactive dance workshop that was joined by a host of dancers and groups including Art In Motion. Among the things he tackled at a dance workshop was fundamentals of winning Red Bull Dance Your Style, musicality, vibing with the crowd and adaptability to unpredictable music and times like social media influence.

He said, “My advice to Kenyan dancers is to master confidence and trust their art. Keep doing your thing and don't care about other people’s opinions. If you are passionate about what you do, that’s all that matters." It wouldn’t be complete without a friendly battle after some Kenyan dancers dared Stalamuerte.

Also in attendance was Fabius Oduor–Kenya’s Red Bull Dance Your Style 2023 Champ, who also took to the stage for a freestyle dance, as this year’s lead DJ Sir M dropped multiple mixes. Fabius Oduor said, “Becoming the reigning champ was a mind-blowing experience and a dream come true, that I’d wish for every other Kenyan dancer,” adding, “Stronger than ever, I am back and participating in this year’s competition. I am looking forward to displaying my growth as a dancer and how the new experience unfolds for me.”

Red Bull Kenya continues to support the international mixed-style dance competition to support dance talent in Kenya and upskill local dance communities while exposing them to different levels of dance on a global stage.

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a global competition with 51 counties participating. The ultimate champ at the national finals will represent Kenya in Mumbai, India for the world finals on 9 November. The winner will win an all-expense paid trip to India for the World Finals. All enthusiasts and lovers of dance–it’s time to show up for your talent or your favourite dancer so check out where the next event is happening and come through with your squad.

KEY EVENT DATE QUALIFIERS:

• Eldoret 13 April

• Kisumu 27 April

• Kenyatta University 11 May

• Mombasa 25 May

• USIU 15 June

• Nairobi 29 June

• National Finals 13 July.

A convoy of Nissan Navara pick-ups, representing the entire range that is manufactured in South Africa, left Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, Nissan’s African LCV manufacturing hub, today on the first leg of an eight country odyssey into the interior of Africa and ultimately Cairo.

The expedition, dubbed Daring Africa 2024, proves the boast that this range of Nissan Navaras has been built to withstand the most severe road conditions in Africa.

It also celebrates a wonderful legacy, says Nissan South Africa Managing Director Maciej Klenkiewicz. “These Navaras, all new and built of more, have been made for Africa by African hands that care in the very same place that the first Nissan vehicle was built in Africa more than 60 years ago.”

The factory in Rosslyn, says Nissan Africa managing director Sherief Eldessouky, is an enduring symbol of Nissan’s ties to South Africa and Africa as a whole. “We are very proud of our history and of the multi-generational relationship that we have been privileged to create between employees and customers since we started, both here and across the continent.”

Today Rosslyn has evolved into Nissan’s LCV manufacturing hub for Africa, with the Navaras that are built here sold across Africa and, since the end of last year, in the new markets of Algeria and Libya. Soon, the vehicle range will be introduced to Egypt.

“We’ve dubbed this journey Daring Africa,” explains Nissan African Head of Communications and PR Ramy Mohareb, “because it really is a wonderful new chapter to Nissan Dare, last year’s celebration of Nissan’s 90^th anniversary.”

The odyssey, he says is daring in so many different ways. “It allows us to showcase a vehicle that we are very proud of in a series of immersive events literally all the way to Cairo. We are proving our promise that the entire range of the Nissan Navara which we build on the continent, is equal to the severest road conditions that Africa has to offer as we connect our two manufacturing hubs on either side of the continent,” he added.

Tonight, the expedition accompanied by selected South African journalists overnighted at Nelspruit after visiting selected Nissan dealerships in Pretoria and Mbombela: Nissan Menlyn and Produkta Nissan en route to the Mozambique border. The next leg will see the expedition heading into Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya, being met and accompanied by a team from each country’s media, before ending the adventure in Egypt.

Throughout their African odyssey, the Navaras will be shadowed by a Nissan X-Trail acting as an expedition support vehicle, which will also give the X-Trail an opportunity to prove its adventure credentials on some of Africa’s highways.

“The Navara is a wonderful evolution of the Nissan pick-up legacy,” says Nissan Africa marketing director Stefan Haasbroek, “and this trip will show our customers and fans exactly that in real life, real-time situations as we celebrate the best that Africa has to offer.”

The vehicle is not just tropicalised for the African market, it literally has been built for market conditions, with a reinforced chassis a very different suspension and the best roll over angle in the market. “It literally is built of more,” he says.

Africa is a vital market for Nissan, says Eldessouky. The continent is regarded as the world’s last remaining automotive frontier because of the low level of vehicle ownership, which Nissan is well placed to serve through its unique manufacturing footprint in Egypt and South Africa and its wide range of mobility solutions.

“We believe in Africa, and we believe in this continent’s potential,” says Eldessouky. “Our mantra for the region is Let’s Build’ and this expedition really is proof positive of that and the opportunity that the AfCFTA holds for all of us.”

After a brief hiatus, the trailblazing boy group synonymous with the Gengetone movement is back and stronger than ever. Ethic Entertainment, known for revolutionizing the Kenyan music scene, reignite the airwaves with their highly anticipated comeback track, "Amigos."

"Amigos" marks a pivotal moment for Ethic Entertainment as they reclaim their position at the forefront of the Gengetone genre. The track not only signifies their return but also showcases their evolution as artists while staying true to their signature style that has captivated audiences worldwide.

This is a vibrant song that captures the essence of daily life among friends and colleagues. It explores their shared experiences, celebrations, and the natural dynamics of their social interactions.

Produced by acclaimed Nigerian producer, Wondamagik, "Amigos" boasts a dynamic fusion of infectious beats and catchy melodies, setting the stage for a chart-topping hit. With Wondamagik's expert touch and Ethic’s unmatched talent, the track promises to be a game-changer.

"We're thrilled to be back and sharing our new music with our fans," says Dennis, manager for Ethic Entertainment. "This track is a testament to our journey and the unwavering support of our loyal fans. 'Amigos' is just the beginning of what's to come from Ethic Entertainment"

As pioneers of the Gengetone movement, they continue to push boundaries and redefine the sound of Kenyan music. With "Amigos," they invite listeners to join them on a journey filled with energy, creativity, and the unmistakable spirit of Gengetone.

"Amigos" by Ethic Entertainment is available on all major streaming platforms. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking comeback from the group that started it all.

What’s Next for the Group

Amigos introduces a fusion of gengetone with other genres, showcasing Ethic's trailblazing style. Expect a series of exciting new tracks, different sounds while keeping it to the core of what has made Ethic such an enigma in the Kenyan music scene.

Chart-topping Nigerian music sensation, Kizz Daniel has released a brand new music project titled ‘Thankz Alot’, showing his loyal fanbase gratitude. The highly anticipated EP, comprising four tracks, is a heartfelt expression of appreciation for the unwavering support from his fans throughout his illustrious career spanning a decade.

Since the EP’s unveiling, it has received massive love and overwhelmingly positive response across East Africa and the rest of the globe. Kizz Daniel expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am incredibly grateful for the love and support I have received from my fans throughout my career. 'Thankz Alot’ is my way of expressing my appreciation and giving back to them for their unwavering support."

‘Thankz Alot’ EP features four soulful tracks, each showcasing Kizz Daniel's versatility and unique musical style. The tracks include “Sooner”, “Showa”, “Too Busy to Be Bae” and “Twe Twe”. It’s worth mentioning that the “Twe Twe” remix featuring Afrobeats sensation, Davido, has added an extra layer of excitement to the EP. 

Watch “Twe Twe” - Kizz Daniel & Davido: https://youtu.be/041PlAGNMsQ?si=JHNie1FBKgl1h7Gz

Watch “Too Busy To Be Bae” - Kizz Daniel: https://youtu.be/0RPzLGxepxg?si=8Yp5FVtHdOjKPUwT 

Kizz Daniel, known for his dynamic sound and captivating performances, aims to connect even deeper with his audience through this EP, which serves as a token of his gratitude. The EP's title, ‘Thankz Alot’, reflects Kizz Daniel's sincere appreciation for the love and support he has received from his fans worldwide.

From dancing with the mother of his kids on his Instagram page to changing his Instagram photos to his wife and kid recently, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe popularly known as Kizz Daniel has gone public with his family with the release of his new EP. ‘Thankz Alot’ serves as a testament to his continued dedication to his craft and his gratitude towards his fans and follows the success of his 2023 album ‘Maverick’, which garnered widespread acclaim.

Kizz Daniel is no stranger to delivering chart-topping hits. His versatility and ability to connect with audiences across the globe has made him one of Africa’s most successful artists. 2024 is set to be a thrilling year as the king of back to back hits is back with a new trendy EP. ‘Thankz Alot’ is available for streaming on all digital platforms.

Jordi Vila, currently Nissan Divisional Vice President Marketing and Sales Europe has been appointed as President Nissan Africa, as DVP. Joni Paiva, currently Nissan Africa President & India Sales & Marketing DVP returns to the Renault group.

Vila is a 30-year Nissan veteran with extensive experience sales and marketing in leading roles both at regional headquarters and markets, including among others Nissan Netherlands and Nissan Nordics, as well as Sales and Network Operations for Nissan in Europe.

Prior to this appointment, he was Divisional Vice President Marketing and Sales for Nissan Europe, and before that he was leading Asia and Oceania region as Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing.

He said he was looking forward to his new appointment.

“Africa is an important and strategic market for Nissan and presents many opportunities in the years to come,” he said. “We have a strong local presence and I’m sure we will continue to harness that expertise to deliver exceptional products and services for our African customers.”

Paiva is leaving Nissan after 11 years with the company, which has included strategic roles in North America and latterly Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania region where he played an instrumental role. Under his leadership, multiple new models were successfully launched across the region including Magnite and the iconic Patrol. Paiva is returning to the Renault group, where he was before joining Nissan.

Reflecting on his time overseeing Africa for Nissan, Paiva paid tribute to the management of Nissan Africa for their skillful handling of different challenges across the continent in the last year. The continent, he said, held a very special place in his heart and in Nissan’s strategies as it was the world’s last great automotive frontier.

“Nissan Africa is now well positioned with a solid organization and a clear brand strategy, underpinned by a unified product line up for the entire continent. Nissan is ready to capture the continent’s growth being the only OEM with a strong industrial footprint with fully owned manufacturing plants in Egypt and South Africa, as well as assembly operations in Ghana and Nigeria” he added.

Next week, Nissan Africa will be launching Daring Africa 2024; an eight-country odyssey comprising five Navaras and a Nissan X-Trail, from the home of the Navara in South Africa to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Kenya, later ending in Egypt.

The epic adventure will showcase both the Navara’s capabilities and Nissan’s African partners in the individual markets, while linking the assembly plants in Rosslyn and Cairo, ahead of the Navara’s introduction to the Egyptian market.