On this week’s African Voices Changemakers, CNN International’s Arit Okpo meets Clara Njeru, a Kenyan producer who is on a mission to make the superhero genre more inclusive.

Njeru is Head of Production at Kukua Education Limited, which focuses on creating educational entertainment content for children.

Njeru speaks about the company, “Kukua is an edutainment company that blurs the worlds of entertainment and education to empower children with content that’s inspiring, that’s fun. We aspire to create books and music and live learning experiences.”

Kukua’s flagship animated series ‘Super Sema’ premiered in March 2021, on International Women’s Day.

Njeru talks about the project, “Super Sema is an African animated superhero series. The show features a young African girl who’s 10 years old. Her name is Sema and she has a twin brother called MB. They are innovating in each episode and solving a problem for their community or a problem for themselves. Her superpowers are creativity and innovation.”

The show was created for audiences in Africa and around the world.

Njeru details the international reach, “We launched it in partnership with YouTube originals. We had 15 million views in the first 10 weeks. We’ve been pleasantly surprised that half of our audience on YouTube is outside Africa. And this shows that there’s a big need all over the world.’

Njeru says that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the global need for learning resources outside of the classroom.

She tells Okpo, “Schools worldwide were closed and having content that’s educational and that can get children to continue learning even while out of school was a big need everywhere.”

The content for ‘Super Sema’ is powered by STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths, “We want children to be innovative. We want them to be creative. We are encouraging them to apply the basis of this, of STEAM in their everyday life. So, the way we incorporate education in the show is that in every episode there are these core lessons.”

The series voice stars Academy Award-winning actress and author Lupita Nyong’o. Njeru talks about working with Nyong’o and how she inspired the team of female creatives.

“We started working with Lupita because she was fascinated by what we had created, and she loved it. We are a female-led team and we are always looking for role models. Mainly African women who have gone before us and done amazing things. And we call these our ‘wall of inspiration of women’. And one of the women who’s there is Lupita Nyong’o. And it’s been amazing working with her. She’s continuing to inspire us, and we can’t wait to see what more we do in terms of content.”

The team at Kukua are now back in the studio working on season two of the programme.

Njeru talks about her hopes for the future, “I hope that by watching Super Sema children will be encouraged to be innovative, to be problem solvers, to be creative, and determined in whatever field that they choose. I hope that children will carry into their adult lives the lessons that they learned from Super Sema.”

This week’s episode also meets South Africa’s Loyiso Mkize the visionary behind the country’s first superhero comic book series who recently made his global debut with DC Comics.

 ‘African Voices Changemakers’ airs on Saturday 17th July at 0930 SAST on CNN International

Tanzanian singer AliKiba has been appointed as Power Horse energy drink brand ambassador.

With its origins in Linz Austria, Power Horse energy drink is also the official partner of Manchester City football club.

AliKiba made the announcement today morning during a press conference in Daresalaam.

"I would like to take this opportunity to officially introduce myself to you as the official brand ambassador of power horseenergy drink" posted Kiba.

Adding "I love sports, music and I need more energy so I believe this drink is the best for me and all of you out there".

The drink is available in several countries like Nigeria, Dubai, Uganda, Djibouti, Ethiopia among others

In 2018 AliKiba introduced his own energy drink Mofaya in Kenya and Tanzania.

Diamond's manager Babu Tale has revealed that he has not been able to overcome the grief of the loss of his wife Shamsa.

Taking to instagram, Babu Tale who is also the Morogoro South constituency MP said for nine days now he has not managed to sleep peacefully as he is always thinking about his late wife.

He further stated that it's high time he seeks the services of a counsellor.

'Kuna vitu omba visikukute katika maisha yako. Usiombe uondokewe na mke au mume. Mimi napitia maisha magumu sana kila ukiona unakaribia kukaa sawa kumbe unajiona bado maumivu hayaishi maana leo nina siku ya tatu naamka tisa usiku vilio na maumivu yasio isha." he posted.

Adding "Sijawahi kutamani kukutana na mwana saikojia ila kwa sasa nahitaji kwakweli maana hali yangu sio nzuri kwenye hiki ninachopitia namkumbuka sana mkewangu. Mungu aendelee kukulaza mahala pema Mama TT."

This comes just few weeks after he marked one year since  the death of the wife.

On his Instagram page, Tale shared photos of his family and said they are still in mourning.

In a previous interview, Babu Tale rubbished social media claims that he was plannning to remarry.

"My wife's shadow lives with me, so I'll wait until the shadow disappears then I'll remarry My wife told me not to remarry. I remember that day when I was in the hospital with her." 

Celebrated and award winning Kenyan star and Fresh Brand Ambassador - Kahush has debuted his fourth album titled If We Do not Give Up.

The album comes at a point in his life where he feels the need to change the path to finding his light. 

Speaking about the album, Kahush says "In a way‚ the Album was written as personal therapy, with each track helping tackle my own journey .  I chose the title “If we do not give up” to symbolize the feeling of ‘security and strength.’ Basically it's to show that even if in the hardest of times, if we just hang in there better times are coming.”

The 11 track album features Xenniah and has been produced by several producers. The album is a brand partnership between Kahush and Fresh Chewing gum, this partnership will also see Kahush tour 15 campuses. 

The Mastingo hit maker has in the last few months been working round the clock to ensure the album is out and  meets the expectations of his fans across the globe. 

Kahush will also be performing the new songs from the album at The Pizza and Wine Festival - Kitenge Edition featuring Omah Lay. 

Nigerian music star, Kendickson who blessed our speakers in 2020 with the hit song ‘WAYO‘ is here again with new single titled ‘Lole’, a melodious tune balanced with sweet vocals every music listener is sure to glue on.

This jam is produced from the stables of Blaise Beatz Studio.

Listen and Enjoy Kendickson’s sweet vocal and connect with him on social media @iamKendickson.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala will not vie for any political seat in the 2022 general elections.

Balala made the announcement on Wednesday saying he is not interested in politics.

His announcement came after reports emerged that he was gearing up to succeed Hassan Joho as the next governor of Mombasa county.

"My attention has been drawn to the recent media reports including in today's Standard newspaper headline story alledging that I will soon be resigning my present position as cabinet secretary minitsry of tourism and wildlife to vie for an unspecified political seat in the 2022 general elections". said Balala in a statement.

Adding" For avoidance of doubt, I want to categorically state that my focus is continue to serve the country in my current position".

Balala served as the Mvita Mp between 2007 to 2013 before losing to the current Mp Abdulswamad Nassir.

In 2017, Balala ran for the Mombasa senatorial seat through Jubilee coalition but lost to Mohammed Faki of ODM.

Tanzania leading artist and recently BET Awards nominee Diamond Platinumz has wowed many after splashing photos of him meeting with top Hip Hop artists in America. 

Through his Instagram page, the Kamata hitmaker on Tuesday shared a photo capturing him and multi-award-winning American musician Snoop Dogg. 

He captioned it: "Listen, learn from the kings and you will achieve more." 

The duo was seen in a studio. However, it is yet to be clear whether the gangsta rapper will be part of Diamond's album set to be released soon. 

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2178-diamond-platnumz-working-on-his-fourth-album

Diamond's meeting with Snoop Dogg has stirred up chatters online with many heaping praises to the boy from the suburbs of Tandale now sharing a high table with America greats. 

In a video shared online, Snoop Dogg is seen sharing some word of advice with Diamond Platnumz.

“These moments when you don’t watch the numbers, I used to watch the numbers, then I blinked and fell off. You should not fall off, coz there is somebody else who will come, like you came. You gonna work hard because there are other people who are after you, they want to be like you right now. That is what you should know."said Snoop Dogg to Diamond.

Adding "When you see a nigga sounding like you, looking like you because you are correct. In my hood, there were real gangs and drug dealers but when I started rapping they slowly put down their drugs and said they want to be Managers, producers or be like me. I changed the perspective, now in my hood niggas are living good. Rapping was cool but was not for everybody, it was Snoop Dogg’s game. Where you are from, you a real inspiration, Tanzania, Africa, you are blessed” 

Diamond has now spent two weeks in America since the recently concluded 2021 BET Awards where he lost the best International Acts category to Nigerian artist Burna Boy. 

While in the States, the WCB founder who is accompanied by one of his managers and Morogoro Mp Babu Tale has grabbed the chance to meet with celebrated US musicians. 

On July 4, Diamond was seen with American artist Wiz Khalifa who is the founder of Taylor Gang Entertainment record label. 

A day before that, Diamond also met with legendary 49 years old American rapper Busta Rhymes who posted a video of them recording a song in a studio. 

Another artist expected to feature in Diamond's much-anticipated album is an American rapper and five-time Grammy Awards nominee Swae Lee. 

Diamond is also working on a collaboration with famed Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh who is also an actor and TV presenter. 

As a self-proclaimed Swahili Nation President of music, Diamond has made it clear that he wants to carry the East Africa music industry to the International scene.

Others, however, have described Diamond's move to seek collaboration with American artists as a tactical move to garner support Internationally for future global awards after missing out on this year's BET Awards.

Audrey Hinya, the 15-year-old Kenyan songstress based in the US is back with a new release “Party Don’t Stop”.

The Amapiano track produced by Wizkid's debut album producer - Samklef, follows her successful debut single “More Than Friends”.

Although the new single talks about partying, it’s an encouragement to push through regardless of the challenges, in thoughts, feelings or emotions.

Ahead of the release, Audrey says, “Party Don’t Stop is a reminder to prioritize your inner peace, after everything,”.

Adding, “I wrote this song after self reflection that made me celebrate my wins. It’s easy to lose sight of all the amazing things when negativity is at bay, so just get back up because the party don’t stop.”

Listen to “Party Don’t Stop”

Watch “Party Don’t Stop” lyric video

King Kanja reveals that when Audrey came to him with the song only as a composition, she didn’t know of Camp Mulla's previous “Party Don’t Stop” hit song.

He says, “It’s definitely a bridge to the next generation of young Kenyan artists - Audrey is now 15 years old.”

Kanja also touched on his inspirations while writing the record, “Amapiano genre is currently receiving wide reception across the continent and I reference Camp Mulla on the song paying homage to their success.”

Currently in partnership with King Kanja Empire, Audrey says that she and Kanja are working to get her signed and grow both as an artist and an individual.

Her style of music is heavily influenced by Afro fusion, R&B and Pop. “Party Don’t Stop” is only her second single.

The gifted singer-songwriter wants to be a global superstar, touring, performing and selling platinum records.

She affirms, “I have made a commitment to music and I am dedicated to this till I reach the peak.”

Audrey juggles pursuing her studies and music career.

The Mombasa county assembly has resumed business after a short recess with the swearing in of ODM Nyali branch treasurer Solomon Ngugi Wainaina as nominated member of county assembly [MCA] replacing the late Mohamed Hatimy.

Hatimy succumbed to to Covid-19 on November last year (2020).

Ngugi was escorted to the county assembly by County assembly chief whip Junior Wambua, who is Chaani MCA, and nominated MCA Moses Aran Onido.

Mombasa county assembly speaker Aharub Khatri presided over the swearing in of Ngugi which was witnessed by Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, ODM Mombasa county branch secretary Geoffrey Busaka and acting Mombasa county secretary Joab Tumbo.

The county assembly clerk Salim Juma presented him with books and documents pertaining to the county assembly guidelines.

Mombasa County Assembly Majority leader Hamisi Mwidani, who doubles up as Mombasa county assembly Finance, Budget and Appropriations chairman, led the county assembly to overwhelmingly congratulate Ngugi on being nominated as MCA.

He said Ngugi is a product of the local party branch and is a good example of earning a reward for being loyal to the party.

The entire fifth session of the ninth sitting was reserved for Ngugi’s congratulatory messages.

In his maiden speech, the nominated MCA thanked ODM party leader Raila Odinga and deputy party leader Hassan Ali Joho who is Mombasa governor on behalf of his family and the entire ODM Nyali constituency for the nomination to fill the slot left vacant following the death Hatimy.

Ngugi also thanked the ODM Mombasa county branch for supporting his nomination.

“I wish to assure you of my total support to ODM and I promise to serve the party with dedication into the next year’s general election,” he said.

In his remarks, the county assembly speaker said the day’s business of the county assembly was to administer the oath of office to newly nominated ODM MCA.

Aharub pointed out Ngugi’s nomination has been gazetted through the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission [IEBC].

He said the county assembly was abiding by the IEBC directive.

“We had to abide by the IEBC directive and we had to call him and swear him in today as directed,” he pointed out.

Before the county assembly adjourned, the speaker led the house in a one minute silence in respect of the late Hatimy.

Contemporary Kikuyu mugithi princess Muringi has released a new banger titled 'Kundukania' - warming our hearts in this cold month of July with her mellow and sweet voice. Kundukania is a word that means 'Being confused' in the Kikuyu language.

It’s a smooth urban kikuyu mugithi track that marks Muringi's first official release under Pine Creek Music. The single got the golden treatment of Muringi's voice and the magical touch of the Mugithi music master - Waruks of Waruks production. The video was directed and shot by Reel House Film.

Watch 'Kundukania' here- https://youtu.be/hr1_mnvbKPY

About the song - 'Kundukania'

'Kundukania' is a song I wrote out of my own experiences," says Muringi. When I was a teenager, I indulged in quite a lot of partying and wild lifestyle, despite my parents warning me and talking me out of it. I got pregnant and the man who was responsible went missing in action. All that left me very confused and this song is about my experiences as a teenage mother. It is my message to the young girls to slow down and to those who have gotten pregnant to know that all is not lost, you can still bounce back after all that confusion