
Ommy Dallah
More Media Job Losses As Standard Starts To Sack Correspondents, Mombasa Affected
Tension is high at the Standard media group as the company prepares to send home some of it's correspondents.
According to a highly placed source, some of the correspondents have already been served with letters to explain why they should not be sacked.
Among the regions affected is the Coast region, three correspondents from the region have already been served with show cause letters and another receiving a termination letter.
Two of the show cause letters have been served to correspondents based at the Mombasa bureau, a photographer and a writer, another correspondent has been sacked while the third show cause letter sent to a correspondent outside Mombasa but within the region (Coast).
This comes just a month after the media house owned by former President Daniel Moi's family issued a profit warning cautioning investors that profitability will fall significantly.
In the warning which is usually issued by listed companies in order to disclose in advance a fall of at least 25% in profitability,
SMG projected that the profit for the year ended 31st December 2019 will be at least 25% lower than the performance of the year ended 31st December 2018 due to shrink in earnings,increased costs and drop in advertising.
Standard media group is the second largest media house in Kenya, it recently introduced two new radio stations spice fm and Vybz radio.
In October this year, Media max limited also sent home over 100 journalists including editors.
Another media house said to be in the process sending home some of it's journalists is the Radio Africa group.
Just last month Radio African Group CEO Patrick Quarcoo announced that the company was finding it hard to meet its financial obligations with shrinking revenues and would therefore offload some employees to stay afloat, issuing a one-month redundancy notice.
Chris Martin, Big Deal Concert Organizers Apologize To Fans Mugged At The Concert
Jamaican artist Chris Martin and the orgainsers of the Big Deal concert Umoja Splash festival have come out to apologize to revellers who were mugged and allegedly assaulted during the concert which went down in Impala grounds last weekend.
Through a series of tweets, Chris Martin admitted that their were some security lapses during the event but promised to return to Nairobi and make it up to fans.
“Now, I see a few reports about my concert in Nairobi this past weekend and how my performance was marred by muggers and the lack of proper security. Whilst performing I did see a few scuffles that threw me off but I didn’t know the magnitude of what was happening,” he posted
Adding" “I’d like to extend my sincerest apologies to those affected by those criminals who targeted my awesome supporters who braved the inclement weather to come, enjoy and sing some #SweetSugahReggae wid mi! Mi vex yf. Anyway...Nairobi you were the best despite it all and I had the time of my existence!!!! I will definitely be returning soon and we’re gonna have an even better time...unuh ready!?? Wait til mi comeback Love you all ".
On their part the organisers say they have now put into place to ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future calling on the county and national government especially the police to support them and also offer event friendly venues.
Below is a statement from the organisers.
As Steppin’ Razor and Ngoma Tucheze we endeavor to give our fans the best live music experience at every concert we have.
Following a phenomenal reggae show in July we followed up with a reggae event featuring not only the main act but two of Jamaica’s biggest stars to give our fans the ultimate experience.
The presidential summit at our initial venue coupled with the large numbers that bought in early necessitated a last minute venue change. With the only option being a venue with known security challenges we put in the necessary controls but ultimately with the incoming storm and fans eager to attend it led to a rush at the gate.
Umoja Splash Festival is a brand that continues to bring to Kenya the ultimate reggae and dancehall acts and we hope that our USF family will continue to support us.
To counter such occurrences in the future we have put together our own standardized operational protocol to ensure that the client experience is as enjoyable as possible.
We will also look into venue options as in Nairobi we currently have only two secure and controlled venues with the rest needing massive reinforcements.
We have great respect for the fans who have supported our shows and we apologize for the lapses in controls and security. We guarantee a safer experience at the next event based on lessons from this event.
We also request support from the county and national government with additional event friendly venues as well as police support through subsidized police teams trained for crowd and event management, specifically targeting the youth who are the majority who attend the event.
Finally we thank everyone who supported the event in any way as well as all those who attended. The exhilarating show and massive turn out truly showed that #NobodyCanStopReggae.
Tanasha Donna To Host listening Party For Her New EP Tomorrow
Diamond Platnumz's Kenyan girlfriend Tanasha Donna is set to host a listening party for new EP titled 'DONNATELLA' in Nairobi tomorow.
The event is expected to take place at Nyama Mama where she will also be announcing the lucky winners of her challenge for the trip for 2 to Mombasa.
It is still not yet clear if Diamond Platnumz will be present to support her.
Just few backsm Tanasha set the internet on fire after she posted a picture of her and her adorable new born baby in studio making studio.
She has managed to release songs like 'Nah Easy'which was released six months ago and currently enjoys over 600k views on you tube, she also released 'Radio ' featuring Barak Jacuzzi.
Timaya Releases 'Sili - Kon' Spanking Release In Kenya
Renowned Nigerian Afro-dancehall hit-maker, Timaya has released his new single and music video'Sili - Kon' and his first release in Kenya this year.
In the mid-tempo tune, he teams up with Kel-P to create a catchy hook with lyrics in his local dialect. Shot in Lagos, the visuals from Unlimited L.A production opens up with Timaya at a confession booth with a priest before switching to a series of dance scenes featuring an array of beautiful ladies, this being an appreciation for women.
Watch SILI-KON on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPEnR0j-BJc
Smartlink to SILI-KON: https://timaya.lnk.to/sili-kon
Speaking on the new Kenyan release, Timaya says, “This new single is for all my beautiful Kenyan ladies. As you dance along to this jam, know that you are beautiful, you are talented. You are stronger than you think. You are capable of so much. I appreciate you all,”
Adding a message for his fans: “Thank you for always jamming to my music, I feel the love always. Hope you all this new one.”
With over 190 million views on YouTube, the music and style icon is a legend in the making.
The acclaimed king of Afro-Soca music is known for his slew of hit single jams “Dance” featuring Rudeboy, “Bang Bang”, “Balance”, “2 Stoopid”, “Kom Kom” and many more. He has several multi-platinum hit singles and collaborations including the “Bum Bum” remix featuring Sean Paul.
His studio albums include “True Story” (2007), “Gift and Grace” (2008), “De Rebirth” (2010), “LLNP (2011), “Upgrade” (2012), “Epiphany” (2014) and his recently released 2019 EP titled “Chulo Vibes”.
Kalembe Ndile Calls For The Arrest Of Coast Police Boss Over Sonko Arrest Drama
Tip Tip Party leader Kalembe Ndile has demanded for the arrest of Coast police boss Rashid Yakub who was captured on camera 'mishandling' Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko during his arrest in Voi, Taita Taveta county on Friday.
He condemned the manner in which Sonko was handled by the police.
"We demand for the arrest of the police officer who was in blue uniform seen on a social media clip engaging Sonko which has gone viral," he pointed out.
Kalembe said the police officer's behaviour against Sonko is a violation of Sonko's human rights according to the 2010 constitution.
He was reacting to the arrest while at Mombasa’s Moi international Airport on his way to Nairobi.
The Tip Tip leader said he will institute a private prosecution against the police officer if the government fails to arrest the officer and charged him in court.
Kalembe challenged human rights activists and the Council of Governors leadership to make their stand known over the Sonko manhandling incident rather than keeping quiet.
He urged them to come out and condemn the incident arguing that Sonko is still innocent until proved guilty.
"All along Sonko has been appearing before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission [EAC] at its headquarters upon being summoned," he pointed out.
The former Kibwezi West lawmaker wondered why the government had to spend public resources on somebody who has been responding to summons by the anti-corruption body.
He said they demand an explanation as to who ordered the use of the police helicopter to ferry Sonko back to Nairobi and yet dozens of Kenyans are being killed in floods and mudslides due heavy rainfall.
"Instead of the government getting its priories right by assigning the police helicopter to save and rescue innocent Kenyans from losing their lives due to rainfall it is engaging it in a futile exercise to arrest harmless Sonko," Kalembe said.
He accused the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji is being used by the government to settle political scores.
"There are many governors who are alleged to have been involved in corruption but they have never been manhandled," he pointed out.
The Tip Tip leader accused Noordin of dealing with corruption cases selectively and operating a kangaroo court on Friday to arrest Sonko.
Government Reaffirms Support For Tong IL-Moo Do Sport
The Kenyan government through the ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage has reaffirmed it's support for the Tong IL-Moo Do Sport.
Speaking after a meeting with the participants of the Mombasa open Tong IL-Moo Do tournament at a hotel in Mombasa last night, Sports, Culture and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said the Government is committed to ensuring that the tournament remains an annual event adding the government will continue to sponsor it.
Amina noted “The government’s commitment is total, we have given them support we supported them when they went to Korea and we are very pleased by this young people who are fostering Unity amongst other countries,”
Amina also congratulated the organisers of the event hailing the event for promoting peace and discipline.
Amonth those present during the meeting was World Tong Il Moo do vice President Takamitsu Hoshiko who applauded the government's efforts in supporting the sport.
On his part Kenya Tong –IL Moodo federation president Clarence Mwakio promised they will continue working closely with the government.
The tournament which started on Saturday came to an end yesterday, a total of 13 countries including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Paraguay, Nepal, Iran and Philippines taking part in the tournament.
Kenya scooped a total of 113 medals, 31 golds, 36 silvers and 46 bronzes.
Amina also congratulated the organisers of the event for promoting peace and discipline through the sport.
Among those present during the meeting was World Tong Il Moo do vice President Takamitsu Hoshiko who applauded the government's efforts in supporting the sport.
On his part Kenya Tong –IL Moodo federation president Clarence Mwakio promised they will continue working closely with the government.
The tournament which started on Saturday came to an end yesterday, a total of 13 countries including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Paraguay, Nepal, Iran and Philippines taking part in the tournament.
Kenya scooped a total of 113 medals, 31 golds, 36 silvers and 46 bronzes.
Kenya Inches Closer To Retaining the Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do Martial Arts Championship Title
UB40 Ft Ali Campbell And Astro Real Labour Of Love 40th Anniversary Coming To Kenya
Masauti Teams Up With Nigeria's Skales In New Song 'Lege'
After a successful collabo wiith Lava Lava from Tanzania and a series of other artists from home (Kenya), fast growing artist Masauti has now shifted his focus to West Africa.
Masauti who has been gaining popularity with each passing and his songs turning out to be hit songs has now released a new song with Nigeria's Skales.
The song titled 'lege' has been produced by Mombasa music producer TK2.
Fena Gitu Releases New Song 'Chai Moto, Off Her New 'Unleashed' Album
Fresh off the release of her 15-track sophomore album 'Unleashed', one of Kenya’s baddest femcees and AFRIMMA 2019 nominee Fena releases a new single 'Chai moto'.
The track is off the new album launched at a star-studded event dubbed #FenaUnleashed (Sat 23rd Nov 2019) at the Junction Mall.
This release also comes ahead of her performance at Nairobi’s longest running weekly live music showcase ‘Thursday Nite Live’ at J’s Westlands (5th Dec 2019).
UNLEASHED album: https://bit.ly/2Of57LT
'Chai moto' was produced by Kanyeria and addresses rumor mills intended to distract us from our goals, but rising above it all and keeping focus.
Fena’s simple yet extraordinary delivery technique is matched by stunning visuals directed by Mike Lolly P in a video featuring dancers from Sisko Reloaded, and Video Vixens Kenya.
The video introduces two women gossiping over a cup of Kericho Gold Tea, mentioning names of our very own personalities who are constantly attacked, yet remain steadfast in excellence.
'Unleashed' album embodies a transformation of Fena’s persona, style and sound.
Telling it as it is, in the album Fena tackles themes of love, ambition, women empowerment and leadership, while encompassing Nairobi’s vibrant lifestyle.
Fena works with top producers on the 15-track album among them: Kanyeria, iLogos Music, Jazz Odongo, Mutoriah, Dillie and Magix Enga.
The album features tracks such as “Monday Blues”, “Siri”, “Zing Zong”, “Trouble”, “Karibia” which capture Fena’s softer, lovey-dovey side.
Whereas “Doing Her Thing Though”, “Chai Moto”, “Unleashed”, “Ndigithia” and “Empress” express a go- getter, unapologetic Fena.
Her hit singles “Steam”, “Sijaskia Vibaya”, “Sema Ng’we” and “Kaende” take us to the lit Nairobi scene where anything goes.
Speaking on the new album, Fena says, “This project represents my coming of age as Fena. I realized that I needed to explore corners in my life that I was previously shy / coy about to make more timeless music.”
Adding, “With a fresh boost of confidence and years of experience in the music industry, I took on the challenge to become one of Africa’s most sought after singer / songwriters.”
Fena’s new album coincides with her celebration of a decade in the music and entertainment industry this year, and her celebratory #FenaAt10 project and a series of events.
At album launch concert, Fena was backed by the Dynamiques Band with guest artists Kagwe Mungai, Mayonde, Xtatic, Le Band, Xenia Manasseh, Chris Kaiga and Elani giving stellar performances.
The event was hosted by Kwambox with Jo Kisila on the decks.
Having taken a brief hiatus in 2015/2016 to reevaluate and re-strategize following the niche success of her debut album “Fenamenon”, Fena made a comeback into the music scene in 2017 with a crossover hit single, “Sema Ng’we”, marking the beginning of her “Unleashed” journey.
Today, Fena is hailed as East Africa’s most sought after female music performers and brand influencers.
ABOUT #FENAAT10
On 13th Oct 2019 Fena hosted an album listening party for her fans at the Alchemist Bar. The upcoming Unleashed concert is in partnership with Capital FM, Boomplay, Coca-Cola, Marini Naturals, Kericho Gold, The Junction Mall, Oh Snap, Mookh, Nywele Nzuri, Pace, Denri Africa and Chukua Selfie.
Having pursued a solo career since 2009, Fena Gitu will be celebrating a decade in the Music and Entertainment industry this year. Dubbed #FenaAt10, this will be done through a series of events and projects set to start in October (2019) and run through till 2020.