The African King of Bald Men, Bien-Aime, has released his first solo EP titled - ‘Bald Men Love Better’ in collaboration with well-known Kenyan jazz maestro, Aaron Rimbui. \

This follows the success of the project’s lead single “Bald Men Anthem” that has surpassed 1 million streams across all digital platforms since its release 3 weeks ago.

Bien-Aime and Aaron have today released the second music video of the EP titled “Mbwe Mbwe”.

“Mbwe Mbwe is undoubtedly my best song in the EP, “It’s a song about making merry and enjoying the spoils of your hard work" Bien said.

It was a very beautiful challenge from Aaron to Bensol and I to write a Rhumba song that resonates with the 80s. 

“Mbwe Mbwe” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL9yXKjhWXY 

 Stream ‘Bald Men Love Better’ EP

At a press conference held on Friday, 5th November 2021 in Nairobi, Kenya - Sauti Sol’s creative enterprise also announced Bien’s signing to Sol Generation Records as a solo artist.

The three year deal worth 50 million Kenya shilling will see him record and release his solo music and albums under the Sol Generations outfit. Bien-Aime's project ‘Bald Men Love Better’ is the first release under Sol Generation Records through a joint venture with Exodus Entertainment.

The 5-track EP features the newly released single “Mbwe Mbwe”, “Bald Men Anthem”, “Stamina”, “Coming Home” and “Reset Rewind”. 

Aaron says of their collaborative project, “Bien and I will always make art and music when we meet. We did a live recording for the whole album. It was a project of fast executions but you can feel the timelessness of it and I love it for that.”

Bien adds, “When we started making the project, I didn’t know what to expect. We were not trying to exist in any genre and the music we made is not in any genre. I did not expect it to be that beautiful and I hope our fans, old and new, will feel the same.” 

“Bald Men Anthem” is a song about self love and self worth.

The anthem echoes the EP’s concept of self-love and accepting yourself for who you are. For a long time around the world bald people were made to feel like they did not belong; it was embarrassing to be a bald man.

This is an anthem to make bald men feel secure within themselves and reflect positively on how they live their everyday lives.

This is also an anthem for those who are not bald - it’s an ode to make you feel confident and have more self-worth. Co-written with Bensol, “Stamina” expounds on the experience of the evolution from a boy to a man, and the challenges men go through in their lives in this transition. 

Bien says, “It's  a reminder to make hay when the sun shines and use your youth  wisely and dance when you still have stamina”. “Coming Home” is an interlude and a jazzy version of one of Sauti sol’s classic hits, inspired by the duo’s deep love for the original song.

Written by Bien-Aime and Chiki during the pandemic in hope for better days; “Reset Rewind” is a song about uncertainty - penned during the pandemic at a time when we didn’t know when we would have our lives back in order. “Mbwe Mbwe” as Bien fondly says, takes him back to his younger days, being a child listening to Rhumba music and playing with his uncle's radio.

“It reminds me of places I ate fish in town like a place called Abondas and Ronalo, among many others. They would always play Rhumba.” he says.

Bien-Aime and Aaron Rimbui might seem like world’s apart but the longtime collaborators are a perfect show for soul meets jazz. Their first collaboration “Say Mama” was released in 2016. Aaron also collaborated with Sauti Sol on the original “Kuliko Jana”.

Bien says, “We have always made music when we had the chance to break bread. He’s in Kenya right now visiting from New York where he lives and I am sure that for the 8 weeks he’s around we will be making music. Bald men love better tunes on the way.”

Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib has pledged to support budding cinematographers in his constituency as a way of empowering the youth to explore their talents.

Speaking during the launch of 'Siwema', a film by Big Shark Youth Group, the MP stated that he was ready to offer the youth support through the Jomvu NG-CDF kitty and the Uwezo Fund to assist them cover production costs.

He stated that the film industry at the Coast and the country was growing at a fast rate hence the need to invest into the industry adding that the industry has the ability to create job opportunities for the youth to help tackle the challenge of high unemployment rate bedeviling the youth across the country.

The Sunday event was graced by representatives from the Kenya Film Commission and a number of renowned coast based artists and film producers.

 "As an MP I want to assure you my total support, we shall knock every government office that deals with the film industry to ensure that you receive the much needed help you require from equipment to technical support and even marketing and distribution," said Twalib.

 "I want to tell you that the film industry pays, just like Hollywood(US), Bollywood (India) and Nollywood (Nigeria). Let us have hope that we can get to those heights. I believe that if we partner with government film agencies we shall be able to make you go far and make money for yourselves," said Twalib.

He further stated that he was going to do more in nurturing other talents like football promising to come up with a trial program that will see youths have the opportunity to go for trials in coastal based teams like premier league tier Bandari FC.

The MP further asked the youth to put effort in the academics even as they explore their talents while cautioning to shun drugs and gangs.

"I want to beseech you to shun violence especially as we approach the next general elections, democracy allows you to support a candidate of your choice, but don't fight because of politicians, politics will come and go," he added. 

Also present at the event was Stephen Konde, a renowned coast-based film production manager for the Swahili series 'Pete' who promised to offer technical support to the budding cinematographers. 

"I am here today with part of my crew to offer these young lads support, we shall give them technical know how by exposing them on the best equipment and on how to produce standard films, we shall organize a workshop for them to improve their skills," said Konde.

He added that they were wiling to sponsor one of their film to propel them to international standards. 

The Nest Collective is proud to share the long awaited premiere dates for “The More Things Change”, as well as the new screening details, so that everyone can finally watch it! TMTC will be watched for the very first time at the NBO Film Festival, on Friday 12th November 2021.

Thereafter, it will be available to all, for absolutely FREE viewing, on The Nest Collective's Youtube Channel from its online premiere on Wednesday 17th November 2021, from 10AM!

Catch TMTC’s short teaser here

Watch the longer, much more juicy trailer here! 

“The More Things Change”, or TMTC for short, is a fiction anthology feature film from the Nest Collective 2 years in the making, slated for release this very month! The film was made in partnership with Forum Civ, as part of the Wajibu Wetu program.

TMTC has been described as a slow-burn, cerebral, dramatic thriller.

It boasts the unique narrative of looking back into Kenya’s political past, and then exploring the present, as well as imagining an exciting potential speculative future, to explore resistance by individuals and communities.

Co-directed by Collective members Akati Khasiani and Mars Maasai, the film explores what happens when an ordinary girl takes on a powerful adversary at great personal cost.

TMTC is proud to present leading talent Nyawara Ndambia as its star. A fiery performer of great flexibility and power, Nyawara was most recently seen in the highly acclaimed Kenyan comedic drama Supa Modo, where she starred as the beautiful, determined and assertive Mwix.

TMTC also features several other Kenyan stage, TV and film actors of note! These include Melvin Alusa (Mission To Rescue, Crime and Justice, The First Grader, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind), Bryan Ngatia (Too Early For Birds), Emmanuel Mugo (Sense8, Pillow Talk, This Is Life) and young luminary Stycie Waweru (Supa Modo, Just In Time, Lusala).

 “We’re really happy to be so close to the release, after many months of work from so many talented people. We can’t wait to see how folks will react!” said Njeri Gitungo, the Nest’s head producer.

Parents have been urged to help curb cases of indscpline in schools by providing advise and counselling to their children when they break for mid-term.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib advised parents to get closer to their children and instill in them proper morals during the four days break expected to begin from November 19 to November 23.

"What is happening in our schools is not accepted at all" said Badi.

Adding "It is hightime that as parents we now take up the role of speaking to our children".

Addressing residents of Miritini in Jomvu constituency, Badi also called for a permanent solution to the cases of students unrest from all stakeholders including the government.

On thursday last week, Education Cabinet secretary George Magoha stated that the government would not take responsibility for the loss incurred by schools following the recent spike in fire incidences, which saw dormitories, laboratories and classes go up in flames.

The CS stated that the government would not contribute towards rebuilding dormitories burnt by students.

British vocalist and founding member of UB40 Terence Wilson better known by his stage name Astro, has died.

Astro died aged 64 after a short illness.

The news was confirmed by former colleague Ali Campbell.

"We are absolutely devastated and completely heartbroken," said a statement on Ali Campbell and Astro's Twitter account.

Adding ""The world will never be the same without him."

Astro left UB40 in 2013 and went on to perform with breakaway group UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro, which had played some concerts this year and was due to go on tour in 2022.

The original band broke through in the early 1980s with their unique take on British reggae and found success with hits like 'Red Red Wine' and 'Can't Help Falling In Love.'

In total, UB40 have recorded 39 UK top 40 singles and 28 top 40 albums, with Astro singing lead vocals on the hit 'Rat In Mi Kitchen' which reached number 12 in 1987.

The group also enjoyed success around the world, including in the US, where 'Red Red Wine' went to number one, as did another cover, 'Can't Help Falling in Love with You,' which spent seven weeks at number one in 1993.

The original line-up played together for three decades before Ali Campbell left in 2008.

A statement from the current UB40 line up on Twitter said: "RIP Astro.

"We have heard tonight, the sad news that ex-member of UB40, Terence Wilson, better known as Astro, has passed away after a short illness. Our sincere condolences to his family."

Apple Music today announced the latest featured artist in its Africa Rising artist development program as 24-year-old Nigerian-born Afro-fusion singer-songwriter, Buju (real name Daniel Benson).

“I’m happy and proud to be the next Apple Music Africa Rising artist', said Buju. "I appreciate the genuine love and support my fans and the Apple Music team have shown me and I promise to never stop.”

An acronym for “Beauty Underneath Just Understood”, Buju’s calling to be a performer manifested itself while he was unhappily studying IT at university. After fully realising his vision of being a singer, songwriter and record producer, he released his first single “Catch A Vibe” (2018) to hungry ears. 

It was his viral hit “Spiritual” featuring Zlatan (2019) that skyrocketed him into the charts, earning him a nomination in the “Rookie of the Year” category at Nigeria’s HipTV Headies Awards the same year, and then a win at the City People Music Awards for “Revelation of the Year” (2020).

Perhaps his biggest career milestone came in 2020 when he released a remix of his hit single “L'Enu” featuring his idol Burna Boy. He has frequently referred to the experience of getting to meet and work with the Grammy Award winner as one of the highlights of his life.

Buju’s debut album Sorry I'm Late, available to stream on Apple Music now, is a seven-track tour de force of modern Afrobeats hooks and traditional Afro-rooted melodies, and does an expert job in introducing the essence of his craft to a global audience.   

The latest music from Buju along with that of Africa’s hottest new artists, is available now on the Apple Music Africa Rising Playlist.

Apple Music’s Africa Rising, is an exclusive artist development programme and companion playlist geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent and introducing the next generation of African superstars.

Africa Rising alumni to date include: Omah Lay, Manu Worldstar, Tems, Amaarae, Ayra Starr, Yaw Tog, Blxckie and Nikita Kering. Africa Rising sees Apple Music select six artists every year who each receive a minimum of two months of editorial support across the Apple Music platform including a launch interview with Nadeska on Apple Music 1. Nadeska has also launched a new weekly Africa Rising feature on her show highlighting the hottest new artists on the continent.

Africa Rising is the latest of many Apple Music initiatives aimed at taking African talent to the world. Now available in 33 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Apple Music 1 is home to Africa Now Radio with host LootLove which has featured interviews with some of the continent’s hottest artists such as Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Cassper Nyovest, Mr Eazi, Patoranking, Rayvanny, Kiddominant, Mayorkun, Fireboy DML, Adekunle Gold, Master KG, Yaw Tog, Blxckie and Nikita Kering.  

Last month, Apple Music announced artist/producer Tems as the latest addition to its Global Up Next program. Apple Music also selected Nigerian Afropop star Rema as its Up Next artist in 2020, following the addition of Burna Boy to the roster in 2019 and Mr Eazi back in 2017. Up Next is Apple Music’s global emerging artist program.

The sound of the crackle of rally exhausts filled the air today morning at the Karen Waterfront as a mini version of the East African Safari Classic Rally took off in earnest.

Teams from countries including USA, Bulgaria, UK, Zimbabwe, Oman and South Africa are competing for the ultimate prize against the strong Kenyan representation, including former winner Ian Duncan.

The three-day event will cover over 1,000 kilometres across the tough, but stunning, Amboseli terrain synonymous with the world's greatest classic rally.

“The day is finally here. We’ve undertaken all efforts to ensure the safety of drivers, rally enthusiasts, passersby and wildlife, whilst putting on a magnificent show. Amongst other criteria, our course is designed to avoid populated areas and heighten general safety awareness among drivers and the community”, Event Director, Tash Tundo said.

This mini rally is being held as a precursor to the 10th edition that is set to take place on 10th –18th February 2022 and all plans have been put in place to ensure motorsport enthusiasts are treated to a spectacular show.

Leading the Kenyan charge will be Eric Bengi and navigator Gatimu Mindo, who competed in this year’s 2021 WRC Safari Rally, competing in the East African Safari Classic Rally for the first time in an iconic rally car, the Datsun 180B.

Other marquee rally brands such as Porsche, Ford, Skoda and Peugeot are joined by “Raid” vehicles including cars and buggies from CR-T and Land Rover.

In consultation with the Ministry of Health, the event competitors, organisers, sponsors and support staff will adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols including mandatory and regular PCR tests, social-distancing and wearing of masks.

“As a significant group of people, we have taken our responsibility with regards to COVID-19 particularly seriously, creating one of the largest sporting bubbles in Africa.” added Tundo. That sporting bubble will also bring significant investment into hard-hit, tourism sensitive economies such as Amboseli, with over 1,000 hotel rooms being occupied and an injection of more than $1m into the Kenyan economy.

Whilst the local economy benefits, the eyes of the world will be able to follow the rally through new technology innovations including live-tracking of vehicles, available at the rally website and across its social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.

“Kenya is an amazing landscape for a rally. Whilst the terrain is challenging it is also absolutely stunning and we have a team of media capturing it with the intent of sharing Kenya and our rally with the world” Tundo said.

Multi-Award AFRIMMA Nominated South African rapper, BLXCKIE is gearing up to land on the shores of Kenya this week as part of a short tour of Africa which kicked off in Lagos, Nigeria last week. 

On his first trip around the continent, BLXCKIE is excited to travel to Nairobi for a series of events and key engagements with Kenyan artists and producers.

Through his dedicated hard work, the rapper has had an incredible 2021 with the release of his debut album B4Now on 21 May 2021 – which continues to be the no.1 Hip Hip Album in South Africa.

The 12-track album has proudly earned the no.1 spot on Apple Music, Spotify, Triller and Audiomack and over 1million streams on digital platforms.

Gaining vast popularity in the last 6 Months, Blxckie has attracted audiences from all parts of the continent and is taking the time now to connect with fans across Africa. 

In August 2021, Blxckie extended his project with 8 additional songs for B4Now Deluxe Album. Combined, the project boasts hit songs with notable features including Ye x4 ft Nasty C; Big Time Sh’lappa ft Lucasraps; Stripes ft Flvme; Woah ft Rowlene; Joy ft Oxlade; Tired ft Christer. He also brings in his Clout Internet fraternity on tracks Guns & Roses ft Alone; and Quickmaths ft LeoDaLeo.

Attaining international appeal, Blxckie has been featured on popular Apple Music shows; The Ebro Show with Ebro Darden and Africa Now Radio with well-known Nigerian DJ, Cuppy; for album hit singles such as Sika - which is off B4Now (Deluxe). 

An ambitious and intensive Mobile Cinema and Outreach Programme will start a nationwide journey in Mombasa on Friday, carrying the acclaimed film ‘The Elephant Queen’ to far flung corners of the country, with the objective of using it to inspire Kenyans of all ages towards an appreciation and understanding of elephants and the environment.

This family-friendly multi-award winning Kenyan feature documentary, filmed in the greater Tsavo-Amboseli ecosystem, tells a stirring and intimate story of the most majestic and sentient animals in Africa, and stars the ultimate leading lady – Athena - an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their waterhole.

There will be a public screening on Friday, 5^th November on the football field at the Mikindani Catholic Church next to Mikindani Primary School in Mombasa from 7:30 pm EAT with County Education Director and the KWS Senior Director for Coast expected as guests of honour.

The film, which celebrates Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife and biodiversity has won, amongst many accolades, the Cinema for Peace Award, the UN World Wildlife Day Biodiversity Award and Best Cinematography at DOC NYC.

Making the film took a small dedicated team lead by Directors Mark Deeble & Victoria Stone and Assistant Director Etienne Oliff, ten years. In that time elephants descended into crisis.

What the filmmakers observed - the poaching for ivory, the increasing human-wildlife conflict and the loss of elephant rangelands, convinced them that more needed to be done - and so ‘The Elephant Queen Outreach Program’ was born, with the objective of using the film and associated resources to inspire and unite Kenyan youth towards an understanding and appreciation of elephants, and the wild spaces that they and the biodiversity they support, need to exist.

With the support of BESTSELLER® Foundation, in collaboration with the Kenyan Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and under the leadership of Victoria Stone and Etienne Oliff, a creative team of writers, literacy specialists, illustrators, colourists, educationalists, playwrights, consultants and theatre specialists was recruited from across Kenya and abroad, and over a period of three years a dynamic toolbox of conservation education resources, all based on the film, was created.

This remarkable ‘must-see’ set of materials includes a series of 28 literacy-based learn-to-read books based on the film's wildlife characters and themes, short elephant videos, children activity packs, coloring-in books, podcasts from the making of the film, inspirational theatre toolboxes for children of different ages and fascinating interviews with leading Kenyan elephant experts, all designed to inspire young Kenyans towards careers in wildlife conservation and the natural sciences.

In each resource, authentic natural history is woven into engaging stories and narratives, all of which may, with time, inspire a new generation of Kenyan conservation leaders.

Housed on the program’s website, www.elephant.co.ke, all these resources are available free-of-charge in East Africa.  

This is not the end of the story, for the directors and their partners recognized that it was critically important that the film, ‘The Elephant Queen’, which was filmed entirely in Kenya, be seen by Kenyan youth, and in particular those living alongside the country’s protected areas with the reality of increasing human-wildlife conflict.

With the ongoing support of BESTSELLER® Foundation and joined by Save the Elephants and Kivukoni International School, the concept of a ‘Mobile Cinema’ was developed, specifically to show the film across the country, in English, Kiswahili & Maa.

With the enormity of the venture and the importance of its impact, a dynamic team of Kenya engagement  & facilitations specialists  was carefully recruited (https://elephant.co.ke/mobile-cinema ) and over two months, immersed into wildlife and trained in the use and dissemination of the film and associated Elephant Queen outreach materials.

The team left their base at Kivukoni International School to begin their nation-wide journey, travelling aboard a customized, self-contained 4x4 Bedford lorry and carrying super-sized solar-powered Airscreen-cinema equipment (www.airscreen.com)

Their objective is to follow a strategic pre-determined GIS-based route designed in association with Vulcan Earthranger (www.earthranger.com) and in collaboration with governmental and conservation and civic organizations across the country to screen the film and engage hundreds of schools and communities around national parks and protected areas including Shimba Hills, Tsavo East&West, Chyulu Hills, Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Laikipia, Samburu, the Ndoto Mountains and the Turkana Basin.

It is likely that this pioneering initiative will serve as a prototype for film-based mobile conservation education programmes that are replicable and scalable to other parts of Kenya and neighbouring countries.

The Elephant Queen Outreach team will make all information open-source, allowing other groups to benefit from the years or research that has gone into planning The Elephant Queen Mobile Cinema.

The film has already inspired and unified millions of people around the world towards a greater understanding and appreciation of Elephants and wild-spaces, and raised thousands of dollars for wildlife education.

The goal is now to do the same in Kenya and by bringing the film home to where it was made, inspire and nurture an appreciation and understanding of our country’s extraordinary natural heritage.

The Government through Interior ministry has dismissed a gazette notice making rounds on social media, stating that tomorrow (Thursday) will be a public holiday.

The purpoted gazette notice states that tomorrow is a public holiday to mark Diwali, a holiday celebrated by Hindus globally in the months of October or November of every year. 

Through its official twitter handle the Interior ministry termed the notice as fake.

“The Government has not declared a public holiday on Thursday, November 4, 2021. The purported gazette notice declaring [tomorrow as] a holiday is fake,” reads the tweet.