Mombasa County Assembly has suspended sittings for two weeks after three members reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.

This is according to the  Assembly Deputy Speaker Fadhili Makarani who revealed that this was after members were forced to get tested after it emerged that one of them had contracted the disease.

He further went to state that all members have so far gone into self isolation.

However, word has it that the number of those who have tested positive for the virus is more than five.

Meanwhile two nurses from the county have succumbed to the COVID-19 virus.

Addressing members of the press in Mombasa, Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Mombasa branch Peter Maroko said that six more nurses have been infected with the virus in the last two weeks.

According to Maroko the county is now recording the highest number of nurses being infected with the virus blaming the county government for failing to address their issues including allowances, promotion, payment of salary on time and submission of state statutory redacted from their salaries, threatening  to issue a strike notice

"In the last two weeks we have buried a colleague who succumbed to the COVID-19 virus and yesterday we also lost another nurse who was receiving treatment at a private facility" said Maroko

Whether an artiste is doing music as a hobby or for commercial reasons, if that music needs to reach a certain audience who will later be fans then the artiste needs a music publicist.

A music publicist manages media and public relations on behalf of the artiste/ brand. They represent their client by overseeing, shaping, and maintaining their public image. They serve as a bridge between their client and the public with the use of media.  Music Publicists:

Shape your Story

A good publicist shapes your story. Great music is good but you also need a great story and your publicist helps you shape that. Whether it is a single, music video, album, tour or whatever project that you are releasing, it needs an interesting and workable angle that will get the attention of the media. 

What is interesting about you? What is interesting about your project? What start worthy quality do you have that makes you press worthy? A publicist will formulate and package a good story that will get media’s attention.

Comes Up with a Release strategy

It’s not what you release and it’s how you release it! An artiste could have a great project or a big announcement to put out but if the release is not well plan and executed, the release might not get the coverage that it deserves meaning it won’t reach the targeted audience as it should.

A publicist will listen to the artiste’s ideas, goals and expectations of the release and he/ she will come up with a release strategy that will guide them throughout the campaign period.

Gets Media Coverage

When an artiste needs media coverage for their release or big announcement, they need to get a publicist.

A publicist builds relationships with media outlets and journalists in the music scene that they leverage on to pitch music releases, stories and other campaigns for coverage. He / she not only pitches your story, but follows up to secure media coverage, radio & TV interviews that in turn boosts the artiste’s brand, fan base & exposure.

Strategic Communication & Media Training

As an artiste, getting the interviews and the media attention is one thing but being able to sell yourself and the project that you are pushing is another.

A publicist will walk the artiste (especially new artistes) through the art of communicating while appearing on the media, how to answer questions and how to be at your best and deliver so as to ensure you have your audience/ fans glued to the interview till the end and later follow you on your relevant platforms for more engagement.

Develop an artiste’s public image and brand

A publicist is in a position to develop an artiste’s public image and branding. He / she will let you know if your public image needs work and can help you develop a voice and an image for your brand.

A music publicist will have some good recommendations for photographers, fashion stylist & great graphic designers that can help you kick up your image a top notch

Write press releases, Biographies & EPK’s

A publicist will not only come up with a release strategy but will go ahead and curate a press release write a bio/ EPK for the artiste if the artiste does not have any or fine tune it if it’s existing.

The article is by Agnes Nonsizi, founder Terazo New Media

Kisumu-based rapper Gabiro Mtu Necessary recruits his singing skills once more on yet another well written Swahili banger with his new aide Asen B on a new song ‘Kesho’ which is their third music video release of 2020 off their collaborative EP; MPITO

Mpito Coming from the Swahili word meaning ‘Transition’ sees both artists join forces to collaborate on this infectious summer EP.

The six-track Dancehall release contains every element to get the listeners reminiscing, singing, and replaying it 24/7.

“Kesho” takes the listener on a musical journey with African flavored beats, drifty uplifting rhythms, and infectious energy. The vocals and instrumentation work seamlessly together in every track for a must-listen record.

The story-telling lyricism paired with the feel-good vocals will have listeners relating to certain situations in their lives.

The engaging melody and beats with each track give the vocal an intimate, and euphoric feeling. Spreading good vibes automatically.

These talented artists maintain a fully charged arsenal of quality music that supports the fact that they are set to take over the music industry.

Their unparalleled style and sound are profoundly manifested with “Kesho.” Make sure to add this release to your summer playlist of bangers as it will serve as your soundtrack!

Gabiro's diversity has seen him transit from not only being a rapper but also being the best lyricist as is evident on his current releases.

He portrays himself as the best export from the lakeside town of Kenya; Kisumu city where he has always made sure to be top of the class by being ahead of at least all trends and lifestyles pertaining to music.

He is steadily building a reputation for Kisumu’s best lyricist, and but also shares his personal struggles through his art.

From working as a matatu tout to battling drug abuse, Gabiro’s ability to tell stories separates him from rap music ‘status quo’.

The rising star has been enjoying a boost in popularity in recent past after his Facebook and Instagram verification that saw his social media numbers rise in thousands.

He has since gotten brand endorsements and partnerships that has seen his brand be the most sought after not only in Kisumu, Kenya but also in the neighboring cities.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a difficult and stressful topic, but both artists manage to concentrate on the positive things and are looking ahead. Dropping the EP at the perfect time.

Video Link - https://youtu.be/U_briDa1p9s

Tanzania song bird and Queen of Bongo music Nandy has given her opinion on the reception of her latest hit 'Do me' a collaboration with her fiance Billnass.

In an interview conducted on this blog's youtube channel (Ommy Dalla), Nandy couldn't hide her excitement, stating that she didn't expect the warm reception the hit is receiving from her fans, promising them back to back music in the coming months, hinting on an international collaboration.

About marriage plans with the love of her life, the sassy songbird hinted on marriage plans next year, specific date to be communicated later. 

About collaborating with Wcb beauty Zuchu, Nandy replied that should opportunity avail itself she will grab it with both hands. 

On her latest nomination in an International award, AFRIMMA, Nandy couldn't hide her excitement, urging her fans to vote for her, or any other  nominated E.A artist, as long as the award comes home.

To her Kenyan fans, the EA sensation has promised Nandy Festival next year, which will consist of both Kenyan and Tanzanian artists.

Check out the interview below.

Coastal leaders have disagreed with Shipping and Maritime Principle Secretary Nancy Karigithu's remarks that lack of basic English language skills inhibit locals from getting employed at foreign shipping lines.

Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir termed the remarks as ‘mediocre’ said that the MPs are confident that Coastal youths have exemplary abilities in working at the blue economy. 

"I am really disappointed, the level of mediocre thoughts coming from the PS. When you have a PS whose mediocre and degrading thoughts are going to insult the whole region then that person is wanting," he said. 

Nassir added that, the biggest reason why most Coastal youths fail to secure jobs at the blue economy is not proficiency in English speaking but is the failure for the PS to implement the laws that were passed by the National Assembly. 

He noted "The biggest challenge in our youth in the Coastal area not getting this jobs is not the fact we cannot speak English, we can teach you English. The biggest challenge is your incapability to enact the laws that are already there.”

Nassir further promised to follow up the issue on the National assembly after it’s one week recess.

‘’The difference between me and others is that I just don’t speak on public dias, I demand for answers in the national assembly so you will have to come to the national assembly and tell us what you meant when you told us we don’t know how to speak English” he added.

At the same time, Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki said  the PS should have given out her help to the youths to pursue further English studies when she was working as the director at Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and not blaming them.

“She had the opportunity to bring change while serving at KMA. KMA is a parastatal at the Coast region it is not in Kiambu, Turkana or Nyanza. She should have focused on helping the Coastal youths.” said Faki.

Adding ‘This is an insult and neocolonialism”

The Senator argued that marine operators have the ability to learn several languages based on the nature of their jobs. 

" Everyone has got their language, we also have China ships, so does it mean job speakers will have to be fluent on many foreign languages," said Faki. 

Kisauni Mp Ali Mbogo argued the Coast region has always produced some of the workers on the international shipping lines and the sentiments by PS Karigithu are misleading and unfortunate.

"The president came up with the a good initiative of blue economy which will help our youth but with the likes of Karigithu this will be impossible, her sentiments should not be coming from a leader more so from the government" said Mbogo.

Adding "Let Karigithu go and read the ISO standard for maritime communication protocol which talks about the basics of international communication for seafarers"

On his part Nyali Mp Moahmmed Ali said gone are days when English was considered a language for the educated, superior or sophisticated people.

“The youth need jobs, they need a fair chance to prove their skills. Cutting them out because of the language they choose to express themselves in is being ignorant. PS Karigithu you are a total disgrace, selfish, tribalist”. said Ali

Youths took the remarks as insults and a way to marginalize the region. 

"English is not a measure to success, after all we have other youths who go to work at Middle East countries but get conversant with the local language, said Jacob Chigoh from Kwale County.

The PS made the remarks during a live interview with a local Tv station while marking World Maritime Day on September 24, she said there are numerous job opportunities in the industry but the youth are hindered by lack of basic English communication skills.

Religious leaders have a duty to safeguard the pulpit from politicians who take advantage when they to come to worship in church.

The Head of the Anglican Church of Kenya [ACK] Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit cautioned religious leaders not to allow politicians to use the church pulpit when they attend church service.

He said at the end of the day the message of the church is projected and not of the politicians in the church.

“The media is also to blame for focusing on what the politicians are saying rather than what the church has projected,” he pointed out.

Ole Sapit urged the media to stop airing what the politicians say when at the church service but the day’s sermon.

He spoke during the celebration to mark 50 years since the inception of Anglican Province of Kenya held at the Mombasa ACK church in Mombasa county during Sunday service.

The ACK leader accused the media of being part of the politicians’ game by focusing on the remarks made by the politicians while ignoring the day’s sermon.

Ole Sapit who was flanked by ACK Mombasa diocese Bishop Alphonce Baya and his Malindi counterpart Bishop Lawrence Kavutsu Dena said it’s a collective responsibility from both the media and religious leaders.

He said religious leaders are called to serve the society equally without discrimination and that it’s hard to close the door to worshipers who wanted to come to church.

“We must differentiate between a field and a church pulpit which is a worship place and is a cleansed area,” he pointed out.

The world’s fastest-growing smartphone maker, realme has introduced realme Buds Q in the Kenyan market.

This following realme’s commitment to becoming a tech-trendsetter brand that dares to leap using “mobile phone + AIoT” dual-drive strategy to create a trendy lifestyle for the younger generation.

The uniquely designed buds created in collaboration with the renowned French artist Jose Levy, feature a 10mm dynamic bass boost driver, 119ms super-low latency gaming mode, 20-hour long battery life and IPX4 water and sweat resistance allowing one to comfortably work out or do any kind of sporting activities without getting them damaged.

realme Buds Q come in a case that supports a micro-USB port for charging and incorporates a water drop magnet that complements the elegant curves of a premium frosted texture.

With the 20-hour playback, you can connect it to any device and listen to hours of music, movie-streaming, and video gaming.

Better yet, the buds can be linked with the realme Link app, supports super-low latency mode, comes with touch controls, and has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

They are available in 3 classic colors: Quite Black, Quite White, and Quite Yellow and are priced at Kshs 3,999.

To celebrate the roll out realme is running a major Giveaway on their Instagram page @realmekenya.

Following the recent launch of the realme C15, the first 6000mAh battery smartphone with Quad Camera, realme Buds Q are available for every purchase of the phone on Kilimall.

That is, if you are looking for the perfect piece of listening devices that boasts true sounds and rumbling bass, for free, all you have to do is buy yourself the elegant, trendy, and innovative realme C15. 

Customers can get more details on the @realmekenya Instagram page and Google search using the keywords: 'realme' or 'realme Buds Q' for more info. The winners of the giveaway will be announced on 27th October.

Tanzanian singer Benpol has announced he has converted to Islam.

The moyo mashine hitmaker said he has changed his name to Behnam Paul .

He converted to Islam at a local mosque in Daresalaam on 23 October 2020 (Friday).

The artist broke the news to fans via instagram where he posted a photo wearing islamic clothing Kanzu and a white robe praying in a mosque,and captioned it  "BISMILLAH-HIR-RAHMAN-NIR-RAHIM''.

This comes just few days after his ex Kenyan lover Arnelisa Muigai took to social media to state that they were not in good terms after months of speculations from fans.

"Somebody called me, asking if I was aware 'my husband' was live, talking things she couldn’t understand, she even sent me screenshots," she wrote.

Adding ''Unfortunately, I never got to watch but it makes it clear that we are not in good terms. I am a person who likes to protect my image and all I know is that I like being respected and any husband should do the same to their wife."

This message came barely two weeks after their wedding photos surfaced on social media and just few months after Arnelisa unfollowed him on instagram.

South African artist Sun-El Musician is one of the most unique DJs and music producers in Africa.

Known for his distinctive Afro-house sound and ‘golden ears’ in scouting, producing and signing phenomenal South African voices to his label El-World, he releases a new single titled – NEVER NEVER featuring El-World star Nobuhle.

 The song is an addictive, high-energy and feel-good song that will have Africa dancing.

This single is off his upcoming album ‘TO THE WORLD AND BEYOND’ - set for release in December 2020.

Stream NEVER NEVER: https://platoon.lnk.to/never-never

Produced by Sun-El himself, this is his third release off the album following the previously released tracks “Ubomi Abumanga” featuring Msaki and “Uhuru” with Azana.

Pre-add album: https://apple.co/37l7tEg

Sun-El Musician is well known for the movement he has created in building the Afro-house sounds. 

This year he held the #1 position in South Africa for his recent single “Ubomi Abumanga” as well as introduced South Africans to Azana, the newest sensation off of his label collective.

The first two singles off the album have already done extraordinarily well, with the first single reaching #1 in South Africa on the Apple Music Top 100 on release day and staying there for 10 days.

Speaking on his release as he works on his second album, Sun-El says, “Behind the scenes I saw a lot of talent not getting a chance. I said as soon as my window comes I'll make sure I tag along and work with people I believe in.”

The Afro-House royalty contribution to the South African music industry is immense as he takes the sound to the international scene.

ODM leader Raila Odinga has called on the African Union to expedite probe into the injuring and killing of peaceful protesters in Nigeria.

In a statement shared on his facebook page, Raila expressed his concern over the killing of protesters terming it as worrying and unacceptable.

"The police brutality and abuses that have gone on in Nigeria for the last couple of days, leading to multiple deaths and injuries of unarmed civilians are extremely worrying and unacceptable. There can be no excuse for that amount of brutality on unarmed civilians protesting misconduct on the part of the police." reads the statement.

Adding "The brutality meted out on protesting civilians is a sad reminder of how precarious and threatened Africa's march towards democratization, respect for rights and freedoms and the rule of law remains. Yet it is clear that as a Continent, we won't achieve much without strict adherence to these ideals."

The former Prime Minister want those responsible for the killings be held responsible .

"I therefore wish to call upon the African Union and Nigerian authorities to investigate the violence and murders that have gone on and hold the perpetrators to account. Africa and its institutions must stand up for and condemn the brutalization of its citizens at home with the same energy and vigour it responds to the violations of its citizens abroad." he says.

Raila is the second African leader to raise his voice over the issue after Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo.

“I join all well-meaning persons in calling for calm and the use of dialogue in resolving the #EndSARS impasse in Nigeria." he posted on twitter Wednesday evening.

Adding " I have spoken with President Buhari, who is committed to this end, and has begun the processes that will lead to reform. Violence, be it on the part of the police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery."

Witnesses and the rights group Amnesty International said several people were killed and wounded when soldiers opened fire.

An indefinite 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Lagos and other regions.