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MISS KENYA IN CANDID ONE LINER INTERVIEW

The reigning Miss Kenya, Susan Onyango took the Hot Secrets one-liner interview and got really candid…

I’m good at

Playing basketball, tennis and swimming.

 I’m very bad at

Singing.

The last book l enjoyed was

The Big Picture by Ben Carson.

 The most surprising thing that happened to me was

When I won the Miss Kenya title

 A common misconception of me is that I

I’m a big snob but am not.

One of my worst childhood fears was

Ghosts and spiders

My ideal night is

To doll up and go somewhere I could sit down and chat with my mates and I wouldn’t mind a bit of dancing.

In another life I’d have been

A student of engineering, which was what my parents dream for me was.

If I were a politician, I would be

A different person with a lot of commitments to the people of the country. In fact, If I were involved in politics, I would try to become a genuine lover of the people
rather than a political deceiver.

 The best age to be is

In your early age of teenage-hood.

The best part of my job is

Traveling and meeting new people.

 My greatest regret is

When I decided to show off my basketball moves and eventually injured my knee.

Historical figure I most identify with is

Catherine the Great

Living person I most admire is

Nelson Mandela. I admire him for forgiving those who put him in prison yet he was fighting for the basic human rights of his people!

My greatest achievement is

Having a Cancer Foundation and being a manager at an early age.

My favorite writer is

William Blake - Songs of Innocence.

 My lowest point of misery is

When I lost my parents

My greatest possession is

My cat I love it because it is extraordinary hope to get two more.

If I was to die in five minutes my last words would be

God please let me get into Heaven.

KENYAN FILMS NOMINATED FOR AMAA’S

The list of nominees for this year’s Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) has been released. Kenya has a total of 14 nominations. The organizer and founder said, “Our theme this year is Africa Rising. Africa’s economies are consistently growing faster than those of almost any other region of the world and our film industries are following suit. 

"With the success of last year’s AMAA winner, Viva Riva!, all of a sudden there’s this great excitement about the potential of the African film industry, which is clearly demonstrated in this year’s diverse nominees.”

Here is the list…

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST SHORT FILM

1. Jamaa – Uganda

2. Look Again – Kenya

3. Maffe Tiga – Guinea

4. Braids On Bald Head – Nigeria

5. Hidden Life – South Africa

6. Mwansa The Great – Zimbabwe

7. Chumo – Tanzania

8. The Young Smoker – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

1. African Election – Nigeria/Germany

2. Beyond The Deadly Pit – Rwanda

3. Awa Ogbe: An African Adventure – Algeria

4. Dear Mandela – South Africa

5. White& Black; Crime And Colour – Tanzania

6. The Niger Delta Struggle – Ghana

7. There Is Nothing Wrong With My Uncle –Nigeria

8. How Much Is Too Much – Kenya

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DIASPORA FEATURE

1. Toussanat Louverture -France

2. Ghetta Life -Jamaica

3. High Chicago – Canada

4. Elza – Guadalupe

5. Better Must Come – Jamaica

6. Kinyanrwanda – USA

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DIASPORA DOCUMENTARY

1. The Education Of Auma Obama – Germany

2. White Wash – USA

3. Almendron Mi Corazon – Guadalupe

4. All Me: The Life And Times Of Winfred Hubert -USA

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DIASPORA (SHORT FILM)

1. John Doe – USA

2. White Sugar In A Black Pot -USA

3. The Lost One -USA

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ANIMATION

1. The Legend on Ngog Hills – Kenya

2. Oba – Nigeria

3. Climate Change is Real – Kenya

4. Egu – South Africa

5. Chomoka - Kenya

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN LIVING ABROAD

1. Mystery Of Birds – USA/Nigeria

2. Housemates – UK/Nigeria

3. Ben Kross – Italy/Nigeria

4. Paparazzi Eye In The Dark – USA/Nigeria/Ghana

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN

1. Somewhere in Africa – Ghana

2. Phone Swap – Nigeria

3. Otelo Burning – South Africa

4. Adesuwa - Nigeria

5. How 2 Steal 2 Million – South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN

1. The Captain Of Nakara - Kenya

2. Adesuwa – Nigeria

3. Rugged Priest -Kenya

4. Somewhere In Africa - Ghana

5. Queens Desire – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP

1. Rugged Priest – Kenya

2. State Research Bureau – Uganda

3. Adesuwa - Nigeria

4. Somewhere In Africa – Ghana

5. Shattered - Kenya

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK

1. Otelo Burning – South Africa

2. Alero’s Symphony – Nigeria

3. Adesuwa - Nigeria

4. How To Steal 2 Million - South Africa

5. Somewhere In Africa – Ghana

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS

1. Behind The Mask - Nigeria

2. Somewhere In Africa – Ghana

3. Adesuwa - Nigeria

4. State Research Bureau - Uganda

5. Otelo Burning – South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND

1. State Of Violence – South Africa

2. Otelo Burning – South Africa

3. How To Steal 2 Million - South Africa

4. Man On Ground - South Africa

5. Algiers Murder - South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

1. How To Steal 2 Million - South Africa

2. Otelo Burning – South Africa

3. Rugged Priest – Kenya

4. Masquerades - Ghana

5. Man On Ground –South Africa/Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING

1. Algiers Murder – South Africa

2. Man On Ground – South Africa/Nigeria

3. Unwanted Guest – Nigeria

4. How To Steal 2 Million- South Africa

5. Otelo Burning – South Africa

6. Alero’s Symphony - Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREENPLAY

1. Ties That Bind – Ghana

2. Mr & Mrs – Nigeria

3. How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa

4. Otelo Burning –South Africa

5. Unwanted Guest -Nigeria

6. Two Brides And A Baby – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST NIGERIAN FILM

1. Unwanted Guest -Nigeria

2. Family On Fire – Nigeria

3. Alero’s Symphony – Nigeria

4. Adesuwa – Nigeria

5. Phone Swap – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST FILM IN AN AFRICAN LANGUAGE

1. Chumo - Tanzania

2. State Of Violence – South Africa

3. Family On Fire – Nigeria

4. Otelo Burning – South Africa

5. Asoni - Cameroon

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST CHILD ACTOR

1. Rahman Junior Bande (Behind The Mask) - Nigeria

2. Tsepang Mohlomi (Otelo Burning) – South Africa

3. Reginna Danies (Bank Job) – Nigeria

4. Benjamin Abemigisha (Jamaa) – Uganda

5. Racheal Nduhukire (Jamaa) – Uganda

6. Ayinla O. Abdulaheem (ZR-7) – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST YOUNG/PROMISING ACTOR

1. Neo Ntatleno (State Of Violence) – South Africa

2. Ivie Okujaye (Alero’s Symphony) – Nigeria

3. Iyobosa Olaye (Adesuwa) – Nigeria

4. Martha Ankomah (Somewhere In Africa) – Ghana

5. Thomas Gumede (Otelo Burning) – South Africa

6. Sihle Xaba (Otelo Burning) – South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

1. Rapulana Seiphemo (How To Steal 2 Million) – South Africa

2. Fana Mokoena (Man On Ground) – South Africa

3. Hafiz Oyetoro (Phone Swap) – Nigeria

4. Okechukwu Uzoesi (Two Brides And A Baby) – Nigeria

5. Godfrey Theobejane (48) – Nigeria

6. Lwanda Jawar (Rugged Priest) – Kenya

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

1. Terry Pheto (How 2 Steal 2 Million) – South Africa

2. Ebbe Bassey (Ties That Bind) – Ghana

3. Empress Njamah (Bank Job) – Nigeria

4. Ngozi Ezeonu (Adesuwa) – Nigeria

5. Thelma Okoduwa (Mr & Mrs) – Nigeria

6. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (Ties That Bind) -Ghana

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

1. Menzi Ngubane (How 2 Steal 2 Million) – South Africa

2. Majid Micheal (Somewhere In Africa) – Ghana

3. Chet Anekwe (Unwanted Guest) – Nigeria

4. Jafta Mamabolo (Otelo Burning) – South Africa

5. Karabo Lance (48) – Nigeria

6. Wale Ojo (Phone Swap) – Nigeria

7. Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Man On Ground) –Nigeria/South Africa

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

1. Nse Ikpe Etim (Mr & Mrs) – Nigeria

2. Yvonne Okoro (Single Six) – Ghana

3. Ama K. Abebrese (Ties That Bind) – Ghana

4. Rita Dominic (Shattered) – Kenya

5. Uche Jombo (Damage) – Nigeria

6. Millicent Makheido (48) – South Africa

7. Kudzai Sevenzo-Nyarai (Playing Warriors) – Zimbabwe

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST DIRECTOR

1. Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun (Adesuwa) – Nigeria

2. Leila Djansi (Ties That Bind) – Ghana

3. Bob Nyanja (Rugged Priest) – Kenya

4. Charlie Vundla (How 2 Steal 2 Million) – South Africa

5. Khalo Matabane (State Of Violence) – South Africa

6. Akin Omotoso (Man On Ground) – South Africa/Nigeria

7. Sara Bletcher (Otelo Burning) – South Africa

AMAA 2011 PRIZE FOR BEST FILM

1. State Of Violence – South Africa

2. Adesuwa – Nigeria

3. Otelo Burning – South Africa

4. Rugged Priest – Kenya

5. How 2 Steal 2 Million – South Africa

6. Ties That Bind – Ghana

7. Man On Ground – South Africa/Nigeria

SHUGA MUSIC VIDEO UNVEILED

 

MTV Base and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation announced the long-awaited release of the music video of Shuga, the hit track by Bon'eye, Banky W, WizKid, and L Tido. The video for the upbeat single premiered on Spanking New on MTV Base on Friday 16 March 2012. 

 The music video, directed by Clarence Peters and shot on location in Kenya, features Banky W and his fellow artists as well as footage from the 6-part sex- and-relationships TV series.   The four artists came together after MTV Base and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation commissioned them to create the track to promote the TV series. 

Featuring a cast of red-hot African actors and an Oscar-winning directing team, Shuga: Love, Sex, Money boldly addresses sexual health topics head-on, bravely confronting taboo topics such as rape and sex-for-gifts, told through the lives of realistic characters and emotional situations drawn from real life.   

 Shuga’s compelling storylines are being broadcast on TV and radio stations around the world, revealing the tangled love lives of characters such as Baby, Leo, Dala, Ayira, Femi, Violet and Kennedy, among others.

KENYAN SINGER KG OMULO FOR PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Afro funk singer Kenyan US based singer KG Omulo is on the lineup for the 34th annual Playboy celebration.

The singer will be performing his track Moving Train at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, June 17, at the Playboy Mansion. He will share the stage with other top artists such as Sheila E. Ozomatli, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and Robin Thicke at Annual Playboy Jazz Festival. 

Returning as Master of Ceremonies for the 2012 Playboy Jazz Festival, Bill Cosby did the honors of announcing the full artist line-up.

LIRA WOULD LOVE TO COLLABO WITH ERIC WAINAINA

South African singer Lira who was in the country for Blankets and Wine spoke of her desire of on day recording a swahili song with Eric Wainaina.

She said that one of the things she must do as an artiste is sing in Swahili and has been “engaging” Eric Wainaina for the project but “time wise it has been impossible”.

Lira said she has three of Eric albums and has her “heart set on Eric for so long and I love his writing and sensitivity. I love his writing and for him to assist in portraying the message (of my song) in Swahili, would be exciting.”

Here are some pics from Blankets and Wine...

CELEBS HANG OUT WITH CARE INTERNATIONAL IN KIBERA

Kenyan Music personalities hang out with girls from Kibera for International Women’s Day. To commemorate the day, CARE Kenya’s Empowering Girls Through Education held a half-day event with the girls from  the ten schools the organisation assists. The day started off with discussion forums between the girls. After the discussions were over, the surprise guests we introduced to them – five of Kenya’s most famous singers – Wahu, Pili Pili, French Boy, Reina and Kawira. 

The girls were shocked  to see that the celebrities who they had only ever seen on TV had come to visit them, making them feel special and wanted. The artistes spent three hours with the girls, inspiring through their own life stories – many Kenyan artistes come from humble backgrounds, some even hailing from the very same slums as the girls. One of the things that all of them emphasized to the girls was the need for a solid education – one that would later act as a base for talent exploration. The girls were also encouraged to remain independent and stay away from any ‘suitors’ who may offer them gifts and financial assistance in exchange for sexual favours.

 

Before the celebrities left, they, together with the girls, left their mark for the future by placing their hand prints to commemorate the occasion. CARE Kenya’s Empowering Girls Through Education aims to facilitate lobbying and advocacy forums on girls’ rights to education with educational stakeholders and community members. 

Their vision is to increase the proportion of girls completing primary school education and transitioning to secondary education, while ensuring that the primary schools offer quality primary education. This is a fairly new project that started in June 2011 with a focus on empowering adolescent girls in the Kibera urban informal settlement so that they can use their education to improve their own life situations as well as those of their families.

JILL SCOTT UNABLE TO MAKE CAPE TOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL

Jill Scott has announced that she will not be able to perform at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival due to a role offer for a movie that begins filming at the end of March.

In a letter dated 7 March 2012, Jill Scott’s management stated: “It was with great regret that we must cancel Jill Scott’s performance on 31 March 2012 at the 13th Annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Ms. Scott has been offered and accepted a movie role which begins filming at the end of this month. The rigorous taping will preclude her from travelling during this time and through the end of April.”

Since receiving notice, espAfrika has been in discussion with Ms. Scott’s management team about the possibility of working around her shooting schedule. espAfrika was informed last night that this would not be possible.

“We are extremely disappointed that Jill Scott has cancelled her performance and apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are in the process of trying to secure another artist, however it is important to note the Cape Town International Jazz Festival features more than 40 world-class acts and is a festival, not a one person performance. The success thereof will not be affected by Ms. Scott’s cancellation,” says Rashid Lombard, CEO of espAfrika.

JOE THOMAS FOR KENYAN CONCERT

American RnB heartthrob Joe Thomas will be in the country for this month’s series of Lounge Unplugged show.

The show is set  for March 31 and is  sponsored by Tusker Lite that also sponsored Donell Jones show late last years at a similar event.

Joe is famed for his hit albums like All That I Am (1997) and My Name is Joe (2000). Leaving Jive Records, he teamed up with his manager of 15 years, Kedar Massenburg, who also serves as executive producer on the much anticipated project.

His latest release, New Man that came out on September 23, 2008, was nicknamed “the Casanova crooner” by Hip-Hop Soul magazine, New Man proves that Joe has lost none of his spunk or flavor. If anything, dude has simply gotten better.

BONGO ACT BELLE 9 YET TO RESPOND TO CLAIMS OF COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

After Kenyan singer Slim G accused Tanzanian bongo singer, Belle 9, of stealing his latest single dubbed Najma and recording a similar one, Belle 9 is still to respond.

 Slim G told Hot Secrets, “All I know is that I sent the song to various radio stations in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam. I don’t know how Belle 9 ended up with a song similar to mine in melody, chorus and even word for word. The only difference is that he has altered the bridge.”

Slim G found out about the new song by Belle 9 through his producer’s friend from Tanzania who said the song is been sold on the streets in Tanzania.

“It is painful that someone has taken my song and done a similar one, marketing it as his own. I first recorded the song in September 2010 at Sulphers Studio with my producer Shaquay,” Slim said, “This cannot be a coincidence. Belle 9 is a good artiste and he can do better than that and not infringe on the copyright of my song.”

Slim plans on taking up the copy right infringement by the Tanzanian act  with the Music Copyright Society of Kenya.

OLIVER LITONDO LANDS UK MOVIE ROLE AS HOMELESS MAN

Kenyan actor Oliver Litondo known for his role in The First Grader movie has bagged another role in a UK film.

The film titled The Truth About Stanley was shot in five days in locations in and around central London in early December 2011. It raises awareness about homelessness and is set to premiere in April.

Oscar winning, Trademark Films is the executive producer of the short film, which stars child star 12-year-old Raif Clarke and TV star Andrew Lee Pott.

The Truth About Stanley, a heartfelt drama set on the streets of London, will raise money for social enterprise The Big Issue Foundation and homelessness charity Anchor House.

 The movie will be unveiled at a fundraising premiere on the 2nd April 2011 at the Rich Mix cinema in Shoreditch, London.

CHAMELEONE ENDORSES THE STOP KONY DOCUMENTARY

A documentary about Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony hit the web and trended on Twitter, Chameleone too joined the fray. 

The Ugandan super star who is now known by his new moniker Dr Jose Chameleone endorsed the Stop Kony movement.

He wrote on his facebook page: “If we all unite as one we can do it please watch share this video & create awareness for a good cause...let it be your first positive step towards doing whats right & changing the world...its so touching.” 

Here is what he was talking about…

Anyhow, the controversial singer launched his own mobile phone company. It is reported that he is importing the phones from China. Basically he will be a dealer but the phones will be branded  ‘Chameleone phone’ in different ‘Chameleone Colours’.

The singer who recently released a Swahili song dubbed Valu Valu will start selling the phones in April.

SITAWA LAUNCHES 100 GIRLS CAMPAIGN FOR NORTH EASTERN

 Poet and Mental Health Ambassador Sitawa Wafula launched a campaign dubbed 100 girls in 100 days to take 100 girls from North Eastern through secondary school by raising funds in 100 days.

Sitawa said, “We would like to take them to schools within their locality given that due to cultural constraints, and girls are not allowed to go out of parents view. Two weeks ago, we visited a day school whose Form 1 intake was 130 while the near by boarding school had only 7 girls.

“We also visited a local youth centre, G-Youth, where the administrator told us of a teaching practice incident where a father hired a car to follow the organisations bus to get his daughter and return her home.”

Another inspiring story was of a  “principal's office we visited which was a bench under a tree and her car which she uses as the school library, chalks and blackboard eraser store among other things.”

 

 

The campaign target is Ksh 10M given the average total fee most schools is Ksh 25,000 inclusive of sanitary towels and other necessities bringing the total to Ksh 100,000 per girl for the four years which we would like to raise in 100 days starting from March 1.

K DENK HAS A NEW RELEASE

Kuonck Deng Kuonck well known as K-denk is a renowned South Sudanese artist. He is making a comeback to the music industry and has recently released a single ‘’ENGU GORI? (What do you want?)”.The single is a hip-hop recorded by Davis at Tracklab Studio.
K-denk started recording music professionally in2010 and has so far produced his first album and currently he is working on his second album (face of hope).
Apart from music K-denk participated in the Tusker Project fame representing South Sudan together with Paleki . K- Denk soon became the crowd favorite but was however knocked out after the judges decided that he was better at rapping. K-denk has previous worked with other artists like Sana and has also performed in gigs like Southern Sudan Peace Concert, Grandpa night, University night and leadership night.
Currently, the south Sudanese is also working on community based projects and he is planning to launch his second album in Southern Sudan later this year.

KAVEKE AND PATRICA MBELA FOR NAIJA FASHION WEEK

Kenyan designers John Kaveke and Patricia Mbela have been invited to participate in one of Africa’s biggest fashion extravaganza in Lagos, Nigeria. The ARISE Magazine Fashion Week (AMFW) will be held at the Federal Palace Hotel from March 6 to 11, with a total of 77 designers from six continents showing the best African fashion from within the continent and the Diaspora.

Kaveke and Patricia are expected to come up with autumn/winter 2012 collection. “It feels great to be invited to showcase my work in Nigeria,” said Kaveke. “I’m excited to be included in this wealth of fashion talent that seeks to show what African fashion is all about.”

Kaveke’s collection dubbed The Last Age of Elegance is inspired by the end of the era, "and the birth of the African King Swagger”. It is a representation of the modern contemporary style that is driven by the influence of the African textiles and colours.

While Patricia’s Poisa runway collection will be 20 garments for the autumn/winter 2012 with the label’s trademark beaded jewellery.The collection, Native Essence - Fire and Ice is inspired by the African Landscape and its diverse cultures and tribes. The colours in the collection came from Poisa’s head designer earliest recollection of snow as a child while travelling to the village near Mt. Kilimanjaro. Hues of blue and white from the mountain and yellows and oranges like the African sunlight are seen throughout the collection.

“The Native Essence is drawn from different forms of tribal tattooing and henna designs (temporary tattoos) that can be seen all over Africa,” said Patricia.

She adds that the collection was also inspired by contemporary African fashion, "it is the young generation take of the Kitenge of our mothers and styling into the futuristic outfits for everyday life".

JOKE SILVA, TINSEL STARS FOR BOBTV 2012!

This year’s edition of BOBTV is set to stir up Nigeria’s capital!
The organizers announced early Tuesday that veteran actress and director, Joke Silva, Executive Producer of AMAA, Peace Fiberesima and Production Designer, Pat Nebo will join the league of distinguished individuals who have excelled in their various industries; scheduled to be recognized and rewarded with the 2012 BOBTV Honours List Awards.

Past BOBTV awardees include notable figures like Ben Murray-Bruce, Late Mr. Sam Loco Efe, Mr. Peter Igho, Nkem Owoh, Bukky Ajayi and many others.
Students from different Universities across the country will also go head-to-head in a competition showcasing their works and films at the Ladi Kwali convention centre, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja from Tuesday, March 13th to Friday, March 16th, 2012

The best university or student goes home with the grand prize of N1m along with several production opportunities. Meanwhile, the lead speakers for this year have been confirmed. 
They include: foremost Entertainment lawyer and Best of the Best Honors holder Mr. Efere Ozako who shall deliver the Core lecture, The Minister of Trade and Industry Dr. Olusegun Aganga, Chinenye Uzoukwu MD, INFOSOFT, Dan Molina of NBC America, Peter Moutray, Nicola both of Highbury College, Production Designer, Pat Nebo, Gloria Ene (FNIQS), Yibo Koko, Grace Babalola, Hon. Joe Mamelu, Anuok Bartard and Film director and Producer, Chris Ihidero amongst others

‘‘The speakers for BOBTV 2012 are intellectuals from within and outside Nigeria who would enlighten guests and participants on the need to work towards a change in the Nigerian entertainment industries which is rapidly growing in Nigeria and Africa and achieve a strong and constructive Creative Economy in line with the world’s best practices by 2015” says executive producer, Amaka Igwe.

BOBTV 2012 tagged “The Creative Industries: Nigeria’s Untapped Wealth” will also feature the cast of MNET’s much loved soap Tinsel: Matilda Obaseki, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Iretiola Doyle, and many others who are billed to attend this year’s Expo. The star actors are expected to have a one-on-one experience with their fans at a special autograph session.
Apart from a special screening of ‘Big Daddy’, the short film on rape, this year’s edition of BOBTV will begin with a music fiesta to be hosted by Storm 360 while an after party would be hosted by guest celebrities. Past editions have been hosted by the likes of the Bayelsa State Culture Ministry, Soundcity and Lagos State Tourism Board.
The line-up of performers for this year’s Expo is yet to be announced by the organizers. Past performers on BOBTV include P-Square, 2Face, M.I, Mamuzee amongst many others.
The Premiere of “Adesuwa” an epic movie by Ace filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen Oduwa is scheduled for the 14th and will draw the crème de la crème of Abuja in a night to be remembered. Red carpet and cocktail is by 6pm.

In keeping with BOBTV tradition of film and social responsibility, this year’s women in film as programmed by Esther Ekanem shall feature films by Dr. Joy Emordi on women trafficking. Other films are expected from popular filmmakers from Liberia, Mali and Ghana.
BOBTV started in 2002 by the pioneers of the Nigerian Film and TV Programmes Industry who wanted to create structures that facilitate the foundation and exchange of high quality TV programmes. By 2005, the African Film and Television Programmes Expo had become an international event, attracting visitors, participants and resource persons from Canada, Zimbabwe, Namibia, England, United States, South Africa, Ghana and many more.

DIANE KRUGER TALKS ABOUT LEOPARD IN KENYAN SHOWER

German actress Diane Kruger was recently in the country on “safari” where she encountered “a leopard in my shower”.

The actress who has bagged Hollywood roles like Helen in Troy, Dr. Abigail Chase in National Treasure and its sequel and Bridget von Hammersmark in Inglourious Basterds spoke to entertainment site The Indie Wire about her trip.

“I had a leopard in my shower, it was kind of cool but then it wasn't. I was so shocked. The showers are outside so I was completely undressed -- it's not like if you're wearing a T-shirt it's not going to eat you -- but I felt very vulnerable. And literally he was there, sitting in my shower..."

Diane joins the list of celebrities who sneak in and out of the Maasai Mara on holiday. Other stealth celebrity visitors include the future king and queen of England William and Kate, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Reese Witherspoon and Drew Barrymore among others.

STAND UP FOR AFRICAN MOTHERS CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISNG GALA DINNER

The African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) played host to Singer and songwriter Saba for a concert in support of the international advocacy campaign called Stand Up For African Mothers.

Saba was born in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, to an Ethiopian mother (born in Somalia) and Italian father. Her latest album is done in Swahili dubbed Life Changanyisha, recorded between Kenya and Italy.

The title of her new work is a Somali word that phonetically recalls the ancient Greek term "Bios", "life", and its original meaning in Somali is "water": a symbolic assonance between life and water. The water issues are infact the main focus of Saba's new album, published and distributed from March 2010 by the enthusiastic work of Egea Music.

AMREF launched its international advocacy campaign called Stand Up For African Mothers on Friday, 2 March 2012 during a fundraising dinner to be held at the Laico Regency hotel. This initiative aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality, a heavy burden for developing countries and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where:

1.     1 in 16 women risk dying during pregnancy or childbirth

2.     200,000 mothers die every year due to a lack of simple medical care

3.     1.5 million African children are left motherless each year

4.     40% of African women do not receive prenatal care, and more than half of all deliveries take place at home without medical assistance 

The international Stand Up For African Mothers campaign will help reduce maternal mortality in Africa by 25%, mainly by training 15,000 midwives by 2015. One trained midwife can provide care to 500 women including safe delivery of 100 babies. Stand Up For African Mothers will also support the highly symbolic candidacy of an African midwife, Esther Madudu, from Uganda, for the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize.

The honorary guest for the event is Graca Machel. Corporates and individuals had a chance to present their dummy cheques and donations before an estimated exclusive invited VIP guest list of 400 plus as they interact with different corporate and public organizations and decision makers.

HAVE A LOOK AT MARIGA’S NEWEST TOY

 

 McDonald Mariga cruised the streets of Nairobi in his Sh7.6 million 2011 Cadillac Escalade Luxury SUV Platinum Edition, when he was in the county.

The Parma midfielder bought the ride awhile back but was sent back to the manufacturers in the US to customize it as well as change it from a left hand drive into a right hand one.

According to Yahoo Auto, the car ranges between Sh 5.6m to Sh 7.6m and that is without the customization fees. The white Cadillac arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon. The luxury vehicle boasts of features like exceptionally soft full-leather seats with contrast-color French stitching and embroidered wreath and crest logos.

A DVD entertainment system with 2 LCD screens, plus remote and 2-channel headphones, heated and cooled cup holders, brilliant, jewel-like LED headlamps, unique front fascia and upper and lower grilles, dazzling 22" multi-spoke chromed aluminum wheels.

The stunning interior, trimmed in elegant brushed aluminum accents and polished chrome, accommodates 8 adults comfortably.

The 2011 Cadillac will be joining Mariga’s other toys that include a Hummer, Land Cruiser VX and Jaguar. 

Pics/ Michelle Katami