(PHOTOS) American Singer, T-Pain takes over the music at Heineken "Live Your Music" Party in Lagos!

The highly anticipated ‘’Live Your Music’’ party which was announced as the official after-party for HeinekenLFDW 2016 delivered on its promise of providing the ultimate musical experience for music lovers as the party started in the last hour of 29 October and the music kept on blazing until the early hours of the morning of 30 October.

Bright lights, blasting speakers, thumping feet, excited whistles and united chants were all prominent features of the ‘Live Your Music’ party hosted by multiple-award winning American R ‘n’ B singer, T-Pain.

One of the numerous interesting parts of the party was the music Takeover. The Takeover is an interactive Heineken Live Your Music feature that involves a programmed system that proposes two songs for audience to choose from using a wristband. The crowd went into a frenzy as they selected between green and red lights on their wristbands to vote the song that eventually played.

T-Pain performed some of his hit tracks "Buy You A Drink", "Panda", amongst others during his first session.

Dotun of Cool Fm kept the show rolling with his grand mastery of the crowd, and together with the DJs, he took the audience down memory lanes with tracks that have ruled the airwaves over the past decade being churned out to the delight of the crowd. These include hits from artistes like Da’grin, 2face, 9ice, Eedris Abdulkareem, Awilo Logonba, Remedies, Styl Plus, Dr. Sid and many others.

The grooving also got turned up a notch when T-Pain and his crew were challenged to show their dancing skills to Nigerian dance steps including; galala, shoki, yahoozee amongst others. 

The crowd went into another frenzy as T-Pain hijacked the Shakiti bobo move and started dancing the move as vigorously and entertainingly as possible.

The party kept on till the early hours of the day, and everyone was thoroughly entertained. The Live Your Music wasn’t just another party, but an ultimate musical experience that is only befitting a brilliant and fantastic fashion show like HeinekenLFDW2016.

Check out the photos...

Janet Mbugua's Son Celebrates Birthday. Here Is The Birthday Present Baby Huru Got

Celebrity married couple Janet Mbugua and hubby Eddie Ndichu celebrated the first birthday of their son at a very low key event.

The invitees were close family members and their close pals or significant others.

After the birthday party, Janet Mbugua and Eddie took Baby Huru for a visit at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Here is where they presented him with his gift.

Janet revealed, "Some of you have asked me what we got #BabyHuru for a birthday gift? We adopted an elephant for him named Ambo, from the The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi. I hope one day he understands the importance of #ElephantConservation 🐘❤️ #BabyHuruMilestones #BabyHuruTurns1." 


The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has saved over 150 orphaned infant calves, which would otherwise have perished.

More importantly, every one of these orphans can look forward to a quality of life in wild terms, living free in Tsavo East National Park protected by their new extended orphaned family and friends amongst the wild herds.

Now that Janet and Eddie have adopted an elephant, this is what Baby Huru - through his parents - will get.

A monthly summary highlighting events of the previous month together with a direct link to the ‘Keepers Diary’ for the elephant. In the diary you will be able to access the daily calendar entries and the monthly photos. Along with the update they will receive a collectible monthly water colour by Angela Sheldrick.

 Check out photos from the birthday party.

ZIFF Announces New Festival Director

As the Zanzibar International Film Festival prepares for its 20^th annual edition, The Board of Directors is proud to officially announce the appointment of a new Festival Director. Fabrizoi Colombo will follow in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Mhando who stepped down in 2016 after nearly 10 years at the helm.  The ZIFF Board of Directors has officially confirmed that Fabrizio Colombo will take over as ZIFF Festival Director from November 2016 and will be responsible for overseeing the festival as it enters into its 3^rd decade.

Fabrizio is no stranger to ZIFF or Zanzibar, having played a critical role in ZIFF for the past 5 years as Assistant Festival Director. Fabrizio’s passion for cinema, and particularly African cinema, has developed over many decade’s worth of development and media work across Europe and Africa.

Fabrizio has worked across various media platforms since the 1980’s with a particular focus on training and development within the sector. In addition to his work at ZIFF, Fabrizio was the Acting Director of the African Film Festival of Verona from 2006-2012, and also held the position of Programmer and Artistic Director at the KIKAKA African Film Festival in Florence Italy for a number of years. Fabrizio Colombo is director of the of office of the world association for media SIGNIS in Rome.

Fabrizio has an extensive knowledge of, and an unmatched passion for, African cinema and over the past few years at ZIFF he has become an invaluable resource in terms of his organizational skills, programming ability, as well as for his communication and management skills.

Former ZIFF Festival Director, Dr. Martin Mhando has this to say of his replacement, “ZIFF could not have found a better replacement for the position of Festival Director. Fabrizio's knowledge of world cinema, his flare for the arts, his experience in festival management and in the ZIFF festival ethos, makes him the natural successor. ZIFF is in very capable and safe hands.”

Fabrizio has committed to putting film at the centre of next year’s festival that will celebrate the theme, Finding Joy, Kusikaa Furaha.  With Fabrizio officially leading the way to 2017, supported by a full team of dedicated staff, major announcements will be coming soon in regards to film submissions and programming.

The ZIFF Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Martin Mhando for his many years of devoted and committed service, and to welcome Fabrizio into his role going forward.

Blaze Summits Come To An End But TV Show Set For Debut Next Year

The final edition of BLAZE Be Your Own Boss youth summits kicked off in Kisumu last Saturday 29^th October attracting thousands of youth from the Nyanza and Western region. This follows other summits which were held in Eldoret, Thika, Mombasa, Nairobi and Nakuru.

Mentors at the summit were entrepreneurs Michael Muthinga- CEO Fatboy Animations, Andrew Kio - BlacJack Jeans, Photographer Mutua Matheka, Fashion designer- Mike Edwin Olulo of 56 Authentique, Sylvia Tunoi- COO Africa retold and media personalities Patricia Kihoro and Nick Mutuma, Entrepreneur King Kaka of Kaka Empire, among others. The highlight of the summit was wrapped by performances from musicians, King Kaka, Timmy T-Dat, Khaligraph Jones, Octopizzo and local artistes Vicmass Luodollar and upcoming Rapper, Nadia from, Maseno university student..

Following TV auditions which took place during the summit, the BLAZE B.Y.O.B TV show will commence next year,  trickling down 12 participants who will be tasked with impressing a bench of judges in the hope of securing funding for their businesses as well as further mentorship opportunities.

With the BLAZE B.Y.O.B summits coming to an end, the brand’s mentorship initiatives shifts to student boot camps supported by online engagements on platforms like Facebook Live and Periscope.

BLAZE is a sub-brand of Safaricom and is the first platform of its kind in the East and Central African market to be co-created with the youth, for the youth.

Akothee Pulls All The Stops For Her Homecoming Event. It Cost Sh2.5 Million (PHOTOS)

Kenya's most talked about female songstress, Akothee was moved by the overwhelming support she received at her homecoming events this past weekend.

Akothee jetted back into the country on Saturday afternoon after a victorious stint in the United States Of America where she bagged two prestigious awards.

The Yuko Moyoni hitmaker was recognised for her role in the Kenyan and East African music industry at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), an outfit that prides itself to be the sole award ceremony in Diaspora that caters to all musical genres.

The singer who has crossed borders and collaborated with the best from Africa was awarded the gong for Best Female Artiste in East Africa. Akothee was in a category together with East African stars like Victoria Kimani and Vanessa Mdee.

After this win, Akothee was again awarded as the Best Female Artiste at the just concluded African Entertainment Awards USA. The awards uses entertainment as a platform, to showcase an Africa that is united, self-sufficient, and willing and able to evoke social change that matters most in the communities of Africans and Africans in the Diaspora world-wide.

The Give It To Me hitmaker arrived at Jomo Kenyatta National Airport at 2pm on Saturday, 29 October where she will be received by her loyal fans. 

During both awards, Akothee delivered an electrifying performance that proved that indeed, she is a top artiste to reckon with.

She drove off in a convoy that included a customised pearl white limousine with number plates reading “Akothee” in the front and “Madam Boss” at the rear. Hiring it cost them Sh300,000.

“I broke down in tears when I saw my fans, family and woman group come to receive me at the airport,” Akothee said, “I am lucky to have loyal fans and such a supportive family. I'm deeply touched. I couldn't believe that the woman's group I'm supporting in the village made it to receive me.”

She continued, “I don't have much but the little I have, I give to the woman's group to carry out their projects. My fiancé had offered to fly me in first class but I told him I need the money to do a project for a Woman's group in Migori County and he obliged me.”

The convoy left JKIA for Ranalo's in town where she bought her fans a surprise lunch to thank them for their unwavering support.

In the evening, Akothee hosted an exclusive black and white red red carpet cocktail party at Sankara from 6pm. In attendance was her father a former D.O Joshua Owino Kokeyo and her mother, Migori MCA Hon. Monica Yunita Kokeyo – who will also be contesting for the same seat in 2017. 

They were joined by other celebrities like media personality Kalekye Mumo, comedian Owago Onyiro and afro pop all male group H_art The Band among others.

The management organised a very expensive homecoming which together with lunch, hiring a limo, customizing it, booking a five star hotel for the cocktail and flying in the family for the festivities cost a cool Sh2 million.

Akothee's dresses – the one she wore when on arrival at JKIA and the red dress for the cocktail - cost “5,000 swiss francs, it was a gift from her fiancé”, the manager Nelly Oaks added, “Bringing the total cost of the homecoming to Sh2.5 million.” Check Out the rest of the photos.

Kool And The Gang Will Be In Town This Sunday For Blankets And Wine

Two-time Grammy Award winners, Kool & the Gang will be performing live in Nairobi on Sunday, November 13th, 2016 at KICC.

They’ve sold over 70 million albums worldwide, have earned seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits and 31 gold and platinum albums.

On a three-city tour covering Mozambique, Uganda and Kenya, Kool & The Gang bring their unique blend of jazz, soul and funk—that has influenced the music of three generations—to Nairobi to celebrate the good times.

Traveling with a full band, Kool & The Gang shall play beloved hits such as Celebration, Cherish, Fresh, Jungle Boogie, Summer Madness, Get Down On It, and Ladies Night.

Is That You Bob Collymore? Check Out Safaricom CEO Dundaing To Justin Timberlake's Can't Stop The Feeling (VIDEO)

It is Monday and you need a buzz to give you the right adrenaline pump.

Here is a throwback video of Safaricom CEO dancing to Justin Timberlake's Can't Stop The Feeling.

Enjoy.

Yule Dame Is Avril's Way Of Saying She Is Doing Fine After Nasty Break Up With Fiance

Singer Avril has released a new song, Yule Dame.

The song is a celebration of all the women working hard to achieve their dreams regardless of the situations they are dealt with everyday.

"Yule Dame is a song that was written by Amileena and performed by myself. Immediately she sent me the song to sing I was blown away by the message because I could relate so fast and was sure that so many women could relate as well. I was extremely humbled to have all these super women from all spheres of life agree to be part of this project through the video because the song resonated with them. I hope that this song once heard, gives a woman out there the reason to dust herself off and move on regardless," says Avril.

Yule Dame was produced by DJ Space for MOB Studios.

"Yule Dame is a fairly new sound introduced to the Kenyan Music scene by Avril. The track is partly electronic and partly acoustic with a live feel. She has evolved musically and specifically vocally, hence giving her Female fans something to enjoy and celebrate femininity and women successes during this festive season. Avril is definitely the Kenyan and East African Diva to watch out for this coming year," says DJ Space

The video was directed by N.X.T a talented duo from Zambia.

Watch the video below.

Kenya Mourns The Passing Of A Music Icon, Achieng Abura

Songstress Achieng Abura died at Kenyatta National Hospital while undergoing treatment on Mashujaa Day.

This is a big loss to the Kenyan music fraternity.

The former Tusker Project Fame Principal was admitted at KNH’s private wing on October 13 and was undergoing treatment for undisclosed illness. She passed on at around 6pm on October 20.

Early this month, the artiste through her social media page indicated that her health was not good, and that doctors had advised her to gain more weight, then lose it through exercising. It is unfortunate that we have lost one of the local greatest talent.

May God rest her soul in peace.

She has died at a time when her sickling son needs her most.

Sections of the music industry are gearing up to raise funds for her son to receive treatment.

Here are some of the heartwarming condolence messages.

Suzanna Owiyo
Fare thee well my dear comrade, you have fought the fight, you have finished the race. Till we meet again! #RIPAchiengAbura.

Suzanne Gachukia 
Achieng' - you helped me launch my solo career in 1995. We have laughed, loved, composed, produced and performed together over the years. You were THE diva. Godspeed. May the angels rejoice at your voice in heaven. May the Lord comfort your loved ones at this time. Bless 💙 💙 💙 💙 

DJ SADIC
Mourning the passing on of a shujaa. Rest in piece Achieng Abura. You've left an indelible mark in the Kenyan music industry. We celebrate you & May the Lord comfort your family during this difficult time.

 Amos and Josh
Fare thee well Achieng Abura. You have live your purpose. Safari Salama, Salamu Maulana, Tutaonana Baadaye. #RIP #BAADAAYE.

FRED Obachi Machokaa
Saddened to learn of the passing on of a lovely girl who made a lot of people happy. Lydia Achieng Abura, girl, rest in peace. I shall personally miss your charm and disarming smile.

Daniel "Churchill" Ndambuki aka Mwalimu King'ang'i
#RIPAchiengAbura ... its sad to learn that Shujaa Achieng Abura has passed on in#MashujaaDay.... Kindly also pray for her family especially her son Prince who is also very unwell.... May she RIP.

Former Crossover 101 Presenter Is Bereaved

"Farewell Cucu Wambui." Those were the opening words of a long post by Faith Muturi Ngugi.

The former Cross Over 101 TV host informed her fans that she has lost her grandma today morning.

She wrote, "Today I celebrate a strong woman, one who I had the priviledge of being named after. She passed away this morning at 1am, giving thanks to God and saying 'it is well Jesus'."

Faith added, "She literally had a conversation with Christ as she took her last breath. I celebrate her strong spirit, her humour, the great legacy of having lived more than 100 years. Though her body and mind had gotten frail, her kind heart and positive spirit prevailed."

The former media personality tuned motivation speaker said, "We pray for strength upon the entire family, especially Mum who took her in and nursed her since last year till her very last minute. May we be faithful to pass on the prayerful heritage Cucu taught us."

She continued, "I guess I got my laugh from her as well. She truly worked hard, laughed hard and lived for God. I pray to do the same in this life and impact generations after me. Cucu, see you on the other side. Till then, we abide and keep the faith just as you taught us."

Janet Mbugua Makes Adelle Cry After She Honoured Her Mother In Cancer Awareness Message

Top radio presenter and social activist Adelle Onyango has roped in celebrities from Kenya and South Africa for a social media campaign on breast cancer. Adelle says it took her a "little over a week.

Just to reach out to different personalities and now the collection continues as we roll out the different messages," adding, "I want survivors to know that we celebrate them, breast cancer patients and family members to know we recognize their battle and are with them in strength and prayer, and for men and women to know the importance of self breast exams and regular medical check ups!"

Some of the celebrities who have lent their voices to the campaign include TV news anchor Janet Mbugua, rapper Shaq The Yungin, Israeli - Kenyan act Gilad, South African Top spin-master DJ Mikey, actress Brenda Wairimu, singer Angela Mwandanda, rap queen Femi One and South African star Nandi Tshabalala.

Commenting about the messages sent out by the various celebrities, Adelle said the one that caught her off guard and made her emotionally was by Janet Mbugua.

"Janet knew my late mum and when I played her audio she speaks about my mum, about how strong my mum was and it really just brought tears to my eyes. My mum passed way from breast cancer her anniversary of her death was on March 31," the Kiss FM breakfast show host said.

"We got listeners texting us about their loved ones battling breast cancer and how alone they'd felt until we spoke about it! Also to see male listeners find out for the first time that they too can get breast cancer. Knowledge is power!"

To honour her mother's experiences and life, Adelle and her sisters are very conscious about breast cancer.

"Well for us, being that our risk is higher we are conscious about early detection all year long," Adelle said, "When my mum was alive we would go for the breast cancer walks she would organize. It's been hard for us to do that stuff without her around because it makes it more apparent that she's not here. Personally I think this is the most vocal I've gotten since she passed away I hope that means I'm getting stronger!"

So, is there enough been done for breast cancer? "More can be done. Cancer is such an expensive disease to treat! And without the treatment it just spreads. We need to subsidize these costs. And also in rural areas, arm people with knowledge. Many seek treatment when the cancer is on its late stages because they misdiagnosed the symptoms at the beginning and wasted time. Also as an individual what type of lifestyle are you living? Some risk factors are controllable, like healthier diets (less fats), not smoking, less drinking,more exercise!" Adelle said.