AMERICAN IDOL IN ETHIOPIA

David joins an English class during a visit to Biruh Tesfa, a United Nations program supported by the UN Foundation.


American Idol winner David Cook and his guitarist, Neal Tiemann, took part in the Idol Gives Back special where he visited Ethiopia.
In a press conference from the country on Wednesday, March 31, the singer shared that he has "been extremely moved by this trip. It's been a huge learning experience for me."


David Cook receives a hug from 7-year-old Mekdes during a visit to Biruh Tesfa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on March 30, 2010

Witnessing firsthand United Nations Foundation's Biruh Tesfa project to provide education and opportunities to the young girls in the region, David opened up about a young girl that caught his attention. "She's a 7-year-old girl named Magdas. Both of her parents have passed away, and she's been at this school for seven months," he explained as quoted by Zap2It.
"She's one of the most vibrant, joyous girls I've ever met," David added when recollecting his impression of the little girl. He further continued explaining, "The girls at the school want to learn, to have better education, to have that opportunity. That's inspiring, to see a seven-year-old girl want to build a better future for herself."
The 27-year-old went on to assure people that a donation of $5 through the "Idol Gives Back" program can provide an underprivileged girl with the uniform and notebook required to attend school.
David and guitarist Neal Tiemann perform for students of Biruh Tesfa

His first impression of Ethiopia? “I have to say, I was completely shocked by this country in an extremely positive way. When you hear Africa, I immediately think impoverished and everything that goes with that. But I came here, and the people here are so amazingly sweet. They are such nice people, very accommodating and get that we are out here trying to help. The city itself, Addis Ababa, is beautiful -- really lush, very green. It definitely has an infrastructure in place. I think it’s just a matter that they just need that kind of boost in the right direction.

Credit: Stuart Ramson / UN Foundation

IDOL ADIONA DATING BIG BROTHER’S MUNYA

Zimbabwe’s Idol contestant Adiona Maboreke says she is dating Big Brother Africa 3 Zimbabwe housemate Munya.
Commenting on the tryst Munya had a tryst in the BBA house with Tawana from Botswana, she says, “It gets weird sometimes though when the media talks about Tawana and ask me how I feel about that. I never answer. The media does not affect our relationship because we are two of the most open-minded people you could ever meet. I think.”
However, she has recorded some songs with Munya and Zambia’s BBA contestant Takondwa titled Even If.
“Munya also raps on the track, in fact he came up with the idea of the song,” Adiona said.

CYNTHIA KUTO GEARED FOR IDOLS REUNION

September is a big month for Kenya music. Apart from hosting MTV MAMA and My Video grand finale, the 2008 MTV idols finalists are also set to converge in Nairobi to launch a compilation album.

The 2008 Africa Idols contestants’ assault set for September 20, into the African music market will be lead by Kenya’s representative Cynthia Kuto who is yet to decide which of her 13 songs – of different genres ranging from rock beats, zouk to a Reggae ballad- will feature in her maiden album. The fete will be staged at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, basketball gymnasium.

“I have been in touch with Eric Moyo (Zimbabwe), Faycal (Rwanda) and Samantha Rufaro of Malawi who have confirmed their participation,” said an upbeat Kuto. Also expected are Adiona Maboreke and Mkhululi Bhebhe from Zimbabwe, Zambia’s Trina Chisanga as well as Uganda’s Nicollete Kiiga and Kuto’s compatriot Christine Apondi.
Take 2 Communications, the event organisers, say plans for the concert which is set to curtain rise this year’s “MTV MAMA” grand finale are in high gear.

Cynthia's modeling gig

Idol's cutie, Cynthia Kuto has gotten a gig, a modeling gig. According to Francis Gaitho, "The Legea kits (Modelled by the ex-Idol) are imported from Italy," and was unveiled in the match against SONY FC at Nyayo Stadium a while back.

"We decided to use a model for this initial launch to encourage ordinary Kenyans and fans to buy. We have previously used footballers and players, and this was a slight shift. It is hoped that it will have a positive effect on stadia attendance.

The design was specially made at the request of the club, in-line with the Sponsor’s core-business.

The kits will be sold online at the club website www.thikaunited.com