ATOMMY SIFA FOR GERMANY

Kenya's Benga singer Atommy Sifa will be headlining a series of concerts in Germany next month.
He will leave Nairobi for Germany on August 3 for a two moth tour together with Elli Johns.
Will keep ya posted on how that goes.

PUNIT TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE ONLINE

Genge heavyweights P unit are back with a brand new single. The trio Frasha, Bon Eye and Gabu, who brought you hits such as Si Lazima and Kushoto Kulia have released a new single titled Karee.
This time they have featured female singer Mimmo ,famed for her hit song Bestfriend with rapper Collo. The single which is produced by legendary producer Musyoka is off their album Wagenge Hao which hits online stores this Friday.
The album is mostly produced by Musyoka and features other artists such as Christine Apondi, Chidi Benz, Collo, Nonini and Mimmo.
Be on the look out for the video for Karee

GRAMPS JETS IN TODAY!

International artiste Gramps Morgan, of the legendary musical group Morgan Heritage, will
be arriving at JKI Airport on July 7 at 9:00pm. In conjunction with Hands Across Kenya and Music Orchestrating Miracles, Gramps Morgan will be performing a very special benefit concert at Carnivore, Nairobi on 10 July, 2010. This is his first solo performance in Kenya promoting his debut solo album 2 Sides of My Heart Volume 1.
Presale tickets are available from the Capital FM offices, Carnivore and at various nightly Dohty Family Entertainment events for Kshs 1200. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the night of event for Kshs 1500.
Anyho, Gramps has tweeted a photo a few minutes ago.

BIG BROTHER AFRICA: THE EYE REVEALED!

The voyeuristic eye of the 5th season of Big Brother Africa has been unveiled. The reality show set to hit our screens on July 18 has a new logo.
Modern and streamlined, the new logo is a departure from last year’s gritty Revolution themed imagery. Instead the focus is on light, reflection and shimmer, with a boldly defined ‘eye’ highlighted with moments of iridescent color. Setting off the sophisticated design and central to the layout is the outline of a star, evocative of fame, showbiz and the classic Hollywood sense of lights, camera and action!
With the new season of Big Brother Africa once again being produced for M-Net by Endemol, Executive Producer Marie Rosholt spoke about the new logo.
“With each season of this show, the eye has come to symbolize the essence of the production, the spirit of the series to follow. This year, the designers were specifically tasked to create an eye that truly represented the new series, one that was fresh and glitzy, simple but still dynamic. In terms of using the star icon, which is commonly used to demonstrate fame and glamour, we felt it represented well how we feel about our audiences, our housemates, our new house and all those people that make Big Brother Africa a true African success. They are all stars in their own right.”
NOTE: the emphasis on star! Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

BRAZIL’S PREZ IN KENYA

President Luiz Lula Inacio Da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil is in Kenya.
President Lula is an illustrious and accomplished leader of the developing world. He has distinguished himself through great service to his country, which he has diligently served as President for eight years.
He is in the country to meet with President Mwai Kibaki and discuss economic and social agendas, something about the South-South Cooperation and promoting closer international collaboration and understanding based on the principles of justice and equality for all.
Since Brazil is a world leader in the energy field, Kenya stands to gain as it seeks ways of becoming more efficient in our management of the sector. Sigh! All that and sports. I hear, discussions on ways Kenya can partner with Brazil come 2016 for the FIFA World Cup are also on the table.

LINDSEY LOHAN CRIES AT HEARING

A Beverly Hills judge Tuesday sentenced Lindsay Lohan to 90 days in jail for repeatedly violating the terms of her probation, ignoring the actress' tearful pleas for one more chance. Remember if you make your bed you must be prepared to sleep in it.

WARRANT OUT FOR KELMA’S HUBBY

An international warrant of arrest has been issued for a suspected American drug trafficker who escaped from custody before trial.
Kibera chief magistrate Uniter Kidula issued the warrant against Kelma’s hubby Timy Hakim and is yet to be executed by the Interpol.
Hakim broke out of Mathare mental hospital where he had sought treatment for mental illness shortly after being charged with trafficking cocaine worth Ksh9 million.
A preliminary investigation report filed to the court stated Timy was helped by fellow mental patients and people who used to visit him to escape. The report said Hakim used a rope ladder made by one of the patients to scale a perimeter wall at the hospital.
The rope ladder and a hook found at the crime scene have been taken for analysis. The investigations are still on going.

JUICY DITS ON BIG BROTHER 5

I could get shot for talking about this, but hey, I can’t help it. Now, word of the wide-open streets of Nairobi alleges that you could just be seeing some of the contestants from the previous BBA shows.
Our source that is thisclose likeveryclose to the BBA guys says, “The fifth installment of the voyeuristic reality TV show is rumoured to star "some of the familiar faces" already featured on previous seasons of the show, although the rules will remain basically the same.”
unlike BBA 4 that was dubbed the Revolution a showerless one, I might add, this one will feature a shower hour. Yeeeeaaay, to all the pervs out there.
Anyho, Stella Ondimu, MultiChoice PR exec said, "That is not exactly it. It has happened before in the US and UK but for us we will be interviewing people we have interviewed before for the show but did not make it," adding, "I do not know who will be in the house either but season five will maintain some of the key characteristics that make it popular."
Kenya has been represented in the reality show by Sheila Kwamboka, Jeremy Ndirangu and Teddy Muthusi.
In a press release last week, M-Net confirmed that they will not be calling for entries for the upcoming reality show that premiers on July 18. “We want to invest more broadly in season five and having already been introduced to a world of interesting characters from previous searches, there’s limited value in spending extensively in another search for contestants,” said Biola Alabi, M-Net Africa Managing Director. This year, the house will feature 53 cameras and 100 microphones.

DE KOKO MASTER WILL BE IN TOWN

The Koko Master now called Mr. Endowed is expected to in the country next month for an East African tour.
De naija superstar, D Banj who is under Mo’Hits record Label, will be performing at the Carnivore on August 7.
Keep it here, still developing. Roger daaat?

JITU FILMS LAUNCHES ANTI PIRACY PRICES

Jitu Films have taken the first step in killing the piracy underworld by selling their movies at a super affordable price this month.
All their DVDs will be sold only for Ksh30 in all Nakumatt supermarkets countrywide. This is the chance for someone to get all our five films Selfish?, Chasing Moses, Zeinabu Rudi Nyumbani, R2 Security and Mob Doc for only pocket Ksh150.

Alex Konstantaras said, “This is a limited offer and only for July in order to celebrate the fact that our DVDs will be sold in seven new Nakumatt outlets: City Hall, Moi Avenue, Eldoret, Kakamega, Nanyuki, Nyali and Diani. Also we are hoping that through the high sales we can attract companies in order to advertise on our DVDs, a popular advertising method that is not explored here in Kenya yet. Similar offers are coming with other leading Super market chains and also with new DVDs.”

AMANI PRODUCES SOCIAL RESPONSIBLE MOVIE

Singer Amani has morphed into a filmmaker. Her first stint with movies starts with Wamba. This film takes place in 1990 and follows the life of Wamba and his group of friends who live in California - a suburban slum of Nairobi. When Wamba's family deals with the devastating effects of a new and unknown disease in AIDS, the whole community is torn apart and threatened. Living like his peers; Wamba sells used books in his spare time when he is not in school and gets help from his friends who usually refer customers. They spend a lot of time hanging out together, playing soccer and arguing at the neighborhood corner store. The day Wamba lost his parents who die of Aids; he becomes everybody’s enemy in the neighborhood. None of his friends want to be associated with him; they are scared because of the rumor in the neighborhood that Wamba is a sorcerer and Aids victim. Rejected and isolated Wamba questions himself about the death of his parents and finds out that they were suffering from Aids and that is what killed them. Aids becomes a reality to him and not just a word. With Wamba we discover Aids and learn about it. We also find out how he handles the crisis in the neighborhood.

TUSKER REWARDS ROYAL CUSTOMERS

So far the ongoing Tusker 50 milli ya mafans promotion has seen over 30 million Kenya shillings of prizes having been claimed and about 20 million shillings still to be won.
Speaking during a media briefing at K1 Klubhouse, Tusker Brand manager Wanyi Mwaura said that many more people like Mulwa were winning in the current promotion. Winners walk away with instant giveaways which include a free tusker, 200 shillings or 10,000 Kenya shillings.
“This competition is for our ma-fans, they are the people who toil hard for their money and with the current economic situation, it was our desire as a brand to reward many more people as compared to just a few.”
Mwaura describes Tusker as an iconic African Brand and undisputed leader in the alcoholic beverage industry, representing authentic African success that has won international acclaim.
“Tusker is a very social brand, it brings friends together and creates moments of laughter and appreciation of the hardworking Kenyan,” she added “We will endevaour to continue to celebrate our people.”

She adds that the chances of winning are very high and it is easy to enter. Just get your Tusker, look under the crown and sms the digits to 8737.
Thomas Thongori K1 Klubhouse Marketing Manager concurs with her, saying that many consumers have been winners in the competition and have been very excited. He adds that K1 has been in partnership with EABL for over 10 years and the benefits have been numerous with not only improved livelihood to the business but to also its employees.
He adds that many consumers had been redeeming their prizes.
As regards future plans, Tusker is focused on retaining its regional leadership and will continue its ruthless drive to meet consumers' needs. "Additionally, we will continue to develop and update the brand, its communication and activities in line with the consumer preferences.
Therefore continued research and innovation will continue into the future."

SHHH! JOSE MOURINHO IN KENYA

As usual international celebrities sneak in and out of the country without been detected. Well, not this time.
My peoples tell me the coach of coaches Jose Mourinho is in Kenya on holiday. Apparently he is staying at Almanara Mombasa.
Anyho, Almanara is located south of Mombasa, it’s tucked amidst the towering palms and tropical gardens - boasting six fully inclusive villas along with a spectacular Presidential Villa. Complete with personal chef and maid services, this all-inclusive resort provides guests with the chance to enjoy 5-star luxury while experiencing the genuine cultures of Africa.
Mourinho and his family are staying in the Presidential Villa of the hotel and he plans on visiting the Maasai Mara for some wilde beast action.
Here, eat your heart out, this is the Presidential Villa...

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA VISITS ANTI RAPE CAMPAIGNER ADELLE

Yvonne Chaka Chaka visited with Adelle who is the founder of No MeanS No and Anti rape campaign during her stay in Kenya.
The African Princess said, "Creating rape awareness is very important and I commend the No Means No for all their work. Rape is a sign of disrespect. If I say NO, I mean NO and that should be respected. Just because one cannot respect this, doesn't mean we women should let this dictate our lives. We should be free to wear whatever we want because as long as we say NO, nothing should happen. One of course cannot forget that men get raped too and so it is important for men to join such initiatives and get informed and spread what they've learnt too."
When asked about young men who still believe that when a woman says no she means yes:
"That is absolute misinformation and it is shocking that young men still think like our ancestors, No means No you have your work set out for you."

KAZ COLLABOS WITH KAREN COUNTRY LODGE

KazMuzik and Karen Country Lodge are launching a new monthly event dubbed Something's On. Every last Sunday of the month there will be a fair where vendors of different sorts can come sell their goods and/or services. The first of this event goes down on July 25 and the theme is Something Tailored.
“I am calling out to all fashion vendors, be it shoes, clothes, jewelery, undies...anything really, to book a table now. There are 18 tables in total, 5 of which have already been booked leaving us with 13. Each month will have a different theme, allowing people from all walks of life to get a chance to sell their products,” Kaz said.
Each table is going for an introductory rental price of Ksh7,000 and the location of your table is on a first come first served basis.
The deadline for the bookings is the July 17

MADTRAXX GETS SONY DEAL

Rapper Madtraxx has bagged a lucrative music deal that will see his music distributed to the rest of the world on online music stores.
The ‘Big Deal’ singer has been signed to Rockstar 4000 Music Entertainment who have partnered with Sony.
The deal with Rockstar 4000 begins this month and will see multi-talented producer, DJ and Emcee Madtraxx in an historic, exclusive worldwide digital distribution deal, having his music made available commercially to a global audience.
"It's not a surprise that this was the natural progression of my career," Madtraxx said, "It's all about progression, watch this space!” The only promises Madtraxx can make is good music for his fans, "The rest, even I can't tell," he says when asked what to expect from him in future.
“Madtraxx is not just an overall great entertainer but producer and has emerged from strength to strength over the last few years, from his roots as key member of the hugely popular and successful Code RED outfit and now taking over the airwaves as Madtraxx. The future with this truly multi-talented Rockstar is sure to be rockin,” said the CEO and Founder of Rockstar 4000, Jandre Louw.

MAKE A CHOICE ARTISTES TELL YOUTH

They call themselves Kenyans for Change. They have united to record a song to urge the youth to read the proposed constitution then make an informed choice.
Headed by Achieng Abura as the chairlady, Kenyans for Change, 2010 (K4C10) the group of artistes will be touring the country in a series of concerts.
To further enforce their stand the group launched their theme song dubbed Amua on Thursday, July 1 at The Alliance Francaise.
It features Sauti Sol, Juliani and Suzanna Owiyo while the video also features cameos of other personalities such as Nonini, Dennis Oliech amongst others. The theme song is for the referendum in August 4, for the Committee of Experts civic education campaign.

MERCY MYRA BACK IN THE GAME!

Kenyan singer based in the states Mercy Myra will be the headlining guest act at the Rising Stars of Africa concert in July 3 in Minneapolis.
It’s been a pretty mini-second since Mercy was out there. Anyhow, she will be performing live with an 8-piece band.
Other acts from East Africa who will join her in this concert include Ugandan singer Roy Kapale and Tanzanian Erica Lulakwa.
The concert is hosted by ETIA and Tha FunkHouse

TIM NJIRU IS ONLINE

Get in touch with Tim Njiru on his new website.
Last I heard, he was working at selling his travel/tourism show to TV stations. Look out for that too.

RAY C BARES SOUL IN NEW LOVE LORN SINGLE OFF NEW ALBUM!

Tanzanian Producer Hermes Bariki has released a new single Japo Suna by Ray C. Hermes describes the joint as “sensational and sexy” and the single is about “begging and asking for the forbidden love of a taken man, in this song, Ray C can be quite tempting and convincing,” He says.
“She has been away for sometime but God given talent is not something that goes away like that and here she proves again she can do it.”
Hermes extreme right during his days as a TPF judge.

Apparently, the back story on this collabo started when Ray C approached composer and song writer Amani Joachim for a new song after hearing K lynn’s Not a Flirt that was written and composed by Amani.
“The song was composed, written and recorded within 10 hours, from 9pm to 7am the next morning. This was posibble due to the constant supply of energy drinks. Ray C loved this song so much she decided to use the same title for her upcoming album, and this comes as an official second release from that album.”

TALIA DENIES NUPTIALS REPORT

Talia Oyando has come out strongly denying that she got hitched to Ezekiel Onyango.
“I’m not married,” Talia told Hot Secrets, "I honestly do not know where the AG's offices are." The singer and now event organizer has lamented that the news of her alleged nuptials have left her breathless and cornered as curious friends and relatives enquire about the big day.
"My mum can't sleep, she has had relatives calling her about a wedding they were not invited to. My Facebook is full of emails...I can't breath," Talia said. However, Ezekiel couldn't be reached for comment at the time of going to press.

IT'S BLANKETS AND WINE TIME

This Sunday East Africa's premier music festival BLANKETS AND WINE takes place at Hillcrest School.

Bring your blankets, your picnic baskets and be entertained all afternoon with some great live music!

Entry: 1000ksh Advance tickets 800ksh

Denise Gordon, Wendy Kimani, Kiddum and Maia Von Lekow will be performing.

MEET AZIZA AS THEY LAUNCH THEIR DEBUT ALBUM

Aziza are an Afrosoul band made of four member Sequira Mogere, Maurice Manani, Charles Karanjah and Enos Olik. They write and compose their own music. Their harmonies are accompanied by violin and classic guitar,which tends to bring out an unique muzic which they describe as f.a.m (future afro muzik).
The four began as an acapella quartet and later added the guitar and violin as they went along. This probably explains their strong vocal arrangement. They launch their album today. Here is a taste of what this trio have to offer to the Kenyan music industry.
Aziza's debut single Kuku was written by the trio, and features additional vocals by Allan Wanjohi and Noel Ngoloma of Jazmine Acapella. Produced by Chris Adwar you expect nothing less that glorious melody.
Here sample the single...

M-NET LAUNCHES HIP AND TRENDY STUDIO 53 EXTRA

Since its debut six years ago M-Net’s flagship program Studio 53, has enjoyed widespread popularity, capturing the continent’s appeal and celebrating its talent and energy. Tune in this month as M-Net brings viewers a brand new show, the revamped and revitalized – STUDIO 53 EXTRA.
Premiering on Thursday July 1, the spin-off show will air in a brand-new half-hour Thursday timeslot and will focus on the entertainment industry on the African continent. Unlike the previous hour show which was more lifestyle orientated, the new refreshed version will be fast paced and red carpet focused. It will cover the hottest entertainment stories, trends and celebrity interviews from all over Africa.
Not only is the show new, but STUDIO 53 EXTRA will be anchored by to brand new dynamic female presenters. They are the gorgeous Eku Edewor, a graduate from the New York Film Academy, and striking Dolapo Oni who trained at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in the UK.

KENYAN SHORLISTED FOR PENGUIN WRITERS PRIZE

Moraa Gitaa, a Kenya based writer who on occasion corresponds for Mshale is on a shortlist of thirteen authors gunning for the inaugural Penguin Prize for African Writing.
She is the cover girl on the latest issue of True Love.
The Penguin Group in announcing the shortlisted authors said it received approximately 250 submissions in the fiction category and 50 in the non-fiction category from around Africa.
The literary awards are for "previously unpublished full-length work of adult fiction and one of non-fiction." Gitaa's entry is in the fiction category.
Winners will be announced in September and each category winner will receive the
equivalent of US$6,500 and a publishing contract from the Penguin Group.