Helena Waithera is a Kenyan actress known for her role in the soap opera, Tabasamu. She is most notable for playing villainous roles in several TV series, including Gabby in ‘Tabasamu’, Anita in ‘Uriru Wa Wendo’ and Lucy in ‘Jane and Abel’.

In 2017, she won the Best Lead Actress in the Riverwood Academy Awards. Helena boasts more than a decade of experience in media and TV production.

She opened up about her acting process, the film and television industry in Kenya and more.

You have been in the industry for more than a decade, what changes have you noticed?

I’ve seen it grow from a hobbyist club to a thriving industry. Acting is now a serious profession unlike 10 years ago. Digital platforms have created more opportunities and competition has gone global. Mediocrity doesn’t cut it anymore. Creativity in concept, actors and filmmakers is demanded now more than ever.

What went through your mind when you were shooting 1988?

“Lord give me a strong spirit to endure”. That year was my first overnight shoot and it was an intense script that demanded perfection. I had 80 percent of the dialogue in the script, carrying the story, so I needed to be alert and present all through.

Do you like to be a villain?

Villainous roles are very challenging and require a tremendous amount of work to create. I’m always up for a good challenge.

How did you prepare for the role? 

I read through the entire script. Do a second read through, this time concentrating on scene by scene to get the whole picture of the script, then start rehearsal. Rehearsal includes internalising the script, then do character development by memorising script. Then it’s ready for set.

What have you learned from acting especially in the local scene?

How to take control of my career as an actress and, in film, how to be a film entrepreneur.

Do you have a preference for theatre or film?

I love different things about both. I am a story teller and I love to mirror society, and chokoza (poke at) and expose issues society tries to sweep under the rug. Film is the best story telling platform to reach the masses because the population in Kenya and the world has embraced the film culture. Theatre on the other hand is magic. It is what has contributed to my growth as an actor. I go back to the theatre to rediscover myself as an actor; I am reminded why I started this career in the first place. When I do a theatre performance, I always realise that there’s still so much I need to learn as an actor.

You hold a degree in human resource management from the University of Nairobi and are currently studying Copyright Law at the Kenya School of Advertising, why copyright law? 

It is important to understand the laws governing the industry you are involved in. It has given me the ability to advise my colleagues and as a content creator, I have a better understanding of my rights.

What would you do if you couldn’t act?

Acting is a skill. And I am a woman of many skills.

What would you as an actor tell Ezekiel Mutua to do in order for the industry to grow?

To work juu chini (really hard) to put policies in place to regulate the film operations in Kenya.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Victor Naman Omutula, for those who have been living under a rock, is the internet comedian famously known to many as the weeping Luhya guy who complains about food and ugali.

Hilarious: Luhya Guy Breaks Into Tears Over Bible Story of Jesus Feeding 5,000 People (VIDEO)

It’s been over a year since Victor Naman started cracking up netizens through his Facebook page, ‘Ujinga Za Victor Naman’. His 13-month whirlwind has seen his page grow exponentially and now boasts of close to 66,000 likes and more than 78,000 followers.

He spoke to Buzz about his journey:

“Comedy started back when I was at Shikomare Primary School, Kakamega. I’d mimic teachers and try to be funny in class.

Then I went to St Peter’s Mumias Boys High School. I never joined drama club throughout both levels of education, preferring the “off-stage performances” to make other pupils laugh.

My antics got me into trouble with my high school’s deputy headteacher. He had just left class and I started mimicking him. I didn’t know that he would be coming back immediately because he wanted to speak to the class prefect. I just heard him shout, “Victor! What are you doing?” The class burst into laughter.

He led me to the staffroom and told me to imitate every single teacher I could. To my surprise, they just laughed and gave me money to buy bread; bread was a big deal in school.

After clearing high school, I came to Nairobi to pursue a diploma in Electronic Engineering at Railways Training Institute in 2006. My dream was to pursue any media-related course including video editing or acting.

While I was still in college, I started visiting the Kenya National Theatre looking for opportunities to audition for roles, to no avail. Eventually, I joined the comedy group Rib Crackers and we came up with the idea of a prank show. We began with Naswa on Citizen TV before we went to K24.

I used to do appearances at some events, then Edward Khaemba – The XYZ Show’s head of the voice department – came up to me at one event and told me to try out for it. I auditioned for several voices, but they told me I was perfect for the voice of Atwoli.

My first own-concept show was Mr Speaker Sir on the now-closed QTV. I am so enthralled by the country’s politics and I follow the happenings everywhere.

It’s an idea I had and shared it with one of the executive producers at Ken TV and we partnered to produce the pilot. Three TV stations were interested but QTV came in the quickest to pick it up. It ran for a year before the station was closed. I starred as the parody of former Parliament Speaker Kenneth Marende.

I’m the director for Kaa Rada and Ikara Ritho that used to air on Citizen TV and Inooro TV, respectively. When going to locations for shoots, I would just act a fool and get the guys falling over themselves with laughter.

Kaa Rada’s producer, Gathoni Kimuyu, would say to me, “Victor you should think of starting a YouTube or Facebook page, aki uko na ujinga.” I used to ignore that suggestion.

One Sunday it hit me. I made a video complaining why I wasn’t there when Jesus fed 5,000 people and so much food was left over.

The video went viral on WhatsApp and I hadn’t even yet thought of putting up the pages on social media.

I created the Facebook page in January 2017 and posted the video. I started doing short video posts on the “Luhya guy”, politics and current events, and the reception has been wonderful.

My YouTube page, which I started four months later, is also picking up. Improving my social media presence has resulted in more invites to emcee or perform at events especially political rallies and weddings.

My videos dwell on food and politics, and then things trending across the country. When there’s nothing interesting happening politically or making news, I go back to my gluttonous character.

I look at what angle of chicken or ugali as food topics I can explore in a video. If it’s politics, I look at what the hot topic is and what, say Raila or Ruto, would talk about in my view. I can imitate over 40 character voices.

I meet guys on the street and they just start laughing. Even the security guys here in your building saw me and got hysterical, “Wee ni yule msee wa chakula!” I appreciate that they recognise my efforts. However, sometimes people come into my space too much.

When people expect you to make them laugh any time they bump into you, not knowing whether you are rushing somewhere or if it’s just not a good day for you, I just pull out and go: “tutaonana, utaangalia kwa page.”

Churchill called me to imitate Raila Odinga when he had invited him to the show. I did, and later on, Churchill asked him what he thought of my performance.

He gave me a six out of 10. I performed for Ida Odinga and she also seemed to like it.

I’m also a businessman. I own a café called Vick-Anne Fish Point at Kimbo, Juja. You can get some fish and ugali there. I run the café with my spouse (Anne).

We met three years ago and tied the knot two years back. We have a two-and-a-half-year-old son called Larry. Guys who come to Vick-Anne, always want to hear a joke or two from me.

I sometimes incorporate my wife in my videos. I did a Valentine’s Day video this year with her. She hadn’t really acted before, so I had to train her a bit and she caught on fast.

She came through because other actors would ask for money to appear in these videos thinking that I make a lot of money from them.

We chose the name Priscilla because it’s a very common name in Luhya land. Her character also likes to eat a lot. My son laughs a lot. He also does some crazy things, but I don’t want to put him on social media just yet. When he grows up, he’ll have to make his own decision on what he wants to pursue.

QUICKFIRE

What are your hobbies?

Watching comedy shows and travelling.

Is ugali and kuku really your favourite meal?

Yes. Every day I have to have a meal of ugali at least once. I ensure that I have a meal of chicken at least once a week, because of its price.

Why ‘Ujinga za Victor Naman’ for your page?

Look at what I’m doing in the videos (laughs).

What’s the end game for your page?

I want people to make ‘Ujinga za Victor Naman’ their first go-to page if anything is happening in Kenya to get the lighter side of it all.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Melody Wanjiru alias DJ Mellow is a fast-rising female deejay in Nairobi, with a vision of being at the top. The 24-year-old has been deejaying for half a decade now.

She spoke to Buzz about how she has been coping in this male-dominated industry.

What is it like being a female deejay in an industry that’s male-dominated?

It’s not a walk in the park, so you have to fight. For instance, you may approach a club owner for a gig and when you give him your rate card, he compares you to other established deejays who have been in the game for a while and tells you they don’t charge as much as you are. They have this notion that female deejays don’t have what it takes, thus they feel we should charge less – not close or equal to – our male colleagues. It irritates me. Some of us do a better job than the men and, besides that, each of us has his or her rate card and standards.

If someone is to hire DJ Mellow, what is her rate?

Mmmmh! A lot of things come into play. First, I would consider where the gig is to take place, for how long, the kind of transport being offered, accommodation, meals, safety, among other things; just the basic needs to perform our task. After analysing all that is when I would be able to give my quotation. I’m flexible because its business and we’re both looking for a win-win situation (smiling).

Have you ever encountered sexism when hustling for gigs?

I am yet to experience that, but a lot of my female colleagues have confessed to me that they have been asked to pay in kind for them to get the job. If that is to happen to me, I would rather not take the job no matter how much it is paying. I just can’t afford such offers.

Let’s put this debate to rest, are Kenyan deejays artistes as many of them claim to be?

I don’t think we are. If I may speak for myself, what I do as a deejay is the art and not being the artiste. I craft my masterpiece in the deejaying industry. It’s very simple, I come showcase my skills of playing music, get paid and go home.

Despite the huge number of deejays we have around, we are yet to see one of DJ Khaled’s caliber who not only deejays but writes and produces songs as well as creates beats. Why is that?

We’ve got DJ Creme de la Creme who has started producing songs. Having said that, you should understand we are a developing country striving to be at par with the developed ones, who have a wider range of ideas about the industry compared to us. As you talk of numbers, you have to know that some of the deejays we have around are in it to make quick money. They aren’t passionate about the craft; that also kills creativity.

Another debate that has been around for quite some time involves claims by local artistes that deejays give foreign content more airplay?

Hehehe! We have been blamed for this for a long time and the claims are not about to end. If I am to be honest, however, it’s never about the deejays, but the audience we entertain. They demand more foreign than local content, which means we have no choice but to play that. At the end of the day, you want to make everyone happy and build your brand.

What has been your biggest achievement over the five years you have been doing this?

In 2017, I was nominated by a female deejaying website known us Djanetop.com for “Best Female DJ in Africa”. I finished fourth and was position 220 worldwide.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Nyeri. I also went to school there, before moving to the city.

How would you describe your love life?

Hahaha! Are you asking if I have a boyfriend? Kindly let that pass; it’s classified.

What is one character that a stranger will easily notice about you?

I am a free spirit. I mingle easily with anyone.

What’s that one assumption about deejays that you don’t subscribe to?

Many deejays are perceived to be party animals and drunkards because of the fact that most of our gigs are in joints and clubs. However, I’m a different case study. I neither drink alcohol nor smoke. If I’m to drink, then it will be water until I’m done with my set, then I go home.

Tell us about “Colour Purple” concert that will be hosted by Zari Hassan here in May, with you as the deejay?

Well, it is an all-female event that aims at sensitising and creating awareness among women about the importance of cancer screening. I am honoured to be a part of it, but I will not be the only female deejay on the decks. We’ll also have DJ Pierra, DJ Tabz, and DJ Malaika.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Despite churning out hits since the early 2000s, Wahu Kagwi still remains relevant in the industry. She continues to do music while running her business Afro Siri Salon.

She was also recently appointed as a manager at KEPSA Foundation. All this while being a mother to two and a wife to fellow musician David ‘Nameless’ Mathenge.

The secular-tuned gospel musician spoke to EveWoman about how she juggles it all.

What challenges did you have setting up a business in terms of brand building and acquiring clients?

The most difficult part was finances. My partner Joan and myself did not have enough money to market Afro Siri in platforms like TV and that is how we ended up going the social media advertising way.

How has your celebrity status affected your business?

When we started out in December 2012, we deliberately left out the fact that I was a shareholder at Afro Siri. This is because we wanted it to have a reputation of its own. We wanted it to grow and have credibility. It was not until two years later that we disclosed the links between Afro Siri and me. The fact that I am celeb keeps me on toes since we receive high profile clients and I do not want them to feel like they are doing me a favour being there. I want them to get value for their money.

How do you run the place? Do you focus on all aspects? Administrative, Financial, Operations or do you delegate?

My partner Joan and I hold the top directive positions but we have a very strong and proper executing team who ensure smooth running of the place.

What is a typical day for you in the workplace?

I honestly wouldn’t say that I have a typical day. I have learnt to just take every day as it comes. No typical days for me.

What are the costs that give you sleepless nights?

Sleepless nights are not what I would call it, but the employees’ salary is always top of my priorities every day of the month.

How do you deal with employee theft?

We hardly experience theft cases at Afro Siri nowadays. When we were starting off, we had some cases but not anymore. But if it happens, we have a no-tolerance policy in place: you steal, you go! The employees know it.

How do you juggle music, business, motherhood and being a wife?

For me, family comes first. I can delegate duties at Afro Siri and the KEPSA foundation but I can never delegate parenting. For my music, I have a strong team that sees to it that I am at the right place when I should be. Something that helps me get through my days is an elaborate spreadsheet that I keep detailed with my day to day schedules.

How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?

I have two main sources of motivation. One, the fact that I know I will be accountable to God for all the responsibilities he has granted me keeps me going. The other source of my motivation is my kids. Knowing that they look up to me and are bound to emulate me keeps me on my toes.

If you had to start from scratch, what would you do differently?

I would never have put my relationship with my God on hold.

Describe one of your biggest accomplishment. What lesson did you learn, and how did it contribute to a greater success?

Afro Siri is a childhood passion. I always dreamt of having a place where women would come for their beauty needs, where they would be treated like queens, feel comfortable and also a place that would be relatively affordable. Having the guts to follow that dream and birth Afro Siri is one of my greatest achievement to this day.

Describe one of your biggest failures. What lesson did you learn, and how did it contribute to a greater success?

Something I would say I failed in would be that we moved Afro Siri from one location to a different one at the beginning. That really did cost us and I learnt never to do things without proper planning.

Do you have a mentor to guide you through this entrepreneurship journey? Would you recommend that women get mentors?

Yeah, I consider Farouk a big mentor. Instead of looking at me like a competitor in the beauty and fashion world, he has held my hand and guided me through. I would recommend that women get mentors. They go a long way.

In summary what are the five tips you would give women who have just started their business or are looking to start a business?

• Do not do stuff for popularity. Do not give in to societal pressure.
• Remain true to your heart. Follow your passion.
• Always remember Rome was not built in one day. Success is gradual. Be patient and do not give up.
• Make sure you get a mentor to guide you.
• Create a structure to help you get guidance.

Now that you got saved, has this changed your entrepreneurial perspective?

I have always been saved. I only reignited my relationship with God. I now have a stronger desire to achieve than before. I also look at my team differently. I have even introduced morning prayers at Afro Siri.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Controversial gospel singer Ringtone now says he has been conned of over Sh800,000 by a man who claimed he could hook him up with Diamond’s ex, Zari Hassan.

The serial attention-seeking musician has been making blog headlines over his romantic advances towards the Ugandan sweetheart for weeks now.

Apparently, the pursuit appeared to be bearing fruit after Ringtone was approached by a man who introduced himself as Zari’s cousin.

According to Ringtone, the man met him in his office and told him that Zari has sent a message that Ringtone should arrange for their formal meeting before her Nairobi show slated for next month.

He said he had flown from Uganda to deliver the message and he needed something tangible to take back to Zari to signal that the message had been delivered.

“I believed the guy as he looked really mature, sound, smart and convincing. I decided to go to a jewellery shop and bought a diamond ring worth Sh800,000 that I wrapped as a gift to Zari after which I gave the guy Sh100,000 for his logistics.”

“That was two weeks ago. Since, I haven’t heard a word from him and his phone has been off,” Ringtone told Pulse.

Asked why he couldn’t call Zari since her telephone number is in the public domain, Ringtone said: “It is not a problem calling Zari, but when you get someone claiming to be a ‘brother’ to the girl you are in love with, you don’t think twice. You just conform,” he said.

Ringtone went on: “I am not so sure the guy was a con. I am still waiting. I am still hopeful that the message was delivered.”

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Kenyan rap sensation Khaligraph Jones is spreading his wings further across the African continent.

The rapper has this time turned his talents to West Africa and teamed up with Nigerian singer and vocalist, Jeff Akoh to release the video for his track, ‘Halima’.

The video was shot in Nairobi by prolific music video director, Enos Olik.

Presented by Temple Music, the Halima video is the second music video from Jeff Akoh’s debut music album.

The music sensation rose to prominence after winning the eighth season of Project Fame West Africa which was held in late 2015.

A talented singer and sound engineer who trained at SAE Institute, Cape Town, South Africa, Akoh, together with his brother, Fred Akoh, contested on Glo Naija Sings in 2010 at the age of 13 finishing in the Top 10.

He has released a single titled ‘Never Let You Go’ as well as a feature with Yemi Alade titled ‘Kissing’.

Check out ‘Halima’ below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

It’s been barely a fortnight since Willy Paul tapped Bongo’s Harmonize for the remix of his single “PiliPili”, but the Kenyan singer is not happy.

The controversial gospel hitmaker feels shortchanged by the Wasafi Records signee and took to social media to express his disappointment in a thinly veiled attack.

From what we gather, Harmonize has taken a hands-off approach towards publicising the song and Willy Paul feels he has been used.

To make matters worse, Harmonize has dropped a new song with Diamond – Kwangwaru- whose YouTube views are close to clocking 1 million after just three days. This is a stark contrast to ‘PiliPili’ which has garnered close to half a million views after two weeks.

This seems to be Willy Paul’s main area of contention who says he is saddened.

“This is so sad! Honestly speaking, let’s not be people who are just after using others. Let’s learn to support. And if we agree to support then let’s do it whole heartedly… it’s a small world we are living in you might be at the top today but remember. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.. learn to live with people!” wrote Willy Paul.

This is so sad! Honestly speaking, let’s not be people who are just after using others. Let’s learn to support. And if we agree to support then let’s do it whole heartedly… it’s a small world we are living in you might be at the top today but remember. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.. learn to live with people! #tafakari Before I forget, thank you to the whole @wcb_wasafi @diamondplatnumz @babutale @sallam_sk for letting me feature @harmonize_tz in the song #pilipiliremix GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

A post shared by W.I.L.L.Y.P.O.Z.Z.E.E (@willy.paul.msafi) on Apr 16, 2018 at 2:34am PDT

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Believe it or not but Akothee could easily have been a gospel music singer. However, due to unforeseeable circumstances, the wealthy singer ditched the gospel for secular and as they say, the rest is history.

According to Akothee, the decision to quit being a Christ ambassador was influenced by the hypocrisy she experienced in Church after her divorce.

The ‘Oyoyo’ hitmaker made the startling revelations on social media after some of her followers reminded her about church.

“People reminding me of church, Am I the one holding the church key? Don’t you know that I was the best soloist in my church! Do you know that the church choir would feel empty in my absence? & the day I miss church everyone would know that mama vesha was not in church today! Do you know why I stopped gospel and went secular?” she posed in her Instagram post. 

She went on; “It’s because I could not keep up with the hypocrisy, the moment I got divorced, the entire church members I knew, family friends etc, turned their back on me, none of them or their wives wanted to associate with me! Preachers used my family status as an example to preach in church !gave me all kinds of names because they heard the story from one side! No one wanted to associate with me! Rejection is poisonous, that’s why most people mistake my attitude towards life for arrogance , Mimi ni msabato, sijabeba kifunguu ya kanisa yenyu wewe enda church ongea na Mungu wako, hatakuuliza dhambi zangu.”

The ‘Benefactor’ musician further answered her critics on allegations of being a bad role model, saying the world shaped her the way she is.

She wrote: “The world shaped me this away , don’t come to my wall expecting me to correct or raise your children for you ? I was raised without internet but I still messed up , don’t hung your children’s misbehaviours on celebrities, we won’t stop living our lives just because of the name Role model ! Unfollow anything that is not inspiring ! The button is right on your finger if you can’t keep up unfollow pap , if you are addicted accept and embrace , if you are jealous get something better to do with your life we also have healthy competition! E.g. competing with the you yesterday. ”

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

After several months of speculation, Kenyan songbird Judith Nyambura alias Avril has finally come clean on her pregnancy.

Despite her valiant efforts in keeping the pregnancy a secret, the singer has in the past few months been spotted several times at The Aga Khan University Hospital’s maternity wing.

The singer has also previously rebutted reports that she is expecting but it was only a matter of time before she could hide her baby bump any longer.

Taking to social media, the popular songbird, who is said to be in a relationship with veteran Producer and Video Director J Blessing, finally let the cat out of the bag as she shared some pictures from her pregnancy shoot.

Avril also penned a heartfelt letter to the little one vowing to always protect and love them.

“My M, what a ride we’ve had and now an even more exciting one begins…I’m humbled that you chose me…Thank You, my love… I will love you and protect you, now and forever. That is my promise to you,” wrote Avril as congratulatory messages streamed in.

The singer’s pregnancy appears to have reached the homestretch and she could be due anytime this month which is Avril’s “month of constant little miracles.”

The singer turns 32 at the end of the month and could share a birthday month with her first child.

The photos

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Popularly known for her hit single ‘Salama’ featuring Rebecca Soki, Gospel singer Zoe is back. She narrates a personal real life story in this latest video, Waona Nani.

Zoe is naturally a lady of strong- willed personality , firm decisions and one who loves her own journey without comparison to another’s. This is founded on her faith that God has a customized map for every person. It is her very source of confidence in life.

This has been constant until around 2008-2009 when it changed temporarily. During this first half of her high school life she thought things were quite changing. Some of them were very normal but at an age of self discovery and adventure, it was easily exaggerated. For instance, from being a headgirl in her school and a mathematics genius who could even lead in the district, to meeting some equally able ladies. Following background, she also had started developing self esteem issues related to and based on gender. She hated being a girl and of course being around very able girls who loved being girls.

That was the onset of Zoe with low self esteem. It comes with feelings of worthlessness, no confidence, depression, lack of interest in almost everything and most often suicidal thoughts. At the time she wrote waona nani, she was going through it. Every little word of scorn was suddenly so amplified and every compliment seemed sarcastic. It got worse every time she remembered her old self and wondered what ever happened to her. Being a psychologist by profession now, she explains that this condition doesn’t have to have a course but it could be triggered by circumstances and events.

It is through spiritual nourishment that she broke off.

Waona nani is a prayer that got answered through another song, ‘hakika’, though it was released first. ‘ God soaked me in Himself until all that could define me is His word’, she says. From 2010 onwards, though the healing was still progressive, a major part of her was whole.

Watch below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

South African recording artist and record producer Refiloe Maele Phoolo, professionally known as Cassper Nyovest is coming to Kenya.

The Award-winning hip-hop sensation is expected in Nairobi on May 26th. He confirmed the impending arrival on Twitter, sending his Kenyan fanbase into excitement.

“Speaking of African countries, Kenya!!!! I’m coming down next month!!!! Can’t wait to see y’all!!!,” the Doc Shebeleza hitmaker posted.

Cassper, who made South African history with a sold-out show at the 75,000-capacity FNB Stadium in December last year, is expected to fill up the Ngong Race Course next month.

The show is courtesy of the TGR (The Great Republic) festival and HYPE entertainment.

More details on ticket pricing and the opening lineup for the show will be released in due time.

The 28-year-old rapper is famed for certified bangers such as Doc Shebeleza, Gusheshe, Mama I Made It, Baby Girl, and Tito Mboweni.

He also has three platinum-selling albums namely Tsholofelo (2014), Refiloe (2015) and Thuto (2017).

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

It appears fans of Eric Omondi have had enough of the comedian’s stunts and have stopped him in his tracks as he seemingly launched another marketing gimmick.

The popular comedian on Tuesday morning took to his social media to flaunt an exquisite Bungalow which he claimed belongs to his Italian beauty Chantal Grazioli.

According to Omondi, the crib was a gift to Chantal from her parents. He added that Chantal is renting it out and added a phone number through which renters can call for more details.

The crib is located at Five Star Estate along Kiambu Road and Eric only shared pictures of the exterior. This appeared to be the biggest dead giveaway that this was another marketing stunt by Omondi.

The post attracted mixed reactions, with some netizens praising Eric for upholding an African culture that prohibits men from living in their spouses’ houses.

ras_super1 commented: “Thanks @ericomondi for upholding the African culture. You don’t live your woman’s house.”

lassy_jee added: “Eriko amekaa hapo thinking thrice… Do we have to rent it out anyway but my culture… Mmmmmmh watasema nimeolewa”

Otienodaniel121 asked: “Kwani ulishindwa kumnunnlia ka hio ….nkt unaangusha sana wajaluo ”

wadiso1924 wrote: “Lol umekua broker acha kutubeba ufala…”

susanna_abdulla commented: “This is just an advert they’re doing don’t think it’s real…we’re used to your stunts Eric.”

“You guys should just say ur renting the house its not hers though…,” narita_nuri_nuri added.

misssamoh praised Omondi, saying: “Looks like you have great advertising and marketing skills.”

dhikucho wrote: “Omondi promotes alot of things for different companies thts his work .no one sells gifts from parents especially parents”

abu_rama29 advised: “@ericomondi Instead of renting it out… best put it in AirBnB…you will get more regular money than rental where you have to wait till end month…”

amormariam noted: “This guy’s marketing skills are on point. Uses controversy to sell….from bonfire hanging balls to billboards and now a gift from “parents”….”

The photos

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Gospel artist Jimmy Gait has become the latest celebrity to have his social media accounts compromised.

According to reports, the artist’s Facebook and Instagram pages were hacked and had their content deleted. The star has nearly 50k followers on Instagram and uses the page to reach out to his fans and inform them on new projects.

Jimmy Gait said that attempts to regain his page have been futile. At the time of this writing, nothing seems to have changed and on top of all posts missing, the account has been made private.

The gospel artist joins a growing list of celebrities who have had their social media channels compromised. Just this month, some unknown hackers took over multiple ‘Vevo-owned’ YouTube accounts and made alterations to song titles and even deleted some. Among those affected was the most popular video on YouTube, Despacito by Luis Fonsi.

Locally, DJ Pierra Makena also recently lost her popular Instagram page to hackers. All attempts to recover it proved futile, forcing her to start over. Her new page is growing steadily.

Vera Sidika has also been a victim of the same.

Though this is not a criminal offense at the moment, parliament is proposing to change that by fining impostors, fraudsters and impersonators up to Sh 3 million or a 3 year jail term.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

After she murdered that ‘Khali Cartel’ track with Khaligraph Jones and others, Kenya’s fastest-rising femcee Petra is back with more heat.

The ‘Bambika’ hitmaker presents her latest audio-visual for her new single; “I Got That.” The banging rap track is assisted by another Kenyan songbird Victoria Kimani.

The two “boss b*tches” team up in spectacular fashion to deliver mad bars, sick flows, and scintillating vocals. Petra, in particular, impresses once again and proves why she is continually being likened to America’s Cardi B.

The video, directed by the veteran Kevin Bosco Jr, partly disappoints because of Victoria’s absence but Petra holds it down, nonetheless.

Click play below and enjoy!

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

How great it is to have Wangechi back. The femcee, one of Kenya’s finest and most talented rappers, has broken her one-year silence with a blazing trap banger.

The rapper was widely expected to build on her monumental milestones, including working with Ne-Yo on Coke Studio Africa and appearing on CNN, but that was not the case.

She ditched former producer Provoke and took time off to rediscover her sound which she appears to have finally found. She also says she is here to stay and has got us covered for the whole year.

Her first release is titled ‘Used To It’ and sees Wangechi spit fire in a bid to reclaim that top spot. She also gives props to Khaligraph Jones, meaning it will only be a matter of time before they hop on a track together.

The track is produced by Kadz Beats, Mixed and Mastered by Kanyeria, while the visual is shot and directed by Mike Lolly P.

In case you may have forgotten what Wangechi is truly capable of, “Used To It” is the reminder you need.

Click play below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Tanzania’s Bongo star Ali Kiba weds his Kenyan fiancée Amina Khalif Ahmed Salim today.

The ceremony will take place in Nyali, Mombasa, and a wedding reception thereafter at 7:30 pm at the Diamond Jubilee Hall.

According to sources within Kiba’s family, the star has reportedly parted with Tsh100 million (Ksh4.5 million) to have the event aired. It will be televised exclusively by Azam TV.

But according to other sources, the pay TV, owned by 69-year-old Tanzanian business billionaire Said Salim Bakhresa, will pay Ali Kiba a sum rumored to be in the region of between Tsh100 million to Tsh 200 million (Sh4.5 million to Sh9 million) for the deal.

Sio kweli mzee sasa kama ‘bosi’ analipia harusi ili iwe aired kwa nini aifanye kuwa siri? Ukweli wa mambo ni kwamba yeye ndiye kapiga mkwanja mrefu hapa. Tunazungumzia mamilioni ya pesa na ndio maana kawa kimya na vitu vimefanywa kwa siri kubwa ili kuiheshimu ule mkataba unaoipea Azam all exclusive rights ya kuipeperusha,” a source disclosed.

Today’s ceremony is one of two, with the second scheduled for April 26 in Dar es Salaam.

Ali Kiba flew his entire nuclear family to Mombasa on Tuesday, April 17 ahead of the wedding.

Whereas the Kenyan wedding is expected to be a colorful one, the second ceremony is set to be bigger and more glamorous with former Tanzania former president Jakaya Kikwete among the invited guests.

Ali Kiba and Amina have been dating since 2016 but have managed to keep their relationship off the limelight.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

For the better part of Wednesday, social media users were up in arms against American rapper Rick Ross and his extortionate demands before he accepts to perform in Nairobi later this month.

It had been reported by a local blog that the Maybach Music Group founder demanded among other things a helicopter, 3, 500 bottles of premium alcohol, three floors of a 5-star hotel, a shutdown of two major roads in Nairobi – Mombasa and Langata Road, 30 air tickets; with ten of them being First Class tickets, four vans whose windows are fully tinted and 1, 500 new white towels.

However, organizers and promoters of Rick Ross’ concert have rubbished the alleged demand list as a fake.

“NRGWave is urging the public to disregard the Rock Ross rider doing rounds online ahead of the concert scheduled for the 28 April at the Carnivore,” read a statement posted on Twitter.

“The article misrepresents the terms of the contract we signed with Boss management team. Rick Ross is ready to meet Bosses and Ballers at Carnivore for a mega Boss Party with Rozay at the second edition of #NRGWave,” it added.

Official #NRGWave statement from @NRGWaveKE and @NRGRadioKE pic.twitter.com/TnMI3JgBZ2

— NRG Wave (@nrgwaveke) April 17, 2018

The Boss himself denied the alleged tour rider as he got into a tiff with an angry Kenyan on Twitter.

The Twitter user, DJ Pskratch, posted: “@RickRoss you are not the president. Your demands are too high, but make sure you live up to our expectations coz if you don’t, @Khaligraph will tear you apart.”

In his response, a seemingly infuriated Rozay wrote: “@PSKRATCH1, you sound just as stupid as whoever told your stupid [expletive] those false demands. #Kenya.”

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Kenya’s hitmakers The Kansoul are back with a new release – Jinyce.

The jam is assisted by the legendary Jam Session King Mc Supa Marcus who provides the necessary hype to make ‘Jinyce’ a masterpiece that embodies the streets and the clubs.

The party anthem is produced by The Kansoul’s Madtraxx for RedREPUBLIK studios.

Its video is worth a watch and it represents everything the Kansoul is famed for; partying, feel-good vibes, and a bevy of beauties shaking what their mamas gave them.

Jinyce by clicking play below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Gospel music star Bahati last night unleashed his latest single; Ching Ching.

However, the oddly-titled song has received mixed reactions from listeners with some questioning the singer’s creativity. From comments made on YouTube and social media sites, a section of netizens doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of the song’s title and its relevance to the song’s message.

One YouTube user, Antony Ndungu, wrote: “I am not comprehending the gist of your conversation bwana…”ching ching ni nini sasa?” I will mute… beat ni poa time ya gym…#kelele.”

In the song, Bahati tells us that Christ is the medicine, more powerful than Panadol and Cetamol.

“Zaidi ya panadol, ‘cetamol damu yake inaponya more…Zaidi ya panadol, ‘cetamol nimeponywa ndio nacheza low, oh,” sings Bahati.

This is another element of the song that has been questioned.

A YouTube user wrote: “Panadol Citamol? Kasee where is the creativity? emb has become the haven of song covers and stealing other songs’ flow.wakenya Manze tuwe creative kidogo bana. Umeyalivu lakini.”

The song also sounds different from Bahati’s previous releases, something the singer has acknowledged on social media. He promoted the song saying, “TIME FOR THE GOSPEL Time For a New Sound.”

However, some netizens have noted that Bahati might be heading the Willy Paul way.

Instagram user, emmangelic_bahati, commented: “Idk but I feel like u no longer the gospel singer u used to be..if u do gospel stick to gospel.. I’m honestly a huge fan but it’s very disappointing.”

The song is produced by Shallzbaro and video directed by Enos Olik.

Watch below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Seasoned media personality and entertainer Pierra Makena has called it a day at Ebru TV and its gossip show ‘Let’s Talk.’

The former Tahidi High actress was one of the hosts of the popular talk show alongside Brenda Wairimu, Elle Ciiru, and Monique Angelyn Bett.

Pierra, who turned 37 last Friday, took to Instagram last night to break the sad news about her exit.

“After long consultations..prayers and thinking..I’m sad to announce that I have decided I will no longer be on the “lets talk show” and neither will I be working with the station.”

The actress, who was earlier in the year caught up in an alleged fat-shaming debacle with Mishi Dora, hinted that she was unhappy as the reason for calling it quits.

“Sometimes in life you feel that your happiness needs to be a priority and you take necessary steps to achieve that.. I’d like to promote and build people the best way I can,” wrote the mother of one.

” I fully support the next able team that will be taking over and I do believe this show will still be the best.”

Pierra also thanked her co-hosts and her fans for the support and promised to deliver some exciting news soon.

We also understand that Brenda Wairimu will no longer be part of the show after the new line up was unveiled. Brenda and Pierra have been replaced by former ‘Nairobi Diaries’ actress Dana De Grazia Katherine and vlogger Lydia K.M.

The two will make their debuts this evening from 6 pm and their first guests will be Otile Brown and Sanaipei Tande.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire