As expected, Tanzania’s Bongo Flava Star Diamond Platnumz has apologised for his recent postings on social media site Instagram.

The singer got in trouble with the law earlier this week over the indecent video clips of himself and an unidentified white woman. In one of the clips, the shirtless singer is seen making out with the woman in what looks like a hotel room.

On Monday, the singer was arrested and questioned by authorities. They deemed the video to be indecent, in breach of Tanzania’s culture and in violation of new laws regulating online content.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Tanzania’s Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe, said that Diamond could be indicted for going against the country’s cybercrime law and threshold of decency.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Diamond acknowledged that posting the clips was irresponsible of him.

“I’ve had a long conversation with the authorities and I have learnt that what I did was not right.

“As a role model to many young people, not just in Tanzania but across the continent, posting a private moment was irresponsible of me.”

The ‘Kwangwaru’ hitmaker has since been released on bail pending further investigations.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Self-proclaimed Africa’s dancehall solution Dufla Diligon has released his latest single; ‘Katapila’.

In typical Dufla style, ‘Katapila’ is a dancehall club and party anthem. The former Grandpa Records’ dancehall sensation appears to have ditched the stable for Visita’s Hela Records.

‘Katapila’ is produced by Visita and video directed by Young Wallace.

Watch below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Kenya’s latest music sensation Jegede has a new hit out.

Jegede, who doubles up as a music producer, first made his mark late 2016 with the massive smash hit ‘Gudi Gudi’ with Naiboi and Kristoff.

He has gone on to work with veteran Nonini in ‘Hii Ni Ya’ and more recently dropped “Pare Pare” with Rankadah and VDJ Jones.

The hitmaker has since embarked on a solo career after exiting the group Everlast.

His new release is a banger titled “My Lover” and it is assisted by Vdj Jones.

Watch below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Urban gospel hitmaker Stigah, of the “Thitima” fame, has unleashed his latest track; F.Y.I.

“F.Y.I”, initials for (For Your Information), is another classic Stigah tune, from the audio production to its video direction. It incorporates Stigah’s trademark identity by combining both humor and a powerful message about Christ.

“F.Y.I” is written and performed by Stigah. Audio by Denzel (Mix and Master), while the video is directed by Richie G.

Dance choreography is courtesy of dance group, M.O.D (Made Of Dance).

Check it out.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

The wait is finally over for Octopizzo’s highly anticipated album, Next Year. 

Released last week Friday, Next Year serves as the Kibera rapper’s fourth studio album after Chocolate City, LDPC, and Refugeenius. It spans 17 tracks, including titles like “Pablo”, the widely acclaimed “Nu Afrika”, and “Noma Ni.”

The futuristic album features several guests including Camp Mulla’s Taio Tripper in “Pablo”, Kay Green in “Let’s Get It”, Canadian songbird Nitasha Randhawa in “Miss Me” and “Past.” Also making a special appearance is Octo’s daughter Tracy in track number 16 “Eight.”

Next Year, which Octo describes as “one of the best pieces of words that I’ve ever put together”, is available via Apple Music.

The project is also close to Octo’s heart as it’s inspired by his late mum Millicent Ohanga.

Octo broke down what the album means on the gram, dedicating it “to those of us who have always kept trying, those who have managed to break the Stereotypical Boundaries & Society Classism that they were born in, those who will always stay REAL.”

Read his full post:

“Everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die; I’ve traveled a lot in the past 12 months & everybody I meet is battling something that no one knows anything about. I’ve been going through my own shit too in different levels & aspects of life & through this journey I’ve come to realize that, the most important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort & convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge & controversy.There is neither happiness nor unhappiness in this world; there is merely the comparison of one state to the other. Only a man who has felt ultimate despair is capable of feeling ultimate bliss.

This Album is dedicated to those of us who have always kept trying,those who have managed to break the Stereotypical Boundaries & Society Classism that they were born in,those who will always stay REAL even when it jeopardizes your Society status;This album was inspired by my Mama Mrs Millicent Ohanga {RIP} who went through it all for me to be who I am today, She WAS,IS & WILL 4EVA be my KING .
This picture was taken when I was 10yrs Old at Kibera Darajani studio on a Christmas Day & Today April 20th I celebrate 10yrs in the Music Business. Let perseverance be your engine & hope your fuel.”

Octo further accompanied the album release with a visual release of “Noma Ni.”

Watch below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

She makes music that lives and breathes, with her very individual vocal style along with an engaging persona and charm.

Besides being an artiste, producer and audio engineer, Viola Karuri is also a concert producer, a side not known to many until she was spotted in Namibia with the multi-talented R&B singer, Trey Songz.

She happened to be part of the team running the massive event MTC presents Trey Songz Live in Concert that led to rumors that she was dating the R&B heartthrob.

Viola is also famed for the well-received Swahili version of Despacito.

She tells her story as quoted by Buzz:

“Many singers use their real names as their stage names: Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Lira, Victoria Kimani, Tiwa Savage, just to mention a few. It’s an identity thing for me.Despite the fact that the name is the same, the person sitting in front of you is very different person from the one on stage. The person in front of a camera when shooting a video is totally different from the shy introvert that I usually am. I work very hard to keep my personal life private, to avoid bad publicity that will touch on my family. I can handle it, but I’m very protective of them.

“When I was around eight, I watched “Music Times” and saw Tshala Muana’s “Dezo Dezo” music video. I’m not sure if it was her singing or the very long slit that won me over. It’s an extremely vivid early childhood memory, and I’m very lucky that my music teacher was able to capture the talent and nurture it. Throughout primary and high schools, I lived for the music festivals.

“After high school, in 2000, I told my dad I would like to do music as a career. I was very lucky that my dad was open to me doing what would make me happy. I was in a group of five with Amani, called “Sobriety”, which we had formed while at Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls High School, so he had seen it coming. I applied to Berklee College of Music, USA. I had been called to Moi University to study Law but hid the letter. The acceptance letter from Berklee came on the day I was to report to Moi University. I showed both letters to my dad because I had left that option open as Plan B.

“I studied music production and engineering, and my instrument was voice. It took three and a half years, and then I moved to New York to work as an engineer in a few studios there. In 2008, I recorded my 12-track album called “Everything”; did a launch tour in the US then moved back home in 2009 and launched it here, too.

“I was obsessed with the original “Despacito” because I understand a little Spanish from my time in the States. I can’t sing as fast as the real Spanish speakers and it annoyed me that I couldn’t sing the song like any other I had loved before. I translated the song into English but felt I couldn’t sing it as it was written from a male perspective. I inverted the song then again translated it into English and recorded it at 2am. My manager at Ogopa Studios heard it from my phone and recommended that we record it. That’s how it got out.

“There is a misconception that when you’re doing music you have to be a superstar. I think those people are doing it for the wrong reason. Berklee tells you that they are not trying to make a superstar out of you; they only assure you that they will enable you to make a living from doing something you love. That might mean living in the studio and listening to people record all day. I have constantly earned a living from music since I graduated, everything else is a plus. Of course I still want people to view my videos. I do a lot of gigs, corporate events, jingles and also write a lot of songs for people. I live very comfortably off of my craft. Song writing is a major income earner yet people don’t know that. There’s a culture in Kenya where they are against having songs written for them such that I can’t disclose which songs I wrote. We don’t realise that all the thriving music industries, including Tanzania and Nigeria, have divisions of labour so that the artiste specialises as a performer to make it a better product.”

“To me, music is an expression of emotion and culture. If I box myself into any particular genre it won’t give me room to do something else. So if I do something else, people will remind me that’s not my genre. I just say that I do African music, whichever way it comes out it will be that. I’m just an observer of life and society, and I write about that. The video concept for “Milele”, which features Collo, came from an accident I had with a bread transporter as I helped him stack back the crates I had knocked down.”

“The Kenyan music industry has an opportunity to shine and grow since all eyes are on Africa currently. If you position yourself well. I’m not saying you’ll get rich, but you can earn a living from music. However, we don’t give ourselves a chance to enjoy our own music because the airtime available is shared by music from all over the world. This makes it almost impossible to compete with established international acts even within, unlike in Tanzania and Uganda which enjoy upwards of 80 per cent local content, even in clubs. The money that goes out prevents our artistes from re-investing in their music to produce better songs or make better videos, and stops us from exporting our sound.”

Quick Fire

Are you friends with Yemi Alade?

Not exactly. I was signed to Taurus Music and we had dinner when she came for Coke Studio in 2015. We were on the same line-up at a show later and got to hang out. She’s cool, though.

What’s your ‘fountain of youth’ secret?

I’m a very happy person, reading a lot and travelling when I can. I also eat well, enjoy everything in moderation, and work out too. You only get one body and you’ve got to take care of yourself.

What is your lazy day like?

Sitting in a corner with either a glass of wine or gin and tonic, covered up in a blanket and reading a book. I could read all day.

Favourite food?

Chapati and maharagwe ya nazi. I just love the latter so much.

Easy fashion and glam fashion looks?

Sweat pants and T-shirt for a day in. For glam, I love shoes, so everything starts down upwards. I adore heels.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Patricia Kihoro first rose into public recognition through the reality-TV music talent show ‘Tusker Project Fame.’ Since then, she boasts a multi-faceted career as a singer, songwriter, actress, radio presenter, and emcee.

She is also a vlogger and through her YouTube channel, Patricia with her viewers some of her real-life experiences, including travel adventures and make-up routines.

The Homeboyz radio presenter has enjoyed a controversy-free stint in the limelight until late last year when it was rumored that she was involved in a lesbian threesome with fashion blogger ‘This Is Ess’ and singer Fena Gitu.

While she has since responded to the claims, Patricia opened up about the rumor recently in an interview with freelance journalist Yvonne Aoll.

Patricia also talked about dating, plans to go celibate, and life in general.

Below are some excerpts from the interview.

Would you ever participate in another reality TV show?

No, I don’t think so. Not a housemate’s kind of set up. Unless it was special, something like The Amazing Race, that I would do. Especially because there’s a lot of travel involved, that, oh, that’s my kind of thing.

Are you and Ng’ang’alito still friends?

We are, but we don’t see each other much. The last time I saw him I was on a Bodaboda, he was too, and we were waving at each other and taking Snap-chats. (Laughs)

It’s been ages since the drama, but, do you and Debarl talk?

We do. I mean, we were never that close even from the beginning in the Tusker Project Fame house, but we were cordial acquaintances. And we still are. I see him sometimes and we acknowledge each other, exchange greetings, that kind of thing.

You’ve gone into YouTubing now, what do you think sets your channel apart from the rest?

(Thinks) The fact that it’s me. It’s my channel. I’m not trying to be like anyone else. It’s just me. I hope viewers come to watch it because they want to see Patricia.

The digital world is now super inundated with fashion bloggers, make-up content creators and general YouTubers, do we need any more of these? Do we need new people getting into it?

You know, that’s one of the things that made me procrastinate for so long before fully committing to YouTube. I used to sit and think people would judge me for being yet another celebrity going on YouTube, but I had to stop looking at what everyone else was doing and just offer what I have.

So, yes. We can have as many people as are willing. There’s room for everyone. With the internet, there’s room for anyone who’s willing to put in the work to shine. There’s no reason not to.

You sing, act, emcee and work as a radio presenter, which of these incredible talents you’ve been gifted with, truly personifies Patricia Kihoro?

(Smiles) Hmmm, none. They are all parts of who I am as a creative. And when I’m doing one, I focus on it completely, and give it my all. I never want to be put in a box, I was blessed with all of them, and I always want to know that in the end, I used everything I was given.

You work at Homeboyz Radio, what’s your advice to those who are looking to get into radio or the media industry in general?

Start with your own platform. Instead of radio, people are listening to Podcasts now. Start with that, then you have something to show for your talent, passion and persistence when you get a chance to meet a radio executive.

But also, radio is not what it used to be, everything is digitised now, a lot of advertising goes to digital platforms, you might not even need radio in the end. Start with your own thing and grow from there.

And to those who want to be famous?

Wow. (Shakes head) I don’t know, I don’t know what to say to that. I wouldn’t know what to say to anyone in search of fame by itself.

Patricia, what was that lesbian threesome rumour about?

I don’t know Yvonne. (Shakes head) I don’t know.

Do you know who started the rumour? How did it start?

I first saw the story on some blog, when someone sent me a link. And then a few other blogs, blogs that I would never take my time out to follow or read.

The details of the rumour appeared to be quite detailed, do you see how your fans could have easily believed it?

When I first read about the rumour, I didn’t think there was a lot of detail to it. However, that notwithstanding, it was unfortunate when people started believing the rumour. That was really unfortunate.

So the rumour was completely false, no truth to it?

None. No truth to it whatsoever.

Why you? Why would someone choose to start such a rumour on you based on nothing?

I ask myself that question every day. But I think there are people, some men, who find it threatening to see young, successful, women, who are supportive of each other, and who continue to rise.

I’ve never met some of these people, I’ve never been in a room with them, and for them to go out and create such false narratives is disappointing to say the least.

Was your family affected by the rumour?

My family, bless them, they know me for who I am. I was never worried about them or my closest friends, because I knew they would completely dismiss such falsehoods. Although my dad did reach out to me when someone from Tanzania sent him a link to the story.

From Tanzania?

Imagine that. But we just laughed it off. I told him such things, rumours, come with the territory, with fame. That was it.

Why do you think the rumour turned into such a scandal, was it the lesbian factor? Or the threesome factor? Or both?

(Shakes head) I don’t know. But misery loves company. Sometimes we just want to see people in pain or hear terrible things about others, to make ourselves feel better.

What do you struggle with the most, when it comes to dating?

Losing myself. When I love someone, I completely lose myself to them and to the relationship. I even schedule my plans around them. It’s a dangerous thing to do. But I’m working on it.

I heard the story of you literally running after a guy, who had jumped onto the boot of a moving vehicle, taking off from you – did this really happen?

(Laughs heartily) It did. We were at a party and I was looking for this guy I was with, the next thing I know, I’m seeing him on the boot and the car is taking off. And yes, I ran after him. (Giggles)

While he was on a moving car? Patricia?

(Laughs) Stop Yvonne, stop. (Laughs again) Don’t judge me.

I’m not judging. I’m just confused.

(Nods) I know, I know, it’s terrible. But we’re friends now.

You are friends?

Yes. No bad blood. He’s married now, with two kids.

You must have really been in love, were you in love? Or was that just the folly of youth?

Both! Oh, I was in love (reminisces), and yes, I was young too. (Shakes head)

Do you look back and think, “Ah, the things we do in our youth?”

Yes, some of the things people do can only be explained by youth. But the important thing is to maximise on such experiences by always learning and remembering the lessons they come with.

What was the lesson for you in that situation?

That if a man wants to go, let him.

And in your case, that lesson was literal?

Stop it Yvonne! (Laughs)

Okay, okay.

(Laughs some more) But yes, let him go, literally or figuratively speaking. Just let him go.

Are you dating now?

No. I decided I won’t date this year, I plan to be celibate. I just want this year to be about me, to find myself again, to understand what I’m about, and to travel. I really want to travel. This is my year of saying say yes to all things travel.

Why is dating out of the picture?

My last relationship did quite a number on me. It was deep, and beautiful, and almost everything I’d wanted a relationship to be, and when it ended, I was devastated, even though I had seen the end coming in some ways.

How do you mean?

He was 29 years old, which meant younger than me, but that wasn’t really the issue, because age really is just a number.

Sometimes people go through stuff when they are at that age, and then he was going through other things on top of that as well, so he just told me we needed to break it off, in order for him to get himself together. It was hard, but I respected the decision.

What advice would you give to someone in their 20s, who is struggling with love?

You’ll be okay. Time heals all wounds.

Does it really?

Yes, time does.

And for someone who is struggling to deal with an ex either at work, school, church, or neighbourhood, an ex they have to see every so often, what’s your advice to them?

Reclaim your space. I’ve had to learn this lesson myself, don’t stop going to places you like or enjoy because of an ex. You can give yourself a break, but don’t let them stop you. Go back, if not to gain closure, to reclaim your space.

With everything you’ve accomplished so far, when it comes to friendships, do you sometimes feel the need to dull your shine, in order to accommodate your friends? So that they don’t feel too intimidated or threatened?

No. I don’t have friends like those. And I don’t want friends like those.

My closest friends are very ambitious people, they’re always dreaming and striving and kicking it. I love them because we get to challenge each other like that.

If I get a feeling that I have to make myself small for you to feel big, then you’re not a true friend, and I have no business being around you.

Do you cut people off?

(Nods quickly) I do, and I have. And some people can come back after two or so years, when they have themselves figured out, and that’s okay, we can be friends again then. But I don’t force things.

What do you consider to be the biggest mistake you’ve made in life so far?

Procrastination. I’m sure I’ve made many other mistakes, but I think this is the biggest I can think of right now. I procrastinate a lot, but I’m really trying not to be a procrastinator anymore.

You are in your 30s now, do you feel any different?

In some ways, yes. In your 20s, you’re constantly worrying about every little thing. And then you hit 30 and everything changes. You stop worrying about things that don’t matter, and only give your energy to those that do. I now care less a lot.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Kenya’s highly-acclaimed digital artist Osborne Macharia has added another impressive accolade to his growing list of remarkable achievements.

The talented artist has for the first time shot Hollywood actors in New Orleans, Louisiana after he was handpicked by renowned film director Ava DuVernay to shoot the key artwork for the American Drama series Queen Sugar.

The show is executively produced by Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey and airs on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

Over the weekend, an elated Osborne Macharia could not contain himself as both Ava and Oprah shared his artwork on their socials.

Osborne took to Instagram to post: “When both Queens, @oprah and @ava share your work then you know for sure you are living your purpose. Humbled to have been handpicked by Ava DuVernay to shoot the Key Art for @owntv show #QueenSugarand my first time shooting Hollywood actors. If I was to appreciate everyone involved to make this happen then my post would go on for days, but I appreciate everyone involved from the bottom of my heart. ”

This comes months after Osborne was commissioned by Marvel to create an “exclusive art piece” for the launch of Black Panther in London.

Also Read: Kenyan Photographer Commissioned by Marvel for Stunning ‘Black Panther’ Artwork [Photos]

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Everyone’s favorite comedian Timothy Kimani alias Njugush has once again proved why he is the G.O.A.T of comedy in Kenya and probably Africa.

The actor, whose YouTube channel continues to grow exponentially with each passing day, has delivered a hilarious skit as a pastor.

Going by the name Pasta Njugush, the comedian delivers a hilarious and ironic sermon on humility with the help of his biggest fan – his wife Celestine Ndinda also known as Mama wa Kavitz.

Better yet, the sermon appears to be an imitation of Pastor Robert Burale and anyone who has watched Burale’s sermons will see why.

Watch that sermon below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Akothee, alias President of Single Mothers, has not ruled out getting married to her manager Nelly Oaks.

The two have been at it for months now and there has even been talk of a marriage proposal and an upcoming wedding.

However, Akothee says she has not been proposed to but she is open to settling down with Oaks.

“Nelly Oaks has not proposed to me, therefore I am not going to get into his plans. Maybe he has no plans for me. However, he is a good guy and if he proposes to me, why not marry him?”

The “Oyoyo” singer further sent mixed signals about their relationship saying they are not dating.

When asked about dating a younger guy, She said; “Who told you he is young? Furthermore, we are not dating. We are just friends but our fans pushed us to say we are dating. We are not really dating. Maybe I do not know the meaning of dating but for us, we are just pals. Just because people see us walking and working together does not mean we are dating. We are business partners.”

Speaking marriage, Akothee said; “Marriage is a formality and an institution that has to be put down on paper to tell people you are together, married.

“We are enjoying our time and we are happy. People want to anticipate my marriage so that if we are not together tomorrow, they say I got dumped.”

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Seasoned radio personality and comedian Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o has revealed his plans to quit radio and join politics.

The Hot96 radio presenter says he is in his last five years on radio and hopes to make the switch to politics by the next general elections.

“I am 35 years now with my next birthday on the 27th of April. These are probably my last five years on radio. I will be 40 years then, what else will I be doing? Let me give back and that is why I will be vying,” said Jalang’o in a recent interview.

The comedian has his eyes set on the Lang’ata Parliamentary seat.

He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Community Development at Daystar University.

Jalas, who graduates next year, notes the course will help him understand how to manage and interact with his constituents should he get elected.

“I choose community development because as MP for Lang’ata constituency I have to be able to take care of community matters.

“I am graduating in 2019, it will be lit for days. The day I graduate this town will not sleep. I have achieved all these (success) without having a degree, imagine what am about to do once I get it” he joked.

Jalas notes that he owes his achievements to his resilience, hate for comfort zone, self-belief, courage, and discipline.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Nairobi socialite turned travel blogger Corazon Kwamboka is living large in Italy thanks to her Italian beau.

The voluptuous lass traveled to Rome, Italy earlier this month to surprise her boyfriend on his birthday.

For over two weeks, the socialite has been enjoying what Italy has to offer, including visits to iconic architectural marvels.

It was not until her visit to Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, that Corazon caused an internet storm.

Over the weekend, as Nairobi got pounded by rains, Corazon was enjoying a sunny beach day at a beach called Poetto. The endowed Ms Kwamboka let loose and stepped out in a blue and white striped bikini showcasing her enviable assets and thunder thighs.

In fact, the advocate of the high court felt free enough to go topless at the beach.

She teased her followers with a picture, writing; “Going topless at this beautiful beach really felt like freedom. I’m in love with Sardinia and I loved sharing my adventure with all of you.”

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

For someone who boasts a svelte and elegant figure, popular musician Akothee is not overlooking some of the weight struggles that women go through in a bid to please men.

The “Oyoyo” hitmaker on Tuesday afternoon tore into men who set unreasonable weight demands on women for the sake of their insatiable sexual appetites.

According to Akothee, any man who wants a woman with a flat tummy should just marry a snake. The singer laid into “thirsty” men on her popular Instagram page saying they are the ones with a problem.

“If you want a woman with a flat tummy! Please just go marry a snake, don’t go for a healthy woman and start frustrating her with her weight, it’s actually you with the problem ala!”

She added: “We can’t keep on changing our bodies to fit into men’s lusts, we are not chameleons.”

Noting that men are adventurous, the singer further advised women to only exercise for their own wellbeing rather than for “thirsty idiots.”

“Wanaume watakutoa roho! you change your colour tone then he cheats on you with aka Akothee the charcoal!

“He cheats on you with aka 1gb then you start thinking it’s because of your weight! Alas! You are actually going crazy for no reason! Men are wondrous[sic] /adventurers…stick to your lane & do exercise to feel good and be healthy not for any thirsty idiot.”

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

It’s been barely two weeks since WCB’s Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize released their joint hit – Kwangwaru – and Eric Omondi has already jumped on it.

The Kenyan funny man, who has a particular liking for parodying Diamond’s song for our entertainment, has this time teamed up with TV host and emcee Antonio.

Their parody is titled ‘Kiwaru”, a sheng slang meaning jealousy. The two Big Tyme comedians use the hit to troll Arsenal and its fans over the team’s struggles in the English Premier League this season.

The Gunners are also set to lose their long-serving manager Arsene Wenger who steps down after 22 years at the end of the season. This has certainly created uncertainty among arsenal fans about the future.

Watch “Kiwaru” below:

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

After the whole debacle with Harmonize, Willy Paul is looking to move on with the release of his latest collabo.

The singer recently cried foul, accusing Harmonize of using him in their song – “PiliPili”. His complaint raised a debate about the relationship between Tanzanian and Kenyan artistes, with some sections claiming that Bongo Flava artistes, especially from Diamond’s WCB camp, do not support their Kenyan counterparts in promoting songs in Tanzania.

That, however, has not stopped Willy Paul, who has enlisted the services of Tanzanian hitmaker Ben Pol for the remix of “Mamangu.” The original song was released about four years ago and was a dedication to Willy Paul’s ailing mother.

Promoting the remix on his socials, Willy Paul wrote: “MY MOTHER HAS BEEN SICK FOR 17YRS NOW, SOMETIMES SHES FINE SOMETIMES SHE’S NOT! HER SICKNESS IS ON AND OFF. BUT I BELIEVE THAT THE SAME GOD THAT GAVE HER LIFE AND MADE HER MY MOTHER, IS THE SAME GOD THAT WILL HEAL HER.”

As we wait for the video, listen to the jam below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Octopizzo just dropped an album and along with it was the music video for the track “Noma Ni”, in which he aims a dig at his rap “rival” Khaligraph Jones.

In the song, Octo flexes his witty and impecabble lyricism, saying, “Niliwapeleka kaburini So, wanajua ni MAZISHI Na kwa hiyo matanga yenu bana huskii bado tutadishii.”

This is, ofcourse, in reference to Khaligraph Jones’ hard-hitting single “Mazishi” that took the Kenyan rap scene by storm about two years ago.

Octo was seen by many to be reviving the beef between himself and the self-styled O.G. Octo, however, says that he was just returning a favour that was long overdue.

During an interview with Homeboyz Radio’s G Money, Octo noted that Khaligraph used one of his lines in the track “Biashara” with Stella Mwangi.

“When he(Khaligraph Jones) did the track “Biashara”, he had a line saying “Naskia Siku Hizi Kukula (mahindi) ni swag” from my song “Swag”..so I was just giving him back…I was giving back to the community..” said Octo.

Hear it from the horse’s mouth below:

So what’s the deal between @octopizzo x @khaligraph_jones why did Octo hit at him in #Nomani? Listen to his answer.

A post shared by Homeboyz Radio 103.5 (@homeboyzradio) on Apr 24, 2018 at 10:48pm PDT

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Musician Avril Nyambura has quashed reports that she gave birth to a baby girl.

The singer, who has been keeping a low profile on the arrival of her child, finally addressed the rumors this week. She was said to have delivered a girl about a week ago through Caesarean Section.

Setting the record straight on Instagram, the singer said that her episiotomy is proof that she didn’t have CS.

Episiotomy is a surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth, to aid a difficult delivery and prevent rupture of tissues.

‘’Since I’m known for giving PSAs through my social media accounts (so I’m told)…let me clear some fake news…No I did not have a CS.. my episiotomy is proof of that..and I do not have a baby girl..ditch your source cause naona akishinda akiwaenjoy,’’ posted Avril.

The ‘Nikimuona’ hit maker further poured cold water on the ‘source’ of the fake news.

‘’Guys laughing in my DMs about hii story ya source..no but seriously though rudisha doe za wenyewe coz kama hata date ulikosea wacha gender we ni source wa aina gani? Haya ni hivyo nimemaliza,” she added.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Secular-turned-gospel Kenyan songbird Wahu says Nameless’ life-threatening condition was a major turning point in her life.

Nameless was last October diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Small blood vessels in the brain had ruptured and blood had leaked into the area between the brain and tissue covering the brain.

The condition can lead to permanent brain damage or death if not treated promptly.

Fortunately for the father of the two, surgery was not required and he only needed to be closely monitored in the High Dependency Unit (HDU).

Wahu says that her husband’s condition brought her closer to God.

“In the situation where my husband was unwell, I went on my knees because it is not about how popular or how much people love you. Those are not the things that matter. Sometimes God shows you ‘I Am God’ and you just have to come down and say yes You are God and You are everything.

“I resonated with the song because of that space and I guess I can say when my husband was unwell God says he is Jehovah-Rapha the healer. The beautiful thing about God is He doesn’t contradict himself and He doesn’t change. His word is his word.”

“Life sometimes is not [about] how much you have really acquired. It’s about doing what God created you to do. Without Him you can’t really move on,” Wahu added.

The singer is currently riding high on the wave of her new release, “My Everything”, which is about a woman who sought God’s intervention when her husband and father of her children suddenly fell ill, on an ordinary morning as the family went about their normal morning routines.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Comedian and Television talk show host Chipukeezy has delivered on his promise to help Tamara Risheel.

The budding singer became an online sensation after taking to the streets with a placard claiming to be President Uhuru’s unknown daughter. She was subsequently arrested and spent the weekend behind bars before Starehe Mp Jaguar secured her release on Monday.

The 18-Year-old has since copped an appearance on TV as Chipukeezy hosted her on his Ebru TV show –Chipukeezy Show.

The interview is currently one of the top trending videos on YouTube and it has elicited some controversy. Some people have criticised Chipukeezy for exploiting Tamara’s plight to generate traction and laughs for his newly launched show.

While speaking to Chipukeezy, Tamara revealed that she dropped out of school at year 10 and since then she has been working on her musical career.

She apparently writes 150 songs a day and so far has a song about President Uhuru and other celebrities she adores.

On being Uhuru’s daughter, she said she considers him her dad at heart.

The interview left a section of viewers stunned and worried for Tamara as some questioned her sanity.

During the interview, however, Chipukeezy promised to help her and he put his money where his mouth is on Wednesday. The comedian, through his Chipukeezy Youth Empowerment Foundation, went shopping and delivered the goodies at Tamara’s home in Kawangware.

‘’I promised that I will see to it that Tamara (the girl who claimed to be President’s Daughter) gets the help that she needs after coming on my show. Shopping kidogo ya food na beddings nimefanya… Anyone else feeling led and is willing to help her are most welcome,’’ he posted.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Over the years, cases of many Kenyan artists and creatives ending up in poverty at the twilight of their careers have been recorded.

But one Kenyan artist who has taken the right steps to ensure a comfortable retirement is gospel crooner Owen Mwatia popularly known as Daddy Owen.

The 36-Year-Old star took to social media to challenge his fellow artists and creatives to make hay while the sun shines by making investments.

The ‘Vanity’ hitmaker said it was good to be “famous” while making money but noted most creatives in the country fail to invest.

“Yes it is good to be “famous” u make money at that time but most of us creatives we fail to invest and the most unapata shida kiasi then our loopholes zinaanza kuonekana..,” wrote Daddy Owen.

He reckoned: “it’s sad when most of us end up poor and with nothing to show at the twilight years of our careers.”

To drive his point across, the Award-winning singer shared a picture of his upcoming house which is almost complete.

He said, “As I finish building my house I challenge us today.. buy land.. invest wisely.. build houses.. etc! In short let’s take care of our future now!,” and added the hashtags #PlanningMyFuture#JengaKeja.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire