A lot has been said about the state of the Kenyan music industry with regard to local acts not getting enough airplay on radio or TV.

Kenyan music acts have mostly been up in arms against media stakeholders for giving local content the cold shoulder.

On the other hand, media personalities and DJs argue that local content is wanting and therefore, artistes just need to work harder and release content worthy of airplay.

As the debate rages on, veteran Kenyan rapper Abbas Doobeez has also joined the conversation and spoken like a true veteran of the game.

Abbas, who is now based in Malta Island, spared some advice to Kenyan artistes on how to manoeuvre through the tough music industry.

According to Abbas, one big hit is enough to propel an artiste’s career to greater heights.

“If a certain presenter/Dj is not playing ur music as an artist….just drop one track that will leave no reasonable doubt….radio-friendly beat, simple clever catchy hook(make it creative…not sloppy) and 3 killer verses throw in a nice repetitive chant….BOOM!!. when it’s a GOOD CERTIFIED HIT all radio stations will have no choice but to play it,” wrote Abbas on social media.

He added: “Once u have a headliner song that makes ur brand a house hold name then drop ur album which has ur other songs that are also good but not commercial(for example). Copy paste that sequence and keep doing it… That’s how u pimp the industry to work 4 u and not the other way round!!!”

The former K-South rapper also noted that the issue of royalties needs to be addressed. It will be remembered that a few years ago, Abbas claimed that he was paid Sh89  in royalties.

“Another Issue that needs to be directly tackled is Royalties. Do u know how much money is being stolen right under our noses that actually belongs to the artists??? Expose these pple!!!!why is the Secretary of “a royalty collecting organisation” pushing a benz while the artist(who employed her/him) is taking the Uber to go collect their royalties from that same secretary?” wondered Abbas on Instagram.

 

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1st…a big shout out to all presenters and Djz who play/have been playing Kenyan music coz they believe in their own!! #Respct the conversation is about those who are simply not doing their jobs.2 you artists This is very simple fam…if a certain presenter/Dj is not playing ur music as an artist….just drop one track that will leave no reasonable doubt….radio friendly beat, simple clever catchy hook(make it creative…not sloppy) and 3 killer verses throw in a nice repetitive chant….BOOM!!. wen it’s a GOOD CERTIFIED HIT all radio stations will have no choice but to play it. Once u have a headliner song that makes ur brand a house hold name then drop ur album which has ur other songs that are also good but not commercial(for exmple). Copy paste that sequence and keep doing it… That’s how u pimp the industry to work 4 u and not the other way round!!! #Facts I cant put a limit to individual’s creativity so I can’t sit here and tell musicians how to make music …thats not my place or anyone’s. But, at the end of the day …not all listeners are the same so u will realise as an artist you have to experiment in order to find the right sound if u want to hack a wider audience. Hip Hop (respectively)blends with any genre, so….Rappers pls don’t be scared to experiment with other beats….it doesn’t harm ur ego it only proves that you are well rounded and versatile!!! Just my opinion/advice.SIDE NOTE;Another Issue that needs to be directly tackled is Royalties.Do u know how much money is being stolen right under our noses that actually belongs to the artists??? Expose these pple!!!!why is the the Secretary of “a royalty collecting organisation” pushing a benz while the artist(who employed her/him) is taking the Uber to go collect their royalties from that same secretary?? thought iv e seen STRANGER THINGS but this industry been UPSIDE DOWN Like a DEMI GOD!! #MulikaMwiziTujengeNchi #ContentMatters #DontBeLazy #PlayKenyanMusic

A post shared by Abbas Kubaff (@abbasdoobeez) on Jan 13, 2019 at 6:47am PST

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

As others are complaining about the hurdles and the extreme harshness of the nightmarish month known as January,  others are sailing this arduous month away – and even making moves we can only dream of.

One such fellow is one Murua Muziki, a Kenyan musician and flamboyant business personality who today, decided to do the unthinkable – cement his status as an eternally friend-zoned man.

This morning, the fast-rising singer walked into the towering After 40 Hotel along Biashara Street with his best friend in his arms.

And after chowing away a plate of some of the hotel’s most scrumptious meals, and downing it with some juice, he got down on one knee, pulled out an engagement ring and proposed to his best friend.

But not before handing her a gold chain and a brand new laptop that she has been trying to buy.

It was not your usual mawkish proposals for marriage – his was unique. Or rather odd.

‘Will you please be my best friend? For life? Till eternity?’ he asked his bewildered best friend.

And she said an emphatic ‘YES!’.

Basically, Murwa went down on one knee to ask his best friend to be his forever – as a friend.

And as he slid the diamond ring down her dainty finger, he reiterated that the beautiful lass was free to marry whoever she wanted. Whenever she wanted.

As long as she remained his best friend.

Well, this is taking the word ‘friend zone’ to a whole new realm.

But Murwa doesn’t seem to mind . After all, he’s monied and loyal.

And isn’t that all that matters? Wonders, they said, will never cease.

Watch the whole incidence here:

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Award-winning gospel music songbird Mercy Masika has attributed her success to her husband, David Muguro, who doubles up as her manager.

According to the ‘Mwema’ hitmaker, she could have quit music if someone else was managing her.

“I would not be this great if it was not for my husband’s hard work because he does a lot of things that I could not be doing by myself,” Masika told Radio Jambo.

Mercy Masika also acknowledged that she sometimes disagrees with her husband/manager, but they always resolve their differences within the day.

“Sometimes we quarrel but you have to be wise and the same way you respect him in marriage is the same way you should respect him when working together,” she said.

Even when she isn’t in the wrong, Masika says she apologises first.

“I forget very fast when we quarrel but I think it is because I value my faith so much and I never go to bed without solving any argument I have had with my husband,” she said.

Masika is currently promoting her new song, ‘He never lies’.

“The song was inspired by how God has been faithful to me because He does. All God just needs us to do is become patient,” she said.

Watch the song below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Kush Tracey is the latest Kenyan female singer to give her life to Christ.

The “Huwezi Nidandia” hitmaker, real name Teresia Ndoti Wambua, dedicated her life to Jesus last Sunday at the Mavuno Church in Nairobi.

Taking to Instagram to announce the news, Kush Tracey said that she had been fighting her inner spirit every time she was doing secular music.

“It has been a longtime coming. I always fought with my inner spirit every time I was doing secular music, but as I always say #GodAboveAll. I have given my life to Christ today and ready to embark on the journey to fulfill my divine destiny, my anointing, my praise, my worship will never be paralysed by the devil again, well y’all know the fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom. To God be the glory. Amen,” she posted.

Kush Tracey has been a secular artiste for over two years, during which time she released a number of head-turning singles such as ‘Mtajua Hamjui’, ‘Ndulu’ featuring her ex-lover Timmy Tdat, and ‘Mawe’. She was the self-proclaimed bad girl of the Kenyan industry and often called herself the Boss Lady Boss Mama.

Kush Tracey joins a growing list of female music stars who have made the switch to gospel over the last few years, such as Size 8, Amani, Wahu, Cece Sagini, Marya, Lady Bee.

Some of these musicians took to the comments section to welcome Kush Tracey to the gospel industry.

Wahu Kagwi said: “Wow! Welcome, my love.”

Amani added: “Welcome home. As the angels rejoice, we rejoice too. May His grace that has saved you, keep you.”

While gospel entertainer, DJ Mo, said: “[You have made] the best decision ever. Welcome home. [May] God bless and guide you in every step.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

It has been a longtime coming,I always fought with my inner spirit every time I was doing secular music,but as I always say #GodAboveAll I have given my life to Christ today and ready to embark on the journey to fulfill my divine destiny,my anointing,my praise,my worship will never be paralyzed by the devil again,well y’all know the fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom to God be the glory AMEN #GodSpeed #HumbledByHisGrace

A post shared by Kush Tracey (@kush_tracey) on Jan 13, 2019 at 3:55am PST

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Radio Jambo presenter Lawrence Macharia alias Terence Creative has recalled his difficult past life in the streets following the death of his mother.

Terence, who doubles up as an internet comedian, lost his mother at the tender age of nine.

“I am the lastborn of three brothers. Our mum died when I was nine years. We grew under my grandmother’s house that was too small to accommodate by brothers plus my uncles. At times I thought I could walk out and go look for food. That is when I became a street kid for seven years,” said Terence.

According to Terence, he turned to crime and peddling drugs in Mathare to make ends meet.

“Life was not easy in the street. I became a drug peddler, that is how I made my money. I even used to fake disability and pretend to be a disabled child just to get money. I mean, life there was not a joke. It was so tough,” he said.

“I sold scrap metals as well and I became a thug. I would snatch bags from people, side mirrors za gari za watu. But all this was out of frustrations in life and lacking hope because I didn’t see me becoming anyone in the society.”

Terence further opened up about his cigarette addiction, a habit that started when his mother died.

“One year ago I was a smoke slave. I couldn’t function without smoke, I kept it to my mind that I needed to smoke to be more creative. Later on I realised it was just a myth. I prayed to God and said to myself I will quit. I prayed and told God to free me ’cause I’m his child, and he did,” he said.

“Smoking cost me a lot, loss of dignity, loss of jobs. I remember some of my ‘friends’ who wanted me to offer my creative services used to say, ‘Hhuyu usimpee pesa, bora uende na fegi atakuskiza.’ That’s how low I could stoop, and as an addict, you put smoke ahead of you.”

Terence thanks Muli’s Children’s Home for rescuing him from the streets and giving him an opportunity to go to school.

“Mr Muli took me to his children’s home and that is where I reformed from using hard drugs after I was taken to rehabilitation for two years,” he said.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Musician Willy Paul on Tuesday reportedly survived the terror attack at DusitD2 Hotel on Riverside Drive in Westlands, Nairobi.

The controversial hitmaker, who seems to attract trouble at every turn, was attending a meeting at the hotel when armed assailants attacked the DusitD2 complex, which houses a hotel and several international companies.

The assailants, who are believed members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, reportedly denoted grenades and opened fire as they entered the complex at around 3 pm.

Willy Paul was among the hundreds of people who were able to flee to safety. He took to social media to narrate his ordeal and to thank God for making out unharmed.

“Today, I’ve seen how much God loves me!! He’s given me another chance to live. I hope everyone survived the attack at dusit.. I’ve never come across such a thing in my life!!! People have been injured and some have lost their lives!!” wrote the singer.

He further observed that the guns used by the assailants were “not usual”.

“The police should dig deep into this issue because the kind of weapons that we’re used afew minutes back are not usual!! Someone somewhere is supplying this people with this weapons.”

Willy Paul further recounted that: “While in my meeting the fast thing I had was a blast from a very powerful explosive, the second thing that followed were gun shots. I can’t believe I’m here typing, I just survived this horrific incident.. Thank you Lord. I will never get tired of thanking you and serving under you !!!”

Speaking to CitizenDigital, Willy Paul narrated the ordeal as follows: “I was at an office in an adjacent building to dusitD2 Hotel, when I heard a loud ear-piercing explosion. I went to the window to peep outside and saw black smoke billowing into the air. Some of the ladies, who were present in the room, were smiling at me, suggesting that my act was cowardly. To them, the explosion was as a result of, maybe a tyre burst. Before we could resettle for the meeting, a second bang, this time louder, rented the air, with several gunshots being heard. We did not know where to run to.

“While wondering what to do, we saw a group of people running toward the emergency exit. We followed them and found ourselves at the fire assembly point. While there, we still harboured fears, and so we had to continue with our runs. I really sympathized with women, who could not jump over a raised metal bar that separated safety areas from the scene of the attack. Several women broke their arms and legs while trying to jump over the bar. It was a chaotic scene. My eyes bleed from what I saw.

“As I am speaking to you, I left my car at the scene of attack. After running to safety, I hopped onto the next motorbike, which sped with me and my cousin to Nairobi’s central business district.”

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Sarah Ikumu is a 17-year-old singing sensation who made Kenya proud on the popular UK television talent show, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.

Ikumu, who was only 15 at the time, received the “Golden Buzzer” when she auditioned for the talent show.

Recalling her experience during the show, Sarah Ikumu says she was hesitant to go for the auditions at first.

“My mum and I did not like me go for the auditions because for me, I have never liked competitions, and so it took me some time before I could join, but I did finally,” Sarah said.

On how it was like performing in front of well-known harsh judge Simon Cowell, Sarah said: “First there was tension, especially because of well-known ‘harsh’ judge Simon Cowell. I knew he was tough.”

She added that she was not thinking about the crowd but mainly about her voice and if it was going to stay all through her performance.

Sarah further said she started performing in public at the age of five years. “My first audience was the church, where my father was ministering, and the congregation was amazed by my voice and my courage,” she said.

Did she expect to receive the attention she got from Kenyans after the performance?

“Even during the auditions, I had only told my friend, cousins and my parents because I did not know I would make people that happy. I was so shocked by the huge comments coming from Kenyans telling me they are proud of me,” she said.

Sarah Ikumu is hoping to release her songs this year.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Kenyan music act Brown Mauzo has denied reports that he attempted to commit suicide.

Last week, rumors were rife that the singer had swallowed poison after a video went viral showing him being taken to a hospital.

Brown Mauzo has been going through a difficult period in his life after his long-term girlfriend walked out on him for unknown reasons. It has been alleged that Mauzo had taken time off his music career to try and build something with the now ex-girlfriend.

According to some of his friends, he had invested a lot into the relationship which explains the heartbreak that led him to release Kizunguzungu a little over a week ago.

On social media, Brown Mauzo said: “Kuna watu hawana mapenzi kabisa. Unaweza ukampenda mtu ila asipendeke kabisa.”

The woman was also allegedly cheating on him with an older man but this remains unverified information.

Brown Mauzo has now come out to clarify on the misleading reports, denying that he attempted to take his own life.

In an interview with Mseto East Africa’s Mzazi Willy Tuva, Brown Mauzo explained that he fell ill after locking himself in the house for two days. He said he was really stressed and did not want to communicate with anyone, including friends and family.

Brown Mauzo further told Mzazi that he tried to call his now ex-girlfriend countless times but his efforts were futile.

During the interview at Mauzo’s house, Mzazi called the woman in an attempt to find common ground but she non-committal. She refused to speak with Brown Mauzo, hang up the call and refused to pick up Mzazi’s calls on several attempts.

In a video of the interview, Brown Mauzo can be seen covering his face as he breaks down in tears for a number of minutes.

The video ends with a heartbroken Mauzo walking out of the interview to another room away from the camera.

Watch the interview below or on YouTube.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Bongo crooner Ali Kiba has mourned the death of his father on social media.

Mzee Saleh Kiba died yesterday (Thursday 17, 2018) while undergoing treatment at the Muhimbili Hospital in Dar es Salaam. Until his demise, he was in and out of hospital over age-related ailments.

Mzee Kiba was buried later in the evening at the Kisutu Muslim cemetery in accordance with Islamic laws.

Ali Kiba broke his silence after the final send-off, taking to Instagram to thank everyone who attended the burial.

“Nawashukuru wote walioshiriki katika mazishi ya mzee wangu, na wale ambao hawakujaaliwa pia mimi na familia yangu tumefarijika sana. Namuomba MUNGU ailaze roho ya marehemu mahali Pema peponi na atupe subira kwenye kipindi hiki kigumu AMIN.”

Mzee Saleh Kiba is survived by two sons – Ali Kiba and Abdul Kiba – and a daughter, Zabibu Kiba.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

David Ambondo Osunga aka Sky Davin is a 26-year-old gospel rapper.

Sky Davin, who has overcome a lot of obstacles to get to where he is, part-time receptionist at an insurance firm. He spoke to OneXtra about his journey.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Kush Tracey is the latest Kenyan female singer to give her life to Christ.

The “Huwezi Nidandia” hitmaker, real name Teresia Ndoti Wambua, dedicated her life to Jesus at the Mavuno Church in Nairobi.

However, Kush Tracey does not want to be referred to as a gospel artiste.

In an interview with Pulse Magazine, she speaks candidly about her transition, controversial past, regrets, and more.

You gave your life to Jesus after attending Mavuno Church on Sunday. What does that mean to your music career that has seen you get voted the Best Female artiste during the Pulse Music Video Awards (PMVAs) before?

As a secular artiste, I have had commendable success and one of the great moments in my singing career has been winning the PMVAs. Giving my life to Jesus means that a few things have to change and the direction my music career takes must be redefined.

You suggested that you have been struggling inside your spirit thinking of this switch…

Like I said, this has been long time coming. I was always fighting with my inner self every time I was doing secular music.

When I started attending Mavuno sometime last year, the people who are close to me could tell that something new was about to happen and the question was when.

I have been wanting to do something that can inspire this generation and I knew this wouldn’t be achieved through the kind of music I was doing and the ways I was following.

That sounds like you regret some of the acts associated with your past…

Quite frankly, to some extent that is the truth. Being a secular artiste comes with a lot of pressure that mounts on you to keep that image of what people expect of you.

I would drink too much to show that I could go hard and that I had it going on. However, my inner self was in constant fight with what people saw on the service.

Alcohol… what else?

All that controversy you media would write about. That wasn’t me.

Do we now call you a gospel artiste?

I don’t like that ‘gospel artiste’ tag as it has been abused so much. I would rather be called an ‘inspirational singer’.

Since I got my job as a TV presenter at Switch TV mid last year, I knew that God was positioning me to do what he wanted me to achieve in this generation.

I like to mentor and motivate as well as inspire the youth and that is what the show is all about. My music should be able to connect with my viewers. Let’s say that my past showbiz career has been erased and that the music I will be doing will inspire. Don’t expect to see me twerking.

You have deleted most of the stuff you had on your social media platforms. What happens to the songs and the showbiz name Kush Tracey?

I deleted stuff that did not reflect the new me. That is because the past is behind me. I left just a few memories like photos of me winning the PMVAs as they have an inspirational story.

I cannot control what is already out there so people can keep on playing and listening to the old songs. I will not change my name but rather build my new brand around it. I am still that ‘Mkamba wa Masaku’.

You just released a new song last month. That means you have projects that you had aligned for the New Year that probably will never see the light of day following this twist of events…

True. I had already mapped year 2019 so well and had quite a number of songs for release. That should not be a problem though as I have started working on new projects. By my next birthday when I turn 25 (March 17), I will have two new songs out.

What are your close friends saying about your decision to ditch secular?

It’s quite a mixed feeling. This is something I expected. From artistes to fans, everyone seems to be having their own ideas. Some say I got saved so as to look for a husband, which I find to be so ridiculous.

Artistes who made their transition from secular to gospel like Wahu and Amani called to congratulate me on the new move. Some think I will lose fans and not everyone is happy. But this is it…I am living my life.

Talking about husbands, probably that could be in your plans this year. Is it?

(Laughs) That is a crazy one! I am only 24 and not in a hurry for that. Of course, I have had very serious men hitting on me . A few that I know are shocked with this new decision and don’t know how to approach me anymore. But well, the right man will locate me where I am.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Grammy-award winning reggae family Morgan Heritage of siblings Gramps, Mojo and Peetah Morgan spoke to Buzz on their music, new found love for Africa, Buju Banton release, and their sister Una Morgan retiring because of a heart-attack.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Elizabeth Kamau is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader who was brave enough to pursue her passion for music after being a pharmacist.

She is one of the rising stars to look out for in the local industry this year.

Here are 13 things to know about Elizabeth Kamau.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.I was born and raised in Kenya. I then went to England to study Pharmacy, which I did for four years. I became a pharmacist, but I also studied music part-time. I’ve always been crazy about music. It’s my life. I got a few equipment and started a little studio. This is when I got into music properly.
2. When did you realise you were gifted in singing? Honestly? When I was very little. Seven years old if I’m not wrong.
3. Is anyone in your family musical?My younger brother Moses and I used to have singing competitions when we were children. (Laughs). We would listen and learn songs by Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey and then compete on who sang better in front of our family.

   The younger ones would give us the brutal truth and say whenever someone sang poorly. (Laughs). But this made me want to improve myself. My brother also did a song, but it was more of letting out a pressure from within him. He’s never wanted to be a full-time singer.

4. How would you describe your music?At the moment, it’s more Afro-fusion. I wouldn’t say I have found a style yet; I don’t know if I ever will. I do not like to limit myself, but I’m still on the journey of self-discovery.
5. What inspires you to write your songs?So many things inspire me. It may be real-life experiences, because I go through some things and would only talk about it through music. There’s a way that singing makes me let the emotions out. Other times, I just get inspiration from anywhere. I could hear a beat I like and immediately start writing out lyrics. I also write whenever we’re in church and I feel a great connection from a worship session or a sermon.
6. Growing up, who would you say influenced your music?As I said, we listened to Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston a lot, but I got born again as I got older. People like Cece Winans, Tasha Cobbs, Hillsong, Cassie J and Kari Jobe influenced me then.
7. What motivates you to do music?Honestly, the passion is just in me. Just yesterday, someone asked me when I’ll be working on another song, as if it’s a project. I can literally write a song on the go, and when I need to, but it all depends. Some songs have taken me months and even years to finish. I don’t need something to drive me to make music; it comes naturally for me.
8. What’s music to you?It’s the language of the soul. The heartbeat of the world. I think things would be bad in the world without music. People would be very depressed. You may have had a depressing day and your spirit and the weight on your shoulder starts getting lifted just as soon as you listen to a certain song. Music is such a powerful thing.
9. What’s the greatest achievement you’ve had in your music career so far?It was more of an honour performing during a Jamhuri Day event in London. It was a very intimate affair, with the High Commissioner and a few British people in government. I celebrate the little wins day by day, even if it means going for a TV interview. This is because music was a risk I took to follow my passion, having been a pharmacist for a while.
10. What challenges do you face?The Kenyan music industry is not structured. There’s no clear path and you wouldn’t know where to start, which can be very daunting. Without help or guidance, even a super-talented artiste can get forgotten, and that’s a shame. I think this is why other countries set up platforms like talent competitions; they realise there are some genuinely talented singers out there who do not know who to go to. I personally have not completely figured the industry out, and so far, it’s been by the grace of God.
11. Where would you say you’re headed as an artiste?I’m on a journey of discovery.
12. Do you think you could get better as an artiste?100 per cent.
13. How so?I still listen to people online. Hearing other talents is refreshing, and I always think about different things I could incorporate in my music from them. In music, more skills and technique is equivalent to an artiste with more colour ranges and more paint brushes. It means that you can be more expressive. So yes, I have a lot of growing to do.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

‘Kasabun’ hitmaker Timmy Tdat has officially opened his musical account for the year.

Picking up from where he left last year, the new release dubbed ‘Atekwe’ is a club anthem that is characteristic of Timmy Tdat’s top-charting singles.

Better yet, Timmy Tdat is assisted by the veteran crooner Redsan, who contributes his much superior dancehall vibes to make ‘Atekwe’ a certified banger.

‘Atekwe’ is a Swahili word loosely meaning “to get hold off”.

The track is produced by Vicky Pon Dis while the visuals are courtesy of East Africa’s top video director Enos Olik.

Amid the ongoing debate about Kenyan music lacking in content, ‘Atekwe’ has received rave reviews and there are no complaints. A worthy mention to the featured video vixens who really did their job.

Our rating: 7/10.

Watch below. For a clearer view of the video vixens, use the settings cog to watch it in 2160p 4K resolution.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Otile Brown has opened his musical account for 2019 with a romantic tribute to the Kenyan girl.

The R&B singer presents his new single dubbed ‘Kenyan Girl’. In the song, Otile Brown celebrates the different aspects of the Kenyan girl.

“Macho kama ya Amber Ray, ukinitazama nitabaani. Rangi ya Joey Muthengi utadhani summer bunny,” sings Otile Brown.

He also references several other Kenyan women such as ex-beau Vera Sidika, socialite Huddah Monroe, TV presenters Betty Kyallo, Lillian Muli, Lulu Hassan, and others.

The video also captures Otile Brown walking around the streets of Nairobi while handing out roses to Kenyan women.

‘Kenyan Girl’ has been well received on YouTube by fans who have been taken aback by the mention of Vera Sidika following their ugly online spat.

Our rating for ‘Kenyan girl’: 6/10.

Check it out below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Award-winning praise and worship singer Mercy Masika says her delayed salon appointment at Dusit D2 hotel complex was a blessing in disguise.

Mercy Masika would have been at the 14 Riverside Drive complex during a terrorist attack had her vehicle not been temporarily blocked by Jalang’o.

As the story goes, the gospel singer was scheduled for a 3:30 pm salon appointment but as fate would have it, Jalang’o double-parked his vehicle, blocking Mercy Masika’s car.

According to Jalang’o, Mercy Masika left in a rush but less than 20 minutes later, news broke out that Alshabaab militants had stormed the complex. This forced Mercy Masika to cancel her appointment.

Speaking in an interview with Kiss FM, Masika said that she felt like it was God who protected her.

“I’m grateful. It looked like a delay but it was a blessing. And also the people in the salon were ok, so it’s really a good thing. It was more like hurry up but then there were a lot of people to socialize with hapo. Of course, I was feeling the delay but then I was kinda chatting with people. Later I was like haiya we delayed there, but we felt like it was God who protected us,” she said.

Mercy Masika added: “We pray for comfort especially for those who’ve lost family members. It’s really painful and we pray that God will comfort them.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

God wins! #DussitAttack So @mercymasikamuguro and I are involved in an upcoming consumer promotion and so we were invited for a meeting at the client office… I was in another meeting so I get to client meeting after Mercy! Driving in, the client parking is full so Iam forced to double park blocking other cars! I walk into the meeting and client has finished briefing Mercy and she is in a hurry for her saloon appointment since the next day is the launch date and she has to look the part! She hurriedly leave only to find her car blocked so they call me move my car but I give out my car key so there is a bit of delay! When she leaves not more than 20mins later news of the attack at Dusit where she was going for her appointment quickly spread! Waaaaa! When she shared the message I just thanked God! #GodAboveEverything

A post shared by JALANG’O (@jalangoo) on Jan 16, 2019 at 11:45pm PST

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

It appears rapper Khaligraph Jones has resolved to take matters into his own hands in a bid to rescue the local music industry.

The high-flying rapper first took the bull by the horns about a fortnight ago when he took issue with local media personalities for overplaying foreign music at the expense of Kenyan content.

What followed was a heated debate and a seemingly lukewarm attempt by media players to play more local content. But according to Khaligraph Jones, playlists on some radio stations have since been restored to default settings.

It is perhaps for this reason that the Khaligraph Jones has decided to be the change that Kenyan musicians need. The ‘Juu ya Ngori’ rapper has hinted at launching a new radio station that will play strictly Kenyan music.

Khaligraph Jones dropped the hint on Instagram last night without divulging more details.

“Radio station coming soon. #PlayKeMusic,” posted Khaligraph Jones.

This comes days after Khaligraph Jones disclosed that it took over 1200 songs before his music was accepted on Kenyan radio.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

The firstborn son of Kenyan rapper Jua Cali has had his life changed following successful surgery on his eyelid to correct ‘Ptosis’.

‘Ptosis’ is when the upper eyelid droops over the eye; unilateral ptosis is when it affects one eye and bilateral ptosis occurs when it affects both eyes.

Jua Cali’s son, Evans, was born with unilateral ptosis, making his life more difficult in more ways than one. His mother Lilly Asigo last year took to social media to complain after a school worker pinched Evans and told him to stop looking at him with a bad eye.

On 13th December 2018, however, Evans went under the knife to correct the condition. According to his mother, Evans’ life has changed for the better.

Jua Cali’s wife took to social media to pen a heartfelt post celebrating the good news.

“I remember fighting back tears everytime someone asked me about my son’s eye condition..you can imagine the countless times both the kids and adults asked him about it. When Doreen came, he asked why she has round eyes and not like his. The same happened when Abby came. That question seems easy to answer but it wasn’t. He Slowly started refusing to take pics and would shy off when you keep eye contact. He likes running and He used to fall down every now and then and I knew something was wrong! He had to lift his droopy eyelid or tilt his head to improve his vision BUT NOT ANYMORE!!! Thanks to the almighty God and the amazing medical team we got. On the 13th of December 2018, his life changed for the better. His self esteem has improved so much since and he says God and his ophthalmologist are the best! Couldn’t be happier as parents.”

While Jua Cali posted: “I love you son. You and I should write a book.”

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Former radio presenter Karungo wa Thang’wa once chose to keep his dreadlocks over a TV anchor job at a top media house in Kenya.

The Kiambu Youth Affairs executive, during an interview with a local tabloid, said he had passed auditions to present news but was told he had to cut his dreadlocks.

According to Karungo, he was only 25 years and enjoying his youth after coming from China, where he worked as a lecturer.

“Although I had a job on radio, I wanted to look for greener pastures. That is why I went for a TV interview. After the conditions they gave me, I asked myself if I cut the hair, will I look photogenic? I had to forego the job and keep my hair,” he recalled.

He said that he kept the dreadlocks for 10 years before he decided to get rid of them.

“I had them for two years from China because there was no good barber to take care of my hair. I went back to China and they employed me with my hair, and I stayed with them for a further 10 years.”

Referencing the recent case of a student from Kibera who was kicked out of school because of dreadlocks, Karungo wa Thang’wa termed it as discrimination.

“Every school has its rules and regulations but nobody should be discriminated against because of their culture or religion. As long as they are tidily made and not affecting other students, then the child has no reason not to be allowed in school,” he stated.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire

Kenya’s highly acclaimed Afro-poetry ensemble H_art The Band are back like they never left.

Following a long unexplained hiatus from releasing new music, the ‘Uliza Kiatu’ creators are back with a solid release dubbed ‘Usiseme No'(Don’t say no).

The sweet catchy love song sees the highly talented vocalists and spoken word poets serenade a lady who is fed up in a relationship.

‘Usiseme No’ is produced & mixed by Gituamba, and mastered by Desmond Bosire/Alkebulan Studios.

H_art The Band released a lyric video for the hit on YouTube yesterday, drawing only rave views, with some fans hoping that the talented trio can remain consistent this year.

Our rating for ‘Usiseme No’: 8.2/10.

Check it out below.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire