Entertainment

Popular social media platform, TikTok on Wednesday, December 7 published the most popular videos watched by Kenyans during the year.

In a press release, TikTok indicated that comedian David Oyando, popularly known as Mulamwah was the most watched with his nyumba imeleta shida video ranked top.

Citizen TV's Zora star Jackie Mutubia's oops! video was second, Profeta comedy's kids be like video was third while Mohalicious my Goodness! just use your hand at this point! was forth. 

Joseph Kinuthia alias Omosh Kizangila's maisha ni yangu we shughulika na yako was sixth as Azziad Nasenya's let's protect our mental health video was sixth.

Media personality Azziad Nasenya

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I am bojoo's catch me if you can was ranked seventh.

"TikTok’s ‘For You’ feed provides users with a curated offering of content that is tailored to their unique browsing preferences. 

"Every ‘For You’ feed is different, ensuring that TikTok users are served the content they want to see, when they want to see it," read the statement in part.

Additionally, best programmed TikTok lives were; Talking all things mental health by Azziad, International Women's month live by Nikita Kering and Kibra United gaming experience by Kibra United among others.

“We’re honoured to celebrate our global community who shaped this year's trends, shared new ideas, learned from one another, and turned their passions into careers and livelihoods throughout 2022.

"It's been truly inspiring to see over a billion people around the world show their creativity and come together to experience joy and find a sense of belonging on TikTok,” TikTok Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Pappas.

Top 10 Viewed Artists in 2022

1.  Michael Bundi

2. Zuchu

3. Diamond Platnumz

4. Bruno K

5. Willy Paul

6. Nandy

7. Mbosso

8. Wahu Kagwi

9. Guardian Angel

10. Timmy Tdat

Songs Most Soundtracked in 2022

1. Nakupenda by Jay Melody

2. Mtasubiri (feat. Zuchu) by Diamond Platnumz

3. Fire by Zuchu

4. Mi Amor (feat. Jovial) By Marioo

5. Girlfriend by Ruger

6. Sugar by Jay Melody

7. Buga (Lo Lo Lo) by Kizz Daniel & Tekno

8. Kwikwi by Zuchu

9. Rush by Ayra Starr

10. Bingo Bango by Madini Classic

An image of Tik Tok logo on a phone.

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Nyege Nyege organiser has promised to refund attendants who graced the three-day event in Uganda following an uproar over the poor state of housing.

In a statement by the organisers, revellers raised concern over the conditions and design of the houses.

Those who booked the temporary structures lamented that they were poorly built and maintained, forcing some to seek alternatives. 

The organiser, in an effort to calm his customer base, explained that the poor state of the houses was occasioned by negligence on part of the contractors.

An image of 2022 Nyege Nyege festival accommodation units.

Twitter

Oscar Mazzina

"It is unfortunate that the service provider called contracted for on-site luxury accommodation did not deliver as promised and also sold illegitimate camping accommodation through his company that we found out on the day of the festival. 

"A civil action will be filed against them and the festival is in the process of securing a refund," read the statement in part.

Various reports indicated that the houses were rented at Ksh94,690 (3 million UGX) for three nights. 

Kenyans over the weekend criticised the organisers arguing that they were treated poorly and did not see the value of the money they spent. 

"I have seen the living conditions at Nyege Nyege. I’ve never been happier to be at home while my friends are perambulating," social media influencer, Brian Mutinda commented.

"Never been more grateful for African friends and the way I had insisted on planning this trip but didn't manage to go," Ciku Chege echoed.

The three-day event also saw other Kenyan artists such as hip-hop stars Ssaru, Boutross Munene and gengetone musician Exray perform.

Initially, the festival has been postponed by the Ugandan authorities over concerns that it promoted immorality. 

However, President Yoweri Museveni's government set various demands that the organisers met before it was allowed to proceed such as security.

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni arriving at JKIA on Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Twitter

Emmanuel Otim

Preparations for the swearing-in of Wiliam Ruto as Kenya's fifth president are in top gear at the Kasarani Stadium.

Besides military drills and security checks entertainment groups were on Monday, September 12 doing their final touches to ensure that their dance moves and vocals are in sync.

Kenyans.co.ke established that at least 11 artists are scheduled to perform at the event, with at least 60,000 Kenyans expected to grace the event.

However, the entertainment will be headlined by local musicians with screens mounted within the stadium already provided to cater for all the attendees.

Here are some of the artists:

Florence Mureiithi’s  (Usikiyae Maombi) 

An undated image Gospel musician Florence Mureithi

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Gospel musician Florence Mureithi, will perform her hit song He Who Answers Prayers (Usikiyae Maombi), as the lead music during the inauguration ceremony. The song was released in 2016 under the Wimbo Mpya album.

Extray (Sipangwingwi)

Undated image of "sipangwingwi" hitmaker Extray

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Gengetone artist Exray is among the top artists who are set to perform at William Ruto’s presidential inauguration ceremony.

Earlier this week, the ‘Sipangwingwi’ hit maker shared a video of him meeting the President elect as he congratulated him on his win after the Supreme Court's verdict.

His song has been majorly been used in William Ruto’s campaign caravans and tours, to an extent of even playing the same music during the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Delegates Conference.

Sanaipei Tande 

Actress Sanaipei Tande in a past interview with CTA in November 2021

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Sanaipei Tande

Sanaipei Tande popularly known as Sana, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress, karaoke host, radio personality and entertainer who shook the airwaves in the 2000s. The singer who is multi- talented has featured in different songs including Wangu. Wangu is a new single by Nadia Mukami

In her trademark sultry style, Sanaipei always charms her listeners with catchy lyrics in her songs, for instance the Wangu song that talks about two women fighting for a man.

Sanaipei, who has had a successful career in the music industry with several hit songs under her belt, commands a captivating stage presence with her confidence and feisty personality. 

Guardian Angel and his wife Esther Musila

Guardian Angel with Esther Musila

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Guardian Angel and his wife Esther Musila  are expected to perform at the event. The duo confirmed after they shared a video at Kasarani Stadium at the rehearsals, gearing up for Tuesday’s big event.

“It’s day two of rehearsals. I'm here to do that thing,” stated Guardian as his wife Esther echoed his words.

Nadia Mukami 

Nadia Mukami is a Kenyan singer and songwriter known for her hit singles "Si Rahisi", and "Radio Love", featuring Arrow Bwoy. She released her debut , African Popstar, in October 2020.

The artist who is regarded as the queen of pop was awarded two plaques for hitting over 10 million accumulative streams and for having her chart-topping collabo 'Wangu' featuring Sanaipei Tande hit over 2 million streams on Boomplay.

She has also been previously selected for BET nominations alongside other African heavyweights that include Harmonize from Tanzania.

The singer was tasked by the President-elect William Ruto to lead a creatives committee meant to pick an individual to join his advisory team

Popular Kenyan musician Nadia Mukami

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Comedian Bernard Kamulu famously known as Bena wa Malines has opened up about his interest in hosting radio shows. 

Speaking on Friday, August 2, Bena, who gained overnight fame with his videos on social media platforms, noted that a radio career would help him empower and address mental health issues.

The TikTok star, who commands over two million followers, explained that with his academic knowledge in media and radio influence, he would reach a bigger audience and help shape society struggling with mental issues.

Capitalising on his fanbase, Bena added that a radio career would help him offer a platform to other youths with different talents.

comedian Bernard Kamulu alias Bena wa Malines

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"Mental health starts with accepting yourself and situations the way they are. In case you are worried, just remember tomorrow is not guaranteed," he stated.

"Youths should stop worrying about driving top-of-the-range vehicles. I always advise them to focus on what is within their reach," he added.

Bena is pursuing Journalism and Media studies at Mount Kenya University and hopes to get his first job with a mainstream media company.

The comedian further narrated that his talent was evident since primary school. The 22-year-old performed a narrative in Class 8 inspired by the 2007 skirmishes. 

The narrative was meant to urge Kenyans to uphold peace ahead of the 2013 General Election, which President Uhuru Kenyatta won.

Prior to the social media breakthrough, Bena had earlier tried venturing into comedy, but his career failed to kick off. 

"Before I became an internet sensation, I struggled with content creation. I struggled for years, no one was watching my videos. But when TikTok was introduced, people started liking my videos.

"Right now, I'm receiving calls from clients who want to market their content. In fact I did my first advert recently," he disclosed. 

Photo collage of comedian Bernard Kamulu alias Bena wa Malines.

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A Kenyan comedian who has garnered millions of views for consuming unorthodox products now says he has been coughing blood after a TikTok stunt where he ate a bat. 

Steve Alvin Muthomi, popularly known as the King of Mugaka, has complained of several pains after the stunt that has so far generated 927,000 views on Tiktok alone. 

A running nose for hours, chest pains, fever, sore throat, flu, and coughing blood are some of the side effects Muthomi experienced shortly after devouring the small animal. 

He narrated that he also lost his voice as a result of the flu. 

Steve Muthomi is pictured with a plate of food he made.

Google photo

The comedian announced that he did not intend on eating a bat but after it was trapped in his house he got creative and made content for his 209.3k followers. 

The video attracted attention on social media, most questioning his sanity and whether he knew the effects of eating such foods. 

"Those around me were worried at first some even questioning my sanity. They would ask me if I was under the influence of any drug. I always reassure them it is purely work-related," Muthomi explained. 

At the onset of the pandemic, some scientists suggested that eating bats from the Wuhan live animals market may have been the source of the disease that has troubled the world for nearly three years. 

Some of the symptoms quoted by the comedian are common among victims of the coronavirus. 

He explained that although his content usually involves the consumption of unconventional foods such as rats and moles, none of the other things he had consumed in the past affected his health.

Unknowingly some of his friends consumed a mole he had prepared and Muthomi claimed that none of them experienced side effects.

Muthomi explained that his content is majorly meant to entertain and that he targets university students. He has vowed to eat anything suggested by any of his followers.

Before the end of the year, Muthomi is seeking to eat a snake, a snail, a squirrel, and houseflies. His online following is curious to see how far Steve goes with his daring attitude. 

The comedian intimated that despite the health scare, he would eat a bat if given a second chance as it was delicious and he was still uncertain whether eating the bat is to be blamed for the symptoms. Muthomi promised that after conducting research and verifying the bat had nothing to do with his symptoms, he would provide his followers with a new recipe.

"I will continue making content for followers. I will eat anything they ask me to, I have received more than 20 requests asking me to eat a snake", he said.

He concluded by urging Kenyans to explore other delicacies that the rest of the world relies on - giving the example of snakes that are consumed in foreign countries like China.

A bat, an onion and a tomato pictured before Muthomi cooked the bat

Google photo

Citizen Tv's Zora and Maria actor, Blessing Lung'aho alias Madiba, is set to feature in Kenya's first branded series produced by global streaming company, Netflix.

In a statement dated Friday, June 17, Netflix announced that Lungaho would be part of the team featuring in the news series,  Country Queen, alongside Melvin Alusa.

Additionally, Netflix announced that the series would begin streaming exclusively in the country on July 15.

Zora TV actor Blessing Lung'aho posing for a photo at a past event.

Instagram

Blessing Lung'aho

"Set in contemporary Kenya, Country Queen is a family drama series that tells the story of ordinary Kenyans fighting against a corporate power that threatens to destroy their homes and lives.

"The series focuses on the issues of land grabbing and exploitation, and how these factors impact the lives and relationships of the main characters, their families and communities," stated Netflix in its announcement.

The film was shot in Machakos, Murang'a, and Nairobi counties this year.  

The Zora star, set to be among the main characters in the series, shared the trailer being used to market the film ahead of its launch on his social media accounts.

He expressed optimism in the new venture after the end of Zora which was produced by Citizen TV news anchors Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla.

On her part, Nkateko Mabaso, Netflix’s Director of Licensing in Africa, stated that the movie would promote local talent in the country and showcase the talents of Kenyans.

“We are excited to bring this authentic Kenyan story to our viewers around the world. More than 222 million entertainment fans will get the opportunity to experience Kenya’s talent and creativity with Country Queen.”

“The MOU we signed with the Kenyan government in April signaled our intention to meaningfully contribute to Kenya’s creative community and through this title, we want to show - not just tell - how committed we are to making sure Kenyan stories find a place to shine on a global stage,” stated Mabaso.

Zora ended on March 3 and was replaced by Sultana - also produced by the Citizen TV duo.

A graphic of the Netflix logo.

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Youtube

Gibson Mbugua, who starred as the prosecutor in the popular comedy show, Vihoja Mahakani, is appealing to Kenyans to assist him raise Ksh6 million for a kidney transplant. 

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) TV star stated that he was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2020 after multiple checkups. 

Mbugua told The Standard that he would be undergoing a kidney transplant in July and was in a dire need of funds. 

“I have been undergoing dialysis and my doctors recently recommended a kidney transplant. I need around Ksh6 million,” he pleaded.

Veteran actors from left; Lucy Wangui, Gibson Mbugua and Mary Khavere.

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Mbugua added that a larger share of the money will be channelled to medicine he would take after the surgery. 

“I will take some of the drugs for the rest of my life after the transplant and they are quite expensive,” Mbugua stated.

The family will hold a fundraiser in June, a month to his scheduled surgery. 

Mbugua was one of the leading stars in Vioja Mahakamani before the show went on a seven-year hiatus. 

The shows made a comeback in April 2021 after the national broadcaster, KBC, rebranded. 

A number of the stars were incorporated into the relaunched show which still depicts court proceedings inclusive of comedy. 

The stars included the prosecutor (Gibson Mbugua), Ondiek Nyuka Kwota (Hiram Muigai), and Makokha (Mathias Keya).

Thespians Mama Kayai (left), Makokha (centre) and Nyasuguta (right) who acted in Vitimbi and Vioja Mahakamani

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