Entertainment

Zabron Singers of the 'Sweetie Sweetie' fame were gifted a bus by the founder of Mt Kenya University, Simon Gicharu during Churchill Show.

The Tanzania singers made an appeal to the billionaire on behalf of the Adventist Church noting that it would help in promoting the gospel. The group were invited to Kenya to help the church to raise funds and secure its own bus.

"My name is DJ Kaz Kenya. I am an Adventist DJ and I sing with the Msanii Music Group. We have a concert and we wanted these Ministers of God to come and join us so that we can raise money to buy a mission bus," stated DJ Kaz.

An undated file image of the chairman of the National Association of Private universities in Kenya, Simon Gicharu.

File

The singers heeded the call and aided the group to raise the funds until they appeared in Churchill Show, which premiered on TV47 on Sunday, March 27.

"My name is Victoria Zabron. I love Kenyans which is why we have come here to boost unity. We are here to ask you to help the church which needs a bus. We need to do the work of God," added Victoria, a member of the band.

The band then proceeded, with the direction of Churchill Show proprietor Daniel Ndambuki, to ask if the founder would facilitate their activities with the bus.

"Chairman, we ask for your support on this matter. Help us secure a bus to help our friends carry out their work," appealed Marko, a member of the group.

In response, Kenyan businessman Polycarp Igathe rose and confirmed that the billionaire would honour their wish. 

"Because they have travelled from far. The chairman here has asked me to announce that he will offer them a bus," stated Igathe to rousing applause.

The event marked the first-ever Churchill Show tapping since the programme moved from NTV and found a new home at TV47.

Ndambuki also inked a deal with Mt Kenya University to support art and grow talent. The MKU Institute of Performing and Creative Arts partnered with Churchill to form the MKU-Churchill Institute of Performing and Creative Arts.

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Award-winning Afro-pop band Sauti Sol, has partnered with investigative journalist, John Allan Namu as creative co-founders in a new platform that is set to transcend the music industry.

Shahara, is an online-based platform that enables content creators to earn revenue directly from their work, through their audience. The name is derived from the Swahili word, Mshahara, which translates to Salary. 

During a press conference, Sauti Sol decried how the international-based platforms had a complicated algorithm that worked to the content creators' disadvantage. 

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They noted that Shahara took a different approach in building a direct alliance between the content creator and their audience. Through this, creators can earn the lion's share of the revenue with a 60/30/10 policy. 

"Our subscription model and how we intend to be paying: Globally if you look at it from a Ksh100, we do it at a 60/ 30/ 10 model whereby 60 percent of the money earned will go to the content creator, 10 percent will go to marketing the content for the content creator, which is a big difference between ourselves and other platforms. "

'The rest goes to maintaining the platform, which serves as a nominal cost that allows us to seek new partners and also finance the cost of originals with content creators from across the country and the continent," Namu detailed further. 

The veteran journalist divulged further to Kenyans.co.ke that the platform will also serve host to exclusive content, masterclasses and tutorials for creators.

In a bid to distinguish itself from other platforms, Shahara will also allow writers, artists, journalists and photographers to publish their work at the online-based platform. 

"Simply put it's a place where you can pay for someone's content. What makes it different from other platforms, is that we don't give a tenth percent to creators, rather they get the lion's share plus 10 percent to market their content.

"It's a solution for the Kenyan content creation scene because we don't have something that builds a field and invites as many content creators as possible," Namu intimated. 

Sauti Sol's upcoming content will also be uploaded on the platform including exclusive content, behind the scenes, solo and group albums. 

Bien-Aimé Baraza revealed that his project collaboration with Aaron Rimbui, Baldmen Virtual Experience, is exclusively on the platform. 

A spot check on the website shows exclusive content from content creators such as documentaries done by Allan Namu, Maxine Wabosha's A Letter to my Younger Self as well as Sauti Sol's content. Online users can access the platform through the link: shaharavideos.com  

An Image of Shahara, an Online Platform which Creatives Will Be Able To Earn Money From.

File

Celebrated actress Sarah Hassan and the cast at Showmax’s Crime And Justice series spoke to Kenyans.co.ke as the second season of the show premiers. 

Hassan portrays the role of Makena in the crime series and also acts as Zora in the popular Citizen TV drama series, Zora. 

The actress noted that balancing the two shows was demanding, but this eased after she wrapped up the shoot at Zora, a show credited largely to the creativity of Citizen TV anchors Rashid Abdalla and Lulu Hassan. 

A number of directors also noted that Hassan’s prowess and support from both cast and crew aid her to stay at the top of the game.

A Crime And Justice poster. Sarah Hassan portrays the role of Makena, a lead detective

Instagram

Sarah Hassan

“Yes, I was juggling two shows, the schedules worked great in a way where I never had to film the two shows on the same day, there were designated days for each show. 

“Planning ahead really helped, also, we already wrapped Zora so I am currently no longer juggling the two shows,” Hassan told Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, March 2, while on set for Crime And Justice. 

She added that since the two roles, in Zora and Crime And Justice, are polar opposites, both directors' planned for the shoots on different days giving her time to de-role and adjust. 

Hassan, who made her name while acting in the Tahidi High series, further explained her take on the different personalities portrayed in Citizen TV’s Zora and Showmax’s Crime And Justice. 

“Makena in Crime And Justice is strong, dedicated and would go to great lengths to help out people, especially women, to have a fair, just and happy life in a world where justice prevails. Zora is a woman who’s in an abusive relationship surrounded by people whose traditions & beliefs push her into staying with an abusive partner for the sake of her son. 

“The similarities they have is they both have a son & they love their sons completely. The difference is: while Makena managed to get past a traumatic past, she uses this as motivation to try and make the world a better place. Zora simply can’t get over her past, it’s her present and almost everyone around her believes she should stay and keep her family whole even if it kills her,” Hassan detailed. 

Veteran Kenyan actor and radio presenter Maqbul Mohammed known for his role (Donavan) in both Auntie Boss and Vashita also spoke in the Generation Z era and managing to stay ahead of the curve despite the changes in the industry. 

“I come from a world of learning from generations gone by, through techniques and repetition. Nowadays it is easier to make a name as all you need is social media and content which is beautiful. New talents are sprouting and disrupting the norms of society and success,” he stated. 

Crime And Justice actor Maqbul Mohammed in a photo dated December 22, 2021

Instagram

Maqbull

Adam Neutzsky-Wulff, creator, director and co-producer of Crime And Justice further detailed the new changes made to the show, on the linkage of episodes and introduction of past episodes characters like John Sibi Okumu who appeared in the first episodes of season 1. 

He noted that the episodes are connected thematically and there are a few links to season 1. However, the audience can watch and enjoy separate episodes as stand-alone episodes too. 

“You will be going on a riveting rollercoaster ride into some pretty dark hearts and meet ambiguous characters that look even more like real people than with season1. Primarily because every episode in season 2 is based on a true story. 

“Season 1 was based on real “themes” of Kenya. That makes a big difference and makes this season much more powerful and entertaining to watch,” he told Kenyans.co.ke. 

An event by Sauti Sol star Willis Austin Chimano dubbed Love and Harmony has been cancelled by the police.

Chimano, through his social media account, called out Nairobi officers for stopping his planned festival citing 'security reasons.

The actor, however, accused the police of discrimination after they called off the Saturday, February 26 event. But barely a day before the event, police informed Chimano and his team that the event will not take place. 

According to Chimano, the event was initially scheduled to be held in Westlands before the law enforcers advised him to move it from Westlands owing to security reasons.

Willis Chimano of afro-pop band Sauti Sol

Instagram

He explained that they switched the event's venue to Ngong' Road. The police, nonetheless, asked him to postpone or cancel the event for the second time, as reported by the artist.

The Friday Feeling hitmaker slammed police who he feels were out to bully him. 

"Bullies never win! You may have gotten your way this time. You've only made my resolve stronger... The show that I've been working so hard on will be seen. That is a fact!..." his statement read.

"Despite us approaching them for further explanation and heeding their advice to have the event out of Westlands, we met the same hurdle at our new venue, the Junction Mall. Both venues were and are more than willing to host us. However, without the goodwill of the police, we cannot proceed. Goodwill which was unfairly and unjustly denied".

Chimano alluded that the decision made by the police was reached due to his advocacy and human rights activism. He assured fans that their tickets will be refunded. 

“It is clear to me and my partners that this is pure bullying and harassment. This is in line with the advocacy work I do, to keep on speaking boldly against unfairness and discrimination. 

“I can’t articulate my pain properly now, I will soon. All I know for sure is…. good humans have been hurt, as a result of a lack of humanity and heart. As the event is titled, we continue to lead with love, in a quest for Harmony," Chiki Kuruka, choreographer and the wife of Sauti Sol artists, Bien, added. 

Bien and Sol Generation's Nviiri The Storyteller were scheduled to perform at the event.

Chimano of the Sauti Sol band poses for a photo in February 2022

Instagram

Chimano

Comedian Sande Bush, popularly known as Dr Ofweneke, is being groomed to succeed Felix Odiuwor, alias Jalang'o, as the co-host of the Kiss FM breakfast show.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the artist who hosted the show Thursday Night Live on KTN, stated that he was approached by Radio Africa Group to replace Jalang'o who is expected to resign on February 9. 

Jalang'o is seeking an elective position and is set to contest for the Langata Parliamentary via an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. 

Ofweneke revealed that he has been co-hosting the show with Kamene Goro over the past few days to analyse how better they can work together

Kiss FM's Felix Odiwuor a.k.a Jalango with Kamene Goro and Sande Bush alias Dr. Ofweneke.

"We are talking about two human beings who have to spend four hours every morning. We have to know whether Kamene and I are compatible," he stated.

Ofweneke added that he was loving the experience and hopes to sign a deal with the company. According to the seasoned emcee, Kamene has been his friend for years and this will be vital in improving their work relation. 

"I will be at Kiss FM for a whole week. After Friday, January 28, I hope both the management and I will arrive at a decision," he added.

Further, Ofweneke revealed that it was an honour to be selected to take up Jalang'o's place at join Kiss FM.

"The greatest presenters have sat in that studio. From Caroline Mutoko, Nyambane (Walter Mong'are), Jalang'o himself to Larry Asego. Having the privilege of working at the station is worth thanking God for. Do you know how many comedians would have wished to have such an opportunity?" he posed.

Ofweneke has had previous stints on radio having worked as a presenter at Classic 105 and Sauti Radio.

In November 2021, Jalango announced that he would leave Kiss FM to concentrate on his campaign for the August 9 General Election.

He further  revealed that he would set up a radio station in Parliament if elected.

“On February, 2022, I will quit my radio job. I will miss my microphone, but when I go to Parliament, I will open Bunge FM,” he pledged.

Radio presenter Jalang'o pictured at Kiss FM studios on July 13, 2020

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Comedian and radio presenter Felix Odiwour (Jalang’o), unveiled his campaign machinery as his people tour commenced on Friday, December 10. 

The Kiss FM presenter is eyeing the Lang’ata Parliamentary seat in the 2022 elections on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. 

Jalang’o officially launched his campaign after the Azimio La Umoja National Convention at Kasarani Stadium, where ODM Party leader, Raila Odinga, declared his 2022 Presidential candidature. 

“I hereby announce the launch of a movement anchored on the pillars of Utu, Undugu, Umoja, Usawa na Usalizaji (humility, brotherliness, unity, equality and productivity) - Azimio La Umoja Movement.

Kiss FM presenter Jalang'o campaigns for the Lang'ata parliamentary seat on Friday, December 10, 2021

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Jalang'o

“I do hereby accept to present myself as a Presidential candidate at the Presidential Election on August 9, 2022, following the request and unanimous decision by this Azimio La Umoja,” Raila declared. 

Jalang’o slogan for the 2022 elections resembled that of Raila. On his orange branded t-shirts and cars, the comedian wrote Utu na Watu (humanity and the people). 

The aspiring MP further met his campaign team and youth, who wore his branded reflector jackets, before hitting the road in a meet the people tour. 

Riding in a high-end Jeep Wrangler Sahara, Jalang’o urged the residents to vote for him but reiterated that he had a lot to do, especially contesting in the constituency which for long, was under Raila’s leadership. 

Raila was the MP for Lang’ata for over 15 years prior to the constituency being split into two - Lang’ata and Kibra. 

Jalang'o poses with his campaign team on Friday, December 10, 2021

Instagram

Jalang'o

Jalang’o hopes to unseat incumbent MP, Nixon Korir (Jubilee and UDA-allied). The two are close friends who hang out together and share business ideas. 

“I am going to be the next MP of Langata. Youths change your votes. Come and vote for us to build a new Langata. I am campaigning for myself. I am very serious, I am the next MP of Langata. Mark this day.

“I don’t go for things I can’t get. And once I have I said it… start getting used to your future MP,” Jalang’o stated in the past. 

Lang'ata residents turned in numbers to support Jalang'o on Friday, December 10, 2021

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Jalang'o

Emcee Jalang'o campaigns in Nairobi on Friday, December 10, 2021

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Jalang'o

Former Kiss FM presenter Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o waves to his supporters on Friday, December 10, 2021

Instagram

Jalang'o

In Kenya, the phrase 'Wash Wash' is used to describe shoddy and illegitimate businesses taking place in the underworld. These include money laundering, syndicates and fraud schemes. 

Recently, an exposé by a media personality alleged that a number of local celebrities and influencers were involved in printing fake currency and money laundering. 

As the allegations made headlines, set the agenda for multimedia discussions and debates, from panellists to experts, comedian Terrence Creative saw a gap and seized the opportunity not only to educate but entertain his audience on the same. 

Terrence's comedy was rich with short skits of a Congolese character dubbed Papa Fred who runs a syndicate that targets businessmen and women by printing fake notes. 

An Image of Darren Collins

YouTube

Ngamwaya Kemikal. Mbiznes lengit (I will use a chemical and make you money through this legit business). This was among Terrence's most famous phrases in the comedy series on YouTube. 

Among the cast, Terrence assembled in the 'Wash Wash' series, was his long-term friend, Darren Collins. The American plays a role as one of the leaders of the ring in the two-episode skit.

However, little is known of him or how he came to be part of the viral YouTube skit.

Speaking at an interview on Monday, October 11, Collins revealed that he has been living in Kenya for nearly six years. However, he fell in love with Kenya after visiting the country for the first time in 2012.

His main purpose back then was to conduct a research study on Aids prevention and education using puppetry. 

Collins disclosed that he met Terrence during a comedy show at the Hilton Hotel in 2012. By then he used to act as a magician and displayed his work through puppets. 

The duo quickly struck a friendship and begun performing together at various joints in Nairobi where they would earn a paltry Ksh2,000 or Ksh3,000.

They, later on, met comedian Fred Omondi, Eric Omondi's brother, and hunted for gigs as a joint team. 

Terrance revealed that he used money from the gigs to fund his research on how to explore the market and diversify his art. 

While hustling together, the trio decided to experiment with their work by stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new content. They agreed to part ways to allow each other to grow but would always team up whenever necessary. 

"We started together, whenever one of them reached out, I would always turn up," he stated,

When Terrence shared the ideas of his new project, Darren was more than willing to be part of it and did not hesitate to jump aboard.

He described Terrence Creative as a genius, adding that he was more than pleased to work with him.

The American admitted that they never expected the skit to go viral despite the time and money invested into shooting the film.

He argued that he played the role better due to the skills he garnered while acting like a magician. Collins added that he had never fallen prey to cons and his role in the skit was just but a character on tape and not in his real life. 

"Due to acting like a magician, I am able to detect a trick from far. Many have tried but unsuccessfully tricked me," he stated, adding that many people see foreigners as naive whenever they tour Africa. 

File image of new generation bank notes

Daily Nation

Kamau Kinuthia's, alias Omosh, first wife, Judy Wachuka, has pleaded with Kenyans to build her a house, claiming that she has been relocating from one bed-sitter to another. 

Wachuka, who played the role of Mrs Ngatia in Citizen TV’s drama series Tahidi High, narrated her woes to a vlogger on Thursday, August 19. 

She alleged that landlords have evacuated her four times in 2021 over rent arrears. Wachuka added that she owes her current landlord Ksh100,000. 

“I am psychologically affected. I have suffered. Landlords keep saying that my husband and I are celebrities as we appear on TV daily. They also stated that my husband is a wealthy man who has money following the contributions and sponsorships he received,” Wachuka opined while referencing the time Kenyans came to the rescue of Omosh, a former Tahidi High actor. 

Omosh poses for a photo with one of his wives

File

Among the aid Omosh received was a three bedroomed mansion in the Kangundo Road area of Embakasi, Nairobi. Comedian and Kiss FM presenter, Felix Odiwour (Jalang’o), coordinated efforts to construct and hand over of the house to Omosh and his family. 

Wachuka, nonetheless, stated that her co-wife had taken over the house after she was prioritised to reside in it with her minors. 

“I understand that she requires to nurture the young children. When kids are young, they require so much in terms of financial support and provisions," added Wachuka. 

“Even the funds Omosh received as donations were channeled to assist the co-wife. I did not enjoy the spoils.” 

The actress further claimed that her woes had increased, forcing her to hide her face from the public. While undertaking her errands, she disguises herself to avoid attracting public attention. 

“Even if I get a one-bedroom, metal house, I would move into it very fast. I would appreciate it even if I get a temporary structure for now. Wherever they would build me a house, I will relocate,” she pleaded. 

Omosh, who was part of the interview, said that he was still struggling to find a footing and that he will build her a house once he raises enough funds. 

Omosh's new house along Kangundo Road, Nairobi

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Witty, that’s how I can describe Owiti Kasuku, an actor who has risen to prominence with his comical role in Citizen TV’s drama series, Zora. Kasuku portrays the role of Ogola, a watchman at Oliver (Peter Ngugi’s) home. 

For a youth who has worked with one of the best comedians in the country, Felix Odiwour (Jalang’o), Kasuku has so many jokes under his sleeves. 

It is no wonder he is one of the revered actors in the series produced by power couple Rashid Abdalla and Lulu Hassan.

“I draw inspiration from Jalang’o. My longest-serving boss at Culture Spills and Arena,” Kasuku told Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, August 5. 

Fred Alvince Owiti Kasuku and Neema Sulubu

Facebook

“Fred Alvince Owiti Kasuku also known as Osuko and now Ogola hails from Olando village, Kibwer Sub-Location, Gwassi Location, Suba District in Homa Bay County. I always say I am from Cuba, sorry I mean Suba,” he responded while breaking into his trademark laughter. 

Prior to landing his role in Zora, the thespian graced a number of shows from Comedy Arena and Churchill Show. He also made a cameo appearance at The Real Househelps of Kawangware as Nebuchadnezzar.

“I have been acting since High School. After Form Four, I joined Rabala Theatre in Homa Bay before joining Kenyatta University. In Nairobi, I enrolled at Thetrix Arts and later on Jicho 4 where I was a set-book actor. 

“A few months later, I joined Culture Spills and acted in Luo dialect public shows at Kenya National Theatre. I also worked at Heartstrings Entertainment at Alliance Francaise, Renegade, Festival of Creative Arts (FCA) and many more,” the former stand up comedian at Kenya Kona stated. 

Comedian Owago Onyiro notified him of the Zora auditions conducted by production Jiffy Pictures, owned by Lulu and Rashid. Actors were asked to send short clips via Whatsapp. 

Kasuku opted to try his luck, was selected and auditioned for the watchman role. 

“Next, I was on TV. I enjoy my role as it reminds me of a security guard back at Mbita High School where I schooled. I, therefore, relate,” Kasuku detailed how he appeared on Citizen TV. 

Speaking about his role in Zora, the actor stated that Ogola the cast and Kasuku the individual were two different people in different worlds. In real life, he is more focused but also people-oriented. 

Cagey to speak about his private life, the thespian only mentioned that he is in a relationship and looked forward to a happy life. 

“Yes, I have future plans for my life and the sky's the limit. I plan as a man but God fulfils. All we need in life is to have a dream and then pursue it. Trust the process, there are no shortcuts in life,” he stated. 

Kasuku studied Education Science (Mathematics/Chemistry) at Kenyatta University but is yet to graduate. Acting has been a long-standing passion, one that he hopes to blend with his professional career in future. He also plays football occasionally. 

Fred Alvince Owiti Kasuku portrays the role of Ogola, a security guard in Citizen TV's drama series Zora

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Comedian Elsa Majimbo has put pen to paper to another lucrative deal, this time with giant tech company Apple.

The Kenyan-born turned South African secured an advertising deal with Beats by Dre, a leading audio company bought by Apple in 2014 from legendary rapper, Dr. Dre. 

Beats by Dre, popularly known as beats, is known for the production of earphones, headphones, and shoes.

Elsa Majimbo.

Mohamed Abdulrahman.

Elsa signed a deal to advertise the company's latest invention- Studio Buds. The comedian features in an advertisement dubbed 'It's the music'.

In the ad, the comedian uses her unique style of delivery to briefly highlight the features of the buds. She does this while listening to a 'Damages' by Tems, an afrobeat song also promoted in the advert. 

The Studio Buds, available in three colours: red, black, and white, will cost Ksh16.055 ($149).

Studio Buds are sweat and water-resistant, have noise-cancelling properties,  longer hours of listening time, and will be compatible with both android and IoS devices.

The 'audacity' queen also has partnerships with fashion companies Fenty, Maisol Valentino and MAC. She has also been featured on the top page of Vogue Magazine.

Elsa rose to stardom in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. She wowed masses with her comedy and unique style of delivery: satire and crunching potato crisps on Tiktok ad Instagram.

The twenty-year-old has become a sensation and caught the eye of international media.  She has nominated for the E! People's choice awards.She was named Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer of the Year 2021.

She has also made friends with popular celebrities such as Beyonce and Rihanna, who sent her personalized messages and gifts.

On May 25, Elsa Majimbo has vowed to hop from one country to another rather than return to Nairobi citing bullying from Kenyans.

A poster announcing Elsa Majimbo as the Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer of the year.

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