Entertainment

Tanzanian Gospel artist, Rose Muhando. has generated a debate with a poster and advert of her upcoming event in Nairobi. The Nibebe hitmaker will launch her new album, Nguvu Katika Neno, on February 27.

The event will take place at Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel along Waiyaki Way, from 12 pm to 6 pm. An advert on her YouTube paged confirmed that she was charging Ksh 50,000 per person that will be paid through a pay bill number. 

"I need your support and contribution so that I may continue preaching the word of God in all corners of the earth," she said.

However, what sparked debate was the poster on her Instagram page which detailed that she was charging Shillings 50,000 per person for the event. The event organisers did not clarify whether the amount in question was in Tanzanian or Kenyan shillings as they did on the YouTube page. 

A poster for Rose Muhando's February 27, 2021 event

Instagram

As per the current foreign exchange, Ksh 1 trades at Tsh 21.10. Thus the entry fee in Kenyan amount translates to Ksh an average Ksh 2,370 for those who assumed that the amount was in the Tanzanian denomination. 

The poster added that she had received corporate sponsorship worth 11 million shillings. In Kenyan figures, this stands at Ksh 521,302 for those who also assumed that the amount was in Tanzanian currency. 

"Hii pesa ni ya Kenya ama Tanzania? Nahofia sana (Is this Kenyan or Tanzanian currency. I will be shocked if it turns out to be Kenyan)" one J Monene joined hundred of bewildered fans. 

"Waaaa huku ni high end watu wangu hotel za nguvu kunaendanga masonko bwana. Huku ndiko Obama alilala baada ya kufika Kenya. Rozii ii pesa kama ni ya Kenya ni mingi sana. Hebu rekebisha hii bango hata wenye wako na kidogo waweze kufika. This is a high-end hotel that hosts the high and mighty. I remember former US President Barrack Obama spent some nights at the hotel when he toured Kenya. The amount charged is also outrageous. Kindly amend the poster," Winfred Musuli added. 

Muhando rose back to prominence in 2019 after undergoing a turbulent period in her life, where she accused unknown individuals of conning her millions of money and also attempting to assassinate her. The gospel artist found shelter in Kenya and stayed at fellow artist, Anastacia Mukabwa's, house. 

After her comeback, she released a song dubbed Kenya Ulindwe to praise President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kenyans for hosting her. She also collaborated with Ringtone, Size 8 and other artists on various projects. 

Her Villa Rosa Kempinski concert will be ranked as one of the most expensive events in terms of entrance fees in Kenya.

In 2016, US artist charged Ksh 10,000 for regular persons and Ksh 20,000 for Very Important Persons (VIPs). Three years later, US Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes Snr (TD Jakes) charged Ksh 25,000 for a business event at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi. 

Gospel artists Rose Muhando (left) and Size 8 (right)

Instagram

Hip hop legend Nazizi Hirji has reached out to Kenyans for help after her father was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at The Nairobi Hospital.

In a video shared on her social media pages on Saturday, January 23, the Vybez Radio presenter said that her father, Firoz Hirji, needed blood donation. 

"I am sharing this post as an urgent appeal. 

"I will appreciate if you can head to The Nairobi Hospital and donate blood for my father," she requested.

Nazizi performs at a Reggae Festival in Kenya

Instagram

The Bless My Room hitmaker added that the hospital is accepting any blood group that can be provided. 

"Just say that the blood you are donating is for the patient, Firoz Hirji," Naizizi said. 

The musician joined Vybez Radio in August 2019 and hosts an evening reggae show. 

Kenya is experiencing a shortage of blood, a crisis that has been prevalent for many years. In 2019, the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service collected only 16 percent of the 1 million units the country needed.

“A critical review of the blood situation in Kenya shows that there is a huge gap,” Health CS Mutahi Kagwe raised concerns in May 2020. 

A month later, the Ministry of Health launched a national blood donation campaign ahead of the World Blood Donor Day celebrated on June 14 every year.  

In Kenya, most patients seek help on social media by requesting donors to offer assistance.

A number of cases have been reported where donors sell blood to patients and families. 

Blood donor in the process of giving blood.

File

Kenyan Comedian Eric Omondi on Tuesday, January 5, announced his marriage to Carol Kamweru who was the winner of Omondi's reality show Wife Material.

A video shared showed the two exchange nuptials, but keen Kenyans were quick to question whether the ceremony was legit or if it was a stunt.

Among the things people noticed was that the event was not officiated by a clergyman and the couple was not seen signing the official marriage documents. 

Eric Omondi wedding ceremony

YouTube

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the comedian stated that the ceremony was legitimate adding that it was held at a private venue with family and close friends.

He admitted that the public has been skeptical about the intention of the reality show but he reassured that he was serious about getting a life partner from the show.  

"People are used to normal culture and traditions but all my life has been extraordinary. I've always done things in a different way.

"I know people can't believe that I have gone with this (approach) but this is legit and we have a marriage certificate and the nuptials were conducted by an ordained priest," he disclosed.

The ceremony was attended by other personalities including his brother Fred Omondi and Bonfire adventures CEO Simon Kabu as well as the other half of Band Beca Becky Sangolo.

"Fairytales really do happen. You have come into my life and completely changed it for the better. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you," Carol noted on her Instagram page.

Fellow Comedian Eddie Butita confirmed that the newlyweds had followed all the procedures to make the marriage official including going to visit the bride's home to pay the bride price.

The ceremony was however briefly disrupted when one of the contestants from the show stormed the ceremony.

Omondi further told Kenyans.co.ke that he was not looking to marry another wife.

Watch the video of the ceremony below: 

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The reality show which pitted nine women is among the dating shows that have aired in Kenya including Tujuane, and Mr Right.

Internationally, some of the dating shows that have garnered viewership include The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.

In 2020, Netflix premiered a reality show Love is Blind where singles try to find a match and fall in love, without meeting face-to-face, as emotional connection attempts to conquer physical attraction.

Kenyan pop band Sauti Sol on Saturday, December 19, cancelled a much-anticipated concert at the last minute.

In a statement, the band indicated that the event size did not comply with the Kenyan Covid-19 protocols and regulations.

"We regret to inform you that we shall not be performing at today's scheduled 'Sol Saturday' event. Although we deeply desire to give you a marvellous show, we cannot in good conscience assure your health and safety, which is our highest priority," reads an excerpt of the statement.

From left: Polycarp Otieno, Savara Mudigi, Bien Aime, and Willis Chimano of Sauti Sol.

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Together with the promoters Tukutane Entertainment Limited and Masshouse Group Limited, the band disclosed that they had found it hard to mitigate the situation and could not find a solution.

"With the recent uptick in confirmed infections and deaths around the world, we cannot in good conscience recklessly endanger your well being," the band explained.

The group stated that it would be refunding the event's promoters so that they would, in turn, repay Kenyans who had paid for tickets.

"It is disheartening and unfortunate, but necessary and we hope to appear on stage again soon as we can do so, safely and responsibly," the communication added.

Tickets for the show had cost Ksh 2,500 and Ksh 6,000 and were already sold out.

The event was set to take place at the Waterfront Mall in Karen, Nairobi between midday and 8 pm.

Fans have since expressed their disappointment at the cancellation of the event.

"I’ve been looking forward to going to a Sauti Sol concert. I even had a tailor-made suit. Now it's here and I can’t even go. I hope they’ll go live so that I wear my two-piece and watch from the house," a fan named Chelimo stated.

From left: Polycarp Otieno, Savara Mudigi, Bien Aime Baraza and Willis Chimano of the boy band Sauti Sol.

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The year 2020 was a tough one across the world as the Covid-19 pandemic affected mankind, disrupting the normal way of life. 

Millions died from the pandemic, others died on the roads, and many more went to be with their Maker under controversial, almost mysterious circumstances, leaving families mourning their loved ones. 

Some of those who passed away this year were celebrities, people who left legacies and memories that will remain with us for sometime, a long time.

Below are a number of celebrities who passed away in 2020 under controversial circumstances.

Papa Dennis 

The body of the award-winning Kenyan gospel musician Dennis Mwangi, alias Papa Dennis, was discovered by the roadside in Pangani, Nairobi, on the night of Friday, February 7.

File image of the late Papa Denis

Twitter

Papa Dennis' friends painted a picture of a struggling musician following his death. It was alleged that the musician died a poor man and had struggled to maintain the flashy lifestyle.

He released songs with popular Kenyan musicians like Jimmy Gait in 'Makeke' and Daddy Owen in Foundation.

The artist successfully sold his music across Kenya's borders, building a reputation that saw him feature the likes of Tanzanian musician Ray C for the hit, Tornado, and Nigeria's Mr Flavour for the hit, Mayaya Remix. 

Ken Walibora

Veteran Swahili author and former NTV anchor Ken Walibora Waliaula, 56, passed away on Friday, April 10, after being involved in a tragic road accident on Landhies Road, Nairobi.

His death was marred with controversy, with Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor raising question on suspicious injuries he had sustained. He argued that someone had reportedly attempted to stub him. Walibora had a 7cm long cut between the thumb and the index finger.

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) was accused of failing to attend to him for a whole day after he was rushed to the facility by emergency rescuers. Police and MPs launched parallel investigations into his death.



Walibora was laid to rest on Wednesday, April 22, at his home in Huruma Village, Cherangany Constituency in Trans-Nzoia County.

Abenny Jachiga 

Luo artist Bernard Onyango Obonyo, popularly known as Abenny Jachiga, died on June 11.

Jachiga is said to have passed away at St Jairus Private Hospital after a short illness. His death was controversial as pictures showing a shirtless Jachiga lying on the floor of the hospital.

That he died at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic heightened tension as angry mourners confronted police during his burial.

His internment took place at a time when the government had introduced tough containment measures with regards to funerals as a way of mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic. Police buried Jachiga at night. 

Comedian Kasee

On June 28, comedian Joseph Musyoki Kivindu, alias Kasee passed away under mysterious circumstances. 

The mystery surrounding the cause of death denied his family and loved one’s closure.

The young entertainer was found dead around Nginduri area in Kikuyu.

Two weeks after his death,  the chairman of the Comedians In Kenya Society Ken Waudo, announced that according to autopsy results, the comic had been poisoned.

Daniel Ndambuki alias Churchill during the burial of Joseph Musyoki Kivindu aka Kasee. July 4, 2020.

File

Lady Maureen 

Ohangla artist Maureen Achieng popularly known as Lady Maureen passed away on Saturday morning, July 11.

Lady Maureen's life too a wild turn around 2018 after she was diagnosed with hypertension and anaemia. 

She would spend two of her last years seeking treatment at various hospitals; from Pastor Machage Memorial Hospital in Migori to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu.

Lady Maureen's mother, with she had fallen out before mending fences, accused her daughter's friends of abandoning her in her time of need. 

Papa Shirandula 

Popular Citizen TV actor Charles Bukeko known to many as Papa Shirandula, died on Saturday, July 18 in Nairobi.

Shirandula's family disclosed that the 58 year old died at the Karen Hospital where he had been receiving treatment since Monday, July 13.

Beatrice Adenga, the widow of the late revered TV actor claimed that Bukeko passed away in their car while awaiting admission at the Karen Hospital.

This sparked a public uproar forcing the hospital to issue a statement refuting the claims.  

Othuol Othuol

Churchill comedian Ben Maurice Omondi (Othuol Othuol)  passed away on Sunday, October 11 after battling brain tumour for a long time. He also suffered from tuberculosis.

The comedian was laid to rest on Saturday, October 24, in Ndere village, Siaya County. 

He had suffered bouts of depression and spent time in and out of hospitals. In July, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) was put on the spotlight for allegedly failing to attend to Othuol for an entire day.

In an interview in November 2019, the comedian revealed that he had been diagnosed with TB and Vitamin D deficiency. He lamented that most of his friends deserted him and he remained with very few close friends in the last stages of his life.

Othuol Othuol in his element during a Churchill Show back in 2018.

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Jacob Obunga popularly known as ‘Otile Brown’ and Nadia Mukami have emerged as Boomplay’s most-streamed Kenyan artistes of 2020 according to the company’s latest report dubbed Boomplay Music Facts 2020.

The two, who have taken the Kenyan music scene by storm, cumulatively had over 11.5 million streams on the music streaming platform, over a one-year period.



Kenyan musicians have monetised their music through streaming services, with Otile making a huge amount of money. 

Popular Kenyan musician Nadia Mukami

File

Otile, whose ‘Just in Love’ album was released in June this year, also clinched the top streamed album in Kenya while Nadia’s album ‘African Pop Star’ is reported to have garnered 1.5 million streams, only three months after being released.

The male bongo singer also had the highest engagements and three of his songs emerging as the most streamed tracks.

Rap Kings, Khaligraph Jones and Nyashinski took 2nd and 3rd positions respectively, while Mercy Masika and Tanasha Donna rounded up the top 3 for the female chart.

Popular Kenyan musician Khaligraph Jones

File

Across the border, the thrilling trio of Rayvanny, Mbosso and Diamond Platnumz took the top 3 spots, respectively with their country counterparts Zuchu and Nandy claiming the top 2 and Simi from Nigeria, closing off the top 3 spots in the female category for Sub-Saharan Africa.

In a year that has seen the entertainment industry greatly affected by the global pandemic, majority of Kenyans have sought an alternative to attending live concerts, by streaming their favourite songs from Boomplay.

The company recorded a 278.25% increase in streaming in 2020 compared to 2019.

Boomplay, which is Africa’s largest streaming service, has over 50 Million Monthly Active Users and 11 Million Active Users at at November, 2020.

Former NRG Radio show host Tanasha Donna

Twitter

In recent times, the company has signed licensing partnerships with the three majors: Universal, Warner and Sony Music Groups, with the aim of expanding the music scene, by opening up room for more collaborations between African and international artistes.

The Boomplay Music Facts sheet is an annual report that showcases top music trends, genres and artistes of the year, amongst other relevant information.

The categories include; Top streamed male artiste and female artist (Kenya, Sub-Saharan Africa and International), most engagements, breakout artistes, top streamed songs (Kenyan and International), top streamed albums (Kenyan and International) and top streamed genres.

Boomplay, which is owned by Transsnet Music Limited, has regional offices in Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria. Its boasts 11 million daily active users  50 million monthly active users.

Comedian Eric Omondi has defied alleged orders issued by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) in a property row in the upmarket Lavington estate, Nairobi. 

In a video posted on his Instagram page on Saturday, December 5, Omondi repainted the gate of his multi-million studio and also set up cameras on the premises.

The gate had been branded illegal with a huge X red mark painted across it. 

"We have placed cameras all over our studios to catch these criminals. Only thieves operate at night and that's why they approached our studios at wee hours. 

A notice painted on Eric Omondi's studios on Monday, November 30, 2020

Instagram

"No one called me nor gave me the notice to evacuate these premises. I never received any letter. We cannot leave this area as this is the home of Kenyan talent," Omondi stated. 

The self-dubbed President of Comedy alleged that NMS shut down his studios on Monday, November 30. 

He claimed that the agency under General Mohamed Badi had targeted his studios because they are located in a residential area. 

The artists vowed to stay put and ordered NMS to clean his gate and send him a written apology within 24 hours. 

"We are handling the matter and will issue a statement in a short while," Rose Gakuo, NMS Spokesperson stated while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Saturday, December 5. 

The multi-million studios were unveiled on Tuesday night, November 17. The artist disclosed that the studio under the umbrella Big Tyme Entertainment, will be used, not only to market his work but also to promote veteran and upcoming artist. 

It is also part of his plan to cement Kenya's creative industry in the world. Studios were renamed after legendary actors  Mary Khavere (Mama Kayai), the late Benson Karira (Mzee Ojwang) and Daniel Ndambuki (Churchill).

Watch the video

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Classic 105 presenter and Churchill Show founder, Daniel Ndambuki (Churchill) disclosed that he made huge financial losses after investing heavily in the Churchill Show. 

The comedian, in an interview in Nairobi on Thursday, November 26, affirmed that his business has been affected by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Citing the imposed movement restrictions and the ban of mass events, Churchill stated that he was back to square one, trying to make ends meet and recover from the loses. 

"Corona ilinimaliza kabisa. (I was totally affected by the crisis. We had invested some amount of money in the production of the show. Now we can't use the gear to host 200 people at an event anymore. 

Comedian Churchill and Chris Kirubi pictured during an interview on September 20, 2020.

File

"It takes us back to where we began but we remain positive. We hope the government will fully reopen the country. People want to laugh and be happy again, and you cannot do that behind a mask," Churchill revealed. 

He added that despite the challenges, he shifted his content to digital platforms and was keen on creating unique content for his followers. The entrepreneur is considering to apply permits to host smaller shows for a specified number of people. 

Other plans include setting up his own TV station, Churchill TV which he is hopeful about, adding that there is a lot of potential in creating content.  

Often blamed for the woes of comedians who fall into depression and financial loss, Churchill admitted that he does not have an issue nurturing aspiring comedians from amateurs to professionals. 

"I am happy for those who have made it like Eric Omondi and MC Jessy. We will see others more who are discovering themselves. I am like their parent and sometimes I understand that God gave me the responsibility to be part of those running the comedy industry. 

"Fans are not your real family. Why tell them your issues and heap pressure on yourself yet you have your immediate family you can talk to? The fans and media have the opportunity to enjoy both your woes and artistry," he stated.  

In July 2020, comedian Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) disclosed that Churchill sacrificed to host comedians despite spending a lot of money on the event itself. Jalang’o stated that Churchill could spend Ksh 5 million on sourcing for tents and chairs and paying for events only to make Ksh 200,000 as profit. 

“People see a packed audience and think he has made a lot of money. For Churchill to meet the operational cost, it would require at least 5,000 people to pay Ksh 1,000 each for tickets. Do you know that sometimes half of the crowd would attend the show for free?” he detailed, arguing that Churchill opted for radio presentation at Classic 105 to boost his income. 

Comedian and Kiss FM presenter Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) at Radio Africa studios

Instagram

Mombasa investors have turned old dhows into floating restaurants to give local and foreign tourists a new experience in the hospitality industry. 

Most of the high-end hotels have opted for the trend which is picking up in the Coastal towns of Mombasa, Watamu and Lamu. 

The old dhows were selected from a pool that was previously used to transport cargo and passengers among the towns.

They were then remodelled to suit the business classes, which contain bar and lounges, kitchens, dining and resting areas. 

Customers enjoy meals and music at a floating restaurant aboard a dhow in Mombasa, Kenya

File

Hotel owners allow customers to enjoy lunch, dinner and breakfast afloat the Indian Ocean, at specified fees.

There are three types of dhows offered by investors; sundowners, lunch and dinner cruises. 

"Lunch is 2 hours and dinner cruisers operate up to 4 hours. Lunch cruise begins from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner cruise begins at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"Once you get on the dhow we serve you with a starter, the soup. Then we serve you with the main course order then the dessert," a manager at one of the cruisers disclosed.

Some dhows even play music, with different bands performing in the morning, noon and in the evening. 

Passengers added that they love the ambience and the serene environment as compared to having dinner at a club or restaurant in the city. 

The Ministry of Tourism stated that the industry was one of the most affected industries during the Covid-19 pandemic owing to travel restrictions imposed across the world.

Hotels were shut down leading to lose of jobs too. However, the reopening of the country and the decision to allow bars, hotels and eateries to operate up to 9 p.m. was a boost to the industry. 

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Churchill Show comedian and emcee Jasper Muthomi (MC Jessy) announced that he had landed an exclusive deal with KTN Home to air his show, Jessy Junction. 

Jessy made the announcement on Wednesday, November 25.

The comedian unveiled the show on YouTube in July 2020 after the government imposed strict measures to curb the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Lockdowns, curfews and ban of events saw comedians and artists opt for social media platforms to make ends meet and keep touch with followers.

MC Jessy (left) with Churchill Daniel Ndambuki (right) at an event in Nairobi on November 25, 2020

Photo

Churchill Daniel Ndambuki

Jessy stated that the show would be aired every Monday from 10 pm.

"Yes, we are now on KTN Home. Starting this coming Monday, November 30.  

"Are you ready for this? Jessy Junction was previously aired on YouTube and we have shifted to TV," he announced. 

Speaking with Kenyans.co.ke, he added that he had a lot of content lined up for Kenyans and was also in discussion with several clients on how to market his brand further. 

Jessy is famous for being the host in the Churchill Raw show which was aired on NTV on Thursdays, until November 1, 2019. 

On Friday, October 23, Daniel Ndambuki (Churchill) lauded MC Jessy and Kiss FM presenter Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) for marketing themselves as brands and creating content too. Ndambuki spoke during the burial of comedian Ben Maurice (Othuol Othuol).

He condemned Kenyans who alleged that he was frustrating artists by offering meagre pay which led to depression and deaths. 

"I'm not the government. I'm not funded by the government. I'm just a person who had a small dream and whose ambition was to change the lives of as many Kenyans as I could and make them realize their dreams," he said and reiterated that he has offered his platform to many artists who he expects to stand on their own. 

Comedian Eric Omondi also advised artists to create content and market themselves in order to land exclusive deals with corporate and media industries. 

Comedian Jasper Muthomi (MC Jessy) poses for a photo in October 2020.

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