Entertainment

UPDATE 15:49: Churchill show comedian John Macharia known to many by his stage name, Mc Coin, has been found.

According to a statement shared by his close friend, Macharia relocated to a new location in early August, which he did not want to disclose due to private reasons.

"After the launch of our search of our brother John Joseph Macharia (Mc Coin) links shared to us has finally been fruitful. We managed to make a follow up that led us to where he relocated last month... He has promised us he will soon resurface to shed more light on this issue. As at now all we know is he took a hit as most entertainers due to the hard economic times in showbiz caused by Covid19.Let's pray for him n all will be well," reads the statement.

Family and friends of Churchill show comedian John Macharia known to many by his stage name, Mc Coin, have requested Kenyans to help search for him.

A file image by Churchill show comedian James Macharia known as MC Coin

Facebook

In posts circulated widely on social media pages, Macharia is alleged to have been last seen in late July.

"Its almost been a month now since our bro (Mc Coin) went silent on all possible media. We've tried reaching him out for the last two weeks now in vain. Where he lives and back home he is nowhere to be found!

"All the contacts we have, have been switched off. Its truly a sad story for us and his family. Any leads of his whereabouts lately will be highly appreciated," a user by the name DJ Nixx Bee stated.

The comedian's close friends indicated that they tried reaching out to him on numerous occassions but to no avail.

"We went to campus together and we are always in touch. Around late July is the last time we talked and he was telling me how hard life had turned out to be due to the tough economic times. 

"He even disclosed that he was planning to move from Kahawa and back to the village," a close friend disclosed.

On realising that they could not reach him, Macharia's friends decided to visit his home at Kahawa Wendani and sadly found that he had already moved out.

"I looked for his father's contacts and when I got a hold of him, he also told me that they had not seen him and that is how the search begun," Macharia's friend told Kenyans.co.ke.

Contact numbers have since been issued for anyone who might have come into contact with the comedian.

On Tuesday, September 8, DJ Nix Bee assured Macharia's fans that the search team had received promising news that would aid in the direction of the search.

"We managed to get some info from a credible source that we are closely following to find our brother. We are hopeful this search will yield and end soon," he stated.

Coin wowed the audience with his appearance for the first time in the show in August 2019. In the show, he described how various University girls hid their residential areas behind posh names.

Kenyan movie concept Wavamizi received international recognition after being listed in the 2020 Durban Film Mart (DFM) for funding.

Wavamizi translates to Invaders in English and tells the saga of the Portuguese occupation of Mombasa and how the locals revolted led by the son of a Sultan.

The project is yet to be produced into a movie with only a proof of concept shot which has now been listed at the Durban Film Mart to get funds for the production of the full film.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Shirleen Wangari alias Shish from her role in Citizen TV show Tahidi High, who is the one of the producers of the film expressed her delight after being listed at DFM and hopes the team can secure funding to complete the project.

Former Tahidi High actress Shirleen Wangari alias Shish.

"As a producer, your aim is to get a project done start to finish. With this opportunity we get to meet people interested in the same vision hence moving the project forward towards completion," she noted.

The Portuguese occupation of Mombasa is perhaps one of the biggest stories in African history that is yet to be extensively narrated in a movie.

The DFM is a finance and co-production market that aims to create partnerships and further the development and production of film on the African continent.

Films listed earn the chance of recognition and the opportunity to develop strategic relationships between film financiers and African filmmakers.

Wavamizi concept was funded by Méhul Savani, and co-produced by Kiboi Kuria, the director of photography was Jim bishop and edited by Dan Kent.

DFM is currently is going till Sunday, September 13, but the content shop where the movie has been placed will remain open until the end of the month, giving potential partners and financiers to pick projects they are interested in.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the DFM is set to be held virtually with Wangari revealing a number of co-producers have expressed with interest in funding the project.

"I attended physically in 2018 and I'd say it was probably better meeting one on one, online is different but it still works.

"I have several meetings set up with interested parties so the director Jesse Kyalo and I are hopeful we will get to work soon after," she explained.

A Wavamizi poster when it made its premiere back in February 2019.

11 months after long-runnning Citizen TV sitcom Machachari was cancelled, one of its biggest stars continues to draw audiences with vastly different content.

Tyler Mbaya became one of the most recognizable faces on television as he played the role of Baha on the show.

As a child star, Mbaya literally grew up on screen during the show's 13-year run.

Now, an all-grown up Mbaya prides himself as a talented producer and is behind a fresh talk-show, Kinde Tukiendaga.

File image of Tyler 'Baha' Mbaya

YouTube

His talk-show airs on YouTube where Tyler has built up a significant following.

Primarily done in Sheng', the show features one-on-one interviews with leading artists in the country.

It has a straightforward concept in which artistes tell their stories and answer ten questions.

The first episode features an conversation with Boondocks Gang front-man Exray.

The rapper and singer is behind hit Gengetone singles including Rieng'​ and Mboko Haram.

The show comes as no surprise given Mbaya's use of his platform to promote artists, particularly those in the Gengetone genre.

On TV, he played a mischievious child from a humble background often getting into trouble and crafting new tricks to have fun.

As a producer, he has so far produced a short series My Slay Queen.

Fans continue to follow his journey in real life, with the talk-show met by a flood of positive reviews.

Watch the talk-show below:

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Eric Omondi, one of Kenya's and Africa's top comedians took Tanzania by a storm during his 2-day tour of the neighbouring country.

The self-dubbed President of Comedy has evolved since his Churchill Show days, to earn lucrative deals in the advertising and marketing industry, coupled with his stand up comedy.

Despite Tanzanian authorities banning Kenya's public flights from entering the country, Omondi was granted VIP treatment by the neighbouring country.

Speaking with Kenyans.co.ke on Saturday, August 29, Omondi disclosed that a presidential plane, Air Tanzania, picked him from Kenya on Thursday, August 27. The Tanzanian authorities also offered him accommodation only granted to foreign diplomats.

Air Tanzania chartered for comedian Eric Omondi on Thursday, August 28, 2020

File

The presidential jets are usually delegated to state officials and dignitaries. 

"Yes, public planes from Kenya were banned. However, the Tanzanian government chartered a plane for me. It was one of the best concerts I have ever had. 

"The reception and the fans were amazing too. I represented Kenya to my level best. Two days of epic bliss, one man, one stage and one hour per day," the award-winning artist stated. 

On Wednesday, July 22, he stated that traditional forms of comedy like physical shows had helped him gain popularity alongside digital content.

He advised the new comedians to invest in quality content which can be used by brands for marketing, adding that he was working towards taking his brand across boundaries. 

Kenya and Tanzania are embroiled in a cold war over the Covid-19 pandemic. Tanzania effected her ban on Kenyan flights after Kenya red-flagged her neighbour as a Covid-19 high-risk country.

Kenya's Health CS Mutahi Kagwe directed foreign arrivals from high-risk countries to be subjected to 14-days mandatory quarantine. 

Comedian Eric Omondi in an Instagram photo posted on July 23, 2020

Instagram

Watch Eric Omondi arrive in Tanzania: Courtesy

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Kenyan musician Vivian attracted backlash for approaching TikTok star Azziad Nasenya to promote her song for free.

In an Instagram live interview, the accelerator hitmaker noted that she reached out to the influencer to post her new song Simpo Simpo featuring Stivo Simple Boy.

"We asked her if she can share my new song and she asked to be paid. That really suprised me. She is new in the industry," the artiste stated.

Her sentiments attracted backlash on social media with a number of Kenyans accusing the musician of not appreciating the value of the digital influencer.

Kenyan musician Vivian at the set of a music video

Instagram

In a video retweeted over 300 times with more than 500 replies, many were of the opinion that the musician erred in her demands.

"What is wrong with Kenyans and respecting other people's hustle, you want people to create content and promote you for free?" one user Moran stated. 

"This ‘new to the game’ phrase is trash. Azziad go get your bag elsewhere," another user Valarie advised.

Others noted that the artist had paid for other services including the dancers and the videographer in making the video and the same should have been applied in marketing the video.

"If she was able to pay for the studio session and for the video, it’s only fair she pays Azziad too," another Twitter user observed.

Here are some of the reactions:

Some of the reactions from the post.

Twitter

A similar conversation was ignited when Azziad went viral with Femi One's song Utawezana. Whereas a number of people argued that the influencer had made the song more poluar with her video, the artist stated that the song was good on its own.

Azziad has quickly become one of the country's most popular figures with hundreds of thousands of followers across platforms including Tiktok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Recently her rate card revealed that the content creator charges up to Ksh100,000 per post on platforms including Tiktok and Instagram, a figure that had a section of Kenyans in awe.

Kenyans.co.ke in-house Digital Media expert Brian Muuo explained that it was standard practice for influencers to ask for payment upfront.

"The influencers are paid to promote and it is standard practice to pay upfront before the work commences depending on the agreement between the company and influencer.

"On whether the promotion translates to purchases, that responsibility does not fall on the influencer unless it was specifically agreed upon by both parties," he noted.

Muuo added that brands derived alot of value from influencers explaining that pricing for influencers was determined first and foremost by key metrics including followers, subscribers, views on videos, user engagement and user feedback.

"Advertisers are willing to work with influencers but they must also be sure of a return on their investment," he observed.

File image of actress and Tiktoker Azziad Nasenya

Twitter

Rapper Khaligraph Jones, real name Brian Ouko Omollo, is making waves as the star of a new reality show dubbed Khaligraph Kronicles.

The series features short episodes focused on different aspects of Khaligraph's life, including behind the scenes footage and the rapper's thoughts on various issues.

A collaboration between Khaligraph and US-based beverage company Monster, the first episode debuted on August 18 to Monster's international Youtube audience of over 2.6 million subscribers.

It was met with generally positive reviews from around the world, with Khaligraph discussing his well-known style and even flaunting his shoe collection.

File image of rapper Khaligraph Jones

Twitter

According to Khaligraph, he owns over 400 pairs of shoes and counting, noting that he gives several pairs away.

Affirming that he considered himself a collector of nice shoes, Khaligraph cited his numerous Instagram posts showing off his shoes as evidence of his love of footwear.

True to form, Khaligraph is the owner of several pairs of Timberland boots in various colours and Nike sneakers, some of which were seen on the show.

"I love shoes, I'm always buying shoes every now and then, but I'm very specific with the shoes that I purchase.

"I'm sometimes lacking space to put them. You'll find shoes in the whip (car), you'll find shoes in the studio, you'll find shoes in the booth. Shoes represent Khaligraph," he stated.

He described his style as 'gangster', reiterating that he was not carried away by constantly-evolving fashion trends.

Khaligraph noted the integral contribution of his outfits to his image as a rapper, stating that it was a key part of his brand.

He stated that he preferred to wear jackets, t-shirts, straight pants and hats before stepping out, be it to perform or attend to other matters.

Khaligraph joins a long list of Kenyan artists who have taken their talents to the screens, with many finding success with reality shows. Among them are Sauti Sol, Bahati, Size 8 and DJ Mo.

Sauti Sol, for instance, have been a hit with the new reality show Sol Family  which focuses on them and signees on their Sol Generation label such as Nviiri and Bensoul.

Viewers are gripped by the personal stories, a glimpse into the lives of the stars and the challenges they face like everyone else.

Sauti Sol performing during their Midnight Train virtual experience album launch on August 22, 2020.

YouTube

Musician Willis Chimano of Sauti Sol has opened up about being socially awkward and how he came to terms with it. 

In a recent candid episode of Engage Talk, the award winning singer traced his personality to his early childhood where he realised that social interactions were not his cup of tea. 

"Growing up I considered myself a very awkward child but maybe I'm being too hard on myself so I will try and explain.

"I used to find it so laborious to make friends. It was an activity that I honestly thought I could do without," he started. 

Musician Willis Chimano speaking during an episode of Engage Talk

File

He explained that for his primary education, he had gone through four different schools which made it very difficult to retain friends. 

His very strict Christian parents were trying to get the best education for him and he ultimately managed to do well and enroll at Kakamega High School. 

It took Chimano 2 years to convince his parents to transfer him to a different school and eventually ended up at Upper Hill.

This move, he says, changed his life forever because it was at this point that he met the rest of his band members Bien Barasa, Savara Mudigi and Polycarp Otieno. 

"But in high school I was still a very subdued child," he described.

Despite getting into the University of Nairobi to study journalism, Chimano didn't feel as though he was fulfilling his purpose in life until his music career started picking up.

He traced his bold sense of fashion to when he used to help his mother pick out clothes to wear to church and work. When he tried to extend the same to his father, all he got was a stern look that was more telling than words.

"Being on stage is such an amazing feeling. When I am dressed in my rarely sublte attire and singing, it feels like a different sort of energy. It brings me fulfilment," he explained. 

The musician also described his sense of fashion as a challenge to toxic masculinity.

"I'm proud of the man that I'm becoming. A man who listens, a man who strives to understand the world around him in most cases, who cherishes and loves to be there for his loved ones who have played a tremendous role in his life," he intimated.

Watch the video here.

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Churchill Show comedian George Maina (Njoro) announced to his fans that he was making a comeback to the screen after completing a three-month therapy program.

On July 26, Kenyans contributed funds for the comedian after he opened up on attempting suicide thrice owing to depression. 

The comedian appreciated the kindness extended to him and promised to return to the entertainment scene after undergoing treatment.

"I will come back with something bigger and better and I will entertain my fans once again. Tunarudi kuchoma industry (I will come back to seize my place).

Comedians Zeddy (Left) and Njoro share a light moment at his Nakuru home on July 20, 2020.

Instagram

"Guys, I will be away for three months as I undertake treatment because my brain was affected. I believe I am going to beat it and you will see me very very soon," Njoro stated on Monday, August 17. 

He added that he had been fighting depression which killed him from the inside. The Nakuru-based comedian appreciated efforts made by his friend and compatriot Zainabu Zeddy and thanked Daniel Ndambuki (Churchill) for offering him the opportunity that saw him make a breakthrough.

Comedian Eric Omondi urged upcoming artists to exploit social media as a platform where they can grow their careers. Omondi spoke after several exposés accused Churchill directors of allegedly frustrating comedians and driving them into depression. Some of the artists have passed on. 

The Ministry of Health has numerously weighed in on mental health with CAS Rashid Aman stating that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused enormous health, socioeconomic and psychological impact on the population.

On June 20, Aman stated that the Ministry had set out to provide mental health and psychosocial support strategies and measures which are critical in the short and long term response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The government, he said, is prioritizing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) through the provision of mental health and psychological services to the general public, quarantine and hospitalized persons, healthcare workers, and high-risk vulnerable populations.

Other measures in place include the provision of 24-hour access to tele-counselling services and psychological care via hotline numbers 1199 and 719. Implementation of the Presidential directive on Mental Health and transformation of Mathare Mental Hospital into a parastatal is also underway to provide referral specialized care, training and research in mental health.

"Ther is quite a lot we are doing on mental health in alignment with what MOH is doing too. And we in the private sector have witnessed a number of Kenyans reach out," Faith Nashipae, a psychologist based in Nairobi stated while speaking with Kenyans.co.ke. 

From left: Kenyan comedians Njoro, Eric Omondi, Daniel Ndambuki and Zeddy

File

Shooting a film entails various aspects, from the set, location, equipment to editing. 

Maria Series drama is one of the most-watched shows in Kenya, with fans from young children to the aged following its developments on TV and social media pages too.

However, behind-the-scenes cuts offer the viewers a chance to see parts that are edited out and hilarious sides of the actors.

Maria actors are a closely-knit group, with the cast enjoying their time off set as seen in several videos cut off from the show. 

Citizen TV's Maria series cast post for a photo in 2019

Instagram

Directors of the show, Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla described the group as the best generation of actors in Kenya, having blended both seasoned actors such as Brian Ogana (Luwi) and debutants like Yasmin Said (Maria).

"If you look at the response on our shows, what stands out is how different we are from other production companies. We heavily invest in our stories," Lulu Hassan stated.

In one of the recent episodes aired in July 2020, the scene shows how the film was shot, encompassing both the crew and the cast.

The episode was centred on Bridget Shigadi (Sophia) and Alice Mari's (Kanini) eviction from Mr. William's house. One can see how the crew were directed to take shots as well as sound. 

In another scene, Madam Victoria breaks into laughter with her 'son' Victor after perfecting a scene where Victor is crying and needs to be consoled. 

Mr. William is usually a composed and strict father in the show. However, Maria managed to bring out a lighter side of him in a behind-the-scene act.

"Haki nmekuhata vinoma (I have missed you)," Mr. William cracks the joke in Sheng as the duo breaks into laughter. 

In most of the scenes, the director can also be heard directing the crew on cuts and retakes, as the actors end up cracking jokes on set. 

To break the monotony from the show, the producers engage the cast in singing, dancing and also playing competitive games. 

From left: Maria series actors, Luwi, Victor, Madam Victoria, William and Vanessa

File

Watch a video compilation of Maria's behind-the-scenes cuts

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Comedian Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) could hardly hide his emotions as he nearly broke down while conducting an interview with Ugandan artiste Jackie Chandiru on his YouTube page on Friday, August 7. 

Chandiru detailed how she was recovering from drug addiction, survived four attempted suicides and a broken marriage as she set out to get back to performing and releasing new music.

Acknowledging that he was not the most religious person, Jalang'o reached out to the troubled artiste  and knelt together as they held hands in prayer.

"Dear Father, I thank you so much for my sister Jackie and I thank you for all you have done in her life. We are not holy before you, but I bless your name because of the far you have brought my sister [sic]. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen," Jalang'o interceded.

Ugandan Jackie Chandiru (left) in an interview with comedian Jalang'o on Friday, August 7, 2020

YouTube

Chandiru, the self-dubbed Queen of the Nile is famous for hit song Gold Digger alongside her former Blu*3 counterparts Lilian Mbabazi and Cinderella Sanyu (Cindy).

The Ugandan detailed that she got into drugs after developing a health issue from a back problem. She then started abusing a painkiller, Pethidine, to avoid surgery and to aid her to perform on stage without complications. It also assisted her to sleep as she had insomnia - lack of sleep. 

She used to inject herself over 20 times in a day with scars developing on her hands. Chandiru got tired of injecting the drug into her veins and started injecting it into her skin.

This made her to contemplate suicide, but her four attempts failed. Her ex-husband supported her during the trying moment, however, the marriage failed as her drug addiction worsened. 

"All I want is a second chance. I believe we are all entitled to it. The media wrote that I died, four times, and these were part of the things that made me ask God to take me away. I found out that my grave had been dug before I passed out and I prayed that those who dug it would get into it before I do.

"What motivated me was my fans who were praying for me and I vowed to get back up and to live my life again. God will never make you go through whatever you can never overcome. He made me realise that He loves us no matter who we are," she recalled and lauded her fans for standing with her.

Chandiru has opted to revive her career in Kenya by collaborating with local artistes. 

File image of Ugandan artiste Jackie Chandiru on stage

File

Watch video of Jalang'o praying for Jackie Chandiru: 

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