Kenyan artist JuBlak is stepping into a new creative chapter with the release of his latest album, Ja Ngoma. Known for his lyrical depth and signature rap style, JuBlak takes a fresh turn with this project blending melodies, live instrumentation, and storytelling to showcase a fuller, more evolved version of himself as an artist. Unlike his previous projects that leaned heavily into hard-hitting bars, the album reflects his growth as a musician. Inspired by his journey learning to play the guitar, the album sees him incorporating melody into his raps and embracing a more musical identity. “This time, I wanted to…
Author: Boniface Mithika
Tracy Nabukeera. [Instagram] Tracy Nabukeera, the reigning Miss Tanzania 2023, has announced her decision to withdraw from the Miss World 2025 competition. According to her statement, she cited lack of support and inadequate preparation from the organising body. She further expressed that the choice though difficult, was necessary to stay true to her values and ensure she could represent her country with confidence and empowerment. “This was not an easy choice, but due to a lack of support, proper communication, and adequate preparation from the organization responsible, I no longer felt aligned or empowered enough to represent Tanzania on such a…
Coachella music festival is already happening and a couple of African stars have and will be gracing the stage. South Africa’s Tyla, Nigeria’s Rema, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, and Ghana’s Amaarae are among the few chosen to represent this year. Tyla, the Grammy-winning South African sensation, is set to make her highly anticipated Coachella debut after an injury forced her to cancel last year’s appearance. Nigerian superstar Rema, a global ambassador for Afrobeats, made his Coachella debut on Sunday and will be back this coming Sunday. With chart-topping tracks like “Calm Down” and a record-breaking streaming career, Rema’s set is…
Kenyan rising star Savinnah is proving herself as one of the most versatile voices in the region’s pop scene. Since debuting with her reggae-infused single ‘Trouble’, she’s seamlessly transitioned through pop ballads like ‘Nyota’ to electronic songs like ‘Love Like That’ and ‘Blink Twice’. Her sound, she says, has grown increasingly experimental and honest which is a direct reflection of her personal journey and emotions. Her debut EP, released under Universal Music Kenya, brought together tracks like ‘Bad Mamacita’ ft. Ndovu Kuu and ‘Wondering’ centered around the theme of first love. The project was both upbeat and emotional, giving listeners…
Caption A jury in a civil trial has found US rapper Soulja Boy liable for sexual battery, assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress against a former assistant. The 34-year-old Chicago hip-hop artist, best known for his 2007 chart-topping single ‘Crank That’ was ordered to pay the accuser $4.25 million (Sh 550,970,000) in damages, comprising $4 million (Sh 518,560,000) in compensatory damages and $250,000 (Sh 32,410,000) in punitive damages, as reported by the BBC. The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by an unnamed woman, alleged that Soulja Boy subjected her to repeated physical and sexual abuse during her time working for…
Caption Kapseret MP Hon. Oscar Sudi has found himself at the center of a social media storm after his comments on the controversial play Echoes of War by Butere Girls High School sparked widespread backlash. The MP’s post on X, where he urged parents and teachers to shield children from being used in ‘political wars by selfish politicians,’ drew sharp criticism from netizens who have challenged his understanding of literature and his right to comment on the matter. In his post, Sudi stated, “Parents and teachers should protect our innocent children from being used in political wars by selfish politicians.…
Kenyan music group Matata has publicly condemned what they describe as a “false, malicious, and hurtful” copyright claim that led to the takedown of their lyric video for the song ‘Mpishi’ on YouTube. The Norway-based group, known for their vibrant fusion of Gengetone and pop, accused an unnamed Kenyan individual of attempting to “blackmail, extort, and reap from where they didn’t plant” by exploiting YouTube’s copyright system for a “quick payday.” The controversy erupted just as Matata was preparing to release the official music video for Mpishi, a track featuring Sauti Sol’s Bien and produced by WuodOmollo. The song, was…
Rising Afrobeats star Modola recently released the official music video for her first single, “Talk,” and it’s already turning heads. “Talk” is a vibrant Afro-Beat track that has been praised for its relatable themes. Since its release, the single has been featured on various music platforms, including Apple Music and Shazam. The video for “Talk” is full of life, with bright colours, smooth rhythms, and a story of self-expression. Modola lights up the screen with her charm and energy, making it clear she’s here to make a mark. Her performance feels real and powerful, pulling viewers in from start to…
Tanzanian music idol Lady JayDee, widely known as the ‘Queen of Bongo Flava,’ yesterday released her single, ‘Po Po’. This release is particularly significant as it marked her first musical offering of the year and coincided with her 25th anniversary in the music industry. This also becomes her first project to be released under her newly established distribution partnership with Universal Music Group East Africa (UMG EA). ‘Po Po’ carries her gratitude after making music for two and half decades. “This song is to thank God for everything He has done for me. I have been through so much during my…
Last Sunday, the East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards lit up the Argyle Hotel, celebrating the region’s top talents. Among them, Kenyan-Australian artist Qare The Mask stood out, winning big and grabbing everyone’s attention. He won Best New Upcoming Artist of 2025. The yearly event, packed with Tanzanian stars this time, honored the best in music and more. Qare The Mask, a multifaceted performer whose real name remains a mystery behind his enigmatic persona, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the music world. Born with a passion for blending Afrobeat, hip-hop, and experimental sounds, he crafts a distinct identity that’s as…
Photo collage of Anthony Edwards and Ayesha Howard. [Instagram] Ayesha Howard, a social media influencer and mother to children with NBA star Anthony Edwards and rapper Lil Baby, is once again at the centre of controversy after making bold statements about wealth and relationships. The 39-year-old is currently locked in a legal battle with Edwards over child support for their daughter, born in October 2024. While she has repeatedly denied being a “gold digger,” her latest comments have only added fuel to the fire. In a viral Instagram Story, Howard appeared to take shots at women who don’t have wealthy…
A Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University was forcibly detained by federal immigration agents on a residential street in Somerville, near Boston, late Tuesday evening, in a scene captured on video that has sparked outrage and concern. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Wednesday that the student, Rumeysa Ozturk, had her student visa revoked by the Trump administration over alleged “activities in support of Hamas,” a claim that has intensified debates over free speech and immigration policy. Ozturk, a 30-year-old Ph.D. candidate in Tufts’ child study and human development program, was reportedly on her way to break her Ramadan…
Photo collage of Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert. [Instagram] Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert, once admired as a power couple, officially ended their marriage, and details of their settlement have emerged, closing a decade-long chapter that began in 2014. The two first connected through their respective careers Taylor is a singer, actress, and choreographer, while Shumpert is professional basketball player who last played for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage in 2016, and together they welcomed two daughters. Despite their seemingly strong bond, cracks in the relationship eventually led Taylor to file for divorce…
Renowned writer and scholar David Maillu. (Courtesy) Renowned writer and scholar David Maillu says he plans to establish a groundbreaking institution, the University of Witchcraft. This university would be dedicated to study and preservation of African witchcraft, medicine divinity and sorcery. Mailu, an expert in cultural values and spirituality shared the vision for the university on a Facebook post, highlighting its focus on the academic exploration of African witchcraft, which he argues has long been misunderstood and demonised. In his post, Maillu recalled his previous public lectures on the topic, including a notable session at Machakos University, where rumor spread…
Ann Blessing bagged the Best Photogenic category. She emerged 4th in the overall category. [Instagram] As all eyes were glued at the highly anticipated African Union Commission (AUC) elections in Addis Ababa, Kenya’s Ann Blessing was setting records on the same soil. The Beauty of Africa International Pageant (BAIP) was happening the same day and Kenya stood tall as Ann Blessing bagged the Best Photogenic category. She emerged 4th in the overall category. Michal Tesfay of Eritrea was crowned the winner of the annual “Beauty of Africa International Pageant (BAIP) 2025”, and become the winner of the international standards pageant…
Margaret Ayieko Arego. [Courtesy] Kenyan model Margaret Ayieko Arego has been selected to represent Kenya in the prestigious Miss Global 2024-25 competition. The upcoming Miss Global 2024-25 competition will be held across Cambodia and Thailand from February 24 – March 9, 2025, marking its 11th edition. The event will include photo shoots, media interviews, runway training, rehearsals, and cultural experiences, culminating in the grand crowning ceremony. Born on October 13, 1994, the 31-year-old beauty queen is not just a model but also an accomplished Operations Specialist in high-tech agriculture. Passionate about using technology to drive sustainable solutions, especially in desert…
Photo collage of Keith Oleng, Christine Mwende and Jorum. [Courtesy] In a groundbreaking move set to transform the way small businesses showcase their products, the Africa Hair Market is introducing a shelf-based exhibition model. The event, scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Sarit Expo Centre, is a collaboration between Africa Is A Planet, an organization committed to sustainability and SME empowerment, and the renowned Global Exhibitions Inc. Unlike traditional trade fairs, the Africa Hair Market embraces the sharing economy by offering exhibitors an affordable and efficient way to present their products. Instead of renting costly booths, participants will…
Beauty queen Terry Ann Blessing Akoth expressed her determination to bring the crown home, following in the footsteps of Cindy Isendi, who won the prestigious title in 2019 (Photo: Elvis Ogina) Kenya’s Terry Ann Blessing Akoth is ready to take on the continental stage at the 2025 Miss Beauty of Africa International Pageant (BAIP). The highly anticipated event will be held on February 15 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Speaking during her breakfast send-off ceremony at Finix Casino, Nairobi, the confident beauty queen expressed her determination to bring the crown home, following in the footsteps of Cindy Isendi, who won the…