Elev8 Live Founder Motif Di Don (left) and NCBA’s Nelly Wainaina during the premiere of Elev8 Journey in Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina,Standard] Thirty-two emerging artists are set to benefit from a new season of ELEV8 Live, a local music and arts development programme aimed at helping creatives turn talent into sustainable careers. The initiative will provide mentorship, industry access, and financial support to help artists navigate both the artistic and business sides of their work. The first three participants for the 2026 season were revealed during a screening of the previous year’s programme documentary at Two Rivers Cinemax. The series and…
Author: Elvis Ogina
Visiting Italian artist Montanucci Salvatore at the ‘Painted Expressions’ showcase at Delight Technical College, Nairobi CBD on. March 1, 2026 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The recently concluded “Painted Expressions” Artwear Fashion Showcase left Nairobi awash with colour, creativity and bold design statements as young designers took centre stage alongside visiting Italian artist Montanucci Salvatore. The event, which fused fine art and fashion, transformed painterly concepts into wearable pieces, with vibrant terracotta tones, architectural patterns and gilded textures dominating the runway. Students and invited designers showcased collections inspired by Salvatore’s artistic philosophy, drawing applause from guests who filled the venue. Speaking after…
Italy’s Sicilian artist Montanucci Salvatore at Delight Technical College ahead of the “Painted Expressions” fashion showcase in Nairobi CBD [Elvis Ogina, Standard] An art-inspired fashion showcase, “Painted Expressions,” brings together local and international creatives on Sunday, March 1, in Nairobi’s CBD, featuring designs that translate paintings into wearable fashion. Sicilian artist Montanucci Salvatore, known for Mediterranean-inspired works that blend myth, symbolism, and architecture, will lead the showcase. The collection will reflect architectural landscapes, terracotta tones, and gilded textures, merging European artistic traditions with contemporary African fashion aesthetics. Drawing fashion designers, students, media representatives, and cultural practitioners, the event will provide an…
Models showcase some of the designs during the MyVitenge Bazaar. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] MyVitenge hosted the Afro Street Bazaar at Kraftory Biergarten, marking the launch of a vibrant monthly, family-friendly event set to take place every first Saturday of the month. The full-day experience celebrates African Ankara fashion, culture, food, and entertainment, bringing together curated fashion stalls, bold African designs, great cuisine, and a lively atmosphere suitable for all ages. Set against the relaxed backdrop of Kraftory Biergarten, the bazaar offered an ideal weekend hangout for families, friends, and culture enthusiasts. The initiative is the brainchild of Mathew Atanda, who…
Former Miss Intercontinental Kenya and international runway sensation Eleshia Ai (photo Elvis Ogina) Former Miss Intercontinental Kenya and international runway sensation Eleshia Ai has firmly placed Kenyan talent on the global fashion map. Her recent appearance at Turkey Fashion Week in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she stunned in Oktayseven and Emrearibespoke designs, marks yet another milestone in a career that has spanned six countries as a runway model and 12 as an international model. Yet for Eleshia, the spotlight is never just about herself. Behind the glittering gowns and global stages lies a deeper mission: mentorship. Having navigated the complexities of…
MAQ Modelling Academy founder & lead Lucy Irungu [Courtesy] MAQ Modelling Academy is set to host an End-of-Year Brunch to mark the completion of its first year of operations, highlighting developments in model training and industry engagement. Founded and led by Lucy Irungu, with strategic support from marketing consultant Nadhir Apapu, the academy has introduced an in-house competitive title, Miss Face of MAQ Academy 2026/2027, which will be awarded during the event. The title is exclusively contested by academy students and focuses on professional development, discipline, and personal branding. The academy will also announce its acquisition of the Miss Independent…
Miss World Kenya Ivy Triza Muhenje during the crowning ceremony. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Ivy Trizah Muhenje has been crowned the new Miss World Kenya 2026, following a glamorous coronation ceremony held in Nairobi. Muhenje was crowned during an exclusive press conference and cocktail event, marking a strategic shift aimed at strengthening Kenya’s global competitiveness at the Miss World pageant. Miss World Kenya franchise holder Terry Mungai, alongside Ashley Mungai, crowns Ivy Trizah Muhenje as Miss World Kenya 2025–2026, with Joan Joy as 1st runner-up. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] According to the franchise, the decision to crown the national queen earlier than…
‘Circles’ cast poses for a photo during its premiere [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Riara University students have released a short film titled Circles, which made its public debut at the university’s Nairobi campus. The film follows Delilah, a young woman seeking justice after her sister dies by suicide following a sexual assault at a party. Its release coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Robert Gateru acknowledged the students’ work, encouraging them for a second season of the film. “I am very proud of your accomplishments. You have done very well. Let’s…
Kenyan High Commissioner in Mozambique Philip Mundia Muthiora speaks at the celebrations. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] As Kenyans celebrated Jamhuri Day across the country and the world, the Kenya High Commission in Mozambique hosted its first-ever Independence Day reception for the international community in Maputo since the mission was opened four years ago. The event marked a milestone in Kenya’s diplomatic engagement in southern Africa, drawing diplomats, government officials, members of the Kenyan diaspora and representatives from the private sector. The High Commission noted that the reception was not merely ceremonial but strategically aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and positioning Kenya…
Kenya Film Commission Board Chair Sudi Wandabusi, Director Collins Okoth, Jury Rep Michael Mwai, and Screenwriters mentor Mona Ombogo present awards to winners under the Film Empowerment Program Cycle 4 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Five Kenyan television projects have been selected for development grants under the fourth cycle of the Film Empowerment Programme, part of efforts to boost original local screen content. The winning Screenwriters’ Residency projects are Mental by Edwin Kairu, Offside by Lydia Matata, Most Outlandish Heist by Hannington Juma, My Girlfriend Wanjiru Is a Vampire by Gift Kyansimire, and Timeline Bloodline by Wacuka Mungai. Each project will receive…
Former Miss Intercontinental Kenya Eleshia Ais dazzles during Turkey Fashion Week Former Miss Intercontinental Kenya and international runway model Eleshia Ais captivated the global fashion scene with her stunning appearance at Turkey Fashion Week in Baku, Azerbaijan. The celebrated model lit up the runway in bespoke designs by Oktayseven and Emrearibespoke, showcasing her elegance and international appeal. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Eleshia reflected on her experience in Azerbaijan with great enthusiasm. “It was my first time in Azerbaijan Baku and the experience was amazing. This marks my sixth country as a runway model and 12th country as…
Finalists and winners during the pageant’s finals in Nairobi [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The Nairobi and Kiambu County Finals of Little Miss and Miss Environment Kenya brought together 21 young contestants in a vibrant, environmentally themed setting. The event, which showcased the pageant’s focus on environmental advocacy, highlighted children’s role in climate action and sustainability. Contestants got the space to demonstrate creativity, confidence, and an understanding of environmental responsibility, reflecting the pageant’s mission to nurture young leaders in the climate space. Kelcy Wanjiru, Grand Miss Environment Kiambu County on the runway [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Miss Earth Kenya Miral Ngesa attended the…
NCBA’s Nelly Wainaina addreses guests during the NCBA x HEVA Fund MOU Signing, Creative Economy Summit & Elev8 LIVE Album Launch in Nairobi [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Artists and creative enterprises across Kenya will now have expanded access to financing through a new industry partnership. Unveiled at the NCBA Creative Economy Summit, held alongside the Elev8 LIVE album launch in Nairobi, the collaboration between NCBA Bank and HEVA Fund introduces five tailored financial products: event financing, invoice discounting, LPO financing, working capital support and start-up incubator financing. The products are designed to help creatives fund production, equipment, marketing, touring, digital distribution…