Akon also contributed to Gaga’s early music, including her breakout hit “Just Dance”(Photo: Courtesy) Singer Akon has credited Lady Gaga’s success with making him financially secure, saying her rise to global stardom was a blessing that changed his fortunes. The Senegalese-American singer signed Gaga, then known as Stefani Germanotta, in 2007 after she had been dropped by Def Jam Recordings following a brief stint with the label. Impressed by her music, Akon pushed to bring her under his KonLive Distribution imprint, which partnered with Interscope Records to release…
Author: Jael Wakesho
The unwanted orders reportedly included televisions, refrigerators, washing machines(Photo: Courtesy) An Indian social media influencer has reportedly been forced to leave his home in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, after a request for Diwali sweets triggered a wave of fake cash-on-delivery (COD) orders for expensive household items. Veeramani Shanmuganathan had shared his phone number and home address on Instagram, hoping followers would send him festive treats. However, he said pranksters used the information to place orders in his name, leaving him facing repeated deliveries for goods he had…
The Fantasy Bra is one of Victoria’s Secret’s most recognisable traditions (Photo: kyliejenner/Instagram) Kylie Jenner made her Victoria’s Secret runway debut in Los Angeles, wearing a diamond-encrusted Fantasy Bra valued at Sh6.4 billion ($50 million), perhaps the most expensive in the brand’s history. The reality TV star and Kylie Cosmetics founder walked the runway in the jewelled bra, oversized white feathered wings, a sheer miniskirt and clear heels. Her mother, Kris Jenner, and boyfriend, actor Timothée Chalamet, watched from the front row. Jenner’s appearance was a surprise, as…
The launch coincided with the release of his new children’s comic book, Babu & the Kidnappers (Photo: Courtesy) Kenya’s iconic comic character Bongoman has made the leap from newspaper pages to mobile phones with the launch of Bongoman: The Game, an action-adventure game based on veteran cartoonist James Kamawira’s creation. The game was launched at Alliance Française de Nairobi during the East African Comic Worlds event. It was developed by Mellowphant Games in collaboration with Kamawira, popularly known as Kham, giving younger audiences a new way to interact with a character that has entertained newspaper readers for…
Bien calls out Tanzania over lack of support for Kenyan musicians [Photo: Courtesy] Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza has called on Tanzanian fans and media houses to give Kenyan musicians more support, saying Tanzanian Bongo Flava artistes enjoy greater recognition in Kenya than Kenyan artistes receive in Tanzania. Bien made the appeal shortly after arriving in Tanzania ahead of a performance, noting that Kenyan audiences have embraced Tanzanian music while many Kenyan singers remain relatively unknown across the border. “Wasanii wa Bongo hata sidhani kuna pahali mnasikizwa zaidi ya Kenya… wanawapenda huko sana,” Bien said in Kiswahili. “Yaani, mziki wa…
American R&B star Ne-Yo has arrived in Nairobi ahead of his Mashujaa Day concert at Ulinzi Sports Complex. The 47-year-old singer and father of seven landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday evening, October 19, ahead of the highly anticipated show. Ne-Yo will headline One Night Only: Brunch Edition, a music event scheduled to run from 3pm to 11pm, with UK showband Sol & The Gang also set to perform. The concert coincides with Kenya’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, allowing fans to spend the national holiday enjoying live R&B music. Born Shaffer Chimere Smith, Ne-Yo is a three-time Grammy Award…
The video drew divided reactions online (Photo: Courtesy) Veteran Kenyan journalist Jeff Koinange has sparked mixed reactions online after declining an impromptu interview request from Elijah, the host of digital platform Young Millionaire Talks. The encounter happened at the Africa Commerce & Industry Summit 2026 in Nairobi and was captured on camera, with the clip later circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms. Elijah approached Koinange as the veteran broadcaster appeared to be engaged in another conversation. He attempted to introduce his platform and request an interview, but Koinange did not stop for the camera. In the viral…
The post attracted about 150,000 likes within 24 hours, and drawing thousands of angry comments (Photo: Courtesy) Panamanian model and influencer Gracie Bon has come under fire after sharing photos of herself posing among the ruins left by a powerful earthquake in Panama, with critics accusing her of using the disaster as a photo opportunity. Bon maintains that she was trying to raise awareness about the devastation and mobilise support for affected families, but her decision to feature in the images has drawn…
Her appearance in “I’ll Be Okay” has added to her professional profile beyond modelling (Photo: Courtesy) Kenyan video model Aisha Saringe, popularly known as Miss Saringe, has captured the spotlight after featuring as the female lead in Bien’s latest song, “I’ll Be Okay”, with her appearance drawing attention from viewers online. The music video, released on October 9, has become a talking point among fans, with Saringe’s screen presence and curvaceous figure attracting interest alongside the song’s emotional message about heartbreak and moving on after a…
She has been appearing on various shows to discuss her mission (Photo: Courtesy) Kenyan youth advocate Vanessa Handas will represent the country at the ninth edition of the Miss Africa Golden beauty pageant in Ghana next month. The international pageant will be held in Accra from November 16 to 23, 2026, bringing together contestants from 22 African countries to celebrate Black identity, African heritage, culture and tourism. According to the organisers, Miss Africa Golden goes beyond beauty, providing…
Anastasia Mwathi shines as first runner-up at Miss Universal Woman [Photo: Courtsey] Kenyan model Anastasia Mwathi has achieved a major milestone on the global stage after finishing as the first runner-up at the Miss Universal Woman 2026 pageant. The ultimate crown went to Marissol Savagin of Brazil, who took home the international title in a competitive grand final that featured delegates from across the globe, including finalists from China, Venezuela, and Cambodia. The Kitui-born model’s impressive finish marks another key step in her rising career within the modeling and pageantry industry. Mwathi, who is 22 years old and stands 174…
Kamba Benga musician Alex Kasau, popularly known as Katombi, has defended his latest song, “Wikend”, following criticism of its music video, saying he makes music for adults and is not a role model for children. The video, released on October 9, 2026, sparked debate over its provocative dancing and performances, with critics questioning whether the content was appropriate for younger audiences. Katombi told critics, “I am not your role model,” arguing that parents, rather than musicians, should decide what children watch. The song’s official audio was released on September 2, 2026, with production by Kisinga Sounds. The backlash echoes earlier…
Kenyan actress Nice Githinji has made history after becoming East Africa’s first certified intimacy coordinator. Her certification sets a new professional standard for Kenya’s growing film and television industry.An intimacy coordinator helps plan and supervise scenes involving intimacy, nudity, or simulated sex. The role protects actors’ boundaries and helps create a safe, consensual working environment on set.Githinji’s certification makes her a pioneer in the region. Reports describe her as East Africa’s first certified intimacy coordinator, a milestone that could allow her to work internationally and strengthen safety standards in African productions.She said the work is important because African stories should be…
Jamaican dancehall and reggae star Demarco has praised Kenyan fans for their warmth, saying their love and energy are the reason he keeps returning to the country. In an interview he said: “I love the people, the energy and you feel at home and you can just walk anywhere. It’s the love man, I love this place.”Demarco has also revealed that Kenya feels close to Jamaica. “We love Kenya. It is a good country with good people and beautiful women,” he told Pulse. He added: “Kenya is more or less like Jamaica. From the way people dress to the way they party,…
Jamaican reggae and dancehall star Charly Black is in Kenya this weekend, bringing the sound of Jamaica to Nairobi. His visit is a big moment for local reggae and dancehall fans, who have long followed his music from across the Caribbean and Latin America.Charly Black was born Desmond Mendez on April 6, 1980, in Rio Bueno, Trelawny, Jamaica. He grew up in the Jamaican countryside, where music was part of everyday life and where he began singing at a very young age.Before he became known around the world, he worked as a selector, the person who chooses and plays records for…
Some netizens have since come forth and criticised some of these women (Photo: Courtesy) The death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, in a helicopter crash has reopened debate about wealth, relationships, and social-media fame in Africa. Days after the tragedy, Tanzanian socialite Poshy Queen shared alleged Instagram messages from Chivayo, saying she had ignored his advances because she was loyal to her boyfriend. Chivayo, popularly known as “Sir Wicknell,” died on September 30, 2026, when…
She was trying to deliver the line, “You know I got homesick,” (Photo: Courtesy) A Tanzanian actress has publicly apologised after a behind-the-scenes video showing her struggling to say an English line during a film shoot went viral. The clip attracted widespread laughter online, especially from Kenyan social media users.In the footage, the actress was on an outdoor set surrounded by sugarcane, with cameras, lights…
Kibe said the content was embarrassing (Photo: Courtesy) Andrew Kibe has strongly criticised Stevo Simple Boy over a viral comedy skit in which the rapper pulled a monkey stunt while wearing diapers, face painted, climbed trees and ate bananas. Kibe said the content was embarrassing and could damage Kenya’s image online. In a video shared online, the controversial…
The clip was shared online by a teacher known as Teacher Mungai (Photo: Courtesy) A class of Kenyan primary school pupils has gone viral after allegedly refusing to write a composition titled “The Governor’s Visit to School.” The learners told their teacher that they could…
The clip was shared online by a teacher known as Teacher Mungai (Photo: Courtesy) A class of Kenyan primary school pupils has gone viral after allegedly refusing to write a composition titled “The Governor’s Visit to School.” The learners told their teacher that they could…
Diamond joins an elite tier of global stars owning the statement creation (Photo: Courtesy) Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz has turned heads after showing off a rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked “Rainbow” watch on social media. The luxury timepiece, known for its gemstone-set bezel and intricate open dial, ranks among the most exclusive watches in the world. It features 32 baguette-cut rainbow sapphires alongside a skeletonised dial that exposes the twin balance wheels beneath. While retail…
Machoka began his broadcasting career in the 1970s (Photo: Courtesy) Several senators have paid tribute to veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka, recalling his influence on Kenyan popular culture and broadcasting as he prepares to mark 50 years in the industry. The tributes came during an afternoon Senate session, with lawmakers sharing personal memories of Machoka’s work and career ahead of his retirement…
He then sent the image to his colleague, Min Min Oo (Photo: Courtesy) A 30-year-old Myanmar national has been charged in Singapore after allegedly using artificial intelligence to create and share a fake image of a crocodile at a reservoir, triggering a search operation by authorities. Ye Lin appeared in court on charges of communicating a false message…
“Because, you grow with them, they grow and leave you behind,” he said (Photo: Courtesy) Kenyan comedian Jasper Muthomi, popularly known as MC Jessy, has warned women against staying with financially struggling men in the hope that they will eventually become successful. Speaking during an interview on the Tubonge podcast hosted by Chris The Bass, MC Jessy challenged the idea that women should remain with men through their difficult financial years and wait to benefit from their success. “Stop this nonsense of growing…
Ciggie Johnson reveals DNA test excluded him as father of 12-year-old girl [Photo: Courtsey] Kenyan club host and content creator Ciggie Johnson has said a DNA test has excluded him as the biological father of a 12-year-old girl he has raised since birth. In a selfie-style video posted on Instagram on Saturday, October 3, Ciggie shared a phone call with the child’s mother, who told him that a laboratory report showed he was “excluded as the biological father”. Ciggie then explained the result in simpler terms, saying: “Stop complicated English… DNA says I am not the father.” He said he…
Kenyan security guard goes viral over striking Gachagua resemblance [Photo: Courtsey] Kenyans are once again talking about a Rigathi Gachagua lookalike, this time a man spotted working as a security guard. A short video shared by a local blog shows the man standing near a roadside, with viewers pointing out his resemblance to the former deputy president. The clip has since attracted comments and jokes from social media users, with some saying the guard could easily pass for Gachagua. The report said the video was shared in a light-hearted manner, but it has renewed interest in people who bear a…
Viral Ugandan child star Tengetenge meets Jason Derulo [Photo: Courtsey] Ugandan child star Saad Ssozi, popularly known online as Tengetenge, has met American singer Jason Derulo, adding another high-profile international celebrity encounter to his rise from poverty to internet fame. Tengetenge, who became popular in late 2023, shot to fame after a video of him dancing and singing “tenge tengelele” went viral, garnering more than 100 million views. Reports about his early life say he stopped attending school because of poverty and collected scrap metal to help support his family. His fortunes changed after he met manager Michael Kabongi at…
He said he had thought about the idea even while serving in the White House (Photo: Courtesy) Former United States President Barack Obama has said the world could improve if women were given the opportunity to lead governments for two years. Obama made the remarks during a discussion with presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin at Salem State University in Massachusetts. He said he had thought about the idea even while serving in the White House. “Even when I was president, I sometimes fantasised…
Some Kenyans agreed with his observation (Photo: smilingmuscles/Instagram) A Nigerian travel and fitness content creator has sparked debate after saying he was surprised by what he perceived as lower visibility of Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) and skin bleaching among Kenyan women compared with Nigeria. In a video shared on Instagram, the creator said he had expected to see more women pursuing cosmetic procedures and skin-lightening treatments during his visit to Kenya. Instead,…
Neither Wayne nor Cannon has announced a wedding date (Photo: Courtesy) American rapper Lil Wayne has surprised fans by introducing 23-year-old Madi Cannon as his fiancée, months after publicly denying that the two were engaged. Wayne made the announcement in a video message to fellow Hot Boys member B.G., who recently got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Brooke Jones. While congratulating B.G. on his engagement, Wayne turned the camera towards Cannon, who was standing behind him. “And I’m marrying this one, this is Madison,”…
His career includes popular movies such as Rush Hour, Police Story (Photo: Courtesy) Jackie Chan has become the subject of a fresh death hoax after social media posts falsely claimed that the veteran actor and martial artist had died at the age of 72. The posts feature a black-and-white, memorial-style image of Chan carrying the dates “1954–2026”, leading some fans to believe that the Hong Kong-born star had passed away. However, there is no credible report or official announcement confirming Chan’s death. Several news organisations have since identified the…
The song was a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, who played Brian O’Conner (Photo: Courtesy) Wiz Khalifa says his 2015 hit song “See You Again” has earned him enough money to secure his future. The American rapper made the remarks during a recent livestream on Kick with content creator DeenTheGreat, while discussing which of his songs had made him the most money. When asked about his biggest earner, Khalifa quickly named “See You Again”, his emotional collaboration with singer Charlie Puth. “‘See You Again.’ Not too many artists get the…
Baking for one is a simple, comforting act of self-care (Photo: AI Gemini) Baking for one is a simple, comforting act of self-care. Whether you are relaxing in a Nairobi bedsitter, enjoying a coastal breeze in Mombasa, or spending a quiet evening in Kisumu, single-serving desserts offer the perfect fix for sudden sweet cravings. These personal treats are quick, budget-friendly and require no expensive machinery. A microwave-safe mug, a small ramekin and standard pantry staples such as flour, sugar,…
The account, @naffynicky452, had amassed about 16.1 million likes (Photo: Courtesy) Kenyan boxing comedian and TikTok star Mbavu Destroyer has lost his popular TikTok account, leaving more than 712,000 followers unable to access his page. The account, @naffynicky452, had amassed about 16.1 million likes before it became unavailable, cutting off his regular videos and live streams on the platform. Though the cause of the deactivation has not been officially established, fans and followers linked it to recent viral stunts and…
They appeared together in matching official-looking suits (Photo: Courtesy) Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has finally met his viral look-alike and impersonator, comedian Mosiria Mkisii. The two met after videos of Mosiria Mkisii copying the county official’s speaking style, mannerisms and preference for formal suits went viral on Kenyan social media. They appeared together in matching official-looking suits, with their resemblance drawing reactions from Kenyans online. Photos and videos of…
According to Francie, her daughter arrived at exactly 4:14am (Photo: mummiefrancie/Instagram) Kenyan content creator Mummie Francie and her husband, Mbaba, have welcomed their second child, a baby girl named Kirabo. Francie announced the arrival of her daughter on social media, revealing that the newborn was delivered safely in the early hours of September 24, 2026. She shared the news with her followers alongside an emotional message expressing gratitude for the new addition to their family. According to Francie, her daughter arrived…