MARA HIO HIO A NAIJA-NAI HITSONG

Kenya singers Sauti Sol have colaborated with naija acts Sasha and General Pype. The music video hasn't been shot yet but you can have a listen...

NOW YOU KNOW WHO MAKMENDE IS

FIFA 2010 WORLD CUP SEASON IS HERE!

On the wave of the recently announced Coca-Cola promotion, Nairobi Bottlers Ltd engaged their staff and delighted them with a lucky draw for a pair of all-expenses-paid trips to the 2010 FIFA world Cup this morning at the Bottling plant in Embakasi. Josphat Ijegi Mavunde, a hardworking Production Line Electronic Bottle inspector and soccer fan who had just finished the night shift, won the coveted prize.
Nairobi Bottlers Ltd is kicking off the 2010 World Cup Football Season with their consumers at a Family football funfair at Nyayo Stadium this Saturday 27 March 2010 that will be the passport to South Africa for 10 lucky winners.

There are 10 all-expenses-paid trips to the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be won plus lots of other exciting prizes at the event this Saturday. The trips to South Africa will be won by FIVE winners who will get to pick a person of their choice to travel with to the World Cup game.
The odds are very good for fans who will attend the event. To win they simply have to be there; Its an event to enjoy with friends and family with performances by Jua Cali, Nonini, Daddy Owen, Mejja, Ala Hola, Jimw@t, Cutta C, Kendi, Linet, Raudy and the MOB DJs.
The World Cup is arguably the biggest experiential platform in the world and it is befitting that the kick off of the consumer engagement by Nairobi Bottlers Ltd is an experiential immersion that will have fans actively enjoying their day out and the various prizes available.

FACE FOR TV? WELL, HERE YOU GO

You have another chance, another shot at making top grade in the freshest legal drama series in East Africa that will hit the screens soon! Check out the details below, and make sure you turn up, and tell your friends or family to turn up!
 
Good luck!

THE TEENS HAVE SPOKEN

The theme for the eighth Insyder’s Chaguo La Teeniez is Bringing Out The Bling In The Stars. Set to take place at the Bomas of Kenya on April 17, the award ceremony promises to be a spectacle.



On Tuesday night, the organisers of the ceremony threw a Nominees Bash at Casablanca where most of the nominees showed up.
Kiss 100’s Shaffie Weru was the MC for the night and he introduced the invited guests to the various guest performers like Sauti Sol, Colonel Moustapha, Avril and Daddy Owen. Comedian Churchill also regaled the audience with his humour.
Kenyan celebrities showed up in droves, and dressed to the nines.



Rapper Collo also took the opportunity to urge his fellow musicians to make their music videos and lyrics to their song available for his new project dubbed Karangoma.
The project aims to launch a new angle to karaoke. Karangoma is a music product that will use only Kenyan musical content for karaoke. It is endorsed and licensed by the Music Copyright Society of Kenya.
“There is money in this for the artistes,” Collo said, “This is a chance for them to share the poetry through their music.”



Finally the 8th Annual Chaguo La Teeniez Awards is all about celebrating talent and that’s exactly what happened. It was a welcomed surprise as the organisers set out to award members of the fouth estate in what they dubbed the CHATarazzi Award.

And the winners were....

1. Hot Blog Award – Grace Kerongo
Hottest site/ FB page with the juiciest content.


2. Picharazzi of the Year –Pius Cheruiyot (Pulse)
This is the photographer who’s notorious for taking caught-out pics.

3. Critic Award – Philip Mwaniki (Buzz)
This is a strongly opinionated columnist who thrills readers with what they’ve got to say.

4. Fair Play Award – Tony Kamunzu Banda (T.K.B)
An individual who embodies the spirit of diligence, the journalistic principle of truth, fairness and justice.

5. Teeniez’ Choice Writer 2009 Award - Smitta
A writer/columnist whose articles/stories captivate the teen audience the most.

6. Celebrity Journalist of the Year – Charles Otieno
An individual who’s in with all the big names in the entertainment industry and well on the way to also becoming a celebrity.

7. Hot Source 2009 Award – Pulse
The publication/pull-out magazine that features the most sizzling news/entertainment stories.

PHOTOS/JAPHETH KIGONDU

JUACALI' S ANIMATED JOINT

Jua Cali has upped his game. Watch his latest release Miaka to see what i mean.

MAKMENDE IS BACK!

Kenyan boy band has Just A Band has done it again. They have released the video for the song Ha-He and the lead character in the video Makmende has created a buzz in most social sites.
This is the second music video released by JAB off their sophomore album, 82. For the last week Makmende has gained some super millage on Twitter and Facebook.
If you don't believe me.
Watch this

TWO KENYAN FILMS NOMINATED FOR THE AMAAS

Two Kenyan documentaries have made it to the list of the annual African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). Out of the 280 entries submitted from across the continent, Peace Wanted Alive and Togetherness Supreme made the list.
Peace Wanted Alive bagged the nomination for Best Documentary. The Judy Kibinge 2009 production follows four good Samaritans who spun into action during the trying times when the country was bleeding from the needless post-election violence.
“What made Peace Wanted Alive the most challenging piece of work we have ever done is the fact that it required us to find so much never-before-seen footage. We had to look not in only obvious archives like KTN TV and NTV, but also dig up young freelance filmmakers from the slum to present a never-before-seen reconstruction of what happened during the violence,” Judy wrote in a past online interview.

The second movie, Togetherness Supreme, was nominated in four different categories: Best Film in an African Language, Best Performance by a Child Actor - Teddy Onyango and Bill Oloo, Most Promising Actress - Martha Kisaka, and Most Promising Actor - Wilson Maina.
Nathan Collet’s feature film was shot in Kibera and follows Kamau, an artist, Otieno, a hustler, and their shared love interest for Alice, a preacher’s daughter. All three are from different tribes but are searching for tribal unity. The film follows these three characters through their inevitable trials and tribulations that accompanied the post -election violence of December 2007. The trailer for the movie is currently being aired at Silverbird theaters.
The AMAAs will be held in Nigeria on April 10.

EAST AFRICAN STARS MISS OUT ON WORLD CUP CONCERT

The list of the first performing artists for the inaugural FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert doesn’t contain any East African acts.

Billed as the greatest entertainment show to date in Africa, icons like Benin’s Angelique Kidjo, South African Vusi Mahlasela, Malian duo Amadou & Mariam make the list and they will be joined by American stars Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS (pronounced Black Jacks), John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen and Vieux Farka Touré.

They will entertain at the historic event-taking place the night before the first match at 8pm local time on June 10, 2010, at the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg.
In addition, football legends past and current as well as celebrities from other fields will also be present.
Control Room, the world’s leading producer of global music events, and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), announced the first group of musicians on Wednesday.

SUZANNA OWIYO LAUNCHES CHARITY IN NORWAY

Afro fusion diva Suzanna Owiyo on Tuesday headlined the launch of the Imagine Africa CD project at Kristiansand in Norway.
The project is focused on bringing East Africa music to the world at a time when West African and Central African music has taken centre stage in that arena.
She participated at the Tuesday evening event funded by Mimeta under Stromme Foundation. Imagine Africa, the CD, has been made in close collaboration with the producer Sigbjørn Nedland, who for over a decade has lived and breathed the message of the treasures of this part of Africa and Kenyan legendary afro fusion producer Tabu Osusa.
The CD comprises of 14 tracks, which amounts to a total of 72 minutes of musical power, strength, and joie de vivre.
In an email Suzanna wrote: “We, East African artistes, have what it takes to be on the World Music circle. I truly believe this is the beginning of good relations and it will create a good platform for promoting our African cultural diversity and development.”

BONO’S KENYAN DIARY

Bono walking into KICC for the Pan African Conference

There has been a rush to take photos with Irish rock icon Bono this week. The U2 lead man who was in the country to attend the two-day Pan Africa Media Conference at KICC in Nairobi which ended Friday 19, took time to visit with various community-based organisations and sample various entertainment joints.
On Monday night, he visited a youth group in Kibera. The following day he was treated to a dinner in his honour at a restaurant in Peponi that was attended by anti-corruption czar John Githong’o and American film director, and the founder of Freeform, Jesse Dylan. A number of top Kenyan CEOs as well as local and foreign dignitaries were also present.
Bono’s group, ONE, will be working closely with the civil society and young entrepreneurs to find ways of helping ordinary Kenyans and others on the continent to improve their livelihood. In line with the group’s initiative, a Kenyan NGO, Slums Information Development and Resource Centres, won an award worth $100,000 (Sh7.5 million) for its work in improving the lives of the youth.

Bono with Rowbow

On Wednesday, the star did a series of interviews with a number of media personalities like NTV’s Smirti Vidyarthi at Talisman before he visited Ghetto Radio where he got acquainted with their work and meet Rowbow, a presenter in the station.
Later in the night, he headed out to Tamasha where he hang out with Afro soul singer Kaz, and listened to Gogosimo play.

Bono with Kaz

Then on Thursday night he had dinner at Casablanca's Osteria before curious patrons found out they were dining with a rock star. A source said people lined up for a photo opportunity with the legend.

FORMER PROJECT FAME DARE SET FOR KENYAN SHOW

The grapevine is rife with reports that Nigerian reality show contestant Dare is set to perform at a yet to be confirmed Kenyan concert. Dare competed against Kenya’s Karen ‘Kaz’ Lucas and Easy FM radio crooner Didge during the 2004 Project Fame in South Africa.
Now, Dare has changed his name to Darey Art Alade. And he might just be performing in Kenya.
A source told Hotsecretz, Darey is coming next week. “I have to confirm that and get back to you. But I know it's tentatively March 25 in Nairobi.”
He is in the process of releasing his first US album dubbed Un.DAREY.ted. The album released a year ago, has received roaring reviews that have branded “Darey image in the Nigerian music scene as an R&B maestro.”
The brilliant RnB album caught the attention of founder of the 1975 established SOLAR records (Sound of Los Angeles records) Dick Griffey, who is also the chairman of Soul Muzik.
Dick said, “Darey is a talented artiste, when I first saw him on TV, I was impressed, what we are doing with Darey is to play a kind of music that is international, and there is no doubt that he can appeal to the international market. Most importantly, I have heard Darey’s music, I like it, and we are working with first class writers and producers.”

LOVY LONGOMBA ANGLES FOR JOB WITH TOP US PRODUCER

Kenyan born singer with Congolese parentage Lovy Longomba has entered into a competition, if he wins, he will apprentice for a high-ranking American Producer.
Lovy who is currently based in the States with wifey and singer Ida Onyango entered the Talenthouse Ryan Leslie creative contest.
The competition is an opportunity by record producer, singer-songwriter, musician and entrepreneur Ryan Leslie for all budding producers and musicians.
Here, entrants are supposed to make a video, creating an instrumental or full song for producer Ryan Leslie. If Lovy wins he will work with Ryan in the studio and receive assistant credits on a major label release.

Ryan

Last year, Ryan worked with Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Fabolous, Keri Hilson, Rick Ross, Jim Jones and Kid Cudi. However, some of the credits for the songs Ryan has produced include Cassie - Long Way To Go, Danity Kane - Ooh Ahh, Donell Jones - Better Start Talkin', Fabolous - My Time (Ft Keri Hilson)) and has co-produced Beyonce’s Keep Giving Your Love To Me (Prod With Diddy & Youndlord) and Loon - Down For Me (Prod With Diddy).
To support Lovy please click huuuuuuur to vote.
The submissions were closed on March 12 and the winner will be announced on March 31.

BAABA MAAL ON KENYAN BBC PERFORMANCE CANCELLATION

A press statement on Wednesday gave Senegalese singer Baaba Maal a chance to explain why he missed a private performance where he was to highlight the role of culture and communication in combating climate change.
Maal was set to be the VIP guest for the Africa Climate Talks to which he is the the official ambassador.
A disappointed Maal said in the statement: “I am very sorry not to be joining the BBC World Service Trust and the British Council today to help launch the findings of Africa Talks Climate, a project close to my heart that I am proud to be part of. I have watched the project evolve across the past year – from field research, to discussion groups, to events at major development events that have included Copenhagen. I had been looking forward to helping raise and share African voices on climate change here in Nairobi today. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control I’ve not been able to make it.
“But I would like to continue the conversation another time soon, as we need to ensure we keep climate change in the headlines and talked about. We need information, we need debate, and we need action. So what I am suggesting is that I come in July, with eight musicians that make up my band, and we have another – and bigger - concert. I’ll be working with the BBC World Service Trust, the BBC’s international development charity, to finalise the details and we will make a further announcement as soon as we can. In the meantime I hope the launch goes really well.”

ESTHER CHARGED IN COURT

Ex-TV heartthrob Esther Arunga was locked up today (10/03) at the Nairobi law court cells after she denied a charge of being a member of unlawful society. She spent more than three hours at the basement cells before a cash bail of Sh 20,000 secured her freedom.
Esther was ordered by police to present herself to court where the prosecution accused her of being a member of the controversial Finger of God Church - an illegal society.
She pleaded not guilty and chief magistrate Gilbert Mutembei ordered her to pay the monies to secure her freedom.
Mutembei ordered the prosecution to supply her with witness statements it intends to rely on during trial after Esther said the documents will be useful to her defense.
The case will be heard on April 21.

FASHION SHOW IN SIERRA LEONE

KENYAN KORA NOMINEES

ESTHER CALLS FOR HUBBY QUINCY'S FREEDOM

The Esther Arunga - Joseph Hellon saga has taken a different tune.On Saturday, the two hosted a press conference at their Runda residence where they revealed the name of their political party and stipulated that without Quincy Timberlake’s freedom their grande plans may not come to be.
Esther called for the government to release her ‘husband’ on bond stressing that he is the think tank for their political campaign.
“All the plans are hinged on Quincy leaving prison,” she said. “We have plans to go to Hawaii in two weeks before going into launching our political campaign.”
Quincy who is being held at Industrial Area remand prison is facing charges of absconding court in a criminal case pending at Makadara law courts.
According to the two, CNN’s Larry King is scheduled to beam live from the Runda estate in June, which will offer the much-needed millage to promote their party manifesto. Esther is also planning on meeting former beauty queen and US Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin later on in the year where they can have a sit down and talk about everything politics.
The ex-TV queen stressed, “Quincy is the mastermind, who has all the significant contacts from all over the world.”
In the same breath she warned all the ladies who are out to get her man. “Keep off, I have fought long and hard to be in this relationship.”
Hellon announced that the political party is called Placenta Party because Kenya is in “the gestation period”. He also stressed that the political party will introduce “terminologies never heard before” and he will be going by the political name Vendetta Supernova in addition to a political code name of Crab Nebula.
They also asked the government to provide them with security, as they are fearful that their lives could be in danger.

HELL! THIS IS GETTING MORE BIZARRE BY THE SECOND

Esther Arunga and Joseph Hellon held another press conference at the Runda residence and revealed just how insane they are raised a number of issues.
Here is a shortlist of what I picked out from the short briefing on K24 news.
One, the political party is called The Placenta Party of Kenya because according to Hellon the country in a ‘gestation period’. And the party tag line is ‘taking back Kenya…change we can count on.’
Two, Hellon’s ‘code name’ as a president is Vendetta Super Nova *shaking head*
Three, they claim that Quincy’s life is in danger and that if he were to be killed, violence would erupt in Nairobi, Rift Valley and Nyanza I’m I being Punk’d? Where are the cameras?.
Four, this one is good. Ati, Larry King will leave the US to come interview him at his Runda home in June. Jeez!
Five, Esther will be meeting up with Sarah Palin later this year to exchange ideas.
Again, I will say it. Jesus take the wheel.

PHOTO/DUNCAN NDOTONO

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA COLLABOES WITH WILL.I.AM

South African legendary songstress Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be taking the stage today in her home country to celebrate 25 years in the industry. The Umqomboti hitmaker announced on Friday that she had done a collabo with US rapper Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
The track, recorded in America is aimed at raising awareness on malaria.She told Sunday World that the song was recorded in two days and will be available to fans on the web, proceeds of which will go into fighting malaria.
The multi award-winning artist, who is a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund, will also be raising money for communities battling malaria, HIV/Aids and poverty.
The collaboration comes ahead of her much anticipated Homeland tour which will see her sharing stages with top South African musicians such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Lira and the St Stithians college marimba band.
“That cannot humble me more. You know, people I have met doing my humanitarian work and they’re coming to celebrate my 25 years in the industry and the humanitarian work that I’m doing.”

JUDGE TO ESTHER: YOU CAN’T SUE YOUR PARENTS!

Former TV heartthrob Esther Arunga lost an attempt on Friday to have her parents and police temporarily stopped from ‘interfering with her rights and freedom’.
High Court Judge Lady Justice Jean Gacheche declined to issue the interim orders, saying it was a mother, father and daughter matter. Esther went to court claiming she feared there would arise grave violation of her rights and that she could be detained against her will.
She has sued her father Robert Arunga, her mother Petoline Amollo Arunga and Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere. She wants them "restrained from in any way directly or indirectly taking physical control of her unless for a cause certified by the court".
In addition, she is seeking for an order permanently restraining her parents and police from interfering with her rights and freedoms in any way except with her express consent, which must be unequivocally given. She is also seeking damages for alleged violations of her rights.
"The first, second and third respondent under Muthaiga and CID headquarters have detained her before against her will," her lawyer Edward Oonge said in court.
The judge ordered the papers to be served on her parents and police and fixed a hearing date for April 26.

SUZANNA OWIYO COLABOS WITH JUA CALI

It’s not everyday that you find artistes from extremely different genres in Kenya working on a song together. This time however, Afro fusion queen Suzanna Owiyo has worked with the King of Genge Jua Cali on a single dubbed Matatu (Beba Beba).
The single whose video hasn’t debuted or been shot yet will be featured in Suzanna’s upcoming album. For more on Suzanna’s music click huuuuuurrrrrr and Jua Cali’s kindly click huuuuuurrrrr as well.

ESTHER ARUNGA MARRIES QUINCY AND SUES PARENTS FOR 300 MILLION

Yesterday, former TV news anchor Esther Arunga claimed that she got married to musician Quincy Timberlake – who is currently in police custody - on Wednesday (March 3) at a civil ceremony.
''I am so much in love with Quincy and that’s why I have officially married him, to stop the speculation,'' she told members of the fourth estate who had assembled at Jazz player Joseph Hellon home in Runda.
“I have a certificate of marriage, I’m now Esther Adongo Timberlake.” Esther said. “Just because someone is in jail doesn’t mean you can’t get married,” she said smiling coyly.
Quincy who is now facing charges of absconding court proceedings of a criminal case pending at Makadara law courts has a wife Salome Gideon with whom he has been married to for 11 years and have two sons together. Asked about this and whether she has just wed one of Quincy’s many aliases, Esther responded, “I can’t answer what if’s. That I will leave to you to investigate all I know is that I married Quincy Timberlake.”
Esther who was talking with a noticeable lisp narrated her ordeal after the February 21 arrest when police raided Hellon's house at 2am and arrested the two and other followers of the controversial Finger of God ministry International.
The saxophonist was being held at the Gigiri Police station while Esther was locked up at the Muthaiga police station until 3pm the following day, when she was moved to the CID headquarters on Kiambu road.
She was then released to Dr Frank Njenga custody on a psychiatric evaluation bond. Esther described her five-day experience as “harrowing”.
“I was interrogated and released to Dr Frank Njenga and I was found not medically insane,” she explained but was pained by Njenga’s decision to admit her in his hospital located in Msongari.
“I was heavily sedated, there was a time I wanted to escape and about five people had to hold me down, trap me and forcefully sedate me. That is the kind sedative given to mentally insane patients.
“Once I tried to escape by jumping over an electric fence, luckily they caught me before I could. I was then heavily sedated for two days I was almost comatose.”
Esther continued to explain that she was later transferred to another mental hospital in Chiromo where she was locked up and the only people who could visit where her family members only and she was not allowed the use of phones either.
She was later released to the care of the family, on Monday. But on Tuesday when the parents left her home alone with the domestic help, Esther saw the opportunity to make a clean break. With the help of a well wisher, she hitch hiked and was taken to her lawyer Harun Ndubi.
“I escaped and I don’t plan to go back (home), I’m a married woman now,” She said with finality.


CAPTION: Esther Arunga, Vineyard Hellon and Big Kev's wife Tracy

Yesterday afternoon, with the help of Ndubi, Esther filled a restriction order against her parents Robert Okello Arunga and Petroline Amollo Arunga and the police.
“They cannot arrest me on the basis of where I worship and where I chose to live,” adding, “I’m planning to sue Dr Frank Njenga to the tune of 300 million for unlawful detention and sedation as well as other civil and criminal charges and unfortunately my parents too because they were working on their instruction.”
As a parting shot Esther responded to questions o if she is truly herself. “The way things are happening it is not a form of abnormality. The Esther you saw reading news is not the same one who is now running for office. The one you see now is the full on Esther.”
Meanwhile, the officer in charge of the Industrial remand Prison Pauline Wanja said there was no way the two could have been married in prison because weddings were not allowed in remand prison.
“Quincy is still here and to the best of my knowledge no wedding ceremony has taken place here. In any case such ceremonies are not allowed,” said Wanja.
Esther and Hellon have visited Quincy several times with the latest visit being yesterday.

PHOTOS/DUNCAN NDOTONO

CHIZI'S ALBUM TO BE MASTERED BY JOHN LEGEND'S PRODUCER

Self proclaimed crown prince of Benga Dan 'Chizi' Aceda is toying with the idea of mastering his upcoming album abroad.
Chizi has been in communication with Dave Kush, a man famous for working with John Legend, Alicia Keys, Outkast and Al Green amongst many others. Dave is the Engineer at The Mastering Palace.
Chizi meet him when he was in New York, on tour with Mo Faya the political musical that starred Eric Wainaina and Valerie Kimani.
“I spent a lot of time roaming around trying to understand how the industry there works. I managed to make some really good contacts. I managed to get a demo to Dave Kush and after he reviewed it he sent me an email saying he would be open to mastering my upcoming album,” Chizi said.
However, The Blackberry singer is considering another studio, Hilton Grove Mastering, a UK based studio run by engineer Dave Blackman. “I have not made the decision yet on who will work on the album because I haven’t yet finished recording but I am certain that this record will be mastered by the best that I can find,” Chizi said, “It goes without saying that either of these options is very expensive but I am keen on making the investments so that I can get a good quality product out for my fans who have been waiting a very very long time for this record to come out.”

MERCY MYRA TO RECORD AT RNB STAR'S JAGGED EDGE'S STUDIO

Afro fusion diva Mercy Myra who relocated to America with hubby Attitude did not give up on
her career as an entertainer and singer.Attitude who was in the country revealed how Mercy is
doing musically and how she managed to get a one album deal with Joi Studios, owned by the twin RnB brothers Jagged Edge.
“Mercy did a showcase in one of the concerts in Atlanta, where the mother of the Jagged Edge twins was. When she saw Mercy’s performance she was impressed and she offered her a contract,” Attitude said. However the well laid out plans for a recording deal with 981 music did not pan. “The paper work involved did not work out there company is 981 Music but the contract did not work out with Mercy so what happened was that they will be recording a one album deal in the studio called Joi recordings in Decatur, Georgia."
JOI Studio is the premier recording studio in Atlanta, Georgia where Jagged Edge and a host of other artist record what is popularly known as commercial songs - songs that enjoy a lot of radio airplay. The studios has recorded big names like Akon, Nas, Keisha Cole, Trey Songs,
Pimp C, and Jagged Edge just to name a few.

BEBE'S HUMMER FINALLY ARRIVES

Controversial Ugandan singer Bebe Cool finally got a chance to show off his Hummer after it arrived last week.
The Hummer is a H2 Hybrid 2004 model and is estimated at whooping Sh3.2 million. According to Ugandan press, Bebe has always wanted to own one and this is a dream come true now that he has acquired it, a pal said.
He intends to put ''Big Size'' number plates. The Hummer that he has christened Munene isn't the last of his bragging acquisitions, he still plans to buy a Cadillac Escalade for the wife Zuena Kirema.

GAL LEVEL BARES IT ALL...

Namibian girl duo Gal Level that is recorded by Kenyan record label Ogopa DJ's gave an interview recently. Daphne Willibard and Frieda Haindaka talked about the musical race and the awards that have won and been nominated to.
“We are making music for Africa,” Frieda who seems to be the outspoken of the two declared this week when they were going round media houses for interviews.
 “That’s why we get nominated for international awards,” she adds referring to the duo’s recent Kora Africa music award nomination. “Out there, it’s not a Gazza thing or Mshasho thing. It’s not about Lady May but Namibia.”
Daphne, the former banker, rolls off some of their nominations, “We were the first to be nominated for Channel O Video Awards, the first to be nominated for the MTV Base music awards and certainly the first female group to get a Kora nomination.”
It’s no mean task for any musician or artist for that matter to scale this high in just five years. In 2004, Daphne and Frieda teamed up a few years after their first group, the Dungeon Family, broke up and released their chartbuster single Shake It. With this song, they wormed their way into the murky musical waters.
But it was their second single Go Back to Her that introduced them to Africa when they were up for a Channel O award. At home, both Shake It and Go Back to Her dominated the Sanlam-NBC Music Awards in 2005.
“Gal Level are, right now, giving the guys a run for their money. We make our music differently,” laughed Daphne. “But for us it’s the image we have created that does it . . .”
“We have created a sexy, afro-chic, confident, modern yet not western image. The in-control type of thing,” explains Frieda.
“We believe women should not be too conservative or too western. They have to create a balance,” puts in Daphne.
This, the gals admit, is what has made Africa turn to look at Namibia as an emerging music powerhouse.
“It’s not only about good looks,” Frieda shoots again, “but it takes talent and we are talented. We make people remember us by our dance.”
Although they say their dance has no specific name, the gals believe it sets them apart from the rest of the brood. 
“Let’s just call it the Gal Level dance,” suggests Frieda.
And Daphne chips in, “The dance enhances the music. It makes the performance powerful. People remember us and relate to the song through the dances.”
It has worked for them because they now live off their music and they do not regret leaving their jobs.
“We always tell upcoming artists that education matters in music, that they have to create a fan base first before they opt for music full time. It’s important,” volunteers Daphne and adds that Frieda used to work in a clearing house.
Just how far true is it that they are boycotting the Sanlam-NBC Awards?
Frieda looks at Daphne and says, “It’s not like we are boycotting. The thing is our manager wanted the nomination process to be revised along international norms. But this was not heeded so we decided to wait a bit.”
“We have been nominated for several international awards now we know that artists should not fill in nomination forms and pay money. Rather the organisers nominate and inform artists,” adds Daphne.
While they have been nominated, the gals are dying to perform with the backing of a live band but only when the time is right.
“A band can break you up. Music is fragile. So we are looking for a band that understands our music . . .” that’s Daphne.
“Once we get it, then we can go live,” concludes Frieda.  

MASEKELA TO HEAT UP HARARE JAZZ FESTIVAL

South African jazz crooner Hugh Masekela is billed to perform at the Harare Jazz Festival scheduled for Harare Sports Club on April 17.
The Independence eve festival will see Masekela sharing the stage with Zimbabwean groups among them, the Cool Crooners Mbare Trio and Afro guru Oliver Mtukudzi.
Other heavyweights expected at the second edition of the Festival include the internationally acclaimed Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sibongile Khumalo and Themba Mkhize.
Bernie Bismark, who is the festival director, said this year's festival has grown bigger and better. She said Masekela was happy to come and perform in Zimbabwe.
"He is making a comeback to Zimbabwe after so many years and he is looking forward to visiting Zimbabwe. He wants to connect with his fans and local musicians as well," she said.
"We have noted that several jazz groups have not had a chance to perform with international artistes, and this show will present them with the opportunity.
"We, however, need to emphasise that we have limited tickets," she said.
After the concert, Masekela and the participating groups will visit Victoria Falls the following day before returning home.
At 71, Masekela has entered his seventh decade marked by a jam-packed international live touring schedule that underscored one simple fact: "that Bra Hugh (as he's fondly known in South Africa) was born to play."
Indeed, alongside dates in Europe (Including a sold-out December show at the London Barbican) and the USA, 2009 saw Masekela even making his mark in new territories.

SAMINI ADMITS TO POLYGAMY

Ghana’s Afro dancehall star Samini has come out and apologised to his fans and the families of the two women he is now married to.
In a statement sent out to Ghanian entertainment website, peacefmonline.com, Samini's handlers admit that nicca does indeed have two wifes and apologizes for any humiliation or embarrassment caused the two families.

The unedited message reads: “SAMINI ACCEPTS MARRYING TWO LADIES WITHOUT PREPARING THEM FOR HIS DECISION. HE THEREFORE APOLOGIZES TO THE FAMILIES OF BOTH LADIES FOR ANY DISRESPECT OR HUMILIATION CAUSED BY HIS ACTIONS. THE MATTER IS BEING RESOLVED PRIVATELY AND THE OUTCOME WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE PUBLIC. HE ALSO SENDS APOLOGIES TO HIS FANS AND THE MEDIA AND ASK FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN TIMES LIKE THIS”, signed by Mr. Anthony Pun, Samini’s Manager.

Samini reportedly got married to Christiana Aboagye Mensah, mother of his 6-year-old daughter, Theresa Toyila Samini in Accra last year, while she was residing in Canada, with the daughter. About three weeks ago Samini performed customary marriage rites to seal his relationship with another Ghanaian lady based in the UK, Ms. Geker, mother of his six-month old baby girl, Yelisun Samini.