KING OF SOUL TEDDY PENDERGRASS DIES. RIP.

The King Of Soul, singer Teddy Pendergrass, died at age 59 on Wednesday after a long battle with colon cancer. Pendergrass, who was paralyzed after a 1982 car accident, died in a Philly hospital eight months after undergoing colon cancer surgery and suffering through a difficult recovery.

In his prime in the 1970s, Pendergrass was one of the premier R&B singers in America, leading Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes to the top of the charts with indelible soul classics such as "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "I Miss You."

You probably have heard "Love T.K.O." Unlike some of the other velvety Philly-sound singers such as Al Green, Pendergrass' deep baritone had a gritty, masculine edge that he worked out on seductive slow jams like "Feel the Fire, "Close the Door," "Come Go With Me," "Turn off the Lights" and "It's Time for Love." He created a new template for the modern R&B singer with his aggressive brand of soul and smooth, ladies-man image on songs that were sexually charged but never coarse or vulgar.

STRAIGHT SHOOTING NAVIO SIGNED TO MUSIC LABEL

Ugandan rapper Navio has been signed to music label that has an A-list clientele. Talent 256 headed by Aly Alibhai signed the seventh act to their fold. The controversial rapper who called Kenyan celebrities ‘pretentious’ said that the move was a step towards achieving his goals in his music career.
The Rukus rapper who was in the country last years during the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) Nominees party did not shy away from calling Kenyan celebrities on their game.
“From the way I see it, they are quite pretentious (especially) in front of the camera, (they) smile with each other but behind the scenes they are enemies. Like at the MTV nominee party some random artiste just walked up to me (and started) to talk about his Lamborghini for about ten minutes. That is when it hit me; they would go to extreme measures to get noticed. They are mostly in this music industry for the fame not for the love of music. Which is very sad and shouldn't be the case.”
He also stayed a week to promote his latest album Half The Legend during his stay in Kenya.
Other acts signed by the label include Blu3 and Michael Ross. The talent company is also famed for hosting big and successful gig by international acts like Jamaican ragga star Beenie Man and American heartthrob Joe.

LILLIAN MULI TO BE A MUM

KTN news anchor Lillian Muli is heavy with child. The silver screen beauty revealed that she is due in July.
For those who are curious - like we shamelessly were – to find out if she has chosen a name or found out the sex of the child, the answer is no to both.
Lillian wed Moses Kanene last September at a colourful garden ceremony at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.

BOOMBA CLAN ARE BACK!

The trio that makes Boomba Clan have a new song out called Sina Habari. It's an amusing story line, typical to other Boomba Clan videos. This time round Thome takes the directorial seat. Enjoy...

XYZ’S SANTOS TO LAUNCH OWN COLOGNE

Former member of the boy group XYZ, Santos is back in the country after 4 years away, now he is singing a different tune other than that of music.
“I first quit music to establish myself in business,” Santos said. HE now owns four clothing shops scatters in three towns Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru called Shop 69 that caters for him and her.
In addition to the successful business Santos has plans to unveil masculine cologne that he will name Sunflame. “I’m still working n the logistics of its launch. More details will be unveiled when everything is set.” He said.
However, since music is still his first love Santos has been making frequent visits to R Kay’s studio where he has already recorded singles titled Malaika and Your Way.

MERCY MYRA AND ATTITUDE TO SETTLE IN KENYA

Kenyan celebrity couple based in the US will be making a beeline back to the country to settle back after staying away for four years.
In a recent interview with the members of the fourth estate, Attitude who wed singer Mercy Myra will be looking to settle back in the city.
The former K South member and wife will be settling back in July. He is in the country visiting with family and friends.
Keep it here for the latest as it unwraps.

TIM NJIRU TO RETURN IN NEW SEASON OF ARTSWORLD

Tim Njiru popularized art shows on local TV stations and soon he will be hitting the screens a fresh this year for the second installment of Al Jazeera’s Artsworld Show, as the Kenyan presenter.
Artsworld is a cultural show that seeks to examine how the arts are used to bring about social change, highlight stories that change perceptions about the world we live in and allow for a greater understanding of other cultures and traditions.
Tim’s stories last season included the matatu culture which is unique to the roads of Kenya. He also had a chat with gospel singer from the Group Maximum Melodies on the importance of having their videos played in the matatus.
This time round Tim is tight lipped on what features he has shot for the new season but says you should watch it for yourself.
The show runs each week on Al Jazeera.