Category: Arts & Culture

The Nyashinki Euphoria In Kenya Music Industry

When out of idea rappers are bleaching others beefing online, the king of rap Nyashinski is reclaiming his spot and bringing life to Kenyan music again.

Recently the rap world witnessed baby fight between Octopizzo and Khaligraph who made a pop diva move. Khaligraph bleached or lightened his dark skin. The move created a small and lame debate that was not musical. Anyway, that is what average rappers do, they never stop ranting about their lyrical prowess, being theatrical and arguing over non issues.

There are good rappers out there who haven’t been given critical plaudits to their level but every dogg, underdog or underrated has his day. These should be the realest. Real rappers serve no baseless beefs or pop diva moves but good music. Nyashinski, formerly of Kleptomaniacs trio does just that.

After being away for nearly a decade, Nyash made a comeback but mostly singing, the rap world thought he had gone soft despite churning out three consecutive hits including what should be best gospel track of 2016 ‘Mungu Pekee’.

But being that guy who seems never to be arriving at any dilemma in his career for any reason he went back to spank the butts of sleeping rapper shaking the entire Kenyan hip-hop scene. Thanks to his fare share of props, this guy has technical prowess that is an irrefutable fact that puts him at par if not way above any other revered great.

Nyash from the start of his career has managed to stay focused, he was never overshadowed by any member of his group, he never had label dramas, jail and drug problems that has consumed great talents like Kantai and Kalamashaka’s Johnny Vigeti. This is what it takes to be the bold guy behind ‘Aminia’, one of the greatest hip hop singles to bless the game this year.

When all the guys he competed with are ‘deadmen’ now, Nyash remains the last man standing. His former rivals like Bamboo, Chiwawa and the rest must be loving behind closed doors now. Bamboo made the same move, went abroad for a period of time but just came back a shell of himself. Chiwawa is struggling to make a comeback with some Kapuka joint, the same sound he got recognized for criticizing.

Love it or hate, Nyash is now the talk of town topping singers and rappers in secular and gospel sides of the game. He is not just a rapper with good melody; he is still technically skilled like he was in Bado Niko and Tuendelee classic. He is still abled to effectively indulge rage, satire, power, passion, bravado and yes, leadership. Kenyan music must be rising from the death bed courtesy of Nyash, lazy rappers and scandalous artists, Djs and media can now give us a break with excess Naija, we got game too.

May 24, 2017
Six Out Of Ten Young Couples Are In Abusive Relationship And The Normalization Of Domestic Violence

When it comes to domestic violence talk, views tend to vary, but one thing is for sure, there’s a rise in cases of abuse in relationships all the way to marriages. There has been media buzz on the internet following numerous cases of ladies killed by their boyfriends. A South African lady Karabo was killed and body burnt by her boyfriend, the death has sparked a much-needed action online for the past days and has seen a long list of victims coming out to reveal their ordeal. Another case of killers who’re supposed to be lovers.

What is interesting and revealing is the fact that many young couples are engulfed in abusive relationships suffering in silence. Traditionally, domestic violence was seen as a preserve for the couples in marriage, but from the looks, the ogre has attacked the yet to be married couples.

It is now estimated that out of ten couples in relationships, six are in the abusive set-up. This goes unnoticed for the single fact that ladies who’re the most affected tend to keep the sufferings to themselves and undergo the ordeal on repeat without anyone’s knowledge. You’d wonder why a young, beautiful learned ready would stick to an abusive boyfriend yet they have the opportunity of walking away.

Miss Karabo, the South African lady killed by her boyfriend.

Well, firstly women stay because it’s dangerous to leave. Lots of women get killed when they try to move, and they’re threatened by death with these same boyfriends should they leave, Some also threaten with committing suicide. It is unsurprising to hear of the ‘if I can’t have you then nobody can’ besides, physical/sexual violence usually comes with emotional violence and social ostracism, such that you may become dependent on that.

Also, women are, unfortunately, socialized to stay in abusive relationships. The society stands on some deluded social grounds instances, women are told “if he’s rude to you, he likes you”, when they get married they’re are told “stay because now you have a family involved, God wouldn’t want you to divorce him, it’s just how life is”. Leaving is nuanced in itself, it’s not just a matter of picking up and going.

Young men are becoming abusive because there’s no sort of accountability. A man beats/rapes a woman, and the blame always lies with the women, i.e. “Why did you stay?”, “why did you provoke him.”
Justice/social systems do not tell men that their abuse is unacceptable, and even when it’s unacceptable it’s punished very lightly, so what’s stopping men from being abusive truly?

We’re living in a fast changing world that unlike the past where we were raised to seeing women staying at home, today’s woman is more empowered, well educated, hardworking, independent and living lives their way. Today’s woman doesn’t wait for a man to get her things in order. Notice I’m using the keyword woman since we have rogue elements of this species who’ve normalized prostitution with sponsor euphoria.

The empowered woman in today’s society has proven to be a threat in the societal set-up for the boychild. Feeling threatened and powerless, it is more likely for such a man to be abusive and violent towards such a woman as that’s a way of stamping his authority as a man, physical abuse has become a way of showing who’s in charge since financially it is otherwise. This is a deluded way of looking for respect which is earned and not given you must agree.

Men from conception are engineered to stay on top of women then the reality hits over time that women are just as equal as men. This is a fact that young men are yet to fully digest. Like a lion, an empowered woman threatens their territorial control hence turning to violence as a way of marking territories.

When young men have their bar talk over a bottle of whiskey, you won’t miss the talks of “mama lazima agongwe kidogo ndio akurespect” to such men, they believe in getting respect from their girlfriends on subjecting them to physical abuse. The matter is further enhanced by the fact that nobody in the group is always willing to stand up and tell off their peers against physical violence on their women. They’re seen as kings by their peers on being abusive but this could be another way should the situation be such that one is castigated on such an action. It is for that purpose that those who witness physical abuse on women by their friends and relatives yet do nothing to stop it directly become accomplices.

There’s a total need for an overhaul in the society to teach our girls that physical abuse in relationships is not normal when you realize signs of abusive nature then the earlier you walk away, the better. The norm has been that he hits you once, gets apparently remorseful, you make up, things get back to normal until he hits next. The truth is, a violent man will always be, so unless you’re a punching bag you can either walk away while you still have the time or wait to be carried away in a body bag. The justice system too needs to be such that DV is taken seriously and those involved pay for the actions. Parents too must listen and talk to their daughters. Normalizing domestic violence will only end up in seeing your daughter in a casket.

May 12, 2017
Akothee Humbled In Kisumu As Sensational Nahna Shows Her Dust In A Rare Talent Move

By Nicholas Olambo
Luo Festival went down in Kisumu attracting a good number of established artists with roots in the lakeside region, among them was an upcoming female artist Elizabeth Adhiambo aka Nahna who was the curtain raiser at the star studded event. The edition of the event was the maiden in the region, supported by Ramogi Fm and Jalang’o of Arena Media, all the previous editions have been held at Nairobi’s Carnivore grounds.

Male artists dominated the list of performers which included three female artists, Akothee, Lady Maurine and upcoming Nahna. Only in her early 20s, the Kisumu based artist was the star of the night outshining big names like Akothee who has collaborated with the continent’s big names like Diamond and Nigeria’s Mr. Flavour.

Nahna took to stage with bravado and unbeatable charisma proving she had the finesse to put the industries protagonists like Akothee to retirement bench. She was breathing fresh talent with an ability to last decades in the fast-changing game. She was the cleanser of the night when Akothee’s theatrics worked no magic but proof that she is only flashy and void of talent.

We are living in times when talent doesn’t matter that much but money, nude photos and videos of women shaking their behinds (twerking) in social media to cause some baby buzz and make them overnight celebrities. The ever-evolving production techniques have also done justice to the less talented artists. The T-Pains and Akothees of this world sound great on records and like frogs on stage.

This is the day the Artist of the night ‘saw red’ and the little known Nahna proved that there is talent in her that if nurtured, the game will rise from its deathbed. With only three songs under her belt, several ‘collabos’ and less than four years in the game, she has won best female artist award (Kisumu) three times. Last year she was the first-ever female artist to win the coveted region’s artist of the year award during the annual Vybez Awards gala.

Her latest project ‘Paro’ which translates into ‘remember’ in English was produced by Side B’s super producer, Ulopa aka Bwana Ngoma. ‘Paro’ is already a big hit enjoying massive airplay and YouTube likes. Nahna is surely a newcomer with a big buzz and bright prospects.

Rumored to be dating one of the industry’s insiders from the lakeside region who could be behind her rapid rise, the talented singer mentors young girls through art. She is a good combination of talent, brains, and beauty. Nahna is a graduate from Kisumu Polytechnic, she holds a degree in Business Management and prepared to take the industry by storm.

November 14, 2016
Bro. Philip Munyao taking off to hairy heights as he brings back the missing real gospel music

By Nicholas Olambo
We are now living in a world where the difference between gospel music and secular is becoming slim by the day. There is an unending debate about the gap between industry and ministry, most of the mainstream gospel artists are swallowed by the industry, doing love songs and mentioning the name of Jesus or God in a line or two to qualify as gospel.

Bro. Philip Munyao is not doing that; he has managed to stay relevant and real. Serving what industry insiders and listeners will call gospel from instrumentals, lyrics and the entire feel of his songs. Based in Nairobi, the soft-spoken singer begun his music way back while in high school but recorded his first single ‘A better Kenya’ in 2016.

Produced by Jamal Malique of Starbel Records, the song carries an excellent blend of gospel and patriotic themes. Bro Phillip makes his prayer to God in this track that fronts for a better Kenya. He voices the message of the entire nation that is yearning for, peace, access to clean water, food, healthcare, education and improved infrastructure.

In explaining the broader meaning of the track, the singer says that it is a responsibility of every Kenyan to play a part in building the nation. ‘The government, lobbyists, and other policy makers have a great role to play, but the bigger dream can only be realized if the country pulls together’ notes Bro. Philip.

He is no doubt making good music which embraces both Christianity and love of the nation at equal measures. With a convincing reference to the national anthem, he notes that it was the vision of the composers and the founding fathers that we must always turn to God as the source of strength as a nation.

Not just a singer, Bro Philip also doubles up as a motivational speaker whose topics are mostly on entrepreneurship. One of the best ways through which the nation can develop, he does not miss to back his statement with quotes from the Bible. ‘Proverbs 14:34 – Righteousness exalts a nation’ he quotes.

Coming across a prayerful gospel artist is not common these days; Bro. Philip is a rare type. He urges the nation to turn to God to heal the land from corruption, drought, and terrorism. He quotes 2nd Chronicles 7:14 ‘If my people who called my name would humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and heal their land.’

Twitter: @Munyaophilip / soundcloud.com/Philip-music

October 22, 2016
The Struggling Street Deejaying In Kenya Industry

By Nicholas Olambo
Kenyan street deejay scene is huge at the moment. There has been an influx of up and coming talents in an industry that is controlled by ‘Software DJs,’ certain quarters in the entertainment spheres have described these DJs as half-baked, unable to spin the ‘one and twos’ and a threat to the profession. Veterans like Dj Pinye, Dj Adrian, Dj Styles and Dj John just name a few became house hold names through the magic they did on the decks.

But the dawn of the 21st century came with a lot of changes, lack of a turn table is not so much of a barrier to any wannabe Dj to reach their dreams, wishing boys and girls with computers are spinning on software like Serato, atomix virtual DJ and digital audio workstations (DAW) like Ableton.

Players in the street deejay scene have cut their niche and become household names making a living from their craft. Their ‘mixes’ are playing in matatus plying various routes in Nairobi, but they are yet to gain respect from their peers. Dj Kalonge (Geroge Waweru) is one of the biggest names in street deejay industry having played in Australia, US and Middle East. He sees himself as some international brand, but matatu is still his big area of operation.

A new entrant into the game is Demakufu, real names Martin Owaka. He began by selling his mixtapes to matatu touts at bus stops. On a good day, he would sell over twenty copies at SHS 200 each but that was the come up, he is now an established name with his favorite mixes in various routes. His quirky stage might have worked the magic for him. He’s on an established platform now, big enough to even attract advertisers but the money hungry MCSK won’t make that easy for him.

Though he has an established fan base Demakufu like other street deejays hates the fact that mainstream deejays who built their brand in radio and TV don’t respect them for using software. Some event organizers and club owners are hesitant to offer them jobs because they doubt their ability to spin live.

Other popular deejays in the matatu/street deejay are Dj Arika favorite for inserting controversial pastor Kanyari’s 310 rallying call in his mixes, Dj Paul who began his craft working for Kalonge is becoming big too. He has managed to make an impact through his fine riddim mixes. Dj Lyta, Dj Duve, Dj Leskie and Dj Rema are also street relevant. The industry has not attracted female deejays, though, in an era where ladies are trying their hands in anything male-dominated.

October 6, 2016
The Matatu Terrorism

The Matatu Terrorism

According to statistics, every year an average of 3000 Kenyans lives are lost on the road. Accidents continue to escalate despite strict traffic rules and NTSA monitoring that has less to show. Are Kenyans going to sit back and watch the rogue police officers and NTSA officials conspire with the Matatu Sacco in the powerful cartel to drive them to their graves? Things have to change and the only people to push this is the public who at the day suffer the burden of reckless driving.

Langata Road accident has exposed the ruthless and lawlessness of the Ongata Rongai Matatu crew, the busses are driven at devil’s speed with reckless and intoxicated drivers, the conductors treat their passengers like a heap of garbage, the music in these busses would burst an aged eardrum and don’t be surprised if I’m few years young people will be dealing with mysterious eardrum problems.

The rogue matatu crew would pick and drop you wherever they feel like, they rarely reach agreed tension and will make abrupt turn at their convenient point forcing the passengers to board the second bus or walk to their final destination, they’ve perfected this art per if trickery that however much the passengers complain nothing happens and be careful most of these young intoxicated boys are ready to fight you when you demand for your rights as a passenger.

The Matatu Cartel is run mostly by politicians, drug dealers, senior police officers amongst other money launders making it so powerful such that the crew operating them openly flaw traffic rules with the utado mentality since their owners are untouchable.

The bus that killed four people had already been deregistered by the Ongataline Sacco and was operating without a license; this shows you the level of impunity and incompetence of the traffic police and the NTSA who were fully informed and yet they still let the bus operate and drive people to death.
NTSA has staged a cosmetic PR drive over the past days including the banning of the Ongataline buses and stepping up their inspections; this is a typical knee-jerk Kenyan way of reacting to situations while the fire is still burning and soon it will be back to normalcy.

NTSA has deliberately been ignoring the biggest danger and targeting soft spots. They let public vehicles flaw traffic rules as they get their daily cut instead fully prey on private cars this anyone who uses Nairobi roads will tell you. NTSA should focus on these big offenders who’re killing most. Example the Rongai vehicle that killed had been deregistered by Ongataline and NTSA was informed through an available letter; the NTSA, however, allowed the bus to ply the route. Being deregistered by the Sacco imply that it was operating without the license in full watch of NTSA. They should take their work seriously and not concentrate on taking bribes. The accident could’ve been prevented the sheer incompetence of NTSA is and will continue to cost more lives of things remain as they are

NTSA doesn’t have arresting powers that’s why they walk around with police for law enforcement. If the police are now enforcing and ensuring all requirements are adhered to, then they’re part of the problem. Traffic police are to ensure all vehicles are upbeat if any passes them then they’re part of this massacre

Drivers are biggest to take the blames for recklessness it trickles down to self-restrain. Most of these drivers are on the road intoxicated. Lack self-discipline that would put them in line. The ghetto mentality in the minds of these guys that want to rush for more squads while risking the lives of the passengers. It should be natural for drivers to put lives of passengers ahead of self-interests, most think they’re heroes when they over speed and do more squads in fact there’s a trend whereby the driver who goes the highest speed and makes most trips will have better chance in different busses since the rule is you can’t stay on one bus through, The drivers and conductors are switched on every trip, so you stand high chance of many trips according to how much speed. This mentality must again be stopped.

Apart from the drivers, passengers are also to blame for tolerating and allowing these rogue drivers to drive them to death. It’s not like they’re helpless, you can tell off the driver if he’s over speeding. It’s gotten to a point where everyone must take responsibility for his life on the road. Responsibility means calling out rogues. Same passengers esp the young prefer the pimped buses with defining music and the ones that hepa jam most. In fact, you’ll hear people say I don’t prefer particular bus since they don’t overlap I mean it’s become lucrative and appealing for the busses that over speed and overlap as the most preferred. These are death traps.

Severe legislations must be put in place to tame these rogue matatu crew before more lives are taken. Notorious drivers who persistently flaw traffic rules should have their licenses revoked and banned from driving for life and better yet a jail term would do just well. The system should be digitized that repeat traffic offenders can be detected on a click, eliminate them from the roads before they kill. Weed out criminal elements masquerading as
The Sacco’s need to thoroughly vet their crew and train then on road etiquette with basics being treating passengers with utmost respect. They must work to ensure the crew is at all times sober and not high on drugs, these people have become sleek and resorted to cheap drugs that can’t be detected by NTSA. The driver who recently killed was chewing Mogoka a common stimulant amongst Matatu crew.

September 29, 2016
I Did Not Cum Inside, Words She Did Not See Coming But What She Got

Note: Some of you might find the language used as vulgar and inappropriate

Gone are the days when people were reserved and having sex was only between people in a relationship if not marriage. Welcome to the era of casual sex where anyone gets a way thorough without attachments. In most cases, such kind of a relationship is embedded in a financial benefits or just random escapades. The most common being the well clothed prostitution of sex for financial exchange popular in cross generational sex.

The sponsor culture which has reduced the young ladies to nothing but sexual objects at the expense of financial gains, has continued to devalue the meaning of the reserved act not to forget young boys also are into the venture of being toyed around by older women.
One thing in common, the players in this new business opening engage in the deadliest actions with less or no precautions taken talk of being treated like a commodity. Most of the times they engage in unprotected sexual acts not minding about the repercussions which in this case include unwanted pregnancies and STDs.
We’ve received a not unusual story of a lady who got herself a sponsor that she names World Bank an indication that he was giving her the money in exchange for sex. The lady would later realize she’s paged after unprotected sex with the married man who as the rest of his alike, denied ejaculating in the seemingly naive young lady.
The man denies responsibility and is at the verge of abandoning her in the middle of the whole circus, she even hints at a possibility of pinning the pregnancy on a boyfriend if she had any. Now this the kind of nonsense most these thots put their innocent boyfriends through. Since they want quick cash, they’ll play the fella with older people go out on disease and pregnancy collection spree only to come and victimize an innocent faithful boyfriend. The body fast food culture of fast consuming this generation.
You go sleeping with a married man and expect him to stick it leave his family when things go other way? If you must sleep with them then at least bargain for a condom. Men on the other side need to style up, you know you’re married and still go raw on these thots yet get mad when she turns around as paged? You don’t cum air, don’t you? And this stupidity of denying your nut is so ancient. Own up to your nut.
Follow the story on the lady below.

September 27, 2016
Vicmass Luodollar The Brand, Lessons To Failed Kenyan Rappers As He Pumps In New Energy Into The Industry

Vicmass Luodollar

By Nicholas Olambo
The winds of change influence so many things; the Kenyan hip-hop/ rap music industry which came into recognition in the mid nineties has not been left out. It’s notorious for being reclusive, thoughtful, aggressive and egocentric. When African rap began in the early 80s after American rap took shape. Kenyan, Tanzanian or any other rap has never fully escaped the influence of American rap – until now – the scene is evolving at breakneck speed.

There are many upcoming artistes at every street corner but not every wishing rapper makes it to the limelight. Hip-hop/ rap is a culture built around bravado, losing or backing down is detrimental to an artist’s career but winning the battle to the top requires well thought out strategies. Africa is home to 54 countries with nearly 3000 different languages, on top of that, African music or sound is the best at these times when electric sound is taking over everything.

There are many upcoming artistes at every street corner but not every wishing rapper makes it to the limelight. Hip-hop/ rap is a culture built around bravado, losing or backing down is detrimental to an artist’s career but winning the battle to the top requires well thought out strategies. Africa is home to 54 countries with nearly 3000 different languages, on top of that, African music or sound is the best at these times when electric sound is taking over everything.

When so many have been faking beyond their capabilities to rhyme and sound like westerners , bright artistes who boast of both rapping and marketing skills are taking over. Vicmass Luodollar, new rap cat who catapulted to the mainstream through his ‘Bank otuch remix’, a single which featured Octopizzo, a onetime lord of the underground who rose to the limelight and learnt to swim in the industry’s murky waters.

Vicmass raps in luo, seemingly feeling the giant boots of luo rap pioneers like Gidi Gidi and Maji Maji and his new single ‘Simbe Adek’is a testimony to that. The single is already receiving massive airplay across local channels. The young star has fast risen to be a house hold name because he studied the game, saw gap and filled it when many wannabes were still biting their tongues trying to rap like Jay Z or Nas. Music is a product of one’s environment and that’s what Vicmass is nicely packaging and serving his fans.

People are free to rap in any language but you really need to understand what you are going for before you just go for it. There is unwritten law of the present times that to launch any up-and-coming music artist’s career is to have an intricate media strategy, active Facebook and Twitter profiles and to do as many interviews and gigs as possible. Language is as much important and that where Luodollar cuts his nitch, he knows what’s trending.

So many rappers across Africa are now performing in local languages, from Kwaito in South Africa to Igbo in Nigeria and now luo in Kenya. Thanks to bright brilliant artistes who do this. Kenyan rap industry’s timeline was strewn with the names of has-beens whose careers went down through substance abuse, lack of talent and other rappers who never recovered from lyrical smackdowms they received from their rivals.

There are a few cases of artistes still making it with a lot western influence from sound to language. Say for South Africa’s finest, AKA. Local acts such as Camp Mulla were also widely accepted with their urban touch and English rap in American accent because they got it right from writing, production to performance but lazy cats copied without any clear understanding what they would be in for. Results; careers stalled.

August 18, 2016
You Can Have Sex With Your Cousins, Nothing Illegal About It In Kenya, Court Declares

For the longest time in African and Kenyan history, sexual relationship with a blood relative has been considered as taboo and an abomination in the act of the same. The tradition of sexual relationships amongst cousins has however been a norm especially amongst the Hindus and many people in the West also do it.

Being a taboo, however, doesn’t say the act hasn’t been happening, there have been several cases of incest reported in Kenya and many sexual engagements amongst blood relatives have been happening behind the lights.

A court ruling that has since freed a man convicted for ten years in prison for sleeping with his cousin brings a whole new angle of conversation. High Court Judge James Makau, in an appeal where a man was contesting a conviction of alleged incest with a cousin by the Magistrates Court, found that the Sexual Offences Act does not mention cousin among the list of relatives under the offence of incest.

He ruled that the Parliament left out the clause on Cousins intentionally given the fact that in some cultures in Kenya – such as Hindus and Muslims – and some African communities, sexual acts between cousins are not criminalised. “This means it is permissible to have sex with a cousin,” the judge ruled. “My understanding of the said section (Section 20(1) of the Sexual Offences Act) is that if any sexual act takes place between two cousins, that does not amount to incest within the meaning of the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act.”

Could this ruling be used to legitimise sexual relationships and possible marriages amongst relatives in Kenya? Needless to say that children sired through such blood ties have unexplainable genetical complications. Are Kenya and African ready to embrace such a ruling? Would you sleep with or marry your cousin?

August 10, 2016
After Stealing Sh180M From The Youth Fund, Bruce Odhiambo is Back Again With Another Scheme

Youth Enterprise Development Fund Board Chairman Bruce Odhiambo

By Nicholas Olambo

Renowned music producer and former Youth Fund boss Bruce Odhiambo has gone back to the music business. Bruce, the former chairman of Youth Enterprise and Development Fund, quit his job unceremoniously in March after he found himself at the centre of Sh 180 million scandals.
Bruce gave his studio, Johari Cleff Productions a state of the art facelift while serving as the Youth Fund boss.

The studio is now running ads in local stations to tap and nurture young singers. Upcoming artistes can call and sing, and the winner will bag Sh 1 million and a recording deal, less than 1 percent of the ‘stolen’ money. The move looks like a CSR job, a known PR tactic to blind the public of the wrong doings.

Bruce who resigned then went on a trip abroad has gone underground despite claiming that he stepped down to allow for investigations and was also ready to answer all questions on allegations raised against him. He was fingered of alleged theft of the money that was transferred in two tranches of sh 115 and 65 million shillings into the accounts of Quorandum Limited, ten days after he appointed Ms Catherine Namuye as the acting chief executive. The suspended Ms Namuye was the sole signatory fund’s account.

Since his ‘resignation’ nothing has been heard of his case, it has ‘disappeared’ just like that of any other ‘big fish’. Bruce is president’s friend who was appointed to the position of the former chair, and Evans Semelango fell out with the then Devolution minister Ann Waiguru. Reasons for a firing of Semelango were never looked into. Instead, the president went ahead to appoint his old friend Bruce who would quit office barely a year to the end of his term amid scandals.

Sh 180 can change lives of many young people across the country, and it’s sad that the money ended up in the pockets of individuals who are not youths who return to fool Kenyans with a lame recording deals and sh 1 million rewards, Johari Records currently running talent promotion ads across the media. Bruce is now coming back around to hoodwink youths with untimely deals. He had the time to work for the betterment of the youths while at the top seat instead used the chance to defraud the youths. Justice must not only be heard to be done but seen to be done, so many corrupt individuals who are highly connected go unpunished after they resign and make no more front page news.

Their cases are either thrown out, dismissed or hurriedly investigated and cleared. This music guru is not the first one; Kenyans are aware his case ‘died’ the moment he ‘resigned’ and he’s back to fool the public with the recording deal. If Bruce cared about the youth, he would not embezzle sh 180million.

August 1, 2016
Survey: A Third of New HIV Infections Are on College-Going Students, Sponsor Culture To Blame

In the traditional setup, it was not only a crime but a shame for young ladies to engage in sexual relationships with older men and it was viewed as disgusting and uncouth. Decades on things have totally changed and today’s young women are taking pride in it.

The ‘sponsor’ trend, where older men support girls and young women’s lavish lifestyles in exchange for sex, may be contributing to high HIV infection among the youth. According to the Kenya Aids Indicator Survey, about a third of new infections are of persons aged 15-24 years. UNAIDS statistics say about 30,000 New infections registered annually amongst the youth.

The vulnerable age is the high school going, college and just graduated new in the market or jobless group. Talk to most young women nowadays they’ll shamelessly tell you they have one. In fact, the trend is such that they have a sponsor and a boyfriend. Sponsor to take care of her financial needs and the boyfriend for the emotional satisfaction it’s a bitter truth.

Here’s a young lady coming from a poor background no job going to school has an iPhone worth Sh. 80,000 lives in a posh apartment only use uber in some cases has a car. They’re living the lavish lifestyle courtesy of the sponsor. It’s a well-packaged form of prostitution.

It’s not only the ladies to be blamed for the sponsor culture even young men are going after older women to sponsor their lifestyle in exchange for sexual favours. Everybody is caught up in this thing. One common thing is protection is out of the question in sponsor sex, and they invest a lot in their baits to afford using condoms it’s the naked truth and primary factor behind the high HIV figures.

The link is even disturbing since the sponsor have their spouses they’re having sex with and so are the sponsored who have other partners they’re sleeping with. This generation needs prayers or rigid rules to deport all sponsors to Uranus or whichever planet but can that possibly happen? Guess not sponsor trend has many proponents. The sponsor culture is coming second after betting companies in employing young people in Kenya now and keeping them laughing and crying in alternation.

July 27, 2016
Just How The Ailing Kenyan Music Industry Can Be Saved

Sauti Sol Band

By Nicholas Olambo

Kenya is home to over forty different languages meaning its music panorama is wealthy and involved, but the international music still controls the Kenyan airwaves and universal joints. Artists struggle to make a living through music, and it has for many proved an impossible avenue to tap revenue, many end up changing careers or copying foreign sounds attractive in the market.

With all its vibrant creativity and boom in production, Kenyan music industry is still nowhere near realising it’s potential. “Nobody knows Kenyan music”, says Suzzana Owiyo. The stunted growth of the industry is blamed on lack of proper networking and distribution, the linguistic diversity of the nation has also fragmented the market making it difficult for artists to develop a unique and easy to recognise the sound that can serve as a currency in the mainstream global market.

Sarabi Band

But bands are emerging every other day with unique and fresh sounds accompanied by sweet instruments. Sauti Sol must have inspired many, after their success, many are coming up with different styles and a recognisable sound that if nurtured will become the Kenyan music. Hart the Band, Sarabi and Red Acapella are some of the fast-rising bands to fill the void when Sauti Sol is gone. Red Acapella, for instance, is a perfect team of two young men in their mid-twenties who are astonishingly good at their job. They call their music ‘Rhumba today’; the pair handles all instruments with a little help from a friend when they play live. Their vocals are powerful, mellow and harmonise well to create a brilliant, luscious and iconic layered vocals. Their song ‘ka gava’ is already a major hit to cement their popularity.

More should be done, and Kenyan music may be dwarf at home, but it had also attracted international attention when singer Ayub Ogada’s work was featured in a 2005 award movie “The Constant Gardner”. This is the direction the industry should take; Kenya is home to some of the finest producers and sound engineers in the continent. Ted Josiah, R Kay, MG and Ulopa just to name a few are household names in production; though old they still have skills to roll out of their sleeves.

Artists also need to make music that relates to their culture and environment. Music is rich in history and is also a vehicle for sharing information and educating local populations. Copying Nigerian or Tanzanian music is not good for growth; big artistes like Suzzana Owiyo, Eric Wainaina and Ayub Ogada have just packaged what should be considered traditional music in the manner that can sell globally.
Not all must be like them but cutting a nitch is necessary.

Artistes like Camp Mulla were accepted for representing urban or rather uptown hip hop and gained recognition across Africa and beyond to being nominated for the prestigious BET Awards though they quit the stage before the show was over. Their sound was entirely different from that of the pioneers of hip hop in Kenya, Kalamashaka. Kalamashaka made hardcore and revolutionary hip-hop which evolved to soulful hip hop with electric sampling and quirky lyrics like in ‘angalia saa’ hit single. Nowadays rappers hardly make sense say for Juliani, but the rest have excellent delivery and no lines that ring in the listeners head. If bands get it right like Sauti Sol did, the industry will be out the death bed.

Save

July 22, 2016
The Wolves Of Umoja: How West African Sex Pests Are Abusing Nairobi Women

The obsession of Nairobi women to the Naija Men is only comparable to uncontrollable love for Ingokho amongst our Luhya brothers. The notion that the fellas from West are monied and romantic is just but that, a notion. Most of the times, it’s a fallacy, a wet dream

A distressed fan contacted Kenya Insights, a week ago to highlight her monstrosity ordeal she went through the hands of the Naija brodas. These ladies blinded with the fancy lifestyle and hunting instincts for money will go to towering heights just to win the fake it till you make it fellas.

There are Instagram-filtered pictures and then the Oga brodas, and it’s never what it seems like when the reality smacks you in the face. For confidentiality purposes, we shall call her Miss X, she frequents Hornbill, the famous club in Umoja estate, Eastlands part of Nairobi where skimpily dressed ladies flock with the hope of luring a ‘rich’ brother into their honey jar.

Wolves or Mafisi as it’s the referral in the streets, too put up their best acts, dressing, cologne, buying most expensive drinks and what have you. It’s a hunting ground for both species.

On this particular Friday night, Miss X had her lucky day or she thought so and thought to herself ‘I just hit a lotto’ or maybe Pambazuka jackpot, what’s with all these betting companies everywhere like mitumba? Back to the point.

Miss X was treated to the drinks of her choice, expected of ladies who drink Kibao with their friends behind scenes, eat githeri sukuma wiki at home but will swear they only eat pizza, chinekee! So Miss X doesn’t go for the obvious knickers dropper, Guarana, instead, single malt whisky. ‘No problem baby, you can order everything, in fact, you can even take di whole bar and drink it,moni isn’t di problem Nah ” I swear I could hear him say that miles away.

People who were strangers minutes ago were now turned decades lovers, getting high and high, they danced and ground each other as tight as the brake pads in a steeply ground. After the drinks, it’s home, fellas you know the drill right? So the newly met lovers leave the club and yes they’re not catching a cab but hiking on their ride.

Like a cow taken to the butchery, Miss X showered with honey manenoz slides herself into the car with his ‘investment’ going home to seal their contract. Unknown to her, the happy moments were over, and terror awaited her. “It was all good until we got to his house, I was shocked and terrified to death, in his house there were five other heavily built men, they were staying together, being the only woman I felt being in danger.” She narrates to Kenya Insights.

“This one is fine than that one last night broda, we’re gonna have a good evening,” said one of the five men. Contrary to her thoughts that she was only coming to be with the Prince Charming alone, it was a whole pack of wolves plotting to have a piece of her. She attempted to scream but was threatened. They ran a train on her, rather took turns raping her severally.

Numerous alike cases have been heard of, but many of these ladies are too ashamed to speak out instead they die with shame inside as the wolves continue to prowl on unsuspecting preys. They can’t even report to the police for the fear of slut shaming. Kenya Insights has established that this barbarous scheme has been in play for a time now and the most notorious instigators, the West Africa foreigners living in the semi-middle-class estates.

On to a ranting phase, it’s inexcusable and with strongest terms possible horrific and perverting acts by these swindlers must be doomed. Ladies need just to take a damn chill pill on this Oga brodas craze, just because one has Naija accent doesn’t replicate to his pockets depths. Most of these guys are shams, faking lifestyles, can’t even afford to pay Sh.20,000 rent so they group and stay in one house, ten people as if it’s a refugee camp.

None of these guys if not 1:10 isolated cases that they live one person in a house, they’re always in packs like PK. It’s known worldwide not just a theory that most of the Nigerian guys engage in fraudulent activities, and they come second in cyber crime after China. You know of the Yahoo boys, sending emails to preys how they have millions of dollars stashed wherever, play along and get conned.

Drugs. Most of them living in Kenya don’t have any formal job but always doing ‘business’, no sugarcoating, most and not all, do dirty business deals.

Many ladies have been duped into their drug selling syndicate, many Kenyan women with the thirst for quick cash have fallen to their traps, facilitating drug peddling, ending up in jail. Most recently a socialite by the name Pesh, who filled the internet with her bare humongous posterior pictures and stash of banknotes, flashy lifestyle, was arrested in Ghana and in jail for drugs trafficking. She was caught, she had been recruited in.

The immoral breed of celebrities so called socialites or glorified prostitutes as some call them are being financed by drugs money according to underworld sources, most of them deal with the syndicate either directly or indirectly. But all these besides the point, ladies put your house in order, Fort Jesus wasn’t built in a day.

Life’s about taking risks but don’t take too much risk in this line. Most of the West Africa guys living in Eastlands are plain broke, keep that in mind, and the rich ones are with their counterparts in Runda. They’re parasitic or romantic as you prefer to call them, will help you unstrap your bra when you get home even wash your lungs to have you at their mercy. The wolves of Umoja and Eastlands advances to their unending preys.

July 16, 2016
9 surprising Eid traditions you’ve probably never heard of

Eid al-Fitr is a day of feasting, charity, and prayer as Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadhan fasting and the return a more normal daily crap uptake.

From carefully choreographed mix of various practices and specific such as what to eat for breakfast and even how to walk to prayer. Here’s 9 Eid traditions you might not have known before or you might be doing them but you have never realized it.

Fasting is prohibited

For Eid al-Fitr, fasting is strictly prohibited. To ensure that the fast in broken in earnest, a small, usually sweet breakfast is eaten at the beginning of the holiday after the obligatory pre-sunrise prayer.

Deep clean, clad in “Sunday best”, but again no show-offs

The holy day requires a deep clean! Before the obligatory breakfast, observant Muslims pray the important Salaat ul-Eid (special Eid prayers), they must clean their teeth, shower, and put on their best clothes and perfume. The importance here is not to show off to other humans, but rather to be as prepared as possible to pray before God.

Prayer without call

Those who lie near a Mosque might be familiar with the “Adhan” or “Mwandhini” (call to prayer) that is sounded five times a day. Strangely, on Eid al-Fitr, you will hear no Adhan before the outdoor holiday prayer begins.

This prayer without a call happens only twice a year – once on Eid al-Fitr and once on Eid al-Adha (the second holiest holiday in Islam).

Mandatory Outdoor Prayers

Regular Islam prayers are usually done in the home or mosques, but the Eid prayer differ greatly in that they must be performed outdoor in a wide, open area. I am not sure of the reason to this.

So, on Eid, expect to see large gatherings of Muslims in parks and squares to meet this mandatory condition.

To and from Eid prayer on foot and no repeating routes

Interestingly enough, it appears that there are even rules on one makes their way to Eid prayer. During this day, It is mandatory to go to and from Eid prayer on foot (I am not sure if I have seen the absolute part of this), and it is even recommended that believers take a different route home so as to abstain from retracing their steps on the return trip!

No speaking during Prayer & Sermon

The Eid prayer has two parts: the actual prayer and then a sermon by a Sheikh immediately afterwards. It is customary (and obligatory!) that no one speaks during this period. Only Islamic greetings and phrases may be uttered during this sacred time, with talking only being permissible once Muslims have vacated the prayer area. Maybe this is the time when I should go see my Muslim brothers and Sisters get a chance to shut up!

Charity and philanthropy

One of the most crucial parts of Eid is giving charity, and time is set aside to gather donations for the needy. In some countries like Saudi Arabia, Muslims might anonymously leave food or money with members of their community who are known to be less-fortunate. These, and other such traditions have become integral parts of the Eid celebrations.

Forgive, Forget & start on a clean slate

Eid is a time of spiritual rejuvenation, and that carries over to the earthly lives as well.

One is encouraged to forgive trespasses, and let go of grudges that have built up over the past year. Additionally, begin anew with new faces – it is common for even complete strangers to greet one another, wishing them a blessed Eid.

Time to munch Sweets

After the prayer, Muslims visit relatives to feast and exchange gifts with children. During this period sweets are customary. It’s a joyous time for anyone with a sweet tooth!

I believe you had a fabulous Eid. Now back to normal life.

July 8, 2016
Kenya Joins Other Authoritarian Regimes in Switching off the Internet vote, UN Furious

There has been telltale of the government gagging the internet citing security issues. Most recently, the system has hinted at a possible stiff Internet regulation policies ahead of the 2017 elections.

With internet accessibility in the country continuing to skyrocket and many rely on the web for information, the growing number of users, regulating content is a nearly impossible task.

NCIC has warned that social media is the new platform in which hatemongers propagate tribal hatred and are seeking ways in which to regulate social media use. Initially, oppressive article 19 was used to muzzle voices, but it has since been overruled as being unconstitutional. The government is determined to regulate the internet, and all the signs are in the air.

The move by Kenya in joining other dictatorial regimes in the bid to have the government be a key player in regulating the Internet use is causing fear for the future as Kenya heads to 2017 elections. In Uganda, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ally Yoweri Museveni shut down the internet and messaging services as the country held their general elections.

The authoritarian president claimed an open internet was a threat to national security during the period.
The United Nations officially condemned the practice of countries shutting down access to the internet at a meeting of the Human Rights Council on Friday.

A resolution entitled The promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet extends human rights held offline to the web. Consensus passed it, but only after a determined effort by some countries, including China and Russia, to pull out key parts of the text.

In particular, some states – notably by their authoritarian stances – were opposed to the resolution’s focus on the need for an accessible and open internet, and its condemnation of violations against people for expressing their views online. A vote planned for Thursday was delayed until Friday after the issue became heated.

Protesters fighting for freedom of speech

Some were surprised by the 13 other countries that lined up with Russia and China to delete the text on ensuring access to the internet. Among such authoritarian regimes as Saudi Arabia and Qatar were also democracies including India and South Africa.

Likewise on a second amendment to remove references to freedom of expression. Russia and China were joined by 15 other countries including India, Kenya and South Africa.

“We are disappointed that democracies like South Africa, Indonesia, and India voted in favour of these hostile amendments to weaken protections for freedom of expression online,” said Thomas Hughes, the executive director of Article 19, a charity focused on protecting free speech. He added: “The resolution is a much-needed response to increased pressure on freedom of expression online in all parts of the world.”

Resolutions

That person has the same rights online as offline, “in particular freedom of speech, which is applicable regardless of frontiers and through any media of one’s choice.”

Those human rights violations enacted against people due to making their views known online are “condemned unequivocally,” and states are held accountable for any such violations.

Any measures to “intentionally prevent or disrupt access” to the internet are also “condemned unequivocally,” and all states should “refrain from and cease such actions.”

In effect, that means that the expanding use of Internet shutdowns by governments claiming national security issues or even, in the case of Iraq, to prevent exam cheating, will now go against formal UN policy.

If all these signs have anything to go by then freedom of expression and access to information on a population that consumes heavily from the internet, Kenyans should look ahead for business unusual in coming days, weeks, months and years.

Save

July 4, 2016