MEET THE CONTESTANTS PEOPLE!

THE KENYAN PEEPS!

Stephen Nyabwa a.k.a Sodo a.k.a Stevo

The-26-year-old likes to listen to neo soul music and loves John Legend’s music but he also admits that he admires Bob Marley and Koffi Olomide. When he is not working as an accountant, he likes to watch and play football and rugby in addition to giving motivational talks to teens at his church. He is driven to succeed by his desire to make a difference in someone’s life by living his own life.

What is your musical background?
I used to sing with my family at my local church when I was still a kid and later on a joined an acapella group known as One Accord at church, in addition to singing in the church choir. Nowadays I just do solos at church whenever I can.

Why did you audition for Tusker Project Fame?
I believe that it is a medium that will take me to the next level musically and I think it will provide me with the avenue to actualise my dreams of greatness.

What will you miss the least while going into the Academy?
I won’t miss my neighbour’s chickens that love to soil our front door all the time.



Prudence Kibaya a.k.a Pru

The-22year-old from Mombassa believes that in her music, she has a role to play and would like to inspire young people to dream big and believe that nothing is impossible. She is inspired by the African legend, Brenda Fassie and Kelly Clarkson who she admires because of her music and voice.

What is your favourite genre of music?
I like listening to rock, neo soul, RnB and country music when I am chilling or doing schoolwork.
What will you miss the least from back home?
I will not miss my hectic school schedule, assignments and projects back in Mombasa where I study Broadcast Journalism.
What will you miss the most going into the Academy?
I will miss Facebook and my cell phone; but overall it will have to be my family, my pet cat Brownie and my dog Bobby.



Juvenalis Ochieng Amonde a.k.a Igweh Juveh a.k.a Chizi Freshy

The 24-year-old is a former NYS recruit who started off his musical career performing at public holiday celebrations in his hometown of Nakuru as a child and teenager. He was a member of the school choir while at Menengai High School. Juveh was also concurrently involved with the choir at the ACK Cathedral in Nakuru. He is currently studying Music theory at the National Youth Talent Academy under the tutelage of Dave “Mobb” Otieno and has also tried his hand at playing the rhythm guitar.

What is your favourite genre of music?
I like listening to afro-fusion, Lingala, reggae and calypso. My favourite performer is Kidum because he has overcome a lot of challenges to get to where he is.
What will you miss the least from back home?
I will not miss my daily diet of Ugali and Sukuma Wiki back home.
What will you miss the most going into the Academy?
I will miss my girlfriend terribly.



Amileena Mwenesi a.k.a Ami

The composed 22 year old hotelier is a study in self confidence . She has taken part in various musical competitions while she was a t St Christopher’s preparatory including the Festival of Lights. She auditioned for TPF because she sees it as an avenue to re-work and perfect her singing, technique and delivery; one of her happiest memories is making it to TPF’s Top 18.
What is your favourite genre of music?
I love listening to Jazz, Neo Soul, Blues, Soul, RnB and Afro Fusion.
What will you miss the most going into the Academy?
I will miss speaking to my family as I talk to them every day on the phone, so that will be had for me.
What will you miss the least from back home?
Absolutely nothing. I absolutely love my life.

Source

FINALIST FOR THE TV FOOTBALL CHALLENGE PICKED

Ken Wa Maria tries out the challenge

Football fans turned out in large numbers at the City Cabanas Hotel on Saturday, for the third and final recruitment of contestants for the Guinness Football Challenge television game show.
The Guinness Football Challenge is a first of its kind game show, where football fans get a chance to demonstrate how well they know the world’s favorite sport. In teams of two, they participate in tests of skill and knowledge, and the best scoring teams earn a unique opportunity to appear on television, as they battle out for the weekly prize of KShs 50,000.00.





A total of 14 teams were selected this past weekend, bringing the total of teams that have so far earned a slot on the weekly game show to 69. Previous recruitment exercises were conducted in Meru in August and Kisumu in September. On set, the contestants have a unique chance to compete for the KShs 50,000.00 cash prize, meet local football celebrities, and demonstrate their passion for the game of football.
During the Saturday event, leading local artistes Onyango Alemo and Ken Wa Maria kept revelers entertained late into the night.
The Guinness Football Challenge is by far the largest ever campaign for all lovers of the greatness of Guinness and the greatness of football. Apart from the football game show, the campaign includes an exciting national consumer promotion where Guinness lovers stand a chance to win a weekly KShs 1 million cash prize as well as thousands of instant prizes – free 300ml Guinness beer and KShs 250 cash.



Across Africa, Guinness has built a strong equity around football, and gained the popular distinction as a brand of choice for football lovers. The Guinness Football Challenge brings the brand one step closer to delivering timeless experiences to football fans and Guinness lovers across the country.

TUSKER PROJECT FAME 4 KICKS OFF

The Tusker Project Fame opening gala party was held Sunday evening in an event that brought together East Africa in a night of glitz, glamour and music. The top 18 contestants and faculty members were unveiled during the show as the three judges Ian Mbugua, Juliana Kanyomozi and Hermes Bariki made a comeback.
With 15 spots in the TPF Academy and only nine contestants having secured their positions, seven of the contestants had to battle it out for a spot with three of them facing possible elimination.

Steven Nyabwa from Kenya wowed the crowd with his rendition of Marcelina. His electrifying performance elicited positive comments from the judges, with Judge Ian saying that he, “…could certainly stir up a crowd.”



Also fighting for their lives, were the Ugandans, Davis Ntare and Brendah Nankinga. This was not Davis’ first time at TPF, having been sent home by the Judges at last year’s gala show. He poured his soul into his cover of Ronan Keating’s When You Say Nothing At All and was overjoyed when the judges admitted him into the Academy.



Amilena Mwenesi of Kenya, Elizabeth Gaga of Rwanda and Leah Mwambogela of Tanzania impressed the judges and were able to secure their spots in the TPF Academy together with Steven and Davis.



Brendah’s performance of Brandy’s Come a Little Closer took her further away from the judges’ expectations, with Juliana pointing out that she had seen better performances from Brendah.



The very beautiful Liz Mugwaneza of Rwanda and Cynthia of Tanzania also saw their dreams put on hold when they failed to meet the judges’ high expectations.
The other highlight of the Gala was the unveiling and performances of the Faculty that will guide the contestants for the next eight weeks. The Academy has a new principal, Helen Mtawali who gave a powerful performance of an own composition. She also had a commanding stage presence,which is something that she is sure to impart to her young charges at the Academy.



The other members of the Faculty include Voice coach Kavutha, Music Director RKay, Choreographer and fitness coach Edu. This year also sees the addition of Band leader Aaron Rimbui to this stellar cast.



Carol “Clarissa” Nabulime TPF3’s reigning Dancing Queen performed her song from her debut album, Nakupenda at the Gala show and managed to wow the crowd with her incredible waist movement.



Ng’ang’alito was also on hand to entertain the crowd, accompanied by Sarakasi dancers, with his own Kikuyu ballad
Steven Nyabwa ,Amileena Mwenesi, Juvenalis Ochieng Amonde and Prudence Kibaya will carry the Kenyan flag.
Tanzania will be aptly represented by one gentleman and two ladies. They are Aneth Kushaba, Leah Mwambogela and Peter Msechu.
Uganda will have two gentlemen and one lady in the house. Davis Hillary Ntare, Rachel Namubiru and Thomas Madooba Kirya are the lucky three.
Atete Gaëlle, Gilbert Gabiro and Elizabeth Gaga from Rwanda will also be gunning for the top prize in the Tusker Project Fame, while the über confident Paleki Obur and Kuonck Deng will be representing Southern Sudan, which has been included into the competition for the very first time this year.



Kuonck who was the first runner-up in the top 25 auditions has replaced Romani of Southern Sudan who was recalled back home for civic duty. Kuonck couldn’t hide his excitement at having been offered the opportunity to join the TPF Academy last week.
During the eight weeks to be spent at the academy, the remaining 15 contestants will be coached on how to improve their music careers including voice, instrument, dance and performing skills.
Contestants in the show will strive to prove to judges and viewers they are the best music talent from the region with the hope of walking away with prize money of five million shillings, a recording contract from South African based Gallo records and a host of other goodies.


Chizi on stage


Honey La Rochelle, Omar Jonas entertain before the gala night

ROSE MUHANDO BLAZES UP ELDORET

On Sunday, October 10, Tanzanian songstress, Rose Muhando was headlining a show in Eldoret.
Dubbed the Nibebe Tour, the event was at the 64 Stadium. Scores of gospel music enthusiasts packed the venue to watch Muhando's performance.
Muhando is currently the highest selling artiste with popular hits like Yesu Nakupenda, Akina Mama, Imani, Kamili, Mteule Uwe Macho, Mungu Wangu, Mwambieni Mungu, Nipe Uvumlivu and Ole Wangu among others.



Other headliners included Daddy Owen, Emmy Kosgei, Eunice Njeri, MOG, Jimmie Gait,Juliani, Ringtone, Bishop Ben Bahati, Willy, Ba Mdogo, Joel Kimeto and Lilian Rotich. The MC’s were Alemba and Abel backed by spin masters DJ Dee and DJ Sadic.
Sponsored by Safaricom, the aim of the event is to promote and unite gospel artists in East Africa.
Anyho, here are some photos for the previous tour by the gospel acts.




Emmy Kosgei


Daddy Owen

FORMER TOP MODEL CONTESTANT BURIES MUM

Sandra Nyanchoka who was a contestant in Tyra Bank's America's Next Top Model last year was back in the country to bury her mother.
The 20-year-old posted a tribute to her mum on her official website. It read: “Sadly, my mother passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 5. I loved her so much! She was a hero! I am who I am because of my mother and I want the world to know how much she cared and loved others.
“I would like to extend my heart-felt thanks and appreciation to all my relative’s, friends and fans for all the love and support during this difficult time."



“Losing someone dear is among the most painful experiences in a person’s life but when you have people around who care it makes it much easier to cope with the loss.
“My family and I genuinely appreciate all your efforts, thoughts and prayers. Our mother’s soul is now resting in peace. May God bless you all.”



Sandra’s family relocated to the United States when she was nine years old. She is currently a student at Montgomery College in Maryland and has plans to continue her education in hopes of being a journalist.

DBANJ AND RAMSEY NOUAH IN TOWN YO!

The self proclaimed Mr Endowed a.k.a De Koko Master a.k.a Dbanj is in town for the 4th edition of Naija Nite. The singing star is in Nairobi together with Nollywood heartthrob Ramsey Noauh for the theme night hosted at the Impala Grounds.
Also there will be a fashion show by Nigeria’s premier designer MUDI who will be showcasing his latest collection. All this will be coupled with great Nigerian delicacies and music.
The night, ofcourse won't be complete without some comedy from Klint Da Drunk who is a force to reckon with in the Nigerian comedic industry.



This edition will be bigger and better with fans getting a chance to win an exclusive dinner with both D’banj and Ramsey Nouah and a grand prize of an all expenses paid trip to Nigeria to visit the all famous Koko Mansion.
Naija Nite is a theme night created by Taurus group to celebrate all things positive about Nigeria and to bring awareness about the Nigerian culture through Music, film and comedy.
The previous editions of Naija Nite have been very successful with big Nigerian acts such as comedian Basket Mouth, Rnb star Darey, Hip Hop sensation Sasha, Award winning Naeto C, Dancehall musician General Pype and Dj’s FX2 and Spaceman headlining the event.
Other sponsors include Safaricom, Kenya Airways, Mtech, Radio Africa, Radio One, Ghetto Radio and Span Image.
Anyho, here are some photos of de naija broda's around town.

SMOOTH JAZZ STARS IN TOWN FOR CONCERT

Honey La Rochelle

Neo Soul and Jazz Lovers in Nairobi are poised for an incredible treat this weekend by three international artistes set to perform at Nairobi’s Intercontinental Hotel.
The three artistes: UK’s Nu Classical British Soul musician Omar, American Honey La Rochelle and Denmark’s Neo Soul star Jonas will perform in Tanzania and Uganda before converging in Nairobi for the concert to be held at the Intercontinental Hotel this Saturday.
Intercontinental Hotels Group Area Director of sales and Marketing Africa Daniel Ebo says the Nairobi concert, dubbed ‘Smooth Jazz music’, is set to liven the weekend for many a revelers with love for Jazz music and neo soul.
Mr Ebo said the concert is targeted at young leaders, decision makers and general lovers of smooth music and jazz.

Omar

Omar, who hails from the UK is well known for his smooth music and has recorded 6 studio albums, the last being Sing (If you want it) which was released in 2006 and features Stevie Wonder, Angie Stone, Estelle, Common, and many others.
His earlier work has led to collaborations with Erykah Badu, Incognito, Legendary Motown producers Leon Ware and Lamont Dozier, and many others and has performed throughout Europe, North America and Asia.
USA born Honey La Rochelle, on the other hand, is a renowned Funk / Rock / Soul musician based in New York. Her voice has graced over 200 song recordings spanning all genres and has performed with music icons such as Roberta Flack, Brand New Heavies, Macy Gray, Donna Summer and Joss Stone among many others.

Jonas


Similarly, the Danish musician Jonas has 2 studio albums the last being WAITT (We are in this together) which was released in 2009. His first studio album Sweet Dreams Guaranteed was listed in the top 25 soul releases in UK Magazine Echoes, and essential album of the month in Blues & Soul Magazine. He has Performed throughout Europe & North America
Organizers of the event, maintain that the show is aimed at exploring new grounds in entertainment as it has brought together three different musicians from three different countries at the same time.
“This tour brings together 3 sets of renowned international musicians from USA, UK, and Europe which has not been done in the market before,” said Daniel Ebo, Area sales and Marketing Director of Intercontinental Hotel.
Similarly, the organizers - who include Capital radio, A1 Outdoor Advertising and music company Smoove - have indicated that there are possibilities have convert the concert into a one-day festival based on the performing international and local musicians’ respective profiles.
The show will attract an entry fee of Ksh2, 000 but advance tickets are available at appointed agents at Ksh1, 500