BANTU AND KIMSA IN MCSK MIX UP

Mombasa Based Gospel Artists Bantu and Kimsa met up with a major fracas in Nairobi when they went for their pay from their MCSK offices in Westlands.

“Imagine we there as early as 9am and by that time, the offices were already packed with river road artists like Allan Aaron’s all over the place,” Bantu told Word Is.

He informed us that they were told that the chief accountant had been told that the artist’s money had been stolen miraculously the night before and the artists were not taking it lightly.

“I did not understand how 6 million shillings was left with one man to look after,” said an infuriated Kimsa. “I think that’s mis-management and irresponsibility from MCSK. I want my money no jokes.”

When the 2 artists got an opportunity to talk to the accountant, he claimed they had to wait till the following week.

Our efforts to get in touch with the accountant were futile since his cell phone was off the whole time.

DJ FRIDAH JUMPS SHIP

2008 Coast Music Award Winner For DJ Of The Year DJ Fridah has quit Bella Vista and moved to new club Full Moon.


The Mombasa based DJ has decided to quit the hustling spree and join the new club located on the Mombasa Malindi Road.

“I don’t have much to say but I just needed a fresh start,” she told Word Is.

DJ Fridah who was the only female DJ at the hip pub, was apparently according to the revelers one of the main reasons why many ladies went to Bella Vista since they felt they associated with her.

The word on the street is, Fridah got pissed with having several guest dj’s coming to the pub and the owner not giving her and her 2 colleagues (DJ Kerosene & DJ Benz) a chance to do that.

DJ Fridah is at the new club from Thursday to Sunday and does Ladies Night at Black Havanna.

CIVIL WAR BETWEEN RADIO AND WEASEL

Just a week after being banned from playing their music, drama has started looming in the Goodlyfe Camp between Mowzey Radio and Weasel TV that could lead to a split.


Word Is got information that the pair almost fought during their weekend in Southern Sudan after a bitter dis agreement. The drama began when Radio hit Diamond Oscar who is a member of Goodlyfe Crew and also a good friend of Weasel. The drama was due to the fact that Diamond Oscar had decided to move out with a Dinka girl Radio had early spoken to.

As expected it dint go well with Weasel who attacked Radio for hitting his pal. The war of words went on well in the night before they were separated by other members of the crew and onlookers.

The pair later made up but clearly there is trouble in Paradise for Good Lyfe. In fact, on Tuesday Word Is got word that the Good Lyfe Crew were at the Club Silk Royale and Radio was not with them.

ACTOR NICHOLAS CAGE VISITS PIRATES AT SHIMO LA TEWA.

Film star Nicolas Cage has visited a Kenyan prison holding suspected Somali pirates awaiting trial to highlight the problem of piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Inmates danced for the movie star and shook his hand as he toured the Shimo La Tewa prison in the Kenyan coastal town of Mombasa. The prison has become a model for other jails in the country because of the reform work of its chief warden, Wanini Kireri.

Cage, a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador on Drugs and Crime, told The Associated Press Television News on Tuesday that he wanted to meet with some of the suspected Somali pirates, hear their stories and understand what is fueling piracy off the Somali coast.

"Then I'm in a position where I can actually make some sense and talk about it when I go back to the States where I go talk to different U.N. councils and discuss the matter," Cage said.

Cage also gave out awards during his Tuesday visit to wardens in recognition of their outstanding work. He left Kenya Wednesday.

Somali pirates are currently holding around a dozen ships and more than 200 crew, and attacks have increased in recent weeks as seasonal rains subsided.

On Wednesday, pirates attacked the Maersk Alabama for the second time in seven months, though private guards on board the U.S.-flagged ship repelled the attack with gunfire and a high-decibel noise device.

An international flotilla of warships now patrols the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, but pirates continue to carry out attacks because of the millions of dollars that can be made from a successful hijacking.

After all that, Nicholas Cage headed for the Tamarind Dhow and had lunch (rice & beef stew). Before leaving the dhow, he had a chat with the Director Of The Tamarind Dhow - Mr Hassan Feisal Ali which followed him signing the visitors book.

From Left To Right

Hassan Feisal Ali, Fernandes, Prudence & Nicholas Cage

Heading To The Parking

Ushered In And Leaving The Tamarind Village.

OSCAR AWARD WINNER JENNIFER HUDSON SET TO PLAY WINNIE MANDELA IN FEATURE FILM!

Hollywood trade publication Variety today revealed that Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will be playing ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela in a new movie set to begin filming in South Africa next year.


According to Variety, ‘Hudson will play Winnie Mandela in a film that begins production May 30 in the South African locations of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Transkei and Robben Island, where the future president spent 18 of his 27 years in prison.

“Winnie” will be directed by Darrell J. Roodt, the veteran South African filmmaker whose 2006 film “Yesterday” was Africa’s Best Foreign Film nominee, and who also directed “Cry, The Beloved Country,” and “Sarafina!”

Andre Pieterse, Roodt and Paul L. Johnson wrote a script based on the Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob biography “Winnie Mandela:A Life.” Picture is being made with South African and Canadian money, with Pieterse producing with Michael Mosca of Canada’s Equinoxe Films.

While Nelson Mandela — who’ll be played by Morgan Freeman in the Clint Eastwood-directed “Invictus” — is a universally sympathetic figure for his struggle against apartheid, his former wife is a far more complicated figure. She has been depicted as the mother and wife who was a steadfast supporter of her activist husband and who was jailed herself for campaigning for his release and fighting against apartheid. Her image was subsequently tarnished by association with a bodyguard who murdered a 14-year old alleged informer, and she was later convicted of fraud.

The filmmakers will tell the whole story, good and bad.

“I was compelled and moved when I read the script,” Hudson said. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told.”

Hudson, who is expected to sing the film’s theme song, won the Oscar for her screen debut in “Dreamgirls’ and followed with “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Sex and the City.”

Actually looking forward to this movie because Winnie Mandela’s story is a very compelling one.

CHAMELEON AND BEBE TAKE EARLY LEAD IN THE POLLS!

Ugandan celebrities Chameleon and Bebe Cool have taken an early lead in the Zain 'I Believe Concert' artistes promotion and are on course to perform alongside R.Kelly.

As part of preparations for the I Believe Concert, telecommunication giant, Zain has requested fans to vote for which of their favourite artistes will perform on the 29th of January 2010 at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

The polls are run under the watchful eye of a reputable audit firm to ensure transparency and fairness. Chameleone is leading and right behind him is BEBE followed by the Goodlyfe stars Mowzey Radio and Weasel out of the group of 12 artistes.

The best five will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform alongside R.Kelly. The other artistes on the list include GNL, Iryn, Peter Miles, Aziz Azion, Grace Nakimera, Toniks, Cindy and the Obsessions.

BLU 3 FINALLY FREE!

Lilian, Mya and Jacky, who form the sensational Blu 3, launched their second album last week at KCC grounds, Kampala, in the concert organised by Talent 256.

The launch saw the presence of Nameless, DJ Benny D (Akon's Personal DJ), Radio and Weasel and many more Uganda's artists on stage.

The trio proved that they are cut from a different cloth with their stage swagger and everybody went home satisfied but still longing for more.

R KELLY HITS KAMPALA

The King of R&B and Soul, R Kelly, will be in Kampala on the 29th of January, 2010, set to move the Ugandan chicks' bodies like snakes in a concert dubbed 'I Believe' which will take place at the Lugogo Cricket Oval.

R Kelly is brought by Zain who claim it will be a night not to miss!

BUSTA RHYMES HITS DAR!

The US hip hop lyricist, Busta Rhymes, whose performance at the Fiesta Concert is eagerly awaited by music lovers, is expected to land in Dar Es Salaam on Friday, 19th November.

The chairman of the Fiesta committee, Ruge Mutahaba, said that almost everything is ready for the concert and this time it will be huge with many surprises and non-stop entertainment.

The concert will take place at the TTCL Grounds, Kijitonyama from 3 pm till late night. With Busta, the list of other performers is almost endless.

CANNIBAL OUT BUT NOT DOWN!

2009 Channel O Nominee Ralph Masai aka Cannibal was not telling a pleasant story after getting back from the no-show awards in Johanesburg.

Cannibal who jetted into the country last week, spent a few hours enjoying the Kenyan climate before being hit with a mild heart attack.

Cannibal, was rushed to the Pandya Memorial Hospital on Wednesday where he was put under a drip for four days. Cannibal before being admitted has started convulsing in his parents house in the Kizingo Area before his older brother called for a cab that rushed him to the Pandya Memorial Hospital.

“Am lucky to be alive,” Cannibal told our Word Is crew when they visited him at home after being dis-charged. “I have been put on compulsory one week bed rest with lots of liquids.”

Cannibal states that his attack came due to the change of climate from Mombasa to Johannesburg. His hospitalization led him to post pond his interview with Channel O who were to do a Diary Piece of his life in Mombasa.

“STARRDOM IS A DREAM…..THAT’S IT!” SAYS MB DOGG!

Bongo Flava artist MB Dogg claims that with the current system in the music Industry, it will be ages before the artists attain global stardom.

“The government has not put their rights in the open and whenever they catch thieves of their works through COSOTA, the fine charged does not match the profits the culprit has already made,” he told Word Is.

According to MB Dogg, who got his name because he is the only artist to keep so many breeds of dogs including Alsatians, Dobermans, German Shepherds and a poodle, Bars, Discos, Jukeboxes and matatu’s (which in Tanzania are referred to as ‘Dalla-Dalla’) play their music everyday without their consent and knowledge not to mention ring tones.

MB Dogg also added “I urge corporate firms to sponsor artists and help them cross borders as the Kenyans do considering the fact that they make much money through them.”

BBA HOUSEMATE PULLS A FAST ONE IN TANZANIA.

Big Brother Africa 4 ex-housemate Elizabeth Gupta was in Billicanas Club in Dar Es Salaam where she got a chance to mingle with her fans.

If there is anything you missed about her, is her booty on the floor. She was full of energy and made the night.

Many celebrities were in the house and when it came to get down, they all forgot their status and got swept away with the vibes.

Liz pulled a fast one when she pulled Professor Jay to the dance floor and made the crowd go wild.

There was a brief push and shove between Fid Q and AY when an unknown lady came and poured beer on Fid Q claiming AY pushed her.

SKANI FLANI POINT MAN, JOHNY DOING IT BIG ON HIS OWN.

One third of Mombasa based hip hop group Skani Flani, Johny Skani, has sighted success to be the endeavour he is working on to make it by the end of the year.


Johny Skani, who was voted Upcoming Artist Of The Year, in the recently concluded controversial Nzumari Awards, has 2 singles currently riding high on local charts: Bembea and Mseo.

Under the stable of Tabassam Records CEO Bably Omar, Johny has been doing shows in Mombasa and Nairobi. “These shows really pay well and that is why I am hustling, he said as he wrote some lines off a brand new song.

Johny Skani says he has some stuff coming off the shelf very soon including collabos with Eric Wainaina, Abbas Kubaff and STL.

NAOMI CAMPBELL IN TANZANIA

The world famous supermodel, Naomi Campbell, is said to be in Dar Es Salaam from Zanzibar and will participate in one of Face of Africa catwalks.

The model's arrival has been kept in low profile but she is believed to be staying at the Movenpick Hotel.

Naomi Campbell is apparently in the middle of a month long holiday. She herself is calling it a honeymoon, even though she hasn’t married the Russian billionaire with whom she’s going away.


While many of us have gone travelling during our lives, we’ve tended to get by on a budget by staying in hostels in Italy or by heading to somewhere cheaper like Kerala or Thailand. This obviously wouldn’t do for Naomi, who is somehow managing to spend a million pounds on this month away.

How do you achieve that? Private jets every step of the way is a good start.

Zola D comes with Hustler King

The Bongo Heavyweight rapper, David Mulope aka Zola D, will be launching his album, Hustler King at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on the 12th December in a night that will see East Africa’s finest on the same stage. The event will be sponsored by Aurora security Company.

The launch will feature AY, D.Knob, Wagosi wa Kaya, Bwana Misosi, Z Anto, Mb Dogg, Mangwair, Noorah, FM Academia from Tz. From Kenya, will be Ukoo Flani, Cannibal, Nyota Ndogo, Fundi Frank and Mr Lenny. All the way from Zimbabwe comes Rocky.

Zola D, who is also a boxing champion, has already released his video Hustler King on TV and it is currently doing well.

 

Pope Benedict To Drop Album.

Believe it or not Catholic Pope Benedict XVI has decided to join the music industry by releasing his 1st album.

The album title Alma Mater, which will be released to the public on the 29th of November, is highly awaited by so many and could bring a big shove to push in the album sales industry being a 1st timer.

Word Is got to get information from his head office informing us that Pope Benedict has put everything on hold and decided to finish this album which has a big collection for the Christmas Season and has featured various reknown artists including Bob Dylan, Sting & Tori Amos.

Pope Benedict is not the 1st Pope to record an album. In 1999, Pope John Paul II recorded an album which he featured Abba Peter.

Both albums have wordings from the Rosary which have been musically transcripted to fit your ear. Pope Benedict’s Album has been recorded by a radio station in the Vatican and has also featured the voices of the choir from St.Peter’s Church in the Vatican.

Radio & Weasel Put On Shut Down!

As the Ugandan elections approach, the government has shut down Mowzey Radio and Weasel TV, accusing the popular singing duo of "inciting people" and "bringing hatred" against the government.

Word Is got to find out that the duo were unceremoniously shut down by the Bungling Council (BC), which is the government's electronic media watchdog.

Apparently, the Bungling Council mistook Radio and TV for a real radio and television broadcasting station and shut them down after the Big Man (President Yoweri Museveni) complained that instead of going to attend his political rally at Yellow Square, people had voted with their feet and gone to Africana Hotel to listen to Radio and TV," said one ear witness, insisting that we must point out that we didn't hear this story from him.

When the Big Man complained, according to the ear witness, the Chairman of the Bungling Council, Mr. Gofry Mutabaza rushed to Africana Hotel, unplugged and confiscated the singing duo's amplifiers and other electronic equipment, which he mistook for broadcast transmitters.

Intriguingly, the name Mutabaza that translates as "shut the hell up" in some Ugandan languages! It's like his name earned him the top job at the Bungling Council.

"Mr Mutabaza said that Radio and TV were keeping people away from the Big Man's rallies with their irresistible songs, which amounted to incitement against the government, which is a treasonable act," said the ear witness.

Sources confirmed to Word Is that people heading to the Big Man's rally at Yellow Square branched off to Africana Hotel to listen to Radio and Weasel instead when they heard them singing "Bread and Butter".

"I suspect people prefer bread and butter issues to abstract economic figures," one political commentator told The Analyst. According to him, some poor people might even have assumed that Africana Hotel was distributing free bread and butter.

The shutting down of Radio and TV follows similar actions against a number of radio stations which the government has accused of inciting violence, including CBS, Radio Two, Radio Suubi and Radio Sapientia.

It is not clear when, if at all, the Bungling Council will "re-open" Radio and Weasel.

BBA's Hannington Resorts to Cheap Gin

It is so sad Big Brother Africa 4 Ugandan Housemate Hannington Kuteesa is already broke, days after he returned from South Africa. He was spotted clinging to a pack of cheap Beckham Gin at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds on Saturday.

Clad in short blue Jeans, a striped yellow T-Shirt and African sandals, Hannington practically kissed the bitter stuff for ages. Moments later he was tipped by a pal that there was free Uganda Waragi at Steak Out Bar since it was sponsoring UTAKE night.

He rushed and jumped into a taxi after bargaining for the fare to the Lumumba Avenue based bar. He didn't waste time as he started on the free Ugandan Pints.

ARTIST TWENTY TWO JOINS THE DADDY'S CLUB.

Jungle Masters Recording Artist Twenty Two can now officially say he has joint the daddy's club when his girlfriend of two years gave birth to a bouncing baby girl on Friday morning.


The artist who is famed for the song 'Mummy' and 'Msamaha' was noted to be a happy man!

Word Is paid him a visit at home where he and his girlfriend were so excited to see us. "Am happy to be called a dad now! My lovely Shirleen Wamboi looks as elegant as her mother. I dont want to talk so much, my baby needs me."

The couple who spent a very short time at the Yeshua Medical Clinic in Kisauni are quite happy with their new bundle of joy.

The Jungle Masters Crew were there to see him including Prince Adio, producer Emmy Dee and his brother Fidempa from the group ZigZaw among other artists.
 
He personally gave us a warning for his pals to be highlighted: "If I see men here, you will face my wrath! My daughter is not getting married until she is 30! So dont have any intentions! This is a mbwa kali section."

"FOREIGN ARTISTS ARE NOT A BIG DEAL!" SAYS NGWAIR

Tanzanian Hip hop lyricist, known for his party verses, Albert Mangwea aka Ngwair,has said that the tendency of promoters to bring musicians from outside the country and paying them a fortune, does less to the development of the Industry but rather kills the morale of local musicians.

Ngwair argues that "What is the point of paying millions of money to the likes of Akon, Jay-Z and 50 Cent when that same amount, when distributed among our own MCees, would help them establish themselves not to mention put the crowd on fire a hundred times more considering the fact fans feel them more and can relate to their music than the outside entertainers? "

Ngwair drops his next album, NGE, next week. The album has been produced under Zizzou Entertainment and will have 15 tracks.

Ngwair told Word Is,that this is not an album you want to leave on the shelf.

WITNESS GOT A FANS CLUB

Tanzanian 2008 Channel O Award Winner Witness does it again and this time, she has opened her fan club.

For all those who would like to know what's up with the diva, sms witness on 15522 where there are schedules for her performances, how to buy her songs, activities etc. This number is accesible all over East Africa.

"This is a way to bring her closer to my fans and enable them get first hand information and not through third parties," she told Word Is Via Phone.

GIG REVIEW: AFRO DIVAS NITE

It was glamour and pomp on the 31st of October at the Club Sea Front where Spin World Entertainment & Quayside Media put together an event to remember the Divas in Mombasa.

Several celebrities had already walked in by 9pm including: Tabasaam Records CEO Bably Omar and his wife, Radio Presenter Peter Adamz, Tamasha CEO Kingsting, Baraka FM Mega Breakfast Presenters Esther Ingolo and Dennis Donga, Nzumari Awards CEO Eve Queen, Buzz Afrique CEO Godfrey Samora, Hon Ali Hassan Joho among others.

The emcee of the event, Esther Machariah from Radio Kaya started the program on a high as DJ Fridah maintained a blend of ol skool with new skool music. As this went on, one of the sponsors, Ori Flame, kept the performing divas looking spick and span by doing their make up infront of the crowd.

First on stage was KTN’s Reality Show Finalist Bellah, who managed to raise an eye brow after her performance. This performance was followed up by Nzumari Award Winners 2009 in the Dance Category NANA Dancers who left the crowd speechless.

The stream of performances went on with new kid on the block from Magic Studios; Charmz followed by Tierra Gee who sparkled the crowd with her charm!

Just before anything could go on, Tusker Project Fame 3 Finalist Ngangalitto streamed in creating a hullabaloo of excitement. All this time the Quayside Media Crew of Dan ‘Sonko’ Kinyanjui, Ting Mwangi and Muscatt Sayye kept everything going on time and on point.

NANA Dancers were back on stage with an even more pulsating performance that even forced the Tamarind Village Director Hassan Feisal Ali & Kisauni MP Ali Hassan Joho even more thrilled.

Finally what the crowd had been waiting for all night finally hit home. MTV MAMA Award Winner Amani got on stage and rocked with performances from Tonite, Missing My Baby, Tamani and Bad Boy.

The highlight of the moment was when she called Ngangalitto on stage to dance Bad Boy with her as they did the ‘kangaroo’. After that Amani thanked the crowd for coming and hinted to the Word Is crew that she had enjoyed her stay in Mombasa.

After the event, DJ Fridah took it away as the crowd created their own dancing parlour at the venue.

WHAT IS CHRISTINE APONDI DOING IN MOMBASA?

Christine Apondi is in Mombasa. The Neo Soul artiste was spotted reveling during the weekend at the popular Bob’s Bar in Nyali alongside female hip hop artist Lady Heckma.


On seing the press, Christine made a quick exit though word has it that she could be doing a collabo with Lady Heckma.

We are yet to find out what is happening in her life that since Mnet Idols 2008 and Tusker Project Fame 2006 has been on the down low.

SAV CLAN MEMBER MOURNING LOSS!

Coast Music Award winning group SAV Clan Member Amour Baby is mourning the loss of his mum who passed away on Sunday evening.


Word Is got a phone call from the artist on Monday night informing us about the demise of his mother. “Its sad but she is gone. She has been sick for sometime and I know Allah will put her soul in eternal peace. We bury her tomorrow according to the Islamic way.”

From Word Is we send the group and family our heartfelt condolences.

NONINI IS THE LIMKOKWING UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE AMBASSADOR

Limkowing International University in Malaysia has awarded Hubert Nakitare aka Nonini with the award of an International Lifestyle Ambassador. This award has also been granted to distinguished VIP's such as Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey, Miss England 2008, Miss India 2006, Eric Way (Sex and the City), Miss Botswana, H.E. Prince Andrew, H.E. Festus Moghae (President Of Botswana), Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The award is in line with the University’s of building the skills of their young citizens, particularly in the area of new technology, of Sound and Music, Film and Television and other creative courses.

Limkokwing University is an international university with a global presence across 3 continents with over 30,000 students coming from more than 150 countries, studying in its 12 campuses with a theme on empowering the World's Net Generation, with a philosophy on Merging the Best of East and West.

Nonini is currently a freelance artiste, recording music in the different production houses and recording studios. He released his first album in 2005, and is now ready with his second album. Nonini collaborated on and around his album with a number of artistes musically, including Monique, Juacali, Prezzo, Gadaffy, Naomi, Daniella, Geedruff and Rattatat.

Apart from his albums, Nonini has also graced concerts across the world, thus publicizing the Kenyan genge music.

Nonini’s award accolades include;

· Best Male Artiste of the Year (2004) at Chaguo la Teeniez Awards
· Collaboration of the Year for ‘Si Lazima’ (2007) Chaguo la Teeniez Awards
· Group of the Year for ‘P-Unit’ (2007) Chaguo la Teeniez Awards
· Song of the Year for ‘Si Lazima’ (2007) Chaguo la Teeniez Awards
· Best Group (P Unit) 2007 Kisima Awards
· Best Group (P Unit) 2008 Chaguo La Teeniez Awards
· Most Sizzling Video 2008 Chaguo La Teeniez Awards

BOBI WINE GOES WIFE-LESS!

East African Bashment Crew member Bobi Wine has one major hurdle to cross. His wife Barbara Itungo has left the Magere home accusing Bobi Wine of having offside romps. Barbie has been away from the matrimonial house for at least three weeks. The first week of her departure was spent at Zuena’s home who has just reunited with Bebe Cool. She had also split with Bebe Cool over similar circumstances of cheating.


“She’s always suspected him of unfaithfulness. She can somehow understand because he is a big time celebrity and always gets attention from beautiful gals. But he has got to be in control of his own life. She can never put up with a man who can’t be in charge of his own life,” an insider told Word Is.

The two have two kids together, Nairobi and Solomon Kampala. It is not clear though if Barbie left with the kids. Last Thursday Barbie was not at Bobi’s unplugged show at Club Silk and yet she was expected.

Some time this year it was reported that Bobi Wine had another son from a UK based gal, Safina Mubiru who is now working very hard to have a baby gal from the Kiwaani musician.

This very reason has left Barbie restless that at one time she followed the Ghetto President to the UK. “She couldn’t let Bobi be on his own in the UK knowing Safina stays there,” the source added.

Word Is tried contacting Bobi Wine and he gave the assurance that the two were together and he said: “My wife can never leave me. First of all, I have money, secondly I love her and most importantly I know how to do it.”

JAYDEE SET TO SHARE STAGE WITH ANGELIQUE KIDJO AND YOUSSOR N’DOUR

Afrofusion diva, Judith Wambura Mbibo aka Lady Jaydee with her band Machozi band will light Mlimani City on fire on Saturday November 14 together with Benin’s Angelique Kidjo and Senegal’s Yossour N’dour in the Mo Ibrahim Foundation ceremony, happening in Tanzania for the first time.


Mo Ibrahim Foundation is an academy that awards outstanding African leaders on their continued efforts in the promotion of democracy and social well being of the citizens.

However, this year, no award will be presented, in what seems that the Laureates, Olesegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Thabo Mbeki (RSA) and John Kuffor (Ghana) did not fully satisfy the criteria.

FIESTA 2009 POST PONED

Fans who had planned to travel to Tanzania for the Dar’s feted event of the year, Fiesta should put their tickets on hold.


Following the death of the Chairman of Clouds Media Group, late Alex Kusaga who died on Sunday in South Africa while undergoing treatment, a statement has been issued on the postponement of the Fiesta Dar Es Salaam concert from 7th November to 21st November.

The chairman of the Fiesta Committee, Ruge Mutahaba spoke to Word Is and further said “The only thing that has changed is the date of the festival but everything else remains as planned.”

The concert that is set to take place at the Leaders Club will see some of international big names sharing a stage with Tanzania’s top dogs including Juma Nature, Marlaw, Mr Blu, Ali Kiba, Chidi Beenz, Chegge, Mheshimiwa Temba, Fid Q, Shaa and Matonya from Bongo.

Busta Rhymes (confirmed), Gyptian, Keri Hilson, Soulja Boy, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Akon, Wyclef Jean, D'Banj and Lil Wayne are some of the International Artists rumoured to grace the Dar es Salaam event.

The event organisers in the past have brought notable names like Fat Joe, Koffi Olomide, P Square, 50 Cent, Eve, 2 Face, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Wayne Wonder and Kat DeLuna.

R KELLY COULD BE A NO SHOW FOR UGANDA.

3 Time Grammy Award Winner Robert Sylvester Kelly aka R Kelly could just pull an Akon for his Uganda set show.

R Kelly, who is set to be performing in Kampala on the 12th of December at the Lugogo Cricket Oval Hall, still hasn’t confirmed his attendance for the show as you read this.

Word Is tried getting in touch with anyone at the cricket grounds but to no avail. A Mark Namanya spoke to us via phone and said he hasn’t heard anything. “I work here and double as a game journalist but up to now, there has been no booking done for R Kelly.”

We also tried getting in touch with the staff of Hotel Africana where artists set to perform at the Lugogo Cricket Oval Hall are booked and once again no one had any fruitful news.

We are yet to find out if R Kelly will join a host of artists who have visited Uganda including Boyz II Men, Kirk Franklin, Beenie Man, Collie Buddz and the father of Susan Owori’s child: Akon.