Archive for the ‘Entertainment Eastafrica’ Category

Thriller as three contenders leave Primus Guma Guma contest

July 11 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

(L-R) Dr. Claude, Mani Martin and Faycal.(Courtesy photos)
On Saturday night, music fans were treated to a special performance by the contestants at the eviction show of the ongoing Primus Guma Guma Superstar competition held at the Expo grounds in Gikondo, Kigali. Dr. Claude, Mani Martin and Faycal were the first contestants to be evicted. Despite... Read more

Artists told to exploit local demand to expand market

July 10 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Ogwang, an artist explains the painting process to Kyambadde and Owino
Local artists must stop looking at foreign tourists as the main source of market for their products, a top official advised last week. Caleb Owino, the Fireworks Advertising managing director, counselled that if artists want to sell more art pieces, they had to tap into... Read more

Sculpting the joy and sadness of life

July 10 | Posted by admin | Entertainment Eastafrica

Wood and tin sculptures by Lilian Nabulime. Pictures: Frank Whalley
There are more than 100 sculptures on show in a hall in Kampala — and each one carries a message.
Made by Lilian Nabulime, that message is one of hope, of an enduring love — and of the need for openness and honesty about sexuality... Read more

Rwandans sample live music

July 10 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Liza (courtesy photo)
Whoever complained that Rwandans do not play live music must have got their answer last week, in the Primus Guma Guma live show. Being one of the final gigs in the competition, every performer had to give it their best, and raise their chances of taking home the cash prize. I remember... Read more

D-Day for the Caine Prize

July 10 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Caine Prize
On Monday, July 11th 2011, there will be a good lot of anxious Africans waiting for the news of the winner of the 2011Caine Prize for African writing. Most of those excited Africans will be Ugandans and Botswana, Zimbabweans and South Africans. Of those excited Africans will be a select group of... Read more

Kick-off summer party today

July 9 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

DJ Pius
Summer is here and we want to kick it off in style with a Summer Crushers’ party. So be prepared to party till dawn. The party will be held at the former Australian Help Program building in Kicukiro, today. “This year’s summer is set to be the best Kigali will ever have,” DJ Pius. He added: “We... Read more

Massamba performs for charity in Burundi

July 9 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Intore Massamba
Intore Massamba, yesterday, performed in Bujumbura in a charity concert to support children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The singer/songwriter performed alongside Burundian musicians. Before heading to Burundi, Massamba told The New Times that he was going to support the orphans. “It is always Godly to help the needy and it feels nice to help,” the ‘Nyeganyega’ star said. All the... Read more

Artistes spur Amavubi U-17 team to a dance

July 9 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

(L-R) Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Protais Mitali and Joseph Habineza reveal their rare dance moves. (Net photo)
Rwanda’s Amavubi U-17 players, also referred to as (Wasps), were on Thursday night treated to a colourful gala to applaud them for their participation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The function that was held... Read more

Dinner and theatre treat

July 8 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Rhythm of my Chaos. PHOTO BY DENNIS MUHUMUZA
It is a common form of art in the United States, but “Dinner Theatre” is certainly not very common in Uganda. Only one voluntary, mostly drama group, Kampala Amateur Dramatics society (KADS), most of whose members are expatriates, was known to have one... Read more

Nafasi Arts Space to stage ‘The Art of Carving’

July 8 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

‘The Art of Carving’ at the Nafasi Art Space venue in the city on Wednesday
Dar es Salaam artist, Ahmed Athumani will have a crucial opportunity to promote his career at the domestic level, when he stages a solo exhibition dubbed ‘The Art of Carving’ at the Nafasi Art Space venue in the city... Read more

Meet the Tusker All Stars

July 8 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

L-R: Patricia Kihoro; Caroline Nabulime;Bernard Ng’ang’a; Alpha Rwirangira
Name: Patricia Kihoro Age: 25 Nationality: Kenyan Since her departure from Tusker Project Fame 3, Patricia has acted in various Kenyan music videos including her latest offering, Sauti Sol’s “Coming Home”. She has also featured on songs with major artists, such as Harry Kimani’s  “Stranger Girl” and has... Read more

Francisca Urio: Tanzania’s German born pop sensation

July 7 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Francisca Urio
When Francisca Urio, 30, walks on the streets of Berlin, she is an irresistible spectacle that sends necks craning. The creamy, brown eyes, curly hair makes the German-born Tanzanian beauty the incarnation of an exotic fantasy woman. “My appearance is just an expression of my deep satisfaction. I love what I do,” she says. Francisca... Read more

Why bongo artistes flock to Mombasa

July 7 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Lucas Mkenda aka Mr Nice
Kenya’s second  largest city is known for its expansive beaches which attracts tourists from across the globe during summer and as a result it has become a hotbed of entertainment as well. In recent years the allure of this historic town has not gone unnoticed by Tanzania’s new ... Read more

Tom Close’s concert: Behind-the-scenes

July 7 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Tom Close’s concert
Get up close as Tom Close celebrates his official album launch on Liberation Day at Kigali Serena Hotel on Sunday. Amahoro stadium’s parking lot was packed to the brim Monday night with hundreds of people rocking out to the hotshot’s great music. Close, 24, launched his third album ‘Ntibanyurwa’ in a spectacular concert... Read more

‘Nature Illuminated’ with Gael Vande weghe

July 6 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Photo enthusiasts observe Gael Vande Weghe’s proffesional work displayed at the ‘Nature Illuminated’ Photo exhibition at Shokola Lite, Kacyiru.
Gael R. Vande weghe, a 30-year-old Rwandan photographer, looked deep into Rwanda’s nature and captured some of the most intricate aspects of the country’s natural beauty. He showcases his artistry work in a photo exhibition... Read more

Tom Close entertains fans at album launch gig

July 6 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

The party attracted hundreds of people and by the look of things, everyone left with no regrets (Courtesy photo)
Popular local musician Tom Close Monday night had an album launch concert in Kigali that attracted fans and celebrities alike. Famous names included Uganda’s Good Lyfe (Weasel and Radio) and Eddy Kenzo, as well as seasoned... Read more

Call for interaction at second marketers night out

July 5 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Steve Hales (right) at meal time with other marketers
The second Marketers Night Out of 2011, was held last Friday at the Kampala Serena Hotel and this time, the organisers aimed for interaction among the marketers. People from the same company were given no chance to sit together. Members who refused to abide by... Read more

Big names for Jazz safari

July 5 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Jazz Legend Gerald Albright
Smooth Jazz and Soul lovers in Uganda can expect a better experience in the Nile Gold Jazz Safari this year, with a line up of big names in the Jazz industry worldwide expected to perform in Uganda’s premium Jazz event. Jazz Legend Gerald Albright who staged an electric performance in ... Read more

Exodus finds missing rib

July 5 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Exodus and his bride Brenda Mwanje
Gospel artiste George Lubega, commonly known as Ganjaman (Exodus) wed his long time fiancée Brenda Mwanje last Friday at Rubaga Miracle Cathedral in a colourful function witnessed by about 300 invited guests. The couple rented two cream limousines to match the cream wedding gown and suit. Senior pastor... Read more

Tom Close album launch thrills VIP

July 5 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Protais Mitali (Right) joined Tom Close’s fans to celebrate the launch of his 3rd album.
Tom Close’s Liberator’s show at Kigali Serena Hotel on Sunday worked out well for the VIP’s in attendance. The concert to launch Tom Close’s third album ‘Ntibanyurwa’ attracted hundreds of people and the first... Read more

What have our women turned into?

July 4 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Ladies enjoying alcohol at a concert. From the married to the young campus girls, many women drink bottle after bottle of alcohol like its going out of fashion very soon.
They have evolved from the submissive, caring, obedient, thoughtful, and understanding person into something that would have Frankenstein shudder in his grave. And here... Read more

Singing stars battle for the big stage

July 4 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Davis Ntare
When Alpha Rwirangira, the 2009 Tusker Project Fame winner from Rwanda confirmed last Sunday that President Kagame had offered him a scholarship to study music and business, everyone seemed happy for the young lad until he opened up his mouth and belted his composition during last Sunday’s performance.
If President Kagame was... Read more

Kenyan DJ Kaytrixx Rocks Kigali

July 4 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

DJ Kaytrixx (2nd right in the extreme background) spins the wheels of steel .
It may have been the first edition of Happy People Summer, but as Kenya’s DJ Kaytrixx claimed the night, he certainly pulled out all stops to ensure that the party came out tops. Partygoers were treated to a night of... Read more

Kalule emotively pulls the plug

July 3 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Kalule performs emotionally. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
Endongo Ssemadongo is a local word to mean music that’s distinctively good. Afrigo Band has used this as their catchphrase for several years and it is not for nothing that they describe their music as such.
When they get a hold of their instruments and ... Read more

Green Lantern premieres

July 3 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Ushers welcome guests. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
There is a cinema tradition where a few of the who-is-who in the entertainment industry will be invited to have the first chance to watch some of the big movies showing at Cineplex Cinema.
On Thursday, it was the premiere of action-adventure Green Lantern based ... Read more

Bob Nyanja’s ‘Rugged Priest’ wins top movie award

July 3 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Photo/Nation ‘The Rugged Priest’ director Bob Nyanja (left) and one of the main actors, Lwanda Jawar, during the movie’s premier at The Junction in Nairobi last year.
Renowned Kenyan film director Bob Nyanja’s latest film “The Rugged Priest” lived up to its billing as one of the best locally made films when it scooped the... Read more

At Kuona, see art being born

July 3 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Revankar in the studio. He has a cartoonist’s eye for the essential features we remember in the faces of our friends. Picture: Frank Whalley
You don’t have to go to art exhibitions to see art. Instead you can enjoy a range of paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture by visiting artists in their studios, with the... Read more

Theatre upstages film in new show of ‘Family Resemblances’

July 3 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Un Air de Famille
The Nairobi Francophone Amateur Theatre Troupe presented Un Air de Famille (Family Resemblances) directed by Daniel Lienard at the Alliance Française auditorium, which I watched on June 15.
The play presents the tensions and pretensions of a modern middle-class French family, who are gathered in a café that is run by... Read more

Ugandans warming up to ballet

July 3 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Uganda National Contemporary Ballet
Leading choreographer and trainer Valérie Miquel, has observed that contemporary dance in Uganda, once regarded as a preserve of the white community, is slowly being recognised and appreciated with the creation of new companies.
“There are almost 10 contemporary dance companies in Kampala that perform once a year at... Read more

Is Nyamitari going secular?

July 3 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Patrick Nyamitari
Gospel musician, Patrick Nyamitari, released a soul single, “Umuntu ni Nkundi”, which talks about the desired mutual respect in society. It is lay song (not gospel), though God is mentioned in one of the verses. “Gospel artists should be careful when singing such songs, because they can easily be absorbed into secular music overtime,”... Read more

Power and intrigue in Majambere

July 2 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Bakayimbira on stage with Majambere. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
It sometimes gets a little tense in the corridors of power. A few scenarios provide no obvious answers to the layman. Well, theatre, in its traditional role, is weighing in to provide a few answers and Bakayimbira in their latest production – Majambere... Read more

Aga Khan High’s Gourd of Wisdom

July 2 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Aga Khan High's Gourd of Wisdom
The Aga Khan High School has joined the list of many schools that have opened their productions to the public at theatres. On July 2-3., the school will stage Gourd of Wisdom at Theatre La Bonita. The play revolves around Lara, a king’s concubine, who will do anything... Read more

Is jazz music elitist?

July 2 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Is jazz music elitist?
Come October 7th, Kampala will- for the fourth time- hold a Jazz extravaganza themed Jazz Safari. And as usual, the Safari will have international headliners whose jazz pedigree has been applauded by thousands of fans worldwide and rewarded by all major awarding ceremonies.
This time round, the organisers of this... Read more

‘Nayiti’ Comedy takes Kigali by storm

July 2 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Herve Kaimenyi introduces his colleagues on stage. (Photo by J. Njata)
I had read an advertisement on Facebook that there would be a comedy night at the Ishyo Arts Centre –Kacyiru, in Kigali City. Many will agree that the centre has, over the years, become a hotspot in arts related events. After a busy... Read more

Café Habibi: Great ambiance, but crazy prices

July 1 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

With the closure and relocation of a Lebanese restaurant in Westlands (where it will take another four months to reopen), food enthusiasts in the area were a little lost when it comes to Lebanese cuisine.

While not providing the exact solution, the opening of Café Habibi offers some hope.
It is difficult to describe the cuisine offered at... Read more

Happy People Summer to Kick off Tomorrow

July 1 | Posted by admin | Entertainment Eastafrica

Happy People Summer
A one-of-a-kind party dubbed Happy People Summer will be held from Kigali Serena Hotel tomorrow, starting at 10:30pm until dawn. The entrance fee is Rwf10.000 per person. The party will showcase a fusion of music and partying. Partygoers can also expect a night of exclusive entertainment as Kenya’s celebrated DJ Kaytrixx... Read more

Turbo King surprise today!

June 30 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Ray C
For those who plan to make this weekend an exciting one, why not attend the Turbo King party to welcome the long weekend? Meanwhile, today, Cadillac’s pleasantly designed green gardens will be painted chocolate, as Turbo King treats guests to its prestigious drink. The free event starts from 6p.m till dawn and guests will... Read more

Tusker All Stars stand tall in first show

June 29 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Tusker All Stars
The Tusker All Stars TV show debut on Sunday night and millions of viewers across East Africa were reunited with 8 former Tusker Project Fame stars all on one stage. The Tusker All Stars set was also revealed on the night with a replica of the sun and its rays against a... Read more

Lullaby that became National Anthem

June 29 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Photo/LABAN WALLOGA/NATION Mzee Galana Menza at his Wenje village home in Galole, Tana River. His tune was used to compose the National Anthem.
B-e-e mdondo b-e-,e B-e-e mdondo b-e-,e Akudhobee niganie, Huende hukawabige, Wantu wa makondeni, Mwezi u-ya-wa chw-e-e-e
This Pokomo song might not strike Kenyans as being of any significance, nationalistic or otherwise.
For it is just a lullaby with words whose... Read more

Tom Close’s album launch in full swing

June 29 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Tom Close in an interview with journalists
Rwandan music fans are soon to be treated to yet-another electrifying musical extravaganza. Local artiste, Tom Close, will launch his third album ‘Ntibanyurwa’ in a concert dubbed Liberators’ at Kigali Serena Hotel on July 3. The concert starts at 5pm and the entrance fee is Rwf10.000. “My fans should... Read more

July Events/Celebrations at Michel’s Wine & Cheese Bar in Arusha

June 28 | Posted by admin | Entertainment Eastafrica

Michel`s Wine & Cheese Bar, Arusha
The wine and cheeses shop, the wines bar and restaurant are moving a lot: We have excellent fresh cheeses, we receive a big collection of new wines, the menu propose more and more typical plates, there are some gikos on the terrace for the cold season, the music library is... Read more

Kizito Mihigo churns out Liberation song

June 28 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Kizito Mihigo
Kizito Mihigo, a renowned Rwandan artiste based in Belgium, has released a song for the 17th Liberation Day of Rwanda. The single, dubbed ‘Urugamba rwo kwibohora’ is expected to be performed to thousands of Rwandans during the July 4 Liberation Day celebrations in Kigali. In an interview, the singer told The New Times said... Read more

Mani Martin releases new studio work

June 28 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Mani Martin
Mani Martin has lived up to his promise by releasing a new video titled ‘Y’amateka,’ with his single ‘Intero y’Amahoro’ and video ‘Ideni’ for his upcoming third album expected out soon. The 23-year-old has various songs to his credit, including: ‘Urukumbuzi’, ‘Icyo dupfana kiruta icyo dupfa’, ‘Amazi magari’, ‘Urubanza rw’urukundo’, ‘Nyibwirira,... Read more

Spoilt teenagers, indifference at Bayimba festival

June 27 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Top left is a comedian belonging to the Laughter Crew entertaining the audience. PHOTOS BY RAPHAEL KHISA.
A group of teenagers excitedly stretched their hands towards a well curved female backup singer of the Ngoni. She was dressed in a black mini dress. She came close to them. One of them tipped her... Read more

Sharon survives the guillotine

June 27 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Sharon survives the guillotine
She cried when she found out that she was part of those that were nominated for eviction. On Sunday as she stood among the other housemates waiting for IK, host of Big Brother, to announce who’s to leave the house, Sharon(pictured) was a wreck.
Her facial expression spoke volumes. It... Read more

Nile Gold Jazz Safari set for October

June 27 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

Tshaka Mayanja
It’s cemented itself as the event for all jazz connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike and this year’s installment going with the theme could be one that promises to have a jam-packed auditorium surpassing last year’s numbers.
The theme for this year’s Nile Gold Jazz Safari that’s scheduled for October 7 is “A... Read more

Filmmaker Isaac Chung, Rwanda and the perils of patrimony

June 27 | Posted by | Entertainment Eastafrica

(Clockwise from top left) Isaac Chung, Valerie Chu, Clementine Dusabejambo, Fils Habyarimana, and Kayambi Musafiri. (Courtesy photo.)
I am standing outside the Clearview Cinemas in Chelsea, on a loud, busy Manhattan sidewalk. Theater employees mingle with staff and volunteers of the annual Tribeca Film Festival, the latter given away by the lanyard badges flapping against... Read more

Elephant Man turns up the energy at Str8Muzik Beach party

June 26 | Posted by admin | Entertainment Eastafrica

Elephant Man
Hundreds of music aficionadas thronged Mbalamwezi Beach Club in Dar es Salaam on Saturday to take part in the Str8Muzik Beach Party where a special appearance of the international music icon, Elephant Man thrilled attendants. The surprise Dancehall Reggae singer, Elephant Man, also globally known as the Energy God, took... Read more

Kenyan films took top ZIFF prizes

June 26 | Posted by admin | Entertainment Eastafrica

‘The Rugged Priest’ director Bob Nyanja (left) and one of the main actors, Lwanda Jawar, during the movie’s premier at The Junction in Nairobi last year. Photo/ELVIS OGINA
Good cinematographic technique and intelligent use of filmic language gave Kenyan Director Bob Nyanja’s “The Rugged Priest” top prize at the just ended fourteenth edition... Read more

‘A Small Act’ goes a long way…

June 26 | Posted by admin | Entertainment Eastafrica

Chris Mburu and film producer Jennifer Arnold outside the New York Times offices after an interview Pictures: File
The documentary film A Small Act is the real-life story of Chris Mburu, an ordinary child growing up in rural Kenya in the 1970s who was sponsored through primary school by a Swedish woman he had... Read more

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