Monday 17th of February 2025

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: Afro Fusion Music

Flytime Promotions Celebrates 20 Years With a Star-Studded Women In Music Luncheon

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Flytime Promotions Marks 20 Years with Inspiring Women in Music Luncheon, Flytime Promotions, Nigeria’s foremost entertainment powerhouse, celebrated two decades of unparalleled impact on the African music scene with a remarkable event the Women in Music Luncheon. Held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at VICI, Victoria Island, Lagos, this intimate gathering highlighted the contributions of women who have significantly shaped the music and entertainment industries in Africa and beyond.

A Celebration of Female Excellence
The luncheon, hosted by Flytime Promotions’ COO Keke Hammond, brought together a star-studded roster of influential female music executives, managers, producers, and creatives. Among the notable attendees were:
– Grace Ladoja (music executive and creative powerhouse)
– Sasha P (trailblazing rapper and advocate for female empowerment)
– DJ Lambo (pioneering DJ and music curator)
–  Elizabeth Sobowale (manager to Adekunle Gold)
– Ronami Ogulu (manager to Burna Boy)
– Lily Greenroom (tour manager to Asa)
– Representatives from global entities such as Apple Music, Spotify, Sony Music West Africa, and Virgin Music Nigeria.

Others included Feyikemi Bankole (Spotify), Irene Agbontaen (United Talent Agency), Sheila Okonji-Ashinze (radio personality), and Titilope Adesanya (EMPIRE Africa, representing Asake, Fireboy, and BNXN).

Words of Inspiration
In her opening remarks, Keke Hammond emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration and mentorship among women in the industry.
“The role of women in music is often overlooked, but the impact of our contributions is undeniable. It’s crucial that we continue to empower and uplift one another to ensure the next generation has the same opportunities we’ve fought for. This luncheon was a celebration not just of what we’ve achieved but of the endless possibilities ahead.”

Flytime’s Legacy and Vision
For two decades, Flytime Promotions has been a driving force behind the rise of African music on the global stage. Known for its flagship events like  Rhythm Unplugged and  Flytime Fest, the company has played a pivotal role in launching careers of African megastars such as Tems, Davido, and Wizkid, while bringing international sensations like Megan Thee Stallion, Ja Rule, and Ashanti to Nigerian audiences.

The Women in Music Luncheon reflected Flytime’s dedication to celebrating and supporting diversity within the industry, providing a platform for open discussions about the unique challenges and triumphs faced by women in entertainment.

Building a Stronger Future
Beyond the glitz, the event championed mentorship and collaboration. Attendees engaged in candid conversations about fostering a more inclusive and equitable entertainment ecosystem.

This landmark event reaffirms Flytime Promotions’ commitment to driving the global expansion of African music while ensuring that women’s contributions remain at the forefront of this evolution.

For highlights, photos, and more insights from the 2024 Flytime Women in Music Luncheon, visit Flytime Promotions’ official website

Content courtesy of Flytime Promotions & NFH Digital Team

We Love RnB Concert Media Launch: A Nostalgic Promise to Rock Nairobi

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

As the countdown begins to one of the most eagerly awaited concerts of the year, We Love RnB, anticipation fills the air. American RnB icons Bobby Valentino and Horace Brown are poised to captivate audiences as the headliners of this soirée.

The recent media launch, attended by luminaries such as Sanaipei Tande, Nameless, and Okelo Max, offered a tantalizing glimpse into what concertgoers can expect at the upcoming event.

In an exclusive interview with The Sauce, Sanaipei Tande expressed her commitment to delivering an unforgettable performance: “Whatever job I get, whatever platform I’m on, I see to it that I give my best. I can assure my fans of my best performance yet.”

Reflecting on the current state of RnB, Tande lamented its evolution: “RnB today does not hit the way it used to in its heyday. There’s not one RnB artist of the current generation that I would say I necessarily gravitate towards. Anytime I want to listen to RnB, I find myself walking down memory lane to nostalgic records from the 90s primarily.”

She further emphasized her intention to infuse elements of musicians from RnB’s golden era into her performance. On a global scale, she advocated for the resurgence of classic RnB singers, applauding We Love RnB for taking strides in this direction.

The We Love RnB concert, scheduled for May 25th at The Nairobi Showground – The Dome, promises to be a night of soulful melodies and timeless tunes, transporting audiences back to the golden age of RnB.

Content courtesy of The Sauce & NFH Digital Team

Champagne Day Celebrations Across Africa Were Dazzling, Combining A Shared Passion For Sustainability With The Savoir-faire Of Moët & Chandon.

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

In stunning Champagne Day celebrations across Africa, a mutual love of sustainability and the savoir-faire of Moët & Chandon mingled.
Moët & Chandon, the world’s best champagne for celebration, was served as glasses were raised across Africa on October 27 to commemorate Champagne Day.
Because of its mastery, savoir-faire, and reverence for terroir, the Maison has been associated with great winemaking for almost three centuries. Regarding sustainability as the cornerstone of its future vision, Moët & Chandon is also acknowledged as an innovator in the vineyards and cellar.

As Friends of the House gathered in each nation to celebrate the enduring qualities of Maison’s iconic wines and the timeless nature of marking special and historic moments with champagne, these distinctive qualities were highlighted as part of this year’s Champagne Day festivities.
As we are in 2023, toasts were made at 20:23, appropriately honoring Moët & Chandon’s milestone 280th anniversary since its founding in Epernay, France, in 1743. Guests were invited to arrive at celebrations across Africa at 17:43.

Friends of the Maison gathered at opulent locations across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and South Africa, celebrating Champagne Day and honoring the legacy and sophistication of Moët & Chandon, united by a shared appreciation for the joy of champagne.
Chandon has become essential to savoring all of life’s most exquisite moments.
The events were hosted by Nigerian humanitarian and actress Osas Ighodaro, Kenyan media figurehead Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, the celebrated South African actress Anita Nderu, Fredy Manyongo, a businessman and model from Cameroon, Delali Damessi from Lydia Laryea from Ghana, George Williams from Tanzania, and Ivory Coast.

The hosts got to retell the best parts of their trip to Epernay earlier in the year when they had the unique opportunity to see the annual harvest and cellar operations up close, to guests at their individual celebrations.
Examining the Maison’s innovative agroecology program was a major component of their schedule.
Moët & Chandon’s Natura Nostra initiative aims to protect Champagne’s distinct natural legacy.
With the goal of increasing biodiversity in Champagne, this program aims to quicken the ecological transition.

The venues for each regional celebration, which ranged from the Hyatt Regency in Dar es Salaam to the Tribe Hotel in Nairobi and The Westcliff in Johannesburg, perfectly captured Maison’s philosophy of nature in balance with elegance.
Regardless of their nationality, the attendees shared a common fondness for champagne, valued Maison’s connection to the terroir, and recognized the significance of conserving the environment for posterity, all in true African style.

According to Aimee Kellen, Head of Consumer Engagement for Moët Hennessy Africa and the Middle East, “Champagne Day is an opportunity not only to celebrate how we have shaped the industry but also to communicate our Natura Nostra program and sustainability efforts to ensure that the joy of Moët & Chandon continues to be shared with Africa and the world.” The Maison has a rich history of winemaking excellence.
“In this most memorable of celebrations, links between our past and present were honored, with Moët & Chandon remaining as timeless and contemporary as ever today.”

About Moët & Chandon
Claude Moët founded Moët & Chandon in 1743, and his descendant Jean-Remy Moët brought the company to a global level of recognition with his vision of “sharing the effervescence of Champagne with the world.”
From red carpets to royal courts, Studio 54 to Grand Slams, Moët & Chandon has been uniting people around incredible, exhilarating moments.
The House has the most expansive and varied collection of champagnes for any taste and occasion, sourced from the most diverse and large-scale vineyards in the area.

Every creation in white and rosé is easy to adore, ranging from the classic Moët Impérial to the sophisticated Grand Vintage Collection, the cool Moët Ice Impérial to the soft Nectar Impérial, and the multifaceted Collection Impériale, the most recent manifestation of the House’s Haute Oenologie, which dazzles and delights with a wide range of flavors and aromas to capture the astounding breadth of its terroir.

Since 2009, Moët & Chandon has partnered with the House to support charitable causes through Toast for a Cause and works to protect biodiversity in the area through Natura Nostra, their long-term sustainability program.
For almost 300 years, Moët & Chandon has been the preferred champagne to commemorate historical moments as well as individual joys, adding a lively touch to every toast.

Content courtesy of  Moët & Chandon & NFH

Trace Awards & Festival 2023 Winners Full List

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The winners of the 2023 Trace Awards have finally been announced at the prestigious awards ceremony, which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 21st.

The top winners of the 2023 Trace Awards were Rema and Davido, who were announced on Saturday, October 21, in Kigali, Rwanda. Global TV and multimedia platform Trace has launched a new award series called the Trace Awards.
Recognizing musicians with African and Afro-influenced influences is the aim of the awards.
With his worldwide hit song “Calm Down,” Rema received song of the year. On the Billboard Hot 100, a remix of the song featuring Selena Gomez peaked at number three. Additionally, the Nigerian celebrity received the best worldwide African artist award (tying with Nomcebo).
Two more awards were given to Davido: Best Male and Best Cooperation. With his collaboration with South African artist Musa Keys, “Unavailable,” he took home the latter honor.

Album of the Year went to Nigerian Burna Boy for Love Damini. About fifty international musicians with African and Afro-inspired influences, such as Davido, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, and Diamond Platnumz, performed at the Trace Awards.

Tonight has been a magnificent exhibition of the force and originality of African and African-origin musicians, according to a statement from Trace chairman and co-founder Olivier Laouchez.
African current music has become a global phenomenon, and this was highlighted by all of the candidates and performers at the Trace Awards.

In the last year, African music has gained recognition at a number of additional award events. At the American Music Awards in November 2022, Wizkid became the first-ever favorite Afrobeats artist.
The first-ever winner of Best Afrobeats at the MTV Video Awards in September was “Calm Down,” featuring Rema and Selena Gomez. On November 10, the first-ever Grammy Award nominees for greatest African music performance will be unveiled.

Three categories were declared without nominees, and prizes were given in addition to the competitive categories listed below.
These included the aforementioned Best Global African Artist award going to Rema and Nomcebo, a Change Maker award going to Mr. Eazi (also from Nigeria) for his charitable endeavors, and a lifetime achievement award going to 2Face of Nigeria.

Here is the full list of winners for the 2023 Trace Awards.

Best Male
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Davido (Nigeria) – WINNER
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Didi B (Ivory Coast)
K.O (South Africa)
Rema (Nigeria)

Best Female
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Josey (Ivory Coast)
Nadia Mukami (Kenya)
Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Viviane Chidid (Senegal) – WINNER

Song of the Year
“BKBN” – Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)
“People” – Libianca (Cameroon)
“Suavemente” – Soolking (France)
“Encre” Emma’a (Gabon)
“Sugarcane” – Camidoh (Ghana)
“Last Last” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Rush” Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
 “Calm Down” – Rema (Nigeria) FT Serena Gomez – WINNER
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa)
“Cough” – Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
“MORTEL 06” – Innoss’B (Ivory Coast)

Best Music Video
“2 Sugar” Wizkid (Nigeria) feat. Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
“Baddie” Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – WINNER
“Kpaflotage” – Suspect 95 (Ivory Coast)
“Loaded” – Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) & Asake (Nigeria)
“Ronda” Blxckie (South Africa)
“Tombolo” – Kalash (Martinique)
“Yatapita” – Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Best Newcomer sponsored by Belaire
Azawi (Uganda)
Krys M (Cameroon)
Libianca (Cameroon)
Nissi (Nigeria)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Pabi Cooper (South Africa)
Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast) – WINNER

Best Collaboration
“Many Ways” – BNXN (Nigeria) with Wizkid (Nigeria)
“Mine” – Show Dem Camp (Nigeria) with Oxlade (Nigeria)
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Second Sermon” – Black Sherif (Ghana) with Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa) with Young Stunna (South Africa), Blxckie (South Africa)
“Stamina” – Tiwa Savage with Ayra Starr (Nigeria) & Young Jonn (Nigeria)
“Trumpet” – Olamide (Nigeria) with Ckay (Nigeria)
“Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)

Best Artist: UK
Headie One (UK)
Ms Banks (UK)
Stormzy (UK)
Raye (UK)

Best Artist: Caribbean
Admiral T (Guadeloupe)
Bamby (French Guiana)
Kalash (Martinique)
Maureen (Martinique)
Popcaan (Jamaica)
Princess Lover (Martinique)
Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti) – WINNER
Shenseea (Jamaica)

Best Artist: Indian Ocean
Donovan BTS (Mauritius)
GaEi (Madagascar)
Goulam (Comoros) – WIINNER
Mikl (Reunion)
Sega el (Reunion)
Terell Elymoor (Mayotte)

Best Artist: Brazil
Djonga (Brazil)
Iza (Brazil)
Leo Santana (Brazil)
Ludmilla (Brazil) – WINNER
Luedji Luna (Brazil)

Best Artist: North Africa
Amira Zouhair (Morocco)
Artmasta (Tunisia)
Dystinct (Morocco) – WINNER
El Grande Toto (Morocco)
Kader Japonais (Algeria)
Raja Meziane (Algeria)
“DNK”- Aya Nakamura (France)

Best Artist: East Africa
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) – WINNER
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Khaligraph (Kenya)
Nadia Mukani (Kenya)
Azawi (Uganda)

Album of the Year
“Love Damini” – Burna Boy (Nigeria) – WINNER
“Maverick” – Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
“More Love, Less Ego” – Wizkid (Nigeria)
“Timeless” – Davido (Nigeria)
“Work of Art” – Asake (Nigeria)

Best Collaboration
“Mine” – Show Dem Camp (Nigeria) with Oxlade (Nigeria)
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Second Sermon” – Black Sherif (Ghana) with Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa) with Young Stunna (South Africa), Blxckie (South Africa)
“Stamina” – Tiwa Savage with Ayra Star(Nigeria) & Young Jonn (Nigeria)
“Trumpet” – Olamide (Nigeria) with Ckay (Nigeria)
“Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa) – WINNER

Best DJ
Danni Gato (Cape Verde)
DJ BDK (Ivory Coast)
DJ Illans (France)
DJ Spinall (Nigeria)
Michael Brun (Haiti) – WINNER
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Best Producer
DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
Juls (Ghana)
Kabza de Small (South Africa)
Kel-P (Nigeria)
Tam Sir (Ivory Coast) – WINNER
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)

Best Gospel Artist
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)
Janet Otieno (Kenya)
KS Bloom (Ivory Coast) – WINNER
Levixone (Uganda)
Moses Bliss (Nigeria)

Best Live
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Fally Ipupa (DRC) – WINNER
Musa Keys (South Africa)
The Compozers (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

Best Dancer
Robot Boii (South Africa) – WINNER
Tayc (France)
Uganda Ghetto Kids (Uganda)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Zuchu (Tanzania)

Best Artist Africa: Anglophone
Asake (Nigeria) – WINNER
Ayra Starr (Nigeria) Black Sherif (Ghana)
Davido (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Fireboy DML (Nigeria)

Best Artist Africa: Francophone
Didi B – Ivory Coast – WINNER
Emma’a (Gabon)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
KO-C (Cameroon)
Locko (Cameroon)
Serge Beynaud (Ivory Coast)
Viviane Chidid (Senegal)

Best Artist Africa: Lusophone
Gerilson Insrael (Angola)
Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde) – WINNER
Perola (Angola)
Plutonio (Mozambique)
Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)

Best Artist: Rwanda sponsored by Kiss FM
Ariel Wayz (Rwanda)
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda) – WINNER
Bwiza (Rwanda)
Chriss Eazy (Rwanda)
Kenny Sol (Rwanda)

Best Artist: France and Belgium
Aya Nakamura (France)
Booba (France)
Nihno (France)
Ronisia (France)
Soolking (France)
Tayc (France) – WINNER

Best Artist: UK
Central Cee – WINNER
Headie One (UK)
Ms Banks (UK)
Raye (UK)
Stormzy (UK)

Best Global Africa Artist ( By Voting): Rema WINNER

The Trace Awards included performances by approximately 50 African and Afro-inspired artists from around the world, including Davido, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, and Diamond Platnumz.

The Trace Awards are a new award franchise created by Trace, a global TV and multimedia platform. The purpose of the awards is to recognize African and Afro-influenced musicians from Africa and around the African diaspora.

Content courtesy of Not Just Ok, Billboard & NFH Digital Team

Trace Awards & Festival 2023 Nominees Full List

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The 2023 Trace Awards nominees have been revealed in advance of the ceremony, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, in October.

The Trace Awards & Festival, a magnificent new live awards ceremony and festival celebrating the originality, coolness, and confidence of African and Afro-inspired music and culture around the world, will mark the 20th anniversary of global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker Trace.

The Trace Awards & Festival, which shines a global spotlight on artists, creators, businesspeople, and achievers from all over Africa and the African diaspora, will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 20 to 21, 2023, in collaboration with Visit Rwanda and QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, the venue management company of BK Arena.

A 2-day cultural festival intended to engage and inspire music makers and listeners will take place before the 3-hour live, televised, magnificent music extravaganza.
The Trace Awards will be presented in front of 7,500 music superfans, musicians, opinion leaders, style-setters, and influencers from Africa and around the world at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. Performances by the biggest African and Afro-descent artists in the world will take place there.

The Awards will honor artists in a variety of cultural and lifestyle categories while honoring a wide range of musical genres, including Afrobeat, Dancehall, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba.

The campaign will also include a number of build-up activities, an awards tour, celebrations, and screenings across Brazil, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and the United States.

The Trace Awards will be broadcast live on Trace channels in more than 180 nations to a global audience of fans of African and Afro-inspired music and culture. Additionally, Trace terrestrial TV partners and satellite stations will broadcast the awards worldwide.

Here is the complete list of 2023 Trace Award nominees.

Best Male
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Davido (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Didi B (Ivory Coast)
K.O (South Africa)
Rema (Nigeria)

Best Female
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Josey (Ivory Coast)
Nadia Mukami (Kenya)
Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Viviane Chidid (Senegal)

Song of the Year
“BKBN” – Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)
“People” – Libianca (Cameroon)
“Suavemente” – Soolking (France)
“Encre” Emma’a (Gabon)
“Sugarcane” – Camidoh (Ghana)
“Last Last” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Rush” Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
“Calm Down” – Rema (Nigeria)
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa)
“Cough” – Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
“MORTEL 06” – Innoss’B (Ivory Coast)

Best Music Video
“2 Sugar” Wizkid (Nigeria) feat. Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
“Baddie” Yemi Alade (Nigeria) “Kpaflotage” – Suspect 95 (Ivory Coast)
“Loaded” – Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) & Asake (Nigeria)
“Ronda” Blxckie (South Africa)
“Tombolo” – Kalash (Martinique)
“Yatapita” – Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Best Newcomer sponsored by Belaire
Azawi (Uganda)
Krys M (Cameroon)
Libianca (Cameroon)
Nissi (Nigeria)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Pabi Cooper (South Africa)
Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast)

Best Collaboration
“Many Ways” – BNXN (Nigeria) with Wizkid (Nigeria)
“Mine” – Show Dem Camp (Nigeria) with Oxlade (Nigeria)
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Second Sermon” – Black Sherif (Ghana) with Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa) with Young Stunna (South Africa), Blxckie (South Africa)
“Stamina” – Tiwa Savage with Ayra Starr (Nigeria) & Young Jonn (Nigeria)
“Trumpet” – Olamide (Nigeria) with Ckay (Nigeria)
“Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)

Best Artist: UK
Headie One (UK)
Ms Banks (UK)
Stormzy (UK)
Raye (UK)

Best Artist: Caribbean
Admiral T (Guadeloupe)
Bamby (French Guiana)
Kalash (Martinique)
Maureen (Martinique)
Popcaan (Jamaica)
Princess Lover (Martinique)
Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti)
Shenseea (Jamaica)

Best Artist: Indian Ocean
Donovan BTS (Mauritius)
GaEi (Madagascar)
Goulam (Comoros)
Mikl (Reunion)
Sega el (Reunion)
Terell Elymoor (Mayotte)

Best Artist: Brazil
Djonga (Brazil)
Iza (Brazil)
Leo Santana (Brazil)
Ludmilla (Brazil)
Luedji Luna (Brazil)

Best Artist: North Africa
Amira Zouhair (Morocco)
Artmasta (Tunisia)
Dystinct (Morocco)
El Grande Toto (Morocco)
Kader Japonais (Algeria)
Raja Meziane (Algeria)
“DNK”- Aya Nakamura (France)

Best Artist: East Africa
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Khaligraph (Kenya)
Nadia Mukani (Kenya)
Azawi (Uganda)

Album of the Year
“Love Damini” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Maverick” – Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
“More Love, Less Ego” – Wizkid (Nigeria)
“Timeless” – Davido (Nigeria)
“Work of Art” – Asake (Nigeria)

Best Collaboration
“Mine” – Show Dem Camp (Nigeria) with Oxlade (Nigeria)
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Second Sermon” – Black Sherif (Ghana) with Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa) with Young Stunna (South Africa), Blxckie (South Africa)
“Stamina” – Tiwa Savage with Ayra Star(Nigeria) & Young Jonn (Nigeria)
“Trumpet” – Olamide (Nigeria) with Ckay (Nigeria)
“Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)

Best DJ
Danni Gato (Cape Verde)
DJ BDK (Ivory Coast)
DJ Illans (France)
DJ Spinall (Nigeria) Michael Brun (Haiti)
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Best Producer
DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
Juls (Ghana)
Kabza de Small (South Africa)
Kel-P (Nigeria)
Tamsir (Ivory Coast)
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)

Best Gospel Artist
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)
Janet Otieno (Kenya)
KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
Levixone (Uganda)
Moses Bliss (Nigeria)

Best Live
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Musa Keys (South Africa)
The Compozers (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

Best Dancer
Robot Boii (South Africa)
Tayc (France)
Uganda Ghetto Kids (Uganda)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Zuchu (Tanzania)

Best Artist Africa: Anglophone
Asake (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria) Black Sherif (Ghana)
Davido (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Fireboy DML (Nigeria)

Best Artist Africa: Francophone
Didi B – Ivory Coast
Emma’a (Gabon)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
KO-C (Cameroon)
Locko (Cameroon)
Serge Beynaud (Ivory Coast)
Viviane Chidid (Senegal)

Best Artist Africa: Lusophone
Gerilson Insrael (Angola)
Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)
Perola (Angola)
Plutonio (Mozambique)
Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)

Best Artist: Rwanda
Ariel Wayz (Rwanda)
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Bwiza (Rwanda)
Chriss Eazy (Rwanda)
Kenny Sol (Rwanda)

Best Artist: France & Belgium
Aya Nakamura (France)
Booba (France)
Nihno (France)
Ronisia (France)
Soolking (France)
Tayc (France)

Best Artist: UK
Central Cee (UK)
Headie One (UK)
Ms Banks (UK)
Raye (UK)
Stormzy (UK)

The Trace Awards included performances by approximately 50 African and Afro-inspired artists from around the world, including Davido, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, and Diamond Platnumz.

The Trace Awards are a new award franchise created by Trace, a global TV and multimedia platform. The purpose of the awards is to recognize African and Afro-influenced musicians from Africa and around the African diaspora.

Content courtesy of Not Just Ok, Rwanda Convention Bureau & NFH Digital Team

Otile Brown Woman ft. Harmonize (Official Music Video)

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Kenyan independent R&B singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor, Jacob Obunga popularly known as Otile Brown came through with another stunning banger, the celebrated Kenyan musician Otile Brown has released a new song dubbed ‘Woman’ featuring Harmonize from Tanzania.

The song expresses the feelings of a man who praises the beauty of a woman that he is in love with. Otile Brown sings through the first half of the song before Harmonize joins him.

Otile Brown become the first Kenyan musician to hit 1 million make subscribers on Youtube

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The woman is written and performed by Otile Brown and Harmonize The audio is produced by Ihaji MadeIt Video Directed by Hanscana from Dar Es Salaam

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team 

Octopizzo Makes It To The 64th Grammy Awards 2022 Consideration List 

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Kenyan hip-hop artist, activist, and youth ambassador, Henry Ohanga alias Octopizzo has made it to the 2022 Grammy Awards consideration list.

The Kibera-bred musician took to his social media to make the announcement while noting that this coming Saturday will mark the one-year anniversary of his album dubbed Jungle Fever that debuted in 2020.

“I had to do it twice so that they know it wasn’t luck.

This Saturday will be Jungle Fever’s 1-year anniversary. Excited to be up for Grammy consideration categories @recordingacademy”
The Grammy Awards Academy has proposed Octopizzo to be nominated in three categories: Best Global Music Album (Jungle Fever), Best Global Music Performance (Lela featuring Suzanna Owiyo), and Best Rap Song/ Performance (Pockets & Interlude)

“Go vote. Head to the @recordingacademy and let them know Kenya and Kibera, needs one of these. One day I’ll bring this to Kibera, I believe,” he wrote.

In addition, the rapper stated that his producer, Ghanaian Stallion, was nominated for producer of the year non-classical.
The ‘Oliel’ hitmaker further informed that with the aim to celebrate his consistency, he is set to release a new album titled ‘Fuego’ on Friday, November 19, 2021.

2021 Grammy Awards
Following the considerations, the Lela hitmaker will now be subjected to a voting process to determine if they will make it to the list of Nominees for the 2021 Grammy Awards. The Voting will be done by Academy members.

What is a Grammy consideration?
These are entries that meet all eligibility requirements to be included in the first ballot, which goes to the Recording Academy’s Voting Members, who then vote for the entries they believe should receive a nomination.

The Grammy Award or just Grammy is considered one of the four major annual American entertainment awards, along with the Academy Awards (film), the Emmy Awards (television), and the Tony Awards (theater and Broadway).

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The WCB Family at Grammy
WCB President Diamond Platnumz and his two signees Rayvanny and Zuchu were the East Africans to make it to the 2021 Grammy Awards consideration list.

Diamond was proposed to be nominated in the Best Video of the year Category for his two songs Jeje and Baba Lao. Rayvanny’s Album #Flowers is also being considered for a nomination in the Best World Music Album of the year Category.

Songstress Zuchu has been proposed for a nomination in the Best New Artist category at the Grammy’s.

Content Courtesy of Nairobi Fashion Hub Digital Team 

 

Nameless and Wahu (The Mz) in Te-Amo (Official 4K Video)

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Nameless and Wahu present Te Amo, a song that talks of flirty, fun, light, love, and initial attraction between a man and a woman. Written by up-and-coming artist Brandon Israel and produced by top producer Cedo, Te Amo is delivered in a fun, upbeat afro pop-dance vibe that is sure to get the audiences on their feet.

This is the first-ever collaboration between Nameless and his wife Wahu, and the 2nd right after

“This Love Riddim’ release, and is of their soon-to-be-released Album Project. Nameless and Wahu are excited to be working on this album which weaves the colorful story of love and relationships; The ups and downs, success and failures, happy and sad moments, the couple will also share their relationship journey through this 12 track album as they tell the story behind the music.

One of the unique aspects of this project is the intentional audience inclusion in the creative process. This has been initially expressed in how they reached out to their fans to ask them to propose the “group name” that they should adopt.

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They settled on the most popular opinions and combined the ideas. As such, the communication for this project captures Nameless and Wahu, the two brands that come together to form a different brand called the Mathengez which for purposes of this project is shortened to the Mz, which also doubles as the name of the album project!

(Yaaani, you can call the group Nameless and Wahu or you can call The Mathengez or just call them the Mz.. chaguo ni lako.) More and more of this inclusivity will be seen, as they move along the album creation process.

 

The video also features the beautiful, inspiring Azziad Nasenya, and the well-known ladies man Alehandro Benzema who has wowed many with his fun lyrics and distinct melodies, and musical prowess.

The Mz Album Project promises a variety of sounds and topics and the team strives to release a single every month or so, as they build up to release the full album later this year and hopefully, circumstances allowing, be able to physically tour the country and East African region to promote the Album Mz Project. For Now, enjoy Te Amo Spanish for “My Love” and join in the Te Amo dance!

Te Amore ( audio)
Performed by: Nameless and Wahu. 
Written by: Brandon Israel. 
Music directed and Produced by Cedric “CEDO” Kadenyi. 
Recorded and Mixed by Dennis “Denno”  Papa
Additional BGV by Joy Birech” JepNetich Too
Mastered by Lucas “Ogopa”  Bikedo
Live Guitar By Isaac “Izzo” Mugunda
Executive Producers: Nameless and Wahu 

Te Amo ( Video)
Video Director: Enos Olik 
video Producer: Shakirah Nassali, Faud Mbigi 
Logistics: Slahver of Black Wings Pr. 
Choreography: Sarakasi Dancers.
Styling: Brian Babu 

Content courtesy of Nameless Kenya 

Rising Star Gabiro Mtu Necessary Releases Isabella Music Video

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

9th March 2021(Nairobi, Kenya)  Fast rising Kenyan star Gabiro Mtu Necessary has dropped his latest single titled Isabella. The single has been produced by Chuma sound for Jodifa Enterprises and is available on Spotify, Boomplay and Audio mack.

Over this soundtrack, Mtu Necessary reflects on his village love interest Isabella who gets an opportunity to go and work in the city. Shot in the lakeside city of Kisumu Isabella gives us a clear picture of how our ambitions can hinder us from loving the ones we choose.

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“Isabella naogopa unasepa, Isabella ya kwetu kumbuka?” he croons. “Isabella, ningekuwa na pesa ningekupa Duka Ju unaenda njoo tuseti moja uketi chini ukivuta Oh mama kabla ukwende nipe busu nitakumbuka,Nipe tena, nikilala usingizi usiku naota,I’m stricken I can’t deny Ukarimu wako ndo unakupa sifa

And am stuck here for life, I can’t move you are my ride or die.”

The rising artiste is currently in the studio working on some new music and will release another single featuring Owuor Arunga, Blakangel and an album to boot in November.

Content courtesy of Nairobi fashion hub 

This Love Ya Wahu Official HD Video

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Wahu and Nameless have each released a song showcasing the two sides of love. In Wahu’s version called “This Love ya Wahu”, she sings with joy about the abundance of love and happiness in her own relationship. In Nameless’s version called “This Love ya Nameless”, he sings about a love tainted by arguments and broken communication while

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Although Nameless and Wahu are married in real life, they don’t appear together in the Music videos until the end. The role of Nameless’s love interest is played by Chiki Onwekwe while Wahu’s love interest is played by Bien-Aime Baraza. (Just so you know, Chiki and Bien are together in real life.)

This Love Ya Wahu is a song that appreciates the beauty and joys of a relationship which elevates her wisdom in love. The song is part of a unique project that brings together Wahu and her husband Nameless on a riddim talking about the two extremes of love: from the rosy and happy to the rough and hard times (expressed in This love ya Nameless)

The two video storylines creatively intertwine with each other as the artist express the two extremes of love.

Watch and enjoy the Wahu version!

Content courtesy of Nameless, Wahu & Nairobi fashion hub 

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