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Thursday 3rd of October 2024

Nairobi, Kenya

The Star-Studded Premiere of “Monkey Business” at Two Rivers Mall

On Friday, Two Rivers Mall was the epicenter of excitement as fans, celebrities, and media personalities gathered for the much-anticipated premiere of King Kaka’s new series, “Monkey Business.” The event was a dazzling affair, graced by an impressive lineup of Kenyan stars and enthusiastic fans eager to catch a glimpse of the series that promises to be a game-changer in the local entertainment scene.

“Monkey Business” features the charismatic rapper Scar Mkadinali as the main character, leading an ensemble cast that includes Janet Mbugua, Prezzo, and Azeezah Hashim. The series delves into the complex themes of loyalty, morality, and survival, delivering a gripping narrative that resonates with contemporary issues.

The premiere saw a who’s who of Kenyan entertainment and public life in attendance. Notable figures included Charlene Ruto, Prezzo, Jalang’o, Mejja, Nameless, Wahu, Big Ted, Jacky Vike, Mulamwah, Nana Owiti, Pascal Tokodi, Sandra Dacha, Baba Talisha, Kabugi, Useful Idioty, Wololo TV, Senjee, Celestine ‘SELINA’ Gachui, Kerry Martin, Silva Kido, Dennis Milimo, Oga Obinna, Sosuun, Frasha, Janet Mbugua, Ndovu Kuu, Fathermoh, Ezekiel Mutua, King Kaka’s mother, Scar Makadinali, and Eddie Butita.

King Kaka, the visionary behind the series, expressed his excitement about the project. “I am thrilled to share a sneak peek of ‘Monkey Business’ with the world. This project is a labor of love, and I believe it has the power to inspire, provoke, and ignite change. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey!” he remarked.

A highlight of the evening was King Kaka’s heartfelt tribute to his wife, Nana Owiti, amid recent rumors of marital strife. Addressing the media, he praised Nana’s beauty and kind heart, saying, “She is a very lovely woman, ako na roho nzuri, ni mrembo, umeona vile amedunga?” He emphatically denied the rumors of trouble in paradise, urging the public to respect their privacy and focus on the positive aspects of their lives.

The premiere was not just about glitz and glamour; it also underscored the importance of family and integrity in the face of public scrutiny. King Kaka’s plea to the media and fans to refrain from spreading baseless rumors was a poignant reminder of the real lives behind the celebrity facade.

As the curtains fell on the premiere night, it was clear that “Monkey Business” is set to make a significant impact on the Kenyan entertainment industry. With its stellar cast and compelling storyline, the series is poised to captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversations.

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team

L’Oréal Paris Unveils Thuso Mbedu As The Brand’s Ambassador and spokesperson for Sub Saharan Africa

Every year on the French Riviera in the beautiful city of Cannes, the internationally renowned Cannes Film Festival serves as a shining example of superior artistic achievement. L’Oréal Paris, a beauty company dedicated to women’s empowerment and beauty innovation, is happy to introduce the renowned South African actress Thuso Mbedu as the new brand ambassador and spokesperson for Sub-Saharan Africa. L’Oréal Paris is the official partner of the Cannes Film Festival.

On the red carpet and in the breathtaking beauty and fashion photos she posed for, her presence as L’Oréal Paris’ guest of honor was felt.

L’oréal Paris Sub-saharan Africa’s New Face
Mbedu will contribute her distinct viewpoint to regional advertising campaigns, product launches, and public appearances as the brand ambassador and spokeswoman for L’Oréal Paris throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Her love of beauty and talent for engaging audiences will be crucial in strengthening the brand’s relationship with its devoted patrons.

Thuso Mbedu, The Rising Star
Thuso Mbedu is a well-known actress who was raised in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and whose memorable performances have made an impression on both national and global stages. Her performance as Winnie in “Is’thunzi” in 2016 propelled her into the public eye and earned her two nominations for an International Emmy Award.

“One never thought of themselves as attractive growing up; I never dreamed that one day I would have the privilege of serving as the first Sub-Saharan African spokeswoman for L’Oréal Paris. a company with a strong commitment to diversity, sisterhood, and feminism that advocates for the empowerment of women. I’ve so far appreciated learning about the cutting-edge technology that powers L’Oréal’s product line and the revolutionary advancements made in understanding African skin. I’m honored to represent my African group within an outstanding worldwide brand because their products are amazing.

Mbedu gained more recognition when she played Cora Randall in the Amazon Prime Video series “The Underground Railroad,” which is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Colson Whitehead.

Her most recent performance with Viola Davis in Sony’s “The Woman King” solidified her position in international film. She was named one of The New York Times’ 10 Best Actors of 2022 and Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch for 2022 thanks to her portrayal of “Nawi,” a committed recruit in an all-female military squad.

More Than Just An Actor
Mbedu’s philanthropic endeavors go beyond the realm of popular culture.
Thuso Mbedu is actively involved in humanitarian projects that promote awareness of a variety of topics, particularly those that deal with education and the welfare of children and youth, in addition to her successful acting career.

When Mbedu joined the Board of Advisors of the international non-profit organization Save The Children in 2021, she demonstrated her commitment to empowering young girls and giving them the educational tools they need to thrive. Together with the other members of the Board of Advisors, Thuso serves as an advisory body and serves as a sounding board to discuss issues and identify solutions.

opportunities. Her current position has changed, and it is now known as Partnerships and Engagement Advisors.
She recently traveled to Diepkloof to witness the enormous, palpable effects that Choma Mag and the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) have had on the neighborhood.

Her unshakable dedication to leveraging her platform for good is strongly in line with L’Oréal Paris’ brand values and mission. Together, they hope to encourage people from all walks of life to embrace their beauty, celebrate variety, and cultivate confidence.

A New Phase In African Life
“We are thrilled to welcome Thuso Mbedu into our L’Oréal Paris family,” said L’Oréal Paris Sub-Saharan Africa. “This partnership with Thuso Mbedu is intended to transform beauty standards and inspire a wave of self-worth and confidence across the continent. She truly embodies our purpose with her extraordinary talent, ageless beauty, and dedication to helping others.

We are eager to start on this amazing adventure with you in order to encourage people to embrace their individuality and appreciate their inner beauty.
Burkhard Pieroth, president of L’Oréal in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Content courtesy of I Africa & NFH

 

 

Sincerely Daisy

Despite being available in some nations much later, Sincerely Daisy was initially released in 2020.
Nick Mutuma produced and directed it, making it the first Kenyan feature film to be made available on Netflix.
One of the most eagerly awaited movies to be released in October 2022 features the titular young woman, played by Ellah Maina, and has a running period of 1 hour and 27 minutes.

With its “strong” emphasis on Swahili and Kenyan accents and “meant to export our African culture,” Mutuma began the film by describing it as one to set an example. With a large number of fresh faces on screen, it succeeds in achieving the representation it aimed for in the worldwide market, but the responses the film drew were wildly disparate.

To put it simply, the film has a simple coming-of-age plot in which the title character, who has just graduated from high school, looks for job options in China.
Her desire to advance to a different, new, and unfamiliar location raises her mother’s anxiety and causes her to withdraw, but her father is more than prepared to support her endeavors despite the ongoing financial crisis, which first presents a worrisome front.
Daisy is glad to introduce her parents, beginning with the picture of a completely content and healthy connection between them.
It shows a well-known ignorance on her part, similar to that of many kids who are blissfully oblivious of the disastrous misfires their parents keep hidden from them out of love and worry.

The most heartwarming and realistic images of the movie are probably those that she shares with her family.
Probably the warmest and most realistic sequences in the movie are the ones she has with her family. Development in the mother-daughter connection is also shown by the exchanges that are exchanged between them, which are the only forgiving aspect of the story until the very end.
However, even for fiction, the protagonist’s early narration is too constrained and melodramatic.
It does, however, put her in the thick of things because most teenagers think of themselves as the protagonists of their own story, with everything else happening around them.
The movie advances and pushes for the love interest subplot, channeling the same energy despite their assurances of the future, even though it already feels erratic and shallow.

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Although the character’s goal to perfect her acting skills abroad is an unusual ideal desire, the follow-up to that succumbs to a cringe-inducing exaggeration.
No time is given to go deeper into the seeming sincerity of some characters’ friendships, which is the foundation of the soul of a coming-of-age movie. Instead, the depth of the friendships is only felt during the final farewell moments.
Short-lived light humor and positive family dynamics cannot support the movie by themselves.
Given that it’s intended for the camera rather than to be staged like a play, the acting sometimes appears forced and a lot more theatrical.

The movie isn’t particularly a unique addition to the category of its genre, putting aside the assumption that it’s a representative Kenyan production.
The plot of these movies is mostly driven by the protagonist’s internal conflict and monologue, as well as the dynamics of their relationships.
Sincerely Daisy, despite being named as if it were a series of journal entries or a letter addressed to the viewers about her personal thoughts, fails to sufficiently delve into the adolescent’s struggle, failing to evoke a sense of relatability at its core, despite having emotion as its primary focus.
The movie doesn’t treat its characters on an equal footing since it sticks to tired clichés of dysfunctional friendships.

Though coming-of-foundation age’s is based on viewing characters as people first, the movie arbitrarily chooses teams and is more interested in failing friendships than forging them. Despite the fact that most of us would take snide pleasure in making fun of such things and playing the “she deserved it” card, this is contrary to the film’s focus on seeing characters as people first.

Synopsis
The film revolves around the life of a happy high school graduate (Daisy) played by Ella Maina, whose dreams, expectations, passion, and confidence are significantly affected by family and romantic drama.

Crew
Directed by: Nick Mutuma
Screenplay by: Natasha Likimani
Produced by: Nick Mutuma
Music by: Timothy Rimbui
Starring: Ellah Maina

Content courtesy of Leisure Byte & NFH

 

Country Queen

Country Queen, the first Kenyan Netflix original, is a drama that explores Kenya’s complex history with gold mining while also offering a parallel tale about complex families. After a ten-year self-exile, Nairobi event director Akisa presumably the titular country queen returns to her hometown of rural Tsilanga in the film’s lead role, played by Melissa Kiplagat.
The six-episode first season opens with Akisa organizing an occasion for Eco Rock, a significant Kenyan gold mining firm.
The business is led by Vivienne Sibala (Nini Wacera), and Akisa obtained the contract with the assistance of Max (Blessing Lung’aho), who is also Vivienne’s husband and Akisa’s boyfriend.

The occasion is crucial for Akisa’s profession, so she wouldn’t have wanted things to turn out the way they did with Max accidentally telling his wife about their connection and an irate man showing up to the party to smear Vivienne and accusing the company of land grabbing.

However, it is how the event unfolds. She receives a surprise call from her Aunt Salome (Muthoni Gathecha), telling her that her father is gravely ill, adding to an already horrible night. By dawn, Akisa is returning to her town and the father who abducted her child ten years prior, the mother who doesn’t appear to want to see her, and the father.

The invasion of Tsilanga by Eco Rock in pursuit of gold takes place at the same time as Akisa’s return. The firm is doing what capitalism is most despised for: utilizing the weak to enhance the wealth of the powerful, with ambitions to transform the entire town into a goldmine. Villagers are being duped into abandoning town and their lands in exchange for meager payments.

Children who are starving are placed into actual holes in the ground in exchange for unreliable payment.
And conflicting interests are tearing apart families. The greatest plot of land in the center of Eco Rock’s proposed operation belongs to Akisa’s father, Mwalimu (Raymond Ofula), who refuses to sell it despite the fact that Eco Rock has his brothers in its crosshairs and has threatened to destroy him and his way of life.

[taq_review]

Akisa is returning home to this mess as if navigating her complicated relationship with her parents Esther, played by Mumbi Kaigwa wasn’t difficult enough.
Other than her aunt Salome, no one from her past seemed to be on Akisa’s side beside a man by the name of Kyalo (Melvin Alusa).

Kyalo still has feelings for Akisa, her childhood sweetheart who doesn’t know why she left home or why they had a kid together.
However, he is about to wed Anna (Sheila Munyiva of Rafiki fame), the town doctor, and Akisa’s reappearance inevitably strains their relationship.

Synopsis
Blood . Gold . Love

When an invasive mining company threatens the existence of her village, a city girl caught between two worlds must return home, overcome her painful past to save the village, and find herself in the process.

Directed by: Vincent Mbaya,  Brian Munene,  David “Tosh” Gitonga
Written by: Wanjeri Gakuru,  Oprah Oyugi,  Lydia Matata,  Kimani Waweru,  Shirleen Wangari,  Ian Kithinji,  Mkamzee Chao Mwatela, Florence Onyango, Annette Shadeya, Kamau Wa Ndung’u
Produced by: Kamau Wa Ndung’u
Cinematography: Andrew Mungai
Edited by: Mkaiwawi Mwakaba,  Aleks Kamau
Starring: Melissa Kiplagat,  Melvin Alusa, Nini Wacera

Content courtesy of Netflix & NFH

 

 

The Ikon Awards: Film And Tv Awards Are Here To Educate, Connect, And Celebrate Filmmakers

On January 28, 2023, in Kampala: The first edition of the iKon Awards, with this year’s nominees, unveiled last night, will be held at the SAUTI Plus Media Hub and will be themed “Dreaming With The Stars.”
Famous actor Sam Bagenda and media personality Laura Kahunde introduced the announcer.

The iKon Awards 2023 will take place on March 25, 2023, at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The evening will feature an award ceremony and performances by a variety of entertainers.

“The ikon Awards” In order to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship, initiative, and leadership in young people and to promote innovation, job creation, and high-value firms in the film sector, Television and Film seek to identify and reward exceptional accomplishments in the industry across a variety of areas.

Create a platform for young people to showcase their storytelling skills in the film and television industry; expand film advocacy for issues affecting youth; influence policy action; provide a networking opportunity for nominees and partners; and give Ugandan creatives a chance to produce globally appealing content that will be valued both domestically and internationally.

Humphrey Nabimanya, the creator of the iKON Awards, claims that his passion for seeing the industry and Ugandan storytellers get the recognition they deserve was what spurred him to start the awards program.
He also emphasized the significance of storytelling in showcasing our various cultures, societies, and nations, according to Nabimanya.

A significant number of local TV and film productions in Uganda have helped to increase tourism and provide a solid platform for exhibiting our history as a people.
In addition to honoring film and television, the iKon Awards hope to inspire many more Ugandans to put their art and stories front and center.
There is a lot of talent in this country, and it can only be shown off, appreciated, and honored through programs like the iKon Awards,” he says.

Usama Mukwaya, a Ugandan film director, screenwriter, and actor who is putting together this year’s iKon Awards, explained that the awards are driven by three main principles: excellence, transparency, and joy.

We want to have inclusivity and involvement across the board because award shows have long been restricted to a select group of people.

“With the iKon Awards, we want to showcase how the Ugandan film industry spans both the uptown and downtown areas. No of your background, we firmly think that you can

make contributions to the industry, and we want to recognize you for those contributions in whichever way you choose. A little bit of Hollywood is coming to Kampala thanks to the iKon Awards, he says.

Nominee Categories For #ikonawards2023

1. Best Student Film
• Pius
• My Degree
• Milk Of Human Kindness

2. Short Film
• Enyama
• Sixteen Rounds
• Engaito
• The Heartbeat

3. Best Animation Film
• A Thousand Fate
• No Way Out
• Ttula
• Breakout

4. Documentary Film
• Pius
• Little Faith
• Ebya Balogo

5. Visual Effects
• The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Kafa Coh
• Tembele
• My Husbands Wife

6. Ikon Fellow Of The Year
• Hawah Joan Nakanjako
• Ukasha Ssenyonjo
• Matilda Kavuma
• Doreen Mirembe
• Eunice Acan
• Joseph Innocent Ediegum
• Kate Nafuna
• Emma Uchwo.

7. Best Sound
• Bedroom Chains
• Kafa Coh
• Tembele
• The Girl In The Yellow Jumper

8. Best Editor
• Andrew Odera Kafa Coh
• Kyobe Ssebowa Bedroom Chains
• Loukman Ali The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Paul Kimera $ Bashan Mukwaya Tembele

9. Best Production Designer
• Tembele
• Bedroom Chains
• Kafa Coh
• Pieces Of Me

10. Best Makeup And Special Effects
• The Test
• Kafa Coh
• Tembele
• And Bedroom Chains

11. Best Costume Designer
• Costume Parlor Bedroom Chains
• Nadia Gisella The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Rachael Nakito $ Josephine Lule The Test
• Whitney G. Najuuko Kafa Coh

12. Best Actor In A Tv Series
• Allan Kutos Katongole In Sanyu
• Prynce Joel Okuyo Atiku In What If
• Q-kamber Fredel In Gamyuuse
• Simon Base Kalema In Prestige

13. Best Actress In A Tv Series
• Eleanor Nabwiso In Sanyu
• Joan Agaba In What If
• Sally Elizabeth Bwamimpeke In Prestige
• Stella Nante In The Honorablez

14. Best Tv Series
• Prestige
• The Honourables
• Sanyu
• And What If

15. Best Supporting Actor
• Cosmos Sserubogo In Tembele
• Daniel Papa Mushikana In Footwine
• Kalu Egbui Ikeagwu In Kafa Coh
• Michael Wawuyo Sr. In The Girl In The Yellow Jumper

16. Best Supporting Actress
• Mariam Ndagire In Kafa Coh
• Sarafina Muhawenimana In Pieces Of Me
• Rehema Nanfuka In Kafa Coh
• Tania Shakirah Kankindi In My Husband’s Wife

17. Best Cinematography
• Benson Kamau Mungai Bedroom Chains
• Izaek Ekuka Tembele
• Mustaque Abdallah Kafa Coh
• Naizi Nasser The Girl In The Yellow Jumper

18. Best Lead Actor
• John Mary Ssekimpi In My Husband’s Wife
• Michael Wawuyo Jr. In The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Michael Wawuyo Sr. In Kafa Coh
• Patriq Nkakalukanyi In Tembele

19. Best Lead Actress
• Nisha Kalema In Bedroom Chains
• Rhona Ninsiima In Tembele
• Tracy Kababiito In Mukisa
• Winnie Nafula In My Husband’s Wife

20. Best Screenplay
• Bedroom Chains
• My Husbands Wife
• Tembele
• And The Wave

21. Best Director
• Gilbert Lukaliya And Doreen Mirembe Kafa Coh
• Hassan Mageye Bedroom Chains
• Loukman Ali The Girl In The Yellow Jumper
• Morris Mugisha Tembele

22. Feature Film
• Bedroom Chains
• Kafa Coh
• My Husbands Wife
• And Tembele

23. Ikon Rising Star
• Cosmos Sserubogo
• Tuyi Mariserena
• And Kaddu Sadat

The iKon Awards’ visionary, Humphrey Nabimanya, thanks the sponsors who have supported and invested in the notion of honoring our culture through film and television awards.
These prizes are given to deserving actors and filmmakers.

To ensure that the goals of the awards are accomplished, SAUTIplus Media Hub has teamed with NGOs and corporate businesses like Reach a Hand Uganda, ATS Events, UNESCO, Uganda Warafi, Rwanda Air, and Kampala Serena Hotel.

For more information, contact:
Name: Peace Charlotte Apio( iKon Awards Project Lead)
Email: peace@theikon.org
Contact: +256776754450
Follow iKon Awards on social media(Instagram and Facebook): @ikonAwards
Twitter: @iKonAwards
Website: https://theikon.org/awards/

 

 

 

Black Panther: Inside Lupita Nyongo’s Stunning Beauty Tribute to Africa for the Black Panther at the Wakanda Forever Premiere

On October 26, Lupita Nyong’o showed out on the red carpet in a striking two-piece white outfit for the Los Angeles premiere of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

Nyong’o chose Balmain to commemorate her part in the “Black Panther” prequel. The actress wore a floor-length, triangular-cutout matching skirt with a one-shoulder cropped keyhole shirt. The matching pieces had braided fabric running down the middle of the skirt and around the shoulder.
Diamond earrings, two bracelets, and a ring from De Beers, which just appointed her as a worldwide brand ambassador, served as her accessories.

To create the look, Nyong’o collaborated with her go-to stylist Micaela Erlanger. Meryl Streep, Julianna Margulies, and Diane Kruger are all clients of Erlanger’s styling services.

Along with a strong, ruby-red lip, blush, mascara, and shimmery eyeshadow from Lancôme’s holiday beauty box eye palette, Nyong’o used makeup artist Nick Barose.

She worked with Vernon Francois on her hair and opted for a bold look that included a cowrie shell-lined hairline and big locs braided with rope and string in the back to resemble a chandelier.

The follow-up to “Black Panther,” a popular movie from Marvel Studios released in 2018, is titled “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

The follow-up to “Black Panther,” a popular movie from Marvel Studios released in 2018, is titled “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Alongside newcomers, Tenoch Huerta, Michaela Coel, Dominique Thorne, Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Winston Duke, and Danai Gurira return for the sequel.

The actor, who played the lead, King T’Challa, in the 2018 original, died in 2020 after a four-year battle with colon ca he had kept private. He was 43.

“It was definitely tough to go back to a space that you hold so dearly in your heart and are so attached to T’Challa, so attached to Chad,” actress Letitia Wright, who plays T’Challa’s younger sister Princess Shuri, said.

“But we had to just be strong, to follow through on the story and it got emotional at times. It still is, but one that we came together, we worked on. We made him proud.”

“Black Panther”, in which Boseman played the king of the fictional African land of Wakanda, became a global hit and was hailed as a milestone for racial diversity in Hollywood.

Its sequel had been in the works when Boseman died.

“I dreaded it because I couldn’t imagine moving forward without Chadwick,” said Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, who reprises her role as T’Challa’s former lover Nakia.

“But then when Ryan Coogler, our director and writer, walked me through his idea to carry on with the story, I breathed a breath of relief because what he did was he incorporated the loss into the story,” Nyong’o said. “And so as a person and as an actor, I didn’t have to pretend like I hadn’t experienced such a loss, such grief. And it very much makes use of that.”

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” sees the protagonists working once again with the Dora Milaje, an elite group of female warriors, as they fight to protect their nation following the king’s death.

On November 11, the movie premieres in theaters.

Content courtesy of WWD & NFH

Young Famous and African: Netflix’s First African Reality Show Set to Premier on 18th March 2022

The much-anticipated official trailer for the African reality show, “Young, Famous & African” has dropped- and it ticks all the right boxes.

The seven-episode Netflix show follows the OTT lives of star celebrities from across the continent, such as actress and singer Khanyi Mbau, rapper Nadia Nakai, musician Diamond Platnumz, along with Annie Macaulay-Idibia, 2Baba, Zari the Boss Lady, Naked DJ, Swanky Jerry, Andile Ncube and Kayleigh Schwark and promises viewers top-tier entertainment.

Mark your calendars and set those reminders for the 18th of March 2022 as Netflix will premiere its inaugural African reality show entitled Young, Famous & African. Unscripted and unapologetically African, the series promises to bring viewers top-tier, best-in-class variety entertainment through the lens of some of their favorite A-list personalities from all over the African continent.

It’s a glitzy reality series, aka a real-life soap opera, which looks at rivalries, new friendships, and romantic connections forming, to stories that made the headlines and the delicious tea being spilled, these African stars will give viewers an intimate insider look into their glamorous lives as they navigate the City of Gold, Joburg, South Africa.

Sharing their excitement about the seven-episode reality show produced by Urban Brew Studios and co-creators and Executive Producers are Martin Asare Amankwa and Peace Hyde, Martin Asare Amankwa said:

“It’s really exciting to be able to show the world an exclusive look into the lives of Africa’s top celebrities and socialites. Young, Famous & African is a depiction of a world that has never been seen before, highlighting authentic stories and unrivaled access to some of the most celebrated celebrities.” Peace Hyde said: “

This has been a labor of love that has finally become a reality. Growing up in the U.K. there were no glitzy and sexy images of Africa, all we saw were the stereotypical images that have been propelled in the media for years.

Young, Famous & African presents an Africa that is vibrant, beautiful, glossy and sexy to the world and we are super proud and excited for the world to see it.”, while Adelaide Joshua Hill, Executive Producer said,

“We are thrilled to have been a part of this amazing show, it is wonderful to be able to show a different side of Africa to the world and highlight the amazing people we have on our continent. We thank each and every one of the cast members who gave of their time and allowed us a sneak peek into their lives.  Young, Famous & African is a wild luxury ride, a trip that is worth the time.” From the cast, Zari the Boss Lady (Uganda) said,

“I’m so excited for people to see how much of ourselves we poured into this show, showcasing our true, authentic trials and tribulations. Young, Famous & African will give our fans an insider look into our very entertaining, very busy lives”.

Content Courtesy of IOL & NFH Digital Team

The Nafsi Film: Red Carpet Premiere At Anga Diamond Plaza

Nafsi, the much-anticipated romantic drama premiered on Saturday at the Anga Diamond Plaza and everyone came out in style to celebrate the film’s official release which sold out three theatres.
In attendance was the cast of Nafsi, Mumbi Maina, Catherine Kamau, Alfred Munyua, Alex Khayo, Alex Mwakideu, Monique Angelyn Bett, Silayio, and the director Reuben Odanga who brought out their best looks on the red carpet and were joined by other stars, filmmakers and fans.

In Nafsi, Aisha (Mumbi Maina) is unable to conceive after a traumatic childhood experience. Her best friend Shiko (Catherine Kamau) offers to be her surrogate to help save her marriage, a decision that leads to a series of events that threaten their close bond and those around them.

Alfred Munyua who plays Aisha’s husband Sebastian carries some dark secrets that shakes Aisha’s world to the core.
The film also stars Raymond Ofula, BET’s top actor Africa runner-up Alex Khayo and first-timers: radio presenter Alex Mwakideu, radio presenter and singer Monique Bett, and singer and former Kora Awards winner Silayio in supporting roles.

Nafsi is still showing at Anga Diamond Plaza on the following dates:

1. Monday – Thursday – 3:00 pm, 6:50 pm at Diamond Plaza
2. Monday – 8:00 pm, Tuesday and Thursday – 11:30 am, Wednesday – 5:00 pm at Prestige Cinema
Nafsi will premiere in Mombasa from 19 November at Nyali Cinemax.

Nafsi is Reuben Odanga’s directorial debut feature, a major shift from the Swahili telenovelas he is popularly known for such as Nira, Nuru, Saida, and Selina.

Odanga also wrote the film, which is a production of his company, Multan Production company.

Content courtesy of Multan Production Company & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Mission To Rescue Kenyan First Ever Military Action Movie

Mission to Rescue is a Kenyan movie set along the Kenya- Somali border, the Kenya Special Operations Forces who are training for their next mission receive word that the Assistant County Commissioner and two others have been abducted by the Al-Shabaab militia. Mission to rescue stems from the story of a French woman who was kidnapped by the Al-Shabab. Created in 2019, the idea seeks to highlight the effects of radicalization within the community that aim to curb terrorism.

The film’s star-studded cast features; Melvin Alusa, Warsame Abdi, Abdi Yusuf, Emmanuel Mugo, Andreo Kamau, Abubakar Mwenda, Sam Psenjen, Anthony Ndung’u, Bilal Mwaura, Justin Mirichi, Abajah Brian, Melissa Kiplagat, Brian Ogola, and Mwamburi Maole.

The Film is starring Melvin Alusa a stage, screen, and voice actor with over 16 years of experience with performances in over 10 countries. His work on stage includes Githaa, silence is a woman and Alpa beta.

On Tv and Film, he has featured in the first-grader, The boy who harnessed the wind, and the TV series crime and Justice. He’s on the radio drama Jango Love earned him an Emmy nomination at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Another main cast is

Res who is a Somalia model-actor, and voice-over artist. His first screen appearance is on the TV drama Anda Kavaa and is currently featuring in the local radio drama, Salaam. The Movie was produced by Kara Voice Wambui and Directed by Gildert Lukalia.

[taq_review]

Set within a military camp along the Kenya-Somalia border, the Kenya Special Operations Forces who are training for their next mission receive word that the Assistant County Commissioner and two others have been abducted by the Al-Shabaab militia. Under the leadership of Captain Baraza, the soldiers make attempts to rescue the abductees and capture or eliminate the enemy amidst tough conditions.

Mission to Rescue was premiered exclusively on BAZE -Safaricom’s new video streaming platform on June 1st, 2021. Dial *544*55# to Join BAZE

Content courtesy of  Foxton Media, Safaricom & Nairobi fashion hub 

Oscars 2021: Viola Davis most nominated Black actress with ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ nod

Viola Davis says Black stories ‘deserve to be told’

LOS ANGELES – This year, Viola Davis became the Oscars’ most nominated Black female actor ever when she landed her fourth nomination, this one for her lead role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

Who is Viola Davis?

Davis won an Academy Award for her appearance in the 2016 film “Fences,” a role she originated in a 2001 Broadway revival that landed her a Tony Award. The Oscar win made her the first Black woman to win an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony for acting.

She won her Emmy in 2015 for her role in “How To Get Away With Murder,” and she has another Tony win for her role in “King Hedley II.”

Along the way, her impassioned acceptance speeches have been some of the most potent thunderbolts of inspiration in the wider fight for diversity, beamed out to the unrepresented and the overlooked everywhere.

The 55-year-old actress has been a mainstay on screens big and small and is more often getting cast front and center, with her roles in “How to Get Away With Murder” and the 2018 film “Widows.”

Davis also has a production company, JuVee Productions, with her husband, the actor Julius Tennon. She told the Associated Press in 2019 her goal is to normalize people of color on the screen.

“We’re not social statements. We’re not mythical creatures all the time … you can literally put pen to paper and write a great story that includes people of color, and it could actually sell,” she said.

Davis the most nominated Black woman in Oscars history along with her “Fences” nod, she was also nominated for best actress for 2011’s “The Help” and best-supporting actress for 2008’s “Doubt.”

If she won Sunday, she would have been the second Black woman crowned the best actress in Oscars history. Just once before has a Black woman (Halle Berry in 2002 for “Monster’s Ball”) won the best actress?

What is “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” about?
The film, based on an August Wilson play, is set around a recording session in 1920’s Chicago as a blues band awaits the arrival of Ma Rainey. The movie also includes the final performance from actor Chadwick Boseman, who died last year of cancer.

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