Friday, November 14, 2008

Jua Back From Europe, Plans Underway For Album Launch

Genge King JuaCali returned last night from London, after a two-week tour. The Genge luminary had toured Germany, Norway and England where he performed at different night spots in Munich, Oslo and London respectively.
A tired looking Jua spoke to me [Mojo Sojo - the dude who writes this blog] about his sophomore album launch plans, performing with a live band for the very first time, his residential move from Calif to Hurlingham, his love life and expectations for 2009.
JuaCali will be launching his second album, Ngeli ya Genge, on December 31st at the KICC. Artists who have already confirmed to rock the stage include AY, Z-Anton, Matonya, Mejja, Maddtraxx, Jimwizzy, MOG and Flexx. Jua will also be performing using a live band for the very first time.
Read all about this in the December issue of the coolest mag on the planet – The Insyder.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Farewell Mama Afrika

Most of us have heard of her name mentioned like some distant echo in the mountains far beyond the horizon, but we've probably never really listened to Zenzile Miriam Makeba's music. But here are the facts about the Mother of African Pop Music, Mama Miriam Makeba:
She won a Grammy Award in 1965 for Best Folk Song (even Akon's never gotten a Grammy)
Her song 'Pata Pata' was lodged in the Billboard Top 10 in 1967

The following is the official statement from her website:
The world was dealt a blow early this morning, in a small town outside Naples, Italy when Zenzile Miriam Makeba, Mama Afrika to the world, passed away... and left this earth, aged 76 years. She was born on 4th March 1932.

Whilst this great lady was alive she would say “I will sing until the last day of my life”
Zenzile Miriam Makeba collapsed on stage, at the end of her set, after singing Pata Pata,. She was immediately attended to by her grandson Nelson Lumumba Lee and others before being rushed to the nearest hospital. Tragically, in the early hours of this 10th of November 2008 morning, the doctors pronounced that they were unable to revive her.
Ambassador Makeba, was with her band, and was performing before an outdoor audience, in the open air at Via Verde, in the small town of Castelvolturno, not far from Naples. The audience included her long time friend, Italian promoter, Roberto Meglioli, who she had called on Friday from Holland, and asked to attend her show. He was on stage with her at the end of the show, and there she collapsed into his arms.
Dr Miriam Makeba never forgot her struggle through her life, and never stopped identifying with those who were downtrodden and who suffered. An activist to the end, the event where she was performing at, was an Anti-Racism and Anti-Mafia Event. “Mazi” as she was affectionately known by those who knew her well, never shied from speaking her mind and standing for her beliefs. She was an outstanding South African, a and indeed a gracious and true citizen of the World.
Zenzile Miriam Makeba is survived by her grandchildren Nelson Lumumba Lee and Zenzi Monique Lee, and her great- grandchildren Lindelani, Ayanda and Kwame.

Kanunga High 404's Arrested By Cops

10 teeniez from Kanunga High were yesterday arrested in Nairobi City's Central Business District (CBD). There were part of a group of about 250 students who had marched from Kanunga, in Kiambu East District to present what the called a "Statement" to media houses in Nairobi. It is alleged that the Kanunga dudes, mainly 404's, were planning a strike this Friday after completing their final KCSE exams. The head teacher got wind of the plot and immediately dialled 999. The cops swarmed Kanunga High and dispersed the students. The students claim that they were not planning to strike and the were unjustly mistreated by the police.
We'll keep you posted as this story unravels...

Monday, November 10, 2008

Weezy the Artists Choice for 2008 Europe Music Awards

Though Britney Spears wasn’t on-hand to accept, she won two awards at the 2008 Europe Music Awards – for Album of the Year and Act of 2008. The other big winners of the night were 30 Seconds To Mars, who also scooped up two awards for Rock Out and Video Star. Sir Paul McCartney was also honoured with a special award - the Ultimate Legend Award – which was presented to him by U2 lead singer Bono.
Here is a list of all the winners
Most Addictive Track: P!nk ‘So What’
Video Star: 30 Seconds To Mars ‘A Beautiful Lie’
Headliner: Tokio Hotel
Ultimate Urban: Kanye West
Rock Out: 30 Seconds To Mars
Artists Choice: Lil Wayne
Act of 2008: Britney Spears
Ultimate Legend: Sir Paul McCartney
Album of the Year: Britney Spears Blackout
Europe’s Favourite Act: Emre Aydin (Turkey)
New Act: Katy Perry
Best Act Ever: Rick Astley