STL nominated for MAMA Awards

STL is one of the Kenyans nominated for a MTV Africa Music Award (MAMA). A very gifted lady, she has been doing great things in the rap world, and holding her own in what is usually dubbed a man’s world.

STL a.k.a. Stella Mwangi

Congratulations STL. We wish you luck. Other nominees are listed below.

Best Male
2 Face (Nigeria)
HHP (South Africa)
D’Banj (Nigeria)
Nameless (Kenya)
Da L.E.S. (South Africa)

Best New Act
M.I. (Nigeria)
Shaa (Tanzania)
STL (Kenya)
Bigiano (Nigeria)
Rhythmic Elements (South Africa)

Best Hip Hop
M.I. (Nigeria)
A.Y. (Tanzania)
Zulu Boy (South Africa)
Jay-Z (USA)
Kanye West (USA)

Best Female
Kel (Nigeria)
Amani (Kenya)
Lira (South Africa)
Zamajobe (South Africa)
Lizha James (Mozambique)

Best Performer
P-Square (Nigeria)
D’Banj (Nigeria)
Samini (Ghana)
Nameless (Kenya)
Blu*3 (Uganda)

Best R&B
2 Face (Nigeria)
Darey Art Alade (Nigeria)
Loyiso (South Africa)
Beyoncé (USA)
Akon (USA)

Best Group
P-Square (Nigeria)
Blu*3 (Uganda)
Gang of Instrumentals (South Africa)
Mo Hits Allstars (Nigeria)
Gal Level (Namibia)

Artist of The Year
2 Face (Nigeria)
D’banj (Nigeria)
Lira (South Africa)
HHP (South Africa)
Nameless (Kenya)

Best Alternative
Green Day (USA)
Coldplay (UK)
Cassette (South Africa)
Zebra & Giraffe (South Africa)
Aking (South Africa)

Best Video
2Face – Enter The Place (Nigeria)
XOD – I Want You Back (Uganda)
HHP – Mpitse (South Africa)
Da L.E.S. – We on Fire (South Africa)
Wahu ft Bobi Wine – Little Things You Do (Kenya)

Keep your eyes on this site to find out who wins.

David Otunga, Chicago, Illinois

Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga (WireImage)

David Otunga is probably famous for two reasons–he is engaged to Jennifer Hudson, and he was on the show, “I Love New York“.  Lots of speculation has been thrown around about who he is and what he stands for, but few people really know about him.

Otunga is the son of a Kenyan father and an American mother.  Both of his parents were educators and he and his father were very close.  In an interview with De Novo Magazine he noted that he was devastated when his father passed away.   Otunga graduated from Harvard with a law degree and a Bachelor’s in cognitive science from Columbia University.

He rose to fame on the reality show “I Love New York” where he and other guys vied for New York’s love.  His name on the show was “Punk”.  Jennifer Hudson dedicated her Grammy Award performance to him for the strength he’s provided for her through the hard times that she has been going through.  You can read more about him on his Myspace page.

Ni Wakati

Michael Wanguhu is at it again.  He has hit on a great concept and is coming out with a great movie.  The movie, ‘Ni Wakati’, shows how the revolutionary youth of Africa, utilizing Hip-hop have turned the Ghetto’s into breeding ground of explosive talent in the art’s and the political sphere.

I love the fact that he ties the past and the present to lead a road to the future.  WithM1 from Dead Prez and Umi from POW, he leads the way to Africa and talks to founding fathers of the Black Panther movement.

They work in reuniting Africans and African Americans through the strongest bond that exists between the two today, hip hop. They all journey to revitalize their essence and purpose from the existing leaders of the Black Panther Pete  and Charlotte  O’neal, based in Arusha, Tanzania.  Keep an eye on this space for updates, coming soon.

Spielworks Media – Making Film Production A Reality

Spielworks Media

You just can’t keep a good Kenyan down, and that is very evident when you see what these two are doing!  Loyce Kareri and Dorothy Ghettuba, two Kenyan Jewels, are not content to rest on their laurels.

They  have founded Spielworks, an independent film and television concept development and production company that is already activley involved in several different projects.

Keep your eyes peeled as we watch what they come up with and keep you informed.

Anna Mwalagho, Alexandria, Virginia

 

Anna Mwalagho, was born and raised in Kenya and began performing when she was 8 years old. She is now a real renaissance woman – in addition to writing and performing poetry, she is also an internationally recognized award-winning Actor, Storyteller, Dancer, Singer/Song Writer, Radio Broadcaster, and a Director. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (Economics) at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and since her arrival in the USA, from her original country Kenya; she has performed for schools, co-operations, civic groups, organizations, festivals and colleges.Anna believes that the children are the leaders of tomorrow thus she uses the African folklore including African songs, dances and African history, to positively entertain, impact and empower the children to believe in themselves, and work hard in school to build a better tomorrow. Her theatrical spoken word poetry inspires, evokes thought and entertains as well as educate both the young and the old, She culminates her performances with a one woman show that electrifies, captivates, inspires and energizes the crowds as she blends her beautiful voice in song, dance, acting, poetry and storytelling to tell her story of life.

Anna has won the following awards;

*Best Actress in the International University Arts Achievements Awards, 1999 and 2000.

*Second Best Actress in the Kenya National Theatre Awards(Mbalamwezi Awards)1999 and 2000.

Since her arrival to the U.S.A, she has been featured and participated with various recognized groups and performed for various organizations as a sole performer. These include:

* World Bank U.S.A
* US Army Material Command HQ, Fort Meyer
* Congressional Black Caucus, Annual Legislative Conference
* United Nation Association
* One Campaign
* Baltimore Immigration Summit
* American Association of University Women
* African Women Cancer Awareness Conference
* Kenya Community Abroad Annual Event, Boston MA
* USAID/ Intra Health International
* Embassy of France (U.S.A)
* Embassy of Liberia (U.S.A)
* Embassy of Kenya (U.S.A)
* First Night Annapolis 2006
* Juneteenth Festival, Waldorf MD
* African American Heritage Festival
* Washington Performing Arts Society
* The Studio Theater, DC
* Balozi Productions, MD
* Ebeyana Theatre, VA
* Ishara Productions, Baltimore MD
* MHZ-International television channel
* Fairfax County cable television
* Voice of America Worlwide Radio Station
* Lifestyles television show in Southern Maryland
* WHUR 96.3 FM Joe’s Place
* 89.3 FM Africa Meets Africa
* Global Women of Baltimore
* The Chopteeth Band (Member)
* Empowered Women International (member)
* Soul In Motion Players (Member)
* Member of The Actor’s Center

Anna believes that theater and performing arts, entertain the people and also educate, teach, motivate and stimulate one’s mind. “I believe any form of performing arts offers a glimpse reflection on one’s life, I hope to positively impact the society through my contributions, to teach and learn from both the young and the old, and to make people laugh and cry at the same time in the name of performing arts”.Her Philosophy is “dance, sing, laugh and truly love this is the joy of life”.

Source: Anna Mwalagho