Diamond Platnumz’ Ex Penny Finally Bares It All

It has become almost impossible to keep up with Tanzanian Superstar Diamond Platnumz’ love life as he keeps on hopping from one Tanzanian beauty to the next. After alot of controversy and ex drama between him and former Miss Tanzania Wema Sepetu, he finally decided to go back to her and started 2014 with publicing their relationship.
What most of his fans were however questioning was what had happened to his relationship with Tanzanian VJ Penny whom he had publicly professed his love for.Well, Bongo5 finally got a hold of the beauty for an interview and she made it clear that Diamond and her had decided to take a break from their relationship so that each of them could think about what they wanted in life.

Penny also admitted that along with everyone else she was shocked when photos of diamond and Wema first started circulating the net but she chose to believe Diamond’s word that it was a movie they were shooting.She would later get tired of waiting for the movie to be released and that is when her suspicions started rising.

She however maintains that she remains loyal to Diamond and is still his biggest fan even after they part ways because deep inside, the artiste is a good person. She also said that 2014 was her year to shine and that she was planning to focus on growing her career and that the last thing on her mind was getting into another relationship even though she already had men chasing after her.

Penny wishes to date a man who is not popular so that she can enjoy a relationship away from the limelight.According to her, it was more fun when her love life wasn’t on the spotlight.

Orange Kenya’s Tujuane Campaign A Success Story

Orange Telkom’s Tujuane campaign has created quite a buzz especially with its short and catchy ad on TV, as well as in print and radio.  The campaign which has been there for some time now as it was launched in April 2013, took off to a good start immediately.  However, studies conducted by the Orange group in Q4 of the year showed that the messaging needed revamping to make it more direct.

One of the things learnt during the studies is that people assumed that on-net calling is always cheaper than off-net calling. It also appeared that it was easier calling across networks with Orange as compared to calling within the same network with one of the leading telecommunication company.

With the revamping of the communication Orange Telkom made it crystal clear by the use of comparative advertising that indeed, calling across networks from Orange is 25% cheaper than from the competitor’s within network rates.

The timing of this campaign was also great for them on two scores:-

1.       they launched it in January, a time that is traditionally associated with “post-Christmas brokenness”

2.       CCK launched its Quality of Service report in December showing that Orange is by far the best quality network in Kenya.  This campaign therefore demonstrates true value for money in that you get better service for less.

According to reports, Phase II of the campaign launched recently telling people to get one of Orange’s dual-sim handsets after their insight that the one element that would keep many customers from switching to Orange is the element of not wanting to lose their current mobile money services (Mpesa).  In acknowledging this, Orange now tells their customers that with a dual sim handset they can keep their other line while getting an Orange one for calling.

It is for this that Orange Kenya is smiling all the way to the bank as the campaign has been a success.

Here is the ‘now you know’ video advert that helped make this a success:

Does Volume As Far As Curves Go In Women Translate To True Beauty?

Forgive me for my naivety but I am still wondering why some women have been behaving like they have lost all their sense. A peek at the news headlines recently says it all; women are losing their sanity in the name of enhancing their beauty. We have all at one point heard or watched the story of the woman who was injected with industrial silicon to enhance her curves and of course edges and she ended up with her initial physique but this time she had no limbs.

We would wish to blame people who inject the silicon and other hormones in the name as others sell creams for the same purpose but shouldn’t these women be mindful of their own decisions? So various women have come out to complain about how they purchased counterfeit creams to apply in a bid to realize their dreams of owning some apple bottoms and others still fall prey to the same fate. Some of our women have become like moth attracted to light when it comes to these much talked about menace of backfired beauty enhancers

Women have refused to be deterred from getting that body that will turn heads, men’s heads, as they walk by and it’s at this point that one seeks to know what beauty translates into. In my opinion it’s one thing to be seen and another thing to be felt. Women should strive to be felt, to make a difference not by appearance but by deeds. Of course we all want to look smashing, make the ground tremble and gain approval of the male peers but certainly not at the risk of normality.

Someone needs to remind the ladies that if it is to gain attention they should attempt to be mindful of what extent they are willing to go for it. The late Wangari Maathai, Julie Gichuru, Condoleezza Rice, Michelle Obama, Margaret Kenyatta, Ajuma Nasenyana and the whole list of powerful women and inspirational women are not a case of beauty by body curves but beauty by making a difference. Women need to start being smart.

Courtesy: J Mahinda

Gloria Muliro Will Not Be Participating In Any Local Awards

Gospel songstress Gloria Muliro has risen to become arguably the best female artiste in the gospel music scene ever since her collabo with Willy Paul ‘Sitolia’.The track was a complete success and it easily became the biggest song in 2012 topping gospel charts and bagging awards -as a result Willy and Gloria being named best artistes at the Groove awards.

Two years later, the two stars have re-united for another huge collabo dubbed ‘Kitanzi’.Gloria was also one of the artistes chosen to highlight last year’s edition of the annual Niko Na Safaricom Live Concert that toured different parts of the country.

She has a big heart too and since she started enjoying her success as an artiste, she has built a children’s home, resolved her issues with Willy Paul and now she has decided to step out of local awards in an effort to give other female gospel artisres a chance to win awards. Speaking to SDE’s Pulse Magazine, Gloria requested that she is not nominated for any awards,

“I thank God for the great success. Just as God has allowed me to shine, I desire for other artistes to shine too this year.In this regard, I will not be participating in any local awards and so I wish not to be nominated in any. I want to give a chance to other female artistes to thrive,”

Additional Reporting- Pulse

Willis Raburu Roasted By #KOT For ‘Killing’ The Healthy Nicholus Biwott

Citizen TV News Anchor and senior reporter Willis Raburu is the latest Kenyan Public Figure to receive a bitter share of the cyber bullying from the notorious KOT (Kenyans On Twitter). Raburu is said to have reported an unconfirmed news about the death of Former Cabinet Minister Nicholas Biwott.

Raburu’s report was dismissed by Biwott’s PA who confirmed to Kenyans that Nicholas Biwott is very much alive and kicking. Kenyans were not pleased with this and immediately took on Willis Raburu via their social media platform. Raburu was viciously attack for what KOT term as ‘spreading rumors’.

Below are a sample of the tweets which have left the truth meter reporter gasping for breath.

An Alternative Source Of Livelihood Is Embraced In Baringo County

Farmers and organized groups in arid and semi-arid areas of Baringo County are now embracing new emerging livestock enterprise on the realization that pastoralism has failed to meet the community daily demands.

Prolonged drought and erratic rainfall coupled with cattle rustling menace resulting to perennial food insecurity has led to drastic decline in performance in cattle and goats over time. Pastoral population also is increasing tremendously and can longer be supported purely by pastoralism due to rapid depletion of pasture and water in the drier zones

For instance, the archaic cattle rustling practice has seriously undermined the development of the individual, the society, the right to work hard, to health care, to adequate social amenities, to education and other vital necessities of life. Some of the enterprises which have won the hearts of the pastoral communities particularly in East Pokot which traditionally pay more attention to livestock rearing include camel rearing and poultry keeping.

As part of the strategy to tackle food security in this region, the government after massive sensitization campaigns through the United Nations Development Programmes(UNDP) launched a camel improvement project as an alternative source of livelihood to cattle rearing. Learning institutions have not been left behind in the adoption of the new technologies.

Cana Girls Rescue Home in Nginyang area, housing girls rescued from female genital mutilation (FGM), forced early marriages, child abuse and illiteracy has taken the lead in poultry keeping. The rescue home manager Nelly Chochoi says they started rearing poultry after they failed to get a sponsor to take care of the children affairs particularly in terms of food, clothing and sometimes paying fees for those in secondary, tertiary colleges and universities.

Nollywood Lures Pokello

Former Big Brother Africa housemate, Pokello Nare has landed her first acting role in a Nigerian movie. Pokello, who is causing a stir with her fashion styles across Africa with her Ghanaian boyfriend Elikem Kumordzie, was upbeat about the role. Pokello on Monday wrote on social media: "Reading this script I got for my first movie in Naija (Nigeria). Lol I'm laughing off. I'm trying to picture myself in this role! Kikikikiki."

The mother of one added that she needs to be serious and read her lines because the way she was laughing about it was not productive.

In an interview with The Herald Entertainment yesterday, Pokello, who is affectionately known as the 'Queen of Swag', confirmed the development.

"I am to star in a Nigerian movie. I have just received the script and started rehearsing. I will be leaving for Nigeria in February," she said.

One fan immediately responded to Pokello's message on Facebook saying she would be Africa's Angelina Jolie.

"Gosh the girl (has) got style. She is the next big thing to happen and move over Angelina Jolie as Poky takes centre stage. I guess she is such a lucky girl. What I like about Pokello is that she is real and let's put our fingers cross (sic) that her role suits (her) very well. Bring the gong home Poky," commented Mercy Kudakwashe.

Pokello has always been a tough girl who seems determined to get what she wants.

She has toured some parts of Africa marketing their label "Polikem" with Elikem doing fashion shows and radio interviews.

It is also rumoured that her boyfriend has opened a shop in Zimbabwe and is dressing top socialites and prominent figures.

Internationally, Elikem has dressed Africa's celebrities like Chris Attoh and actress and television presenter Ama K Ababrese. Pokello is following the footsteps of other former Big Brother Africa housemates that got roles in movies. Elikem has starred in latest Nigerian movie called "The Bachelor" featuring Jackie Appiah.

Weza Solange of Angola landed a role in South Africa's popular soap "Inkaba" while back home Munyadzi Chidzonga had roles in "Lobola" and "The Gentleman".

Weza admitted that she started acting on BBA after noticing that other housemates were acting more than being real on the show.

Pokello has become a regional celebrity since her stay in Big Brother house and time will tell if she is a good actress.

By Tafadzwa Zimoyo / The Herald, Zimbabwe

'Nigerians Broke My Relationship With Angelo' - Beverly Opens Up

Anyone who watched BBA season 8 (The Chase) would know Beverly Osu to be a talker without any bother in the world. Her subjects of conversation in the house had no borders too – she talked about anything there is to be talked about and calls out anyone there is to be called out. It was the reason some viewers (Nigerians or not) didn’t like her in the house and the same reason many favourited her.

Sadly, the young woman thinks Nigerians didn’t let her last in the arms of the only prize she took out of the BBA house – Angelo. But she has since moved on with her life. And with a new modeling deal with cosmetic brand, Prestige Cosmetics and fellow housemate Bimp constantly by her side, Angelo is the least person on Ms Osu’s list, it would seem.

The two BBA stars spoke to Hip Hop World Magazine about their relationship, insisting they are only ‘close’ friends, as against popular belief.

What is your relationship with Bimp?

We are close, everybody knows this right from the house. People think we are dating because he is always in Nigeria but we are good friends. Can’t I have a friend that is a boy?

What’s up with you and Angelo now?

We have broken up. Is it not Nigerians that caused it?

How did Nigerians cause it?

Today, one paper will say Beverly is with this man, tomorrow another paper will say another thing, I don’t know.

You and your friend/former manager Charity Owoh reportedly fought over Bimp, how true?

We are good; there is no issue between us. Yes, she was my manager but it’s just that we were mixing business with pleasure so I had to get another manager who is level headed and would take things serious that’s all. I’m hardly around so we don’t see each other most of the time.

How would you react to the criticism that trailed the sexual picture you used on your Christmas card?

Apparently, that picture was taken two years ago. I had deleted it from my page but later put it back on my own Instagram page, and people started insulting their forefathers thinking that they are insulting me and I was just laughing. Are they the ones that paid for my photo shoot?  Everybody has their own way of celebrating Christmas and that is why own way so I don’t understand how my own will be affecting someone’s soul. Anyway let them continue talking.

A video vixen (Vanetta Akpofure) named you the worse dressed celebrity, do you agree?

Now I want to talk about that issue. Two days after the Big Brother Africa show, I had not stepped out from where MNET kept me because I had a bad leg and was taking treatment for it and when I came back I heard about the  comment and I’m wondering where she saw me. Did she see me in her dreams? If it’s paining her she should buy me a fine dress since she is the best dressed celebrity.

Bimp had this to say:

You are frequent to Nigeria these days, why?

It’s my third time back here, I love Nigeria and I always want to come back. Nigeria has been treating me really really good but it is hot here.

What have you been doing after BBA?

I’m still working on that TV show that I’ve always talked about; One Love, One Blood, One Africa. I’m going to do some movies too hopefully, trying something on music. I have a company back in Ethiopia and I want to bring it down here in Nigeria. I’m trying to enter every business .The chase starts now!

What kind of business is it?

The company is owned by me and two other Italians, it’s an Italian based company called Quadra Luce and Designs. We provide interior designs; we design clubs, hotels, apartments, and we also provide electronics, and lightings, sound system for clubs, events and furniture too. So if you want anything just give me a call.

Are you both dating Beverly?

Bev and I are really close. To be with someone you see 24 hours a day in a house for three months and not getting to know the person better is not easy. You’ll realise that you will have a bond different from the friends you have out there. So we are close, I know a lot of people are speculating about us dating but we are really close.

Do you have a girlfriend?

No, not right now. I did have a girlfriend, I stayed true to her and Africa knows. But when I got back home, I discovered some things about her and she was cheating while I was away. So we had to end it.

Would anything happen between you and Beverly?

Hopefully, you never know. Who knows what tomorrow brings? Now that my relationship has ended, we’ll see. But for now, we are close, more like family.

By Dimeji Akinloye / Hip Hop World Magazine

Elikem In Court Over Odartey Lamptey's DNA Scandal

According to Citifmonline.com an Accra High Court has adjourned to January 22 the case involving former Black Star midfielder Nii Odartey Lamptey and his wife. The case was on Tuesday January 14, 2014 heard in Chambers at the Cocoa Affairs court room 14. Nii Odartey Lamptey who is the owner of Glow Lamp International School headed to court to seek divorce after over 20 years of marriage. This became necessary after Nii Odartey Lamptey conducted DNA test and discovered that the three children he has fathered all his life are not his biological children. Few weeks before Christmas, it will be recalled that there was an allegation from a highly placed source in an interview with XYZ News saying that Odartey Lamptey caught Elikem flirting with wife on three different occasions in their matrimonial home. Both Nii Odartey Lamptey and Elikem Kumordzi were in court together with family friends and sympathizers.
It would be recalled that Elikem reacted to some revelations made on Thursday, November 28, 2013 on rumour segment “Akika kika” on Okay FM’s drive time program “Ekwanso dwodwo” hosted by Abeiku Santana. The program alleged that Elikem had been having a secret affair with the footballer’s wife even before he went into the Big Brother house in May last year. He flatly denied the claims, suggesting the equation doesn't add up, and even went ahead to throw a jab at those spreading the rumors calling them “fools”. He sent his reaction via social media on twitter punching holes into the allegations; he adds that he must be some “gangster” of gigantic proportions to achieve that. “So fools. Do the math. Even if I was with sam1 for 5 years how am I the father of a 10yr old. Kwasia. means I was 15. Den am gangster. Lmao.”, Elikem tweeted. He has refused to make any further comment on the issue after his reaction on twitter. Now that the case is in court and Elikem has made an appearance, only time will tell if Elikem is indeed innocent of the allegations as he claims. By Eugene Osafo-Nkansah / PeaceFMonline, Ghana

Uti: 'I Battled Insolence, Leaching, Sabotage From People Last Year'

In a recent interview with Encomium Magazine, BBA All-Stars winner and TV personality, Uti Nwachukwu talked about his bitter experience in the hands of people he trusted that almost led him into clinical depression.

"I learnt a lot about loyalty and genuineness. I was really hurt last year year and a lot of true colors were revealed. I battled insolence, pride, treason, ingratitude, leaching, sabotage, and wickedness from people I least expected it from. I guess you have to be careful what you pray for, because I prayed for God to open up the hearts of people I care about. Let's just say if I wasn't spiritually strong with divine premonitions, I would have gone into clinical depression. But I guess I saw signs before but ignored them. God warns me in dreams but I guess I overlook these dreams.

The hardest part was that I was and had been used by the most unassuming people and after confronting the issues, the parties act like they don't need you any more but continuously gain from your platform. In all I learned so much about the human heart and also about myself and my errors. I am stronger (mentally and spiritually) wiser, more comfortable with my skin, more tolerant, gentle and definitely a lot more closer to God.

Credit: Nigeriafilms.com
- See more at: http://www.bigbrotherafricafanclub.com/2014/01/uti-i-battled-insolence-leaching.html#sthash.4kIehFub.dpuf

5 Effective Ways To Be A Good Listener

Many people are poor listeners but the truth is, If you want to advance your career, academics and build meaningful relationships, you need to listen. If you are a student, listening can make you understand more during lectures during lectures hence study less. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or professional, listening to business advice can make you grow and if you are in a relationship, listening to your partner can make you understand them better.

When you really listen, you demonstrate your interest in what is being said and you show your respect for the individual saying it. Listening is a magnetic force that draws people to us.

I bet all of us have at some point talked to someone and noticed he or she wasn’t really listening to you? How did it make you feel? Unimportant? Disrespected? Insulted? Remember those feelings and work diligently to ensure that people never feel the same way when they talk to you.

In this article I will highlight 5 things I have learned that can assist you in being a good listener.

1. Make Eye Contact and be present—The first step in being a good listener is to make eye contact with people while they are talking. Eye contact creates trust and demonstrates genuine interest in the person speaking as well as the conversation itself. Looking away can make you seem disinterested and disrespectful. Even when you are actually disinterested in what’s being said, always be present. People do notice if we are not really listening. Always focus on the discussion and not allow our minds to wonder. Sometimes in trash, you find a golden watch. So in a boring discussion you might learn something worthwhile.

2. Let others go First—If you start talking at the same time someone else is trying to finish their thought, it’s polite to stop and say, “I’m sorry, please continue” and let them finish. Even if what you have to say is important or it’s an answer to the question they raised, show them your respect by letting them finish. I certainly notice when people allow me to complete my sentences without “over talking” or interrupting. Do you?

3. Care About What’s Being Said—Show that you really care about what is being said. This is a way of showing people that what they say is important and encouraging them on.When part of a meeting a lecture or a group chat, never start a side conversation. It’s very annoying to the speakers when they notice that a group of people isn’t listening to what they are trying to say

4. Don’t Change The Subject—When you are engaged in a conversation, don’t change the subject unless the discussion is finished. I observe people who do this all the time in small group settings, business meetings and social encounters. If you change the subject of a discussion prematurely, you demonstrate a lack of interest in the discussion and indicate that what you have to say is more important.

5. Respond By Asking Questions—When you ask several questions that highlight a new angle during a conversation, you show a sincere interest in the topic. It shows that you are really committed to the objective of the discussion. A few days ago on his twitter page, Apprentice billionaire Donald Trump echoed a sentiment that has been shared among many bright people.  That“Most people operate at “the feeling level”, rather than “the thinking level”, even if they are good thinkers.” It’s not how you feel about the subject that matters. It’s what you think. .

Also, when you are listening, don’t give any clues that you are ready to respond. Don’t point your finger and don’t open your mouth. When I talk to people and I see that they are waiting on pins and needles to respond, I know they are no longer listening because they are more concerned with how they are going to respond than with listening to what I have to say

Health Benefits Of Baking Soda

Regardless of who you are, everyone would definitely at one point need to use baking soda for its many benefits in everyday life. Who would have thought such a simple element would be of so much importance.

Since we would not want any of our fans to be left behind, here is a list of a a few among the countless things baking soda can be used to achieve which I found very…very helpful:

1. Use it as an antacid.
2. Use it as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.
3. Mix half a teaspoon with peroxide paste and use it as toothpaste.
4. Use it as a face and body scrub.
5. Add a cup to bathwater to soften your skin.
6. Relieve skin itch from insect bites and pain from sunburn.
7. Remove strong odors from your hands by rubbing them with baking soda and water.
8. Put two tablespoons in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve diaper rash.
9. Apply it on rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy irritations.
10. Take a baking soda bath to relieve skin irritations.
11. Heartburn? Take a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one-half glass of water.
12. Freshen your mouth by gargling half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed water.
13. Relieve canker sore pain by using it as mouthwash.
14. Use it to relieve bee stings.
15. Use it to relieve windburns.
16. Apply it on jellyfish sting to draw out the venom.
17. Unblock stuffy nose by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your vaporizer.
18. Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon to the water in the vase.
19. Put out small fires on rugs, upholstery, clothing, and wood.
20. Put an open container of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odors.
21. Sprinkle it on your ashtrays to reduce bad odor and prevent smoldering.
22. Sprinkle it on your slippers, boots, shoes, and socks to eliminate foul odor.
23. Wipe your windshield with it to repel rain.
24. Improve the smell of dishrags by soaking them in baking soda and water.
25. Suck it in with your vacuum cleaner to remove the odor.
26. Freshen the air by mixing baking soda with your favorite perfumed bath salts. Put the mixture in small sachet bags.
27. Restore stiff brushes by boiling them in a solution of 1/2 gallon of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and a cup of baking soda.
28. Put it under sinks and along basement windows to repel cockroaches and ants.
29. Scatter baking soda around flowerbeds to prevent rabbits from eating your veggies.
30. Sprinkle it onto your cat’s litter box to absorb the bad odor.
31. Sprinkle it on your pet’s comb or brush to deodorize their fur and skin.

Wahu Reveals Another Side Of Husband Nameless

8 years down the line, these two celebrities hold the title of Kenya’s Power couple and we celebrate them. Nameless and Wahu are Kenya’s version of Beyonce and Jay Z for the very reason that they have succesfully kept their whole private life away from the limelight only revealing details that they feel should be out in the public.
The two talented artistes who are also amongst the pioneers in Kenya’s music industry are now proud parents to two beautiful daughters- Tumiso and Nyakio. You got to give it to them for managing to balance their music careers and their family lives and succesfully keeping away from the dramas that most celebrity relationships face. Here is a post from Wahu’s official blog Baby Love network about how they spent their holidays and it tells a story of a beautiful couple that loves and understands each other.

“With a series of scheduled performances (which entail lots of rehearsals) on the one hand, my salon being hectically busy on the other, a seven-year-old who’s morning greeting is followed by “what are we doing today” and a four month old who doesn’t love the bottle, I think it suffices to say that the holidays were hectic to say the least…

The height of it came when my lovely DM (house- help) happily packed her bags for the holidays…With this in mind, I hit the “battle field” after being married for eight years, I sorta know the things I shouldn’t try asking my hubby to do – He’s never gonna vacuum the carpet right, do the dishes, or prepare dinner. However, he’s mastered shopping, taking out the trash, baby sitting and entertaining Tumi. (That’s when he’s not on stage or at rehearsals himself; luckily none of our performances coincided, so that worked out ok).”

Courtesy- The Star, Baby Love Network

Kenyans Not Downloading Music? Tanzanian Artiste Tops List Of Most Downloaded On Mdundo!

Mdundo has announced its first quarter of royalty payments 2014 and surprisingly, Tanzanian hip hop heavyweight Nikki Mbishi holds the very top spot as the most downloaded artiste on the Kenyan Music download platform. Just two months after signing in to Mdundo, Nikki had a total of over 7000 downloads beating several Kenyan artistes.

Nikki is followed by Kenyan veteran rapper Khaligraph Jones with only 1,500 downloads. The fact that Khaligraph did a major track with Nikki last year goes to show that Kenyans dont have a culture of downloading their own Music. Mdundo aims to help promote Kenyan Music and help musicians get real value for their work.As fans, the least we can do is fight piracy and download music from our favorite artistes in a legit way-Something that Tanzanians are clearly beating us at. Khaligraph Jones pointed this out on a recent interview and explained that although he was happy about being the most downloaded Kenyan artiste, he wasnt excited about the number of downloads he had.

Mdundo started off about a year and a half ago in collaboration with some of Kenya’s best artistes and since then the number of active users has rapidly grown.It is now one of the most legit sites to download music from your favourite African artistes and for absolutely free. It proudly boasts of signing atleast 500 active artists with a vision to further expand their market in East Africa.

Here is what the Operations Manager Thiru Mungai had to say,

“The Tanzanian market is looking very impressive and it’s quite exciting for us to see how fast we have grown there in 2013 so we are looking forward to what 2014 has to offer”,

And,
“I think this will push some of our artists to want to succeed therefore push out their music and increase competition amongst them, we are also looking to promote our Kenyan artists in Tanzania”. He added.

Additional Reporting-Mdundo