The MTV Staying Alive Foundation (SAF) has announced the production of MTV Shuga Mashariki, ahead of its highly anticipated return in May 2025.

This season is part of a landmark collaboration with Shujaaz Inc., aimed at challenging gender norms and their impact on the outcomes of young people, as part of the Surround Sound Kenya Programme. 

MTV Shuga Mashariki’s directorial team features three celebrated Kenya directors: June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi Mwakaba and Likarion Wainaina.

Known for their groundbreaking work in Kenyan film and television, these directors bring a wealth of experience, creativity and passion to the production.

Under their visionary leadership, MTV Shuga Mashariki is set to deliver an unforgettable season that not only entertains but also sparks critical conversations about the lives of young people across Kenya and East Africa. 

June Ndinya is celebrated for her dynamic storytelling in hit teen dramas like ‘Flash Squad’ and ‘Prefects’, earning her a reputation as a powerhouse of bold, authentic narratives.

Mkaiwawi Mwakaba, co-founder of the African Female Filmmakers Collective, blends technical expertise with a passion for innovative storytelling, making significant strides in the Kenyan film industry, including co-directing the 2024 film ‘Makosa Ni Yangu’.

Likarion Wainaina, internationally acclaimed for his award-winning feature film ‘Supa Modo’, continues to redefine African cinema with fresh, impactful narratives that resonate globally.

Mitchelle Kimathi, Country Manager (Kenya), MTV Staying Alive Foundation says, “We are particularly proud to have two female directors on board, whose perspectives are crucial in shaping how themes affecting young women and girls are portrayed on the show. "

Adding "By having women engaged in shaping this creative process, we can authentically showcase societal issues and their impact, especially those that intersect with gender. Their contributions allow us to highlight these challenges with nuance, empathy and depth.”

MTV Shuga Mashariki will be produced by Reuben Odanga in collaboration with the award-winning Kenyan production company, Multan Production Limited.

Multan has produced notable series including ‘Mo Faya’, ‘Selina’, ‘Saida’, ‘Nafsi’ and ‘A Familiar Christmas’. 

 Celebrated Kenyan cinematographer Enos Olik ha also joined the production team.

Enos will play a key role in shaping the visual identity of the series, ensuring that the narratives are not only impactful but also visually unforgettable.

The filmmaker, educator and pioneer in East Africa’s entertainment industry, brings over a decade of expertise in crafting visually compelling narratives that resonate both locally and internationally.

Enos’s notable works include the anthology film ‘Anyango and the Ogre’ (2021), ‘Crime and Justice’ series (2021–2023), ‘Supa Modo’ (2018), ‘Famous’ musical drama (2021) and ‘The Christmas Run’ (2024).

Wame Jallow, Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation says, “MTV Shuga Mashariki is a celebration of Kenyan talent and storytelling, and we are thrilled to have a fully local team of directors leading the way."

The return of MTV Shuga Mashariki builds on the show’s legacy of discovering and nurturing fresh talent.

The new season is set to hit TV screens in May 2025.

This new chapter of MTV Shuga continues the show’s signature approach of authentic storytelling developed based on national-level youth-focused research, with production driven by Kenyan talent that reflects the authentic experiences and voices of the country’s youth.

It remains a powerful tool for addressing pressing social issues affecting young people.

By combining locally rooted narratives with global production standards, MTV Shuga Mashariki reinforces the power of storytelling to drive societal change, challenge restrictive gender norms, and inspire young people to take charge of their futures.

Known for their romantic love songs, Vijana Barubaru have established themselves as the go-to artists for capturing the essence of love in East Africa.

Their music embodies the sweet and sour realities that lovers experience across the world, while also reflecting their journey as two young men growing up in Nairobi.

This fusion of personal experiences and universal emotions creates the perfect musical blend for their listeners across East Africa.

Since February is the month of love, Vijana Barubaru have curated a special 8-song EP titled Nairobi In Love - a gift to romantics everywhere.

The project was released on 7th February 2025 and is available on all streaming platforms and YouTube, featuring collaborations with some of Kenya’s finest love song artists, including Okello Max, Sanaipei Tande, and the rising duo Watendawili.

True to their tradition of spotlighting new talent, the duo has also teamed up with emerging artist Davy Waweru, whose sound is sure to win hearts.

This February, immerse yourself in Nairobi In Love as we fill the airwaves with roses, wine, and lipstick - celebrating the beauty of love through music.

EP Track List:

1. Look Where We Are – V-BE
2. Amanda – V-BE X Watendawili
3. Liwe Liwalo (Remix) – V-BE X Sanaipei Tande
4. Imba Imba – V-BE
5. Huyu Akisema – V-BE
6. Pedeje – V-BE X Okello Max
7. Ololufe
8. If You Don’t Know – V-BE X Davy Waweru

Mombasa's youth have been challenged to study foreign languages to be able to compete in the International job market.

The C.EO International Jaamia of Languages and Professional studies Dr. Hassan Kinyua made the appeal during a career fair held in Mombasa on Saturday.

According to Kinyua, this will help the youth appreciate global diversity and expands their thinking horizons as they grow up to be responsible global citizens.

He noted that this will be one way of tackling unemployment in the country.

"As we all know Mombasa is a tourism city, we have so many visitors from foreign land who come here, we have so many hotels here, so as a youth, learning foreign languages puts you in an advantage position when it comes job opportunities. These tourists need someone who will understand them and who they can easily communicate to" argued Kinyua.

Adding "It is not only in the hotel industry where you can get a job, we have opportunities in the shipping industry, most of these ships have foreigners onboard and usually travel to other foreign countries, how do you expect to be employed in that industry if you dont know the foreign languages."

He further noted that the World is now turning into a global village thus the need for the youth to equip themselves with enough skills.

"You cannot be just sitting there waiting for a job opportunity yet you have not equipped yourself with the necessary skills."

"As an institution, we saw there is a need for our youths to equip themselves and that is why we started teaching foreign languages, we teach over six foreign languages and have a presence here in Mombasa."

After three years, TRESOR, the multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, producer and visionary makes his highly anticipated return to music with the release of “Wale Wale” featuring Kenyan global sensation Sofiya Nzau.

The exhilarating collaboration once again demonstrates why TRESOR’s artistry remains unparalleled.

Sofiya Nzau, whose vocals graced the global hit "Mwaki," brings her unmistakable energy and soulful artistry to “Wale Wale,” a captivating fusion of African house and pop. The collaboration between TRESOR and Sofiya Nzau delivers an unforgettable soundscape that inspires freedom and hope—a radiant anthem of liberation, a dreamer’s prayer brought to life.

Both artists are renowned for redefining African pop music on the global stage. Ahead of the release, TRESOR shares, “This song is deeply personal to me. It’s a celebration of the freedom to dream boundlessly and live those dreams out loud,” adding, “Working with Sofiya Nzau was pure magic; her energy elevated the song to another level.”

The track was born out of a single inspired studio session, where melodies flowed freely, capturing the essence of TRESOR’s belief in creating without boundaries. “The energy of this song is unlike anything I’ve done before,” he says. “It’s joyful, uplifting and a testament to the power of African melodies to resonate universally.”

With an extraordinary discography that includes critically acclaimed albums like ‘VII’, ‘The Beautiful Madness’ and ‘Nostalgia’, TRESOR has carved out a legacy as an African Pop Maverick and one of the continent’s most celebrated musical exports. His collaboration with Sofiya Nzau further underscore his dedication to nurturing and spotlighting emerging African talent on the world stage.

Sofiya Nzau’s voice has swiftly become a beacon for East Africa, captivating fans with her deep, soulful style that honors Kenya’s rich musical heritage while embracing a modern, innovative edge. Widely celebrated as the voice of East Africa, Sofiya continues to resonate with audiences far and wide.

Wale Wale” marks his return to the stage as an artist, reconnecting with the music that has always been the core of his creative journey.

The release follows TRESOR’s recent alignment with his very own newly opened Sunset Recording Studios in Stellenbosch, South Africa - reaffirming his commitment to elevating African artistry globally. He also teases that this single is just the beginning, with plans to release more music this year, “in so many forms.”

TRESOR’s illustrious career has seen him earn critical acclaim for his genre-defying sound. He has dominated international charts, collaborated with global icons like Drake, Ed Sheeran and Metallica. As the founder of Jacquel Entertainment Group, TRESOR has also cemented himself as a pioneering force in the business of music. 

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has fired back at his critics, warning them not to confuse his silence for weakness.

Speaking in Kisauni during a pass-out exercise for ECDE teachers, Nassir labelled the critics as 'noisemakers, noting  that he is unshaken by political 'noise'.

"When a leader is being attacked and remains silent it does not mean that they are weak. For a leader to take all that noise and attacks is a sign that the leader is strong, confident and has wisdom" said Nassir.

Adding" We will not move forward and achieve our development goals if we keep on focusing on all the noise out there"

Nassir alluded confidence of winning a second term.

"I served as an Mp for two terms, I'm now serving my first term as the governor and God willing I will win the next election and serve my second term" 

"All those stones that they are throwing towards me, I will use them to build a castle"

The 9-hole Mombasa Golf Club will play host to the second leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour on Saturday as 100 golfers flex their muscles in the eagerly awaited tourney.

Golfers will brave the lush green as early as 6:30 am for the morning tee action while the afternoon tee is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 pm.

Top amateur golfers from Mombasa and its environs will take part at the competition.

Speaking about the event, Mombasa Sports Club Vice Captain George Mokaya said: “It is such an honor to be part of the KCB Golf series for the second year running. Last year, we had a successful tournament so we expect to replicate the same this year. We have many golfers who have already booked their slots for the weekend’s action. I am looking forward to a fruitful golf action.”

The top two teams from Saturday’s action will automatically book their places in the tour’s grand finale that is slated for December 5, 2025. The venue for this year’s grand finale will be announced ahead of the event.

Just like last year, the winning team will receive a KShs. 1 million cash reward that will go to a sustainability team that their club is currently undertaking.

Additionally, they will get an opportunity to participate in a prestigious golf tournament.

“We firmly believe that we are playing a pivotal role in pushing the golf agenda. Our involvement in the sport is aimed at providing a platform for enthusiasts to enjoy themselves while also putting Kenya on the global map as a sporting nation. Mombasa has a growing fanbase of golf so it was  a no-brainer for us to go back and host our tournament for the second consecutive time,” said KCB Group Director Marketing and Communications Rosalind Gichuru.

KCB’s efforts to expand the sport will see the bank host a juniors’ only golf clinic on Sunday and a tree planting exercise in a bid to strengthen environmental conservation initiatives through the golf series.

The next leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour will be held at the Nandi Bears Club on February 15, 2025.

Azeezah Hashim, celebrated media maven and sought-after event emcee, is excited to announce her participation as a moderator on the Generational Wealth Panel at Youth+ Africa, a platform dedicated to empowering African youth through social entrepreneurship and leadership.

In this panel discussion, Azeezah will guide conversations on how to combine personal excellence with high-functioning professional skills to build wealth, create value in the marketplace, and establish generational legacies.

The session promises to inspire young professionals with actionable strategies to thrive both personally and professionally.

"I’m honoured to be a part of the Youth+Africa family," said Azeezah. "This is such an important conversation for our generation—exploring how we can blend our best selves with our professional side to not only build wealth but also leave an enduring legacy. I look forward to engaging with everyone and learning together. Empowering youth is something that is very close to my heart! "

Youth+ Africa is on a mission to nurture a generation of youth eager to solve societal challenges through social entrepreneurship and leadership.

By equipping African youth with the skills and knowledge to create effective change in their communities, Youth+ Africa fosters innovation and leadership that drive positive transformation.

Azeezah Hashim continues to make her mark in the media and events space, with her  bold personality and thoughtful insights setting her apart as a leader in her field. As a rising star and one to watch, Azeezah is committed to inspiring the next generation and pushing boundaries in media, events, and youth empowerment.

On Wednesday 29th January 2025, the African Union (AU) and the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) formalized its long-standing partnership in promoting Africa’s creative and cultural industries, particularly in the field of music.

This MoU aims to strengthen the already existing partnership since 2014 when AFRIMA launched its first Award ceremony that honors exceptional African musical talents and the promotion of African music at the international stages.

Over the years our collaboration has achieved enormous success together, especially in implementing the Revised AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries and upholding the principles of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance; organizing the 2020 “Stronger Together’’ online concert for the COVID-19 Response Fund; and advocating for key AU initiatives towards Agenda 2063 as Africa’s premier Intergovernmental Organization and Africa’s premier music awards platform, respectively.

 Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, underscored that, with the signing of this MoU, the AUC and AFRIMA reaffirm their dedication to nurturing African musical talent, expanding opportunities for all artists, and leveraging music as a tool for integration, social cohesion and economic transformation. “This agreement signifies a new chapter in our collaboration, ensuring that African music continues to flourish, uplift communities, and contribute to the well-being of artists and the continent’s development agenda.” Cessouma stated.

Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed collaboration, extending appreciation to current and former AU Commissioners for their visionary leadership, overwhelming support and dedication to the course of Africa’s creative industry.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone and a great step forward in our shared mission to elevate African music and culture on the global stage. Looking forward to the continued growth of this partnership for the benefit of our continent.’’ Mr. Dada indicated.

Train users traveling to and from Mombasa via the Madaraka Express Passenger Service are set to begin enjoying a smooth and easy connection to and from Mombasa CBD.

This will be via the Link train that is set to commence operations between Mombasa Terminus in Miritini and Mombasa Railway station in the Coastal town's CBD soon. 

The project which is at an advanced stage of construction. 

The 2.5-kilometer MGR link line is already complete.

On Tuesday, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga toured the Mombasa Terminus to Mombasa Railway station corridor to ascertain the progress.

"We are looking to operationalize the Link train for Mombasa County soon. Once operational, residents, tourists, train enthusiasts and visitors to Mombasa will use the Link train. This train will ease access to not only Mombasa Terminus and Mombasa CBD but also the areas in between these two destinations", he said.

Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi has urged Senators to take the lead in ensuring the success of devolution by enacting key legislation to support its implementation.

Speaking at the official opening of the Senate Midterm Retreat in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Speaker Kingi emphasized that Kenyans are relying on the Senate to realize the full potential of devolution.

He acknowledged the challenges that have hindered the process, including inadequate financing and delayed disbursement of funds, but commended Senators for their efforts in ensuring that Kenyans continue to benefit from devolved governance.

"This retreat is not just about reflection, it is about reaffirming our commitment to the successful implementation of devolution and improved governance in our county governments,” stated Speaker Kingi.

As the Senate prepares to begin its fourth session on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Speaker urged lawmakers to remain focused and dedicated to their duties.

He particularly warned against absenteeism, which he noted has negatively impacted House proceedings in the past.

“Will we be remembered as a Senate that strengthened devolution, upheld accountability and championed the interests of counties or will we be remembered as a Senate that let opportunities slip away?” he challenged the lawmakers.

He further declared, “As part of our renewed commitment and dedication to making the 4th Session more impactful and rewarding, we must agree to slay the dragon of absenteeism, which as witnessed in the past sessions has so often denied the House the requisite quorum to conduct its business.”

Speaker Kingi reassured both the Senators and the Kenyan public of his steadfast commitment to his constitutional mandate promising to remain impartial and dedicated to the success of devolution.

"As Speaker of the Senate, I pledge my commitment to fostering unity, efficiency and progress in our work. The Senate’s success is Kenya’s success. The strength of devolution is the strength of our democracy,” he affirmed.

The retreat which began this Wednesday brings together all Senators and key stakeholders including representatives from the National Government, the County Assemblies Forum, the Council of Governors and the Commission on Revenue Allocation.