Hassan Saleh, the Managing Director MultiChoice Uganda.
By Our Reporter
Last Friday, MultiChoice Uganda held its annual media showcase under the theme “Celebrating Our Voices, Telling Our Stories.”
The virtual showcase was carried on MultiChoice Uganda’s DStv and GOtv social media platforms showcasing the wide range of entertaining content that the Pay TV giant has added since September 2020 when the inaugural showcase was held.
For Uganda, the launch of Pearl Magic Prime, the second channel dedicated to Ugandan content, was perhaps the biggest highlight. The channel is now home to riveting drama series Prestige and Sanyu. Both shows were nominated for Best TV Drama in the 2021 Uganda Film Festival Awards and Prestige won the accolade.
The promise to showcase the best of Ugandan storytelling is perfectly captured in this year’s theme which explores telling stories of diversity, local content, culture, innovation and celebration of the life MultiChoice has breathed into these stories, enabling various Ugandan voices be heard across its viewing platforms.
Speaking at the event, Hassan Saleh, the Managing Director, MultiChoice Uganda said; “As we celebrate our brand history, I want to resound MultiChoice’s commitment to investment and strategic partnerships as we strive to deliver outstanding value for our customers. Through the MultiChoice Talent Factory, a CSR initiative intended to train passionate film actors, producers and writers, we have provided immense opportunities and harnessed skills of youth that we believe will play a pivotal role in shaping the film industry in the country.”
Saleh added that, “We have also gone ahead to recognize the talents that we have in our country, by offering a platform for content to be showcased. Through strategic partnerships we’ve also been able to award outstanding film creations in Uganda. For instance, with the recently held Uganda Film Festival, MultiChoice Uganda as a platinum sponsor staked millions of cash prizes for best creative films and offered sponsorship for film mentorship programs with M-Net studios for the best performers.”
As a fulfilment of the promise to deliver great entertainment, Saleh disclosed that there will be a new East African channel launching later this year. The channel will showcase premium East African productions from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Colin Asiimwe, the Head of Marketing, MultiChoice Uganda remarked that, “As MultiChoice Uganda, we are mandated to provide our viewers with thought-provoking and entertaining content hence the expansion and addition of several new channels curated to fit our Ugandan cultural nuances. Pearl Magic Prime, a homegrown entertainment channel is set to amplify viewing experiences with world-class content like Sanyu, a telenovela, Prestige, a drama series, Mama and Me, a dramedy, Story Yangeso much more as we look to connect with our audiences.”
“We also recently launched HONEY TV, our first pan African lifestyle channel that offers an exciting blend of African lifestyle content, including bold and unscripted shows by African producers and talented personalities for curious and connected African audiences,” Asiimwe added.
Wild Earth, a real-time wildlife channel that circumnavigates the action in the jungle and offers a thrilling wild life adventure is also a recent addition to MultiChoice’s content offering.
“Premium content and quality viewing is at the heart of MultiChoice Uganda therefore we shall be launching new channels and adding a variety of content specs to keep you locked and entertained 24/7,” Mr. Asiimwe concluded.
Multichoice has been telling African stories for over 20 years, reaching far and wide across the continent. Its DStv and GOtv platforms have continued to grow over the years, launching numerous local channels with more planned as the group increases its local content investment.
MultiChoice Uganda has announced that Showmax mobile subscribers in Uganda will pay UGX 11,499 a month for access to the full Showmax catalogue on a single mobile device. This is an almost 25% reduction on the previous price point of UGX 15,200.
Speaking about the price reduction, Colin Asiimwe, Head of Marketing, MultiChoice Uganda, says, “We know that consumers are under pressure at the moment and we believe this change will be appreciated by our mobile customers as will the decision not to increase any of our other prices. We look forward to more Ugandans enjoying our proudly African stories.”
So far this year, MultiChoice’s streaming platform has already released four Showmax Originals: the follow-up to the very popular Tali’s Wedding Diary: Tali’s Baby Diary; the small-town psychological thriller DAM; the Kenyan police procedural Crime and Justice, a co-production with CANAL+; and reality series I Am LAYCON, Nigeria’s first Showmax Original, featuring Big Brother Naija Season 5 winner, Lekan Agbeleshe aka Laycon.
Other Showmax Originals on the way in 2021 include the Cape Flats neo-noir murder mystery Skemerdans; a second co-production with CANAL+, Blood Psalms, an epic series based on ancient African mythology; and its first international reality TV series format, Temptation Island South Africa.
The Showmax mobile plan is designed for individuals who only watch on a mobile device like a phone or tablet.
Meanwhile, the standard Showmax plan remains UGX 30,300, Showmax Pro remains UGX 67,200 and Showmax Pro mobile remains UGX 33,600 per month.
Ugandan sensational singer, Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool has also secured his life from the deadly Coronavirus, we can confirm.
This is after he received the first jab of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
The 43-year-old was vaccinated on Tuesday at UMC Victoria Hospital in Bukoto, one of the designated vaccination sites in Kampala by Ministry of Health.
Bebe Cool receiving his AstraZeneca jab
After getting the jab, the ‘Surrender’ singer took to social media to urge his fans to also go get vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Done with my covid-19 first vaccine shot. Go for yours and save lives,”Bebe Cool stated.
Bebe joins a list of fellow celebrities like; Golola Moses, Jose Chameleone, Pallaso, among others who have already gotten the COVID-19 jab.
Last month, the Ministry of Health received the first batch of 864,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Since then, COVID-19 vaccination has been rolling out freely across Uganda.
TV personality, Faridah Nakazibwe has been unveiled as an ambassador for Chipper Cash, a financial platform that enables instant cross-border mobile money transfers in Africa.
The NTV News Anchor was unveiled on Wednesday at a press briefing that was held at the Chipper Cash offices located at SMS House on 7th street in Kampala.
“I am honored to have been chosen to work with the Chipper Cash brand,” she told media. “They are relatively new on the market, but very aggressive. I am happy to be walking this journey with them.”
According to Dan Tumuramye, the Country Manager of Chipper Cash, Faridah was chosen for the ambassadorial role because she resonates well with their target audience. “We are excited to have Faridah Nakazibwe join the Chipper Cash family. Besides being vibrant online, she is also a media personality, and her outlook to her base fits well into our user attraction base.”
Faridah Nakazibwe will be charged with creating visibility and strengthening brand equity for the Chipper Cash brand.
Her unveiling comes after Chipper Cash recently launched in the UK. As part of the launch offer, users in the UK get a 15% instant cash back when they send money back to Uganda using the platform while the receiver also gets a 5% cash back.
On the other hand, each Ugandan who downloads the app and shares their referral link to a person in the UK (friend or family) gets UGX50,000 as a referral bonus when the UK person downloads the app, verifies their account, and sends £20 to any Chipper Cash user in Uganda.
“With my TV show, I have been very busy in the diaspora, especially the UK and the US. I think the timing to have me on board is perfect and this will be a plus for the brand.” Faridah Nakazibwe concluded.
In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic that saw the entertainment industry crippled, the world’s most awarded premium vodka, Smirnoff partnered with NTV to give viewers an ultimate dance party experience dubbed the NTV Dance Party.
The show was formed to encourage people to keep up the weekend outgoing spirit, however, this time partying while staying safely at home during the lockdown.
From Lynda Ddane’s dazzling fashion sense to the electrifying music played by Guvnor deejays, Baby Love and Mark Rebel to the energy of presenters Crysto Panda and Esco Mc and the signature Smirnoff cocktail recipes, viewers were taken on an entertainment journey at a time when everything had shut down and the world was a sad and gloomy place, every single Saturday.
NTV Dance party also held a series of fun games like the, ‘dress up to go nowhere,’ where viewers were given an opportunity to dress up in their favorite outfits and chill with friends and family whilst enjoying a Smirnoff. The best dressed viewers won prizes like the Smirnoff starter packs that included a crate of Smirnoff, two bottles of vodka, a bar set up, a mixologist and a DJ delivered at the winner’s doorstep for enjoyment.
As the show celebrates a year of bringing the party to its viewer’s homes this Saturday April 24, the Brand Manager of Smirnoff, Annet Nakigaya, the official sponsor of the ultimate party says that the most Ugandan thing we can all do is keep safe and hang out from home.
“Smirnoff is a brand that recognizes the importance of adapting as things change in society and is committed to doing the right thing and the NTV Dance Party is the perfect choice to stay connected with family, friends while hanging out from home,” said Nakiyaga.
Several artistes are lined up to perform during the show and there are lots of Smirnoff goodies to be won by viewers.
Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime can’t wait to welcome her first child with her musician boyfriend Abraham Tukahiirwa alias Skylanta.
As her due date draws closer, the comedy queen was treated to a lavish baby shower by friends.
Among these included; singer Sheebah Karungi, Jalia Vivienne Mbuga, fashionistas Malaika Sauba and Linda Butare (Nunu), and Selassie.
Taking it to her social media, Kansiime could not hide her excitement.
“And there’s no time to spare as we make way, make way for the little ninja to arrive. Our cool Antiz are already inline to receive him,” Anne Kansiime wrote.
Kansiime and hubby Skylanta started dating in 2018. This was after her break-up with her ex-husband, Gerald Ojok, in 2017.
Reach A Hand Uganda has launched a new initiative that will give a platform to young people from all walks of life to showcase and harness their different talents.
Dubbed SAUTI Canvas, it was unveiled on Thursday during an event held at the Voices & Beats offices in Makindye.
According to Humphrey Nabimanya, the Founder and CEO Reach A Hand Uganda, the SAUTI Canvas initiative is aimed at promoting inclusivity, empowerment, meaningful youth participation, talent and creating opportunities for the different categories of the young people.
“Ours is a mandate to ensure that all young people have access to opportunities; opportunities to explore their talents and harness their full potential.” Humphrey Nabimanya remarked.
The SAUTI Canvas debut edition will run under the theme “focus on abilities” in a bid to target young people with disabilities.
This edition’s emphasis will be on transforming attitudes and norms around the participation of young people with disabilities in the music and arts culture in Uganda to be more inclusive and offer them opportunities to develop and market their talents in arts.
“Persons with disabilities play an important role in the development process of a nation like Uganda. Over the years, we have worked to ensure that our programming is inclusive of PWDs and the SAUTI Canvas is one of these programmes. With it, we hope to empower and promote inclusivity of PWDs in the music and arts industry.” Added Humphrey Nabimanya.
The canvas will focus on Hip Hop & rap, Instrumentalists and Dance.
When the Junior Drama Club (JDC) TV series starts, Diana Nabatanzi (Linda) is having a heated argument with his husband, Uncle Mo (playing as Gerald).
Just in front of their two children, Diana and Uncle Mo strip themselves bear.
Diana expresses discontent with Mo’s relationship with his ex with whom he has a son. Diana demands that Mo stops meeting or talking to his baby mama in her absentia, a suggestion that seems to rattle Mo.
Their two kids can’t take it, and while mother and father argue, they sneak out of the car. Diana blames hubby for the unfortunate occurrence, before stepping out to look for the children. Their relationship seems to be headed for a knock.
JDC is set in a school. Parents are cast taking their children to school and a lot of drama unfolds on the way to school, in the compound, and corridors.
Some parents can’t tolerate each other. One is riled by a colleague (Malaika Nyanzi) wearing a mini-skirt which, according to the dismayed parent (Natasha Sinayobwe) is inappropriate. The two parents face off in the school head’s office. It’s pure drama!
At the boarding section checkpoint, a pupil (Ezekiel) is found with a wet boxer, which the custodian raises up, as if to embarrass the young man. Clearly, Ezekiel lacks good upbringing. Later, we however come to realize he has a great heart as he cares for other disadvantaged children.
JDC is jam packed with a star cast playing various roles. It’s humorous and educative at the same time. The first episode leaves you yearning to see what will happen next. It’s foreplay at best.
We can’t wait for the coming episodes. JDC premiered on YouTube few weeks back.
The Uganda Cancer Society Patient Access Program in conjunction with the Rotary Uganda Cancer Program recently distributed an assortment of relief items to cancer patients in Kampala.
The team visited four patients’ hostels where they delivered different necessities which included food items among others.
The beneficiary hostels included; The Cancer Charity Fund in Bukoto, Patient Relief Mission in Nsambya and Bless A Child on Kawempe Road and New Hope Hostel on Gayaza Road.
The relief items come as part of the proceeds which were raised from the 13th edition of the Tanqueray All Music Safari.
“We are delighted to see how the fruits of last year’s charity fundraiser are benefiting a large number of those in need. This is all possible because of the generous hearts that have continuously supported our Tanqueray All Music Safari for years. We are now looking forward to another great experience come November,” said Annette Nakiyaga, International Premium Spirits Manager, UBL.
This year’s All Music Safari will continue to work closely with The Rotary Uganda Cancer Program and The Uganda Cancer Society Patient Access Programs.
Touted as the ultimate dance party, the NTV Dance Party show has celebrated its first anniversary.
The Smirnoff-sponsored show made a year of bringing the party to people’s living rooms on Saturday, April 24. For the past 52 weekends, the show has turned gloomy Saturdays into exciting evenings.
To mark their first anniversary, they did it in the best way they know how to — with a mega dance party.
The show was fun packed as the NTV Mix show hosts Daggy Nyce and Etania joined Lynda Ddane, Mc Esco and Crysto Panda to celebrate the one year milestone.
From the legend Chameleone, arguably lockdown’s biggest artist Pallaso, Weasel, Ykee Benda, B2C, Fefe Bussi to Fik Fameica, the viewers were kept on their feet.
Ann Nakawombe, the producer of the NTV Dance Party thanked Smirnoff for being part of the ultimate dance party.
“It’s been 52 dance parties and I want to thank everyone that has made the dance party a success. In a special way, I want to thank Smirnoff for supporting the party every weekend,” said Nakawombe.
At the beginning of the show viewers were tasked with solving the brief case mystery and the lucky winner was gifted a Smirnoff ice pack.
To crown off the night’s celebration, the dance party team cut cake.
Last month, Fik Fameica updated his Instagram profile with pictures from a deal signing with the caption ‘Sealed and signed with Bell Lager’ leaving us all guessing about the finer details.
Well, the cat is finally out of the bag! Fresh Bwoy has officially been unveiled as Bell Lager’s brand ambassador under a campaign called ‘Mpola Enjoyments’.
Along for the ride is also TV host and singer – Crysto Panda – as well as radio host and social media influencer – Prim Asiimwe.
The campaign is inspired by unconventional ways to make the good times flow anywhere, anytime as long as you have your crew, the vibe is right, with your Nyama and an ice-cold Bell Lager.
Matilda Babuleka, the Bell Lager Brand Manager says, “The campaign has various elements to it and offers a diverse range of options for fun. At the heart of it, Ugandans are fun-loving people who always find a way to let the good times flow. With Mpola Enjoyments, this could either be a chill plan at your local nyama choma spot or game night with friends.”
Canary Mugume proposes to girlfriend Sasha Ferguson
By BigEyeUg Team
NBS TV news anchor Canary Mugume is the latest man off the shelf after longtime girlfriend Sasha Naggi aka Sasha Ferguson accepting his marriage proposal.
Canary treated girlfriend, Ferguson to a lovely dinner at one of the lavish hotels around Kampala, where he went down on one knee to ask her for a hand-in-marriage.
GNL Zamba has applauded fellow musician A Pass for asking all local online music-publishing platforms that do not pay artistes to pull down his music.
G.N.L Zamba
A Pass is against Ugandan websites that upload music without any payments in return to the musicians.
He argues that if these sites pull down all his music he can then push his fans to access it on other music streaming platforms that share revenue with the artistes.
“All Ugandan websites that upload Ugandan music and don’t pay money to the artists please remove all my music on your platform when you see this tweet. #RemoveAllMyMusic,” A Pass wrote on his Twitter platform.
APass
GNL has shown full support for his actions, stating that, “When I came back to Uganda and did this before the spear album release most people called me mad and the media houses linked to these websites stopped playing my music and also refused to nominate my works for their awards. Their loss!!! Because real money in a bank account is better than a sprayed wooden statue!!! Glad my brother is also woke to this exploitation.#RemoveAllMyMusic fans that support art can access my works directly on my website and platforms that pay me for my work!!!”
However, this could be a bumpy ride for the ‘’Nkwagala’ singer as he has already earned criticism from some deejays, local radios, and TV stations.
The May edition for the Tanqueray brunch that was held at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Sunday was graced by a host of excited guests seeking to enjoy a fun afternoon together with friends and family.
During the brunch, there was plenty served to delight the palate including differently cooked foods, pastries, fruits and cocktails that came in nonstop till late afternoon.
To accompany the feasting, there was entertainment from the band, Simba Sounds who performed an exhilarating set, doing renditions of popular songs, that lasted about four hours.
“Today has been an exciting day for us. The music, the guests, the food, everything about the afternoon has been beautiful. The energy has been intoxicating and wonderful and without a doubt the best way to spend your Sunday!” shared Nurdin Samji, one of the guests who showed up for the brunch.
Held every first Sunday of the month, the Brunch extravaganza has become a favourite for foodies around Kampala looking for a fun and comfortable space to experience fine dining.
Mpaka Records boss, Ykee Benda has revealed that he was recently snubbed by fellow musician Spice Diana.
He says that Spice refused to share her new phone contact with him despite his pleas.
Ykee Benda
Ykee shared his disappointment on social media, captioning the photo above, “That look I gave to Spice Diana after she had refused to share her new number 😹😹. Spice kati Mbu ki ??”.
Meanwhile, Ykee Benda has a new album dubbed ‘Kirabo’ underway.
Barely a week after the official release of his new music album ‘Made In Africa’, the singer has taken the album to New York streets.
This after his new album was featured on New York’s Times Square Billboard.
In a post on his social media platforms, the multi-international award-winning singer revealed that ‘Made In Africa’ album had been screened on the famous New York’s billboard courtesy of its major distributors, Prime Music Partner.
“I’m on Time Square billboard for the Second time. This time around, its my latest album Made in Africa alongside Prime Music partners,” Eddy Kenzo wrote online.
It is believed that the new 21-track album was displayed on New York’s Times Square Billboard on 30th April, the same date that it was officially released.
This is the second time Eddy Kenzo appears on the New York’s Times Square Billboard.
The first time was in September 2020 when one track off the album ‘Missounwa’ featuring Mama Monique Seka was screened on the Billboard.
The Human Rights Committee of Parliament has ordered the arrest and prosecution of Kampala Socialite, Bryan White over sexual misconduct offences, this website has learnt.
It should be recalled in 2020, Bryan White was accused of sexual harassment by over five of his former female employees.
Some of these included; Stella Nandawula and Vivian Mutanda who all who all accused Bryan White of sexual abuse.
Stella Nandawula
The Parliament of Uganda first picked interest in the case last year as it summoned Bryan White for a hearing. However, he could not appear before the parliamentary committee as he got ill and was rushed to Nakasero Hospital.
In February 2021, Bryan White’s Sexual abuse report was set for hearing before the Parliament of Uganda but it failed.
Bryan White’s case has been resurrected again with the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee ordering for his arrest.
Meanwhile, the foundation’s license was cancelled by the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) in 2020.
Mr. Patrick Onen Ezaga the Spokesperson of the National Bureau of NGOs revealed that Bryan White Foundation license was canceled because it lacked structures and had continued to operate outside the NGO Act 2016.
Mr. Ezaga also said that whereas the organization had a valid operational permit, it didn’t validate and has neither updated it’s status regarding its operation.
Rising singer, Azawi has released the first single off her debut album.
Titled “My Year”, it is about self affirming success and abundance. It was written by Azawi and produced by Michael Fingers at Swangz Avenue studios.
“I wanted to give myself an opportunity for a bigger audience,” Azawi commented while premiering the song.
The song has been released with a befitting video shot at Moon light Studios in Johannesburg. Directed by Kenny Mumba, Azawi appears with her new bold look in this multi scene colorful video. The director delivered an abstract feel good tapping into the global trend of abstract videos with great visuals.
Azawi’s debut album is expected out later this year.
Well, if you are still contemplating on whether Galaxy FM’s Henry Arinaitwe aka Mr. Henrie, and male vocalist Geosteady’s ex-lover, Prima Kadarshi are compatible, then you are in trouble. In fact, you are soon hitting a dead.
Mr. Henrie and Prima Kadarshi
However, we are here to cover you up in this case with details concerning their breeding love unleashed daily.
Latest on the couple’s docket is Mr. Henrie’s Mother’s Day message to Prima that has since sent social media rowdy.
On Sunday, May 11, 2021, the ‘Mid-Morning Tokone’ show host on 100.2 Galaxy FM took it to his social media and dropped a heartwarming Mother’s Day message for Prima.
In the message, Mr. Henrie heaped praises on Prima for being the best character in his life with countless reasons to celebrate her.
“For VERY many reasons You are by far the best thing that has happened to Me 🥂 Help me wish this Beauty a Happy MOTHERS DAY Prima Kardashi,” Mr. Henrie stated.
In the comment section of the same post, majority of his followers and fans consented that actually he is an item with the CEO Prima Lusaniya.
They have also demanded Mr. Henrie to quicken his martial ceremony with Prima.
Rumors about Henrie and Prima’s dating sparked late last year after Prima and ex-hubby Geosteady confirmed their breakup.
Geosteady, ex-lover Prima and their kids
Since then, the two have been inseparable not only at home but also during their public appearances.
The love birds are seemingly more than determined to reach paradise together in the future as they have now established over three businesses; YouTube channel (The Talk Prima & Mr. Henrie), Prima Tours Uganda, Prima Lusaniya, Prima Cosmetics, among others.
Prima and Geosteady broke up after almost 8years with have two kids together; Solange and Soraya.
