Gaetano Kagwa(L) and Zahara Totto to host an upcoming new show.
By Our Reporter
TV personalities, Gaetano Kagwa and Zahara Totto have landed a gig to host an upcoming show, we have learned.
The two TV stars have been picked to host Uganda Breweries Limited’s “Brewed by Uganda” show, which comes as part of the company’s 75-year celebrations.
Coming soon to TV and social media, it will feature a series of video documentaries that will see the hosts traverse the country in a coaster and speak to different people that have been part of UBL’s journey through the years.
They will hold conversations with farmers, customers, business people, artists, media personalities, past and present UBL staff and many more – all of whom will speak to the role that UBL has played in their lives and throughout Uganda’s history for the past 75 years.
The show will also follow Swangz Avenue’s Azawi and her producer, Steve Keys – as they recreate the classic Bell Lager jingle, ”You can tell who drinks Bell”. The duo will travel around the country collaborating with various local artists in a specially outfitted mobile studio.
Juliana Kagwa, UBL’s Corporate Relations Director, said, “Uganda Breweries has been a proud fixture in the last 75 years of Uganda’s history. One of the ways we are celebrating this milestone is by shining a light on and listening to the people that have experienced this journey with us while also including the general public in the festivities.”
Uganda’s film industry under the umbrella body Pearlwood in different capacities has nothing but praise to sing for leading telecom MTN Uganda after it debuted a solution to the industry’s challenge of marketing.
Pearlwood is the umbrella body for a consortium of players in the film industry including video jockeys and film producers, actors and actresses For some actresses, words could not do justice to the picture of enormous happiness they were feeling.
This was witnessed during the recently concluded launch of Kibanda Xpress, a video streaming channel for local content with the ability to showcase 150 local movies.
Speaking to crowds at the recently concluded launch of Kibanda Xpress, Mzee Bwanika, the Speaker at Pearl wood, said; “We went to MTN because we wanted a company that really matters, a company that was not going to look at our status quo because we are nothing at the moment. We wanted a company that would look at our big dream, our possibilities,” adding that Pearlwood wishes to make Uganda the African film capital.
Young and Cheerful Sheebah Eva Mwanganje, a film actress from Fly Films production says she is now empowered to act even more movies as the Kibanda Xpress breeds certainty of movie consumption and demand to the industry.
“It gives us energy that someone out there is watching our content. It also gives us the ability to improve where we have been falling short. People should watch it because it will help both us and the viewers,” she explains.
The impact of the channel spreads to as far as the young and aspiring in film school to whom the introduction of Kibanda Xpress is an even stronger affirmation that they have a bright future after education.
Jovia Nalujja, a third year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree of Arts in drama and film who also part times as an actress in local films predicts that the channel will register tremendous success in the country.
“In school, you are taught how to become film makers, writers and actresses but there is a challenge of distributing our work. With Kibanda Xpress, as students we now have hope that our work will be recognized,” she affirms.
MTN Uganda believes there are immense possibilities for Uganda’s film industry to soar to greater heights beyond the country’s borders.
MTN Uganda general manager Somdev Sen says that MTN created Kibanda Xpress with the aim of harnessing the impact and possibility of Uganda’s local content through the movie industry.
He says; “We believe that we need to promote Ugandan content because at the end of the day; why can’t we build Netflix for Uganda, for us, Kibanda Xpress is Netflix for Uganda so be it actresses, viewers or MTN being part of the telecom space, we wanted to do this together.”
Uganda’s film industry employs thousands of people especially the youth but has only started to receive significant recognition especially around the world.
The international recognition is partly as a result of promotion and improvement in quality of movies which is in part hinged on initiatives such as the Uganda Film festival spearheaded by sector regulator Uganda Communications Commission in partnership with MTN Uganda.
Joan Semanda Kizza, the MultiChoice Uganda PR and Communications Manager.
By Our Reporter
To celebrate Africa Day on Tuesday, 25th May, MultiChoice Group is launching M-Net Movies Afro-Cinema, a pop-up movie channel dedicated to showcasing and celebrating contemporary African films.
The Afro-Cinema Channel will be available from Friday, 21 May, to Sunday, 30 May 2021, on Channel 198 to DStv customers on Access to Premium packages across the continent.
The Afro-Cinema Channel is curated to celebrate Africa’s cultural diversity, aptly reflected and captured in the work that is being produced by filmmakers all over the continent. Through collaboration and turning challenges into possibilities, local film industries across the continent have produced award-winning productions that have launched the careers of many directors, producers, and stars while also taking the “for us, by us” African stories global.
“At its essence, Africa Day is about celebrating African unity and success as well as acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. The pandemic has hit the film industry quite hard, and African filmmakers were not spared. This Africa Day, we want to celebrate the talent and resilience of the continent’s film industry with the launch of this festival of African films where our audiences can enjoy Afro-Cinema from the comfort of their own homes,” said Joan Kizza Semanda, PR and Communications Manager, MultiChoice Uganda.
Some of the exciting films to look forward to include; 94 Terror (Uganda), Sunset in Makoko (Nigeria), Payback (Zambia), Ensulo (Kenya), Heritage Africa (Ghana), The Train of Salt and Sugar (Mozambique), and Back of the Moon (South Africa) among others.
Navio giving his acceptance speech at the MTN UG HipHop awards.
By Our Reporter
Judas Rapknowledge Da Akbar, real name Kilara Daniel, carried the day as the MTN UG HipHop award winners were announced on Sunday.
The Northern Uganda based artiste scooped two awards including Northern Uganda Artist of the Year and the Male Artist of the Year, in which he bested famed rappers, Fik Fameica and Navio among others.
Accepting the award on behalf of the rapper who was absent at the award gala held at Motiv warehouse in Bugolobi, his manager Cheno Billy could not hide his surprise as he fumbled for words to say.
“I am speechless. I did not see this coming,” he uttered. “With God, everything is possible. I want to thank everybody who has supported us. Thank you.”
Other big winners on the evening included Navio and Tucker HD who also each walked away with 2 accolades. Navio won Album of the year and Collaboration of the year awards while Tucker HD won the Sweet Sixteen and Mixtape of the year awards.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Prim n’ Propa, an all-girl duo from the 1990s which comprised of Brenda Zzobo and Lillian Butere, who were recognized for trailblazing the way for other femcees in Uganda.
Here’s the full list of winners:
Male Artist of the Year
• Jim Nola MC • Judas Rapknowledge Da Akbar – David And Goliath Fight (Winner)
• St. Maxi Mayne – Eno Mature
• Navio – Abaana Beeka
• Fik Fameica – Muko
Female Artist of the Year
• Recho Rey – Bwogana
• Felista Di SUPER STAR – I Can’t Breath
• Stone Age – Kyekimu • M.C Yallah – Dunia (Winner)
East African Artist of the Year
• Khaligraph Jones – Tuma Kitu (Winner)
• Joh Makini – Dangerous
• Nyashinski – Lift Me Up
• Femi One – Utawezana
• King Kaka – Wajinga Nyinyi
Album of the Year
• Navio – Strength In Numbers (Winner)
• Lyrical G – Geezy
• M.C Yallah – Kubali
• Barna – Never Alone
Song of the Year
• Mun G – Bintwala • Adrenalyn Muzik – Some Ka Money (Winner)
• GNL Zamba – Dear Hiphop
• Play01 – Holiday
• Fik Fameica – Muko
Video of the Year
• Naxa – Dance (Winner)
• Sparo Ug – Heads Up
• Mr. Lean – Mini Skirt
Producer of the Year
• Dagg Mizzo – The Ugandan Cypher – The Mith
• Aethan – Mbikwasagwe – Flex D’Paper
• Reymacc – Fuego
• Mio Made – Navio Ft. Daddy Andre and Flex D’Paper • Koz N’EFFECT – Atamukutte – Lyrical G (Winner)
• 207 Dear Zamba (The Write Back)
Rap Fusion of the Year
• Amaaso (Urban Remix) – Vinka, Winnie Nwagi, Feffe Bussi, The Mith & Dj Harold
• Bangi – Navio Ft. Daddy Andre And Flex D’Paper
• Zina – Keya Nemesis And Zex Bilangilangi • Nalubale Project – Talent Africa Ft. All Stars (Winner)
The Collaboration of the Year
• Elijah Kitaka Feat. Sylvester And Abramz – Beera Powa
• Mr Lean Feat. Byg Ben Sukuya – Vvamuno • Navio Ft. Flex D’Paper And Joh Makini – Abaana Beeka (Winner)
• 207 July Cypher
Lyricist of the Year
• The Mith – Ugandan Cypher (Winner)
• Judas Rapknowledge Da Akbar – African Warrior
• St. Maxi Mayne – Kukunku 3
• GNL Zamba – Dear Hip Hop
Mixtape of the Year / E.P
• Blixxack & Tucker – Open Time EP (Winner)
• Baru – Two Wavy
• J Wats – Eaze
• The Homey – The East African Boy
• Drop Out
• Slaughter Elly
• Dj Caccie
• Sal The Dj
• Dj Cisse • Deejay Crim (Winner)
Northern Uganda Artist of the Year
• Toobi Smolz – Ikare Ni • Judas Rapknowledge Da Akbar – Alok Kwona (Winner)
• Issaghad – Meditate
• Stayput – Abubang
• Skinnoh The GOAT – Blessed
• Tworthy Wyler – Kare
Western Uganda Artist of the Year
• Truth 256 – Chunda
• Lithan Mc – Abiri Abiri • Crazie Wispa – Koyi Koyi (Winner)
• Freestyle Session 2 – Uzi Malcon Muzik
Eastern Uganda Artist of the Year
• Sparo Ug – Heads Up (Winner)
• Leumas Owabajaja – Smile Beneath A Tear
• AJ Stylz – 5am In T-Town
• BMG Music – Kwata
Central Uganda Artist of the Year
• Feffe Busi – Super Lady
• Gravity – Nyabo • Felista Di Superstar – I Can’t Breath (Winner)
• Da Agent – Bamungamba
• Big Sam
Rookie of the Year
• Ghettoo Uppgrade – Ngbbf Remix • Stone Age – Koyi Koyi (Winner)
• Dallas Plein – King Of 2020 Freestyle
• King Missy – Bloodline
• Stay Put – Abubang
• The Homie – East African Boy
Inspirational Song of the Year
• Flex D’ Paper – Mbikwasagwe (Winner)
• Vann Mesh – Mu Yesu Mulimu Work
• Stone Age – Dream On
• Chillz Kabejja – Abikolako
• Barna – Never Alone
• St. Maxi Mayne – Taata
Hip-Hop Media Personality of the Year
• Byg Kahuna
• Jaluo And Timothy Code
• The Mith And Dj Crim • Still Breezy (Winner)
• Jokwiz
Matthew Nabwiso, the TV Show director points out something on camera to one of the crew members.
By Our Reporter
Sanyu TV show is returning for season two.
This was revealed by the show director, Matthew Nabwiso while he took media on a location tour for a behind the scenes peek into the making of the show.
“We filmed season one which was 100 episodes,” Matthew Nabwiso said. “Now, we are shooting season two which will be 260 episodes.”
“We could go as far as nine seasons. For the next five or six years, we could still be producing content for Sanyu.” He added.
The show is shot in a palatial home located on Mutungo hill. The home boasts of a swimming pool with a lush green compound covered in tree shade, which has provided an ideal spot for shooting pool parties as well as some of the romantic scenes.
“Most of the scenes are shot here. Actually about 70 percent of show. But we still go out there to shoot other scenes like restaurants and apartments.” Nabwiso revealed.
He admits that having a production venue for the show has helped save on time and money.
For instance, they manage to shoot until late without much worry despite curfew restrictions since the house provides accommodation to the crew and cast.
Some of the cast members rehearse their lines as they prepare to shoot a new scene in season 2 of the Sanyu TV show.
Sanyu season one premiered February this year and has gone on to become an instant success, receiving rave reviews from viewers.
It tells the story of an innocent, rural teenage girl who has to leave her family and education behind to do a maid’s job for a complex, wealthy urban family, where she falls for the young son of the house.
The TV show stars Tracy Kababiito in the leading role as Sanyu. Other big names on the show include Housen Mushema, Eleonor Nabwiso, Abbey Mukiibi and Kuddzu Isaac among others.
The show was commissioned by MultiChoice Uganda.
Joan Semanda, the PR and Communications Manager at Multichoice Uganda, says the show was picked for production because it tells a story about family and the dynamics of the day-to-day life in our homes, a story they wanted to bring to their Ugandan audience.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we saw an opportunity. People were at home and needed something different to watch on their TV, while we needed to continue on our approach of availing space to tell the local story.” Semanda further noted.
Semanda further noted that they’re committed to financing local content because there’s increased demand for it.
The Bottomless Brunch held at Le Chateau restaurant in Nsambya on Sunday was an ‘all-you-can-eat’ affair, giving Kampala’s foodies a flavorsome experience.
The event was well attended by a host of Kampala’s foodies and fine dining lovers. It ran on from midday till kitchen closing time at 4:00pm.
Guests were treated to a banquet fit for Kings and Queens with DJ Slim Lion
playing hit songs that left many merrymakers beaming in bliss over their meals and company.
“The Sunday brunch days are the perfect escape from the normal routine days we have throughout the week and to top it all, nothing beats a relaxing chill like a nicely blended Tanqueray Gin and Tonic and a fine meal,” said Annette Nakiyaga, International Spirits Manager, UBL.
The Bottomless Sunday Brunches, sponsored by Tanqueray, are an intimate favorite hangout spot for elite members of Kampala’s social scene pulling guests like Helen Lukoma, and Anita Fabiola amongst many others.
Gilly Muwanga is a UK-based dancer and choreographer flying the Ugandan flag high.
The self-proclaimed Ghetto symphony draws inspiration from Hiphop, New Jack swing and Krump for his dance style which he likes to call G-sauce. It embodies smooth textures and strong dynamics.
His unique dance style won him the 2017 UK Choreographer of the year award.
He has also worked with big names like Mel B, Boyz II Men and Pitbull, and performed on big stages like BBC three South side story, Got to Dance, Sky 1’s pineapple studio and BBC’s move like Micheal Jackson.
Gillly is also a member of Frobacks, a four piece, male street dancing group that adds comedy into their routines. During the Britain Got Talent search 2020, the group wowed the judges with their urban turtles performance.
Having discovered his passion for dance at a young age, Gilly through his group Frobacks teaches dancers weekly classes for prospects Fraternity with the aim of getting more young people into the industry.
Dance group prospects Fraternity made it to the finals of BBC one’s The Greatest Dancer show, a show which Frobacks also participated in and also made it to the finals.
As an artist Gilly has a hot song titled Griselda Blanco that he featured Lil Mon.
Mr. Henrie and Geosteady’s ex-lover, Prima Kadarshi
By BigEyeUg Team
Fast-rising radio host and events emcee, Arinaitwe Henry a.k.a Mr. Henrie has broken silence on his relationship with singer Geosteady.
Mr. Henrie was responding to accusations that he had blacklisted Geosteady’s music since hooking up with the singer’s ex-girlfriend, Prima Kadarshi.
Mr. Henrie insists Geosteady is still one of the top musicians in the country and he enjoys the singer’s music.
“I have heard reports that I don’t play Geosteady’s songs but that is a lie. Here in Uganda, nobody plays Ugandan music as I do. He is one of the great artists we have. I like his song ‘Energy’, it is one of those I like the most. I play it over and over,” Mr. Henrie said during a live TV interview.
He further noted that, “I love Prima’s children. I treat them well. When you love someone, do it 100%. The problem with the youth is not accepting all of it, they enter relationships halfway. I chose her knowing it, love wins.”
Prima Kadarshi broke up with Geosteady in 2020 over irreconcilable differences. The two had been together for close to eight years and have two kids together, Saraya and Solange.
Prima has since has since moved on with Mr. Henrie.
Beauty queen Ashlei Watson is set to represent Uganda at the Miss Global beauty pageant world finale happening in Bali, Indonesia from August 30th to September 13th this year. This comes after she won the the Miss Global Uganda 2021 crown.
The 27-year-old American model who was born and raised in New York is representing Uganda after adopting it as her country of heritage.
Being that the earliest human bones were found in the Nile Valley and the source of River Nile is Uganda, it was only logical that her ancestral roots are connected to Uganda hence the reason why her adopted country of Heritage as a black American woman is Uganda.
Born and raised in America, she always needed an opportunity to represent and celebrate her roots and heritage which the Miss Global platform has given her a chance to achieve.
Miss Global is a global platform that does not only unite diverse women from all walks of life but creates a platform that can truly make a positive impact in making a difference in the world. It aims to empower women, giving them a voice to speak up in making a difference.
Meanwhile, Ashlei Watson previously won the Miss New Jersey Earth 2018 crown. According to Ashlei, winning the Miss Jersey contest opened her heart up for mentorship.
She says that she has been using her platform to support others and advocate for issues pertaining to Mental Health which has been a huge public concern especially since the Coronavirus pandemic broke out.
A reality TV show about Nollywood queens is now showing on your TV screens.
The show producer Lusanda Chauke from Black Roots Media says, “Nollywood Queens is an exciting project to work on as it’s an opportunity to showcase the real stories of strong, beautiful & uninhibited screen divas. It’s been an amazing journey seeing them in their natural element as everyday people who go through a range of emotions and manoeuvre through all what life has to offer them.”
The show features prominent figures on the Nollywood scene including Venita Akpofure, Grace-Charis, Mercy Isoyip, Nuella Njubigbo, and Mimi Orjiekwe.
Nollywood Queens is showing on Honey TV.
“We are particularly excited about this observational reality show where we follow the lives of five fabulous Nigerian women who are widely known in the world of Nollywood” says Zinzi Velelo, HONEY’s Head of Content.
Philip Odwera performs during the Sauti Canvas competition finale.
By Our Reporter
Disability is not inability, goes a popular adage. This was best demonstrated during the Sauti Canvas competition which came to a close on Friday as persons with disabilities took to the stage to showcase their talents.
Performing before a panel of five judges, over 20 participants with different physical and sensory impairments showcased their talents ranging from singing, to dancing, and playing instruments.
One such participant was Philip Odwera who was bound to a wheel chair because of a broken spine. Despite his disability, Odwera’s passion was palpable when it was his turn to perform. Holding the mic ignited a spark in him that made it feel like he had finally come alive. Singing an original composition, he owned the stage with a lively and vigorous showcase that had the judges swaying along. For his great performance, Philip Odwera was later crowned as one of the winners.
Other winners included Simon Namone, a pianist and singer; David Kagwe, a beatboxer; and a dance trio comprising of Nanono Hawah, Bawakana Samuel and Moses. The winners were each rewarded with Ugx 1 million.
Held under the theme “focus on abilities”, this year’s edition of the Sauti Canvas contest was aimed at 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.
Speaking during a mentorship session, singer Fik Fameica advised the contestants to stay positive and encouraged them to continue working on their craft.
“No one is perfect, and no one should ever tell you that you can’t,” Fameica said. “The secret to success is knowing your strong points and focusing on building that; focus on your abilities and develop them.”
The singer further pledged to collaborate with select contestants on a music project to give a boost to their careers.
The finale was a hybrid event with a mix of both virtual and physical showcases which were held at the Voice and Beats offices in Makindye.
Catherine Namugenyi will play lead role on Sanyu TV show.
By Our Reporter
Tracy Kababiito has lost her role in local hit TV show, Sanyu.
According to a statement released on Monday, Tracy Kababiito lost the role after failing to reach an agreement in her renewal of contracts with Nabwiso Films.
“It is with regret to announce that she was unable to reach an arrangement that deemed favorable for both parties. Pearl Magic Prime remains committed to bringing the best in local programming to viewers and maintaining a great content offering,” MultiChoice Uganda said in the statement.
Kababiito will be replaced with a new face, Catherine Namugenyi.
“The Channel is also excited to give more actors and young talent an opportunity through the appointment of Catherine Namugenyi who will take on the leading role of Sanyu,” the statement added.
Sanyu season one premiered February this year and has gone on to become an instant success, receiving rave reviews from viewers.
It tells the story of an innocent, rural teenage girl who has to leave her family and education behind to do a maid’s job for a complex, wealthy urban family, where she falls for the young son of the house.
The show will be returning for season two soon.
On a related note, Nana Kagga has also been replaced in the drama series Prestige. She will be replaced by Sally Elizabeth Bwamimpeke.
Ms Kagga, according to the Multichoice statement, also failed to agree to the terms of the renewal of her contract.
Angel Kawunda has opened up on her absorbing relationship with Kampala City businessman Emmanuel Kaweesi Lwasa.
Gorgeous Angel who recently introduced the tycoon to her parents in Nakasongola says she has never been after his money as its rumored.
Angel narrates how she met with Lwasa and she just fell for his sense of maturity, responsibility and respect.
She reveals that this was even before she found out that he was a tycoon.
“We met normally, he liked me and I also did so and later decide to settle together. I was attracted by so many qualities that he possesses like; Maturity, honorable, responsible, I can’t even exhaust them,” Angel Kawunda said.
She also hinted about rumors that she is a hopeless party animal whom Lwasa picked from a bar.
Angel says if she was useless and disorderly in the bar, Lwasa wouldn’t have approached her with words of love.
She also reveals that it was in her bar that she met Lwasa for the first time.
“People say that he picked me from a bar but he wouldn’t like me if I was misbehaving in the bar. I own that bar where he met me coz since childhood, I have often worked solely for myself. I hate being dependent on men,” Angel added.
Lwasa and Angel had dated for closely to six months before their marriage ceremony early this year.
This was after Lwasa had snubbed BBS TV’s Dianah Nabatanzi over bedroom misunderstandings.
R&B star, Praiz joined Seyi Shay, Obi Asika and DJ Sose as a guest judge on Sunday’s episode of Nigerian Idol.
After their joint performance of ‘One Love’ by the legendary Bob Marley, they all waited to find out which one of them had advanced to the next round of the live performances.
Atela Francis was the first of the five to make it to the top four. He sang Bob Marley’s evergreen tune, ‘Nuh Woman Nuh Cry’, which earned him praises from guest judge Praiz. He dazzled the judges with his second performance singing another classic, Marvin Gaye’s ‘Sexual Healing’ which earned him more praise with Praiz remarking on his exceptional versatility.
Akunna was the second contestant to enter the top 4. Her first performance was 90s chart-topper, ‘It Wasn’t Me’ by Shaggy. Seyi Shay commended her and added that she wouldn’t be surprised if the 23-year-old lawyer won the show. Her second performance was a rendition of “Fire To The Rain” by Adele. Obi Asika complimented her voice saying it was one of the strongest voices in the competition.
Comfort Alalade was also lucky enough to garner enough fan votes to get a spot in the top 4. But, her reggae performance was disappointing and all the judges gave strong criticism. However, her version of Carol King’s ‘Natural Woman’ made up for her previous performance.
In yet another tough eviction, Kingdom beat Seyi Shay’s favourite Faith Jason to earn a spot in the top 4. Although the judges were sad to see Faith Jason go, their sadness was quickly set aside when Kingdom gave a spiritual performance of Majek Fashek’s ‘Holy Ghost’. He followed his astounding performance with another show-stopping rendition of James Brown’s ‘A Man’s World’.
The second performance earned him a standing ovation from the judges. Praiz called him a star. DJ Sose, still in shock from the performance, told him the universe was his oyster and Seyi Shay added that his performance just showed Nigerians why he made it to the live shows and why he had gotten so far.
The road to the finale is shorter than ever. The Top 4 will continue to battle it out on the Nigerian Idol stage with hopes to earn the title of the Nigerian Idol.
Former Star TV presenter, Henrico Sema is flying high in China.
We have learned that he has been elected President of Ugandans in China (UGiC) association.
Real name Ssemakula Kityo Henry, he garnered 61% of the total vote to defeat his opponents, Nsubuga David and Ssempijja Samuel.
He will now serve a two-year term as UGiC President until 2023.
In his victory speech, Sema promised to work hard to improve the working environment of Ugandans doing business in China as well those pursuing further studies.
Sema previously hosted the Talanta Yo show on Star TV. He would later quit TV in pursuit of greener pastures abroad. He currently works and resides in Beijing, China.
Local TV presenter and Youtuber, Ritah Tumuhimbise has opened up about her COVID-19 recovery journey.
In an emotional video shared on her YouTube channel, the “Sisimuka” host on TV West revealed that it was a harrowing experience as she was not only fighting for her life but also her unborn baby’s.
According to Ritah, it all started with simple flu and cough, but she begun to worry when she lost her sense of smell. It was at this point that she decided to go get tested for COVID-19.
“I got sick with flu and cough but thought I could treat myself at home. But when I lost my sense of smell and taste, I started getting worried.” Ritah narrates. “A friend encouraged me to go to the hospital, but once I reached Mbarara Refferal Hospital the doctors did not attend to me until I lost my breath and fainted. They admitted me, and I was put on oxygen.”
Ritah says she has since fully recovered and her baby is safe too.
“Testing positive for COVID-19 while 6 months pregnant was one of the most trying times, but I am super grateful that I got a second chance and I am out of danger,” she noted.
“I was so scared for my baby. But I had a COVID-19 test recently and the results were negative,” she concluded.
Singer Bebe Cool has condemned the idea of celebrities asking for payment to sensitize masses about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Appearing on Urban TV Uganda’s ‘Rush Hour’ show on Thursday, the Gagamel International boss insisted that celebrities should raise awareness about Covid-19 for free.
Bebe Cool said, “There is no need for celebrities to ask for payouts for Covid sensitization adverts. These should be free of charge. If it was for a disease like Malaria I would also request for a paycheck coz its funded by internationally but Covid isn’t funded. They should do this with a patriotism spirit.”
Meanwhile, Bebe Cool’s wife, Zuena Kirema recently recovered from Covid-19. She was admitted at Mulago hospital for over two weeks.
MTN Uganda has revived the MTN CallerTunez Awards that will see artistes earn from their music and other content, every month for the duration of the promotion due to end in December 2021.
These monthly awards come in at a time when concerts and other outdoor entertainment have been suspended as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19, significantly affecting income of artistes and other owners of audio content.
With the new monthly MTN CallerTunez Awards, lucky artistes with the highest number of downloads will win UGX 2,000,000 per artiste while those who own content e.g., content providers with the most improved downloads in a month, will win UGX 1,000,000.
Every month, 20 lucky customers that download or actively use MTN CallerTunez will also randomly be chosen to win UGX 50,000 each (through MTN Mobile Money) and smart phones.
“The MTN CallerTunez Awards are meant to recognize and reward both the artistes that create the content used as caller tunes as well as the customers who download and use the tunes,” explained Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer. “We are happy to provide our artistes with an alternative source of income especially during this time when the pandemic has disrupted their work.”
MTN offers the CallerTunez service through a monthly subscription in partnership with Huawei. Under this service, MTN customers can download their favorite songs or audio skits as a ring back tune for their callers to listen to, when they place a call to the customers phone.
For a customer to get a callertune, they simply dial *170# and follow the prompts. Each callertune is charged at UGX 700 and is valid for a period 30 days.
Gulu-based female singer Jenneth Prisca has been admitted to hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.
This was confirmed in statement released by the singer’s management on Friday who revealed that she is currently admitted at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor is Gulu.
“She is in a stable condition and receiving all the necessary support and attention from the medical team at the facility,” her management said.
According to close relatives, Prisca started experiencing on and off headaches and complained of chest pain. She got medication to ease the pain. But when the symptoms persisted, she went for a PCR Test for COVID-19 which turned out Negative, at first.
However, when her samples were submitted to MOH Laboratory for further investigation, they returned positive. This is when she was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor.
The news comes after the Gulu-based singer recently gave birth to a baby girl.
Nigerian Idol season 6 will come to an end this Sunday, 11 July 2021.
Fans of the singing competition TV show will get to witness who will emerge winner and walk away with a recording deal of a six track EP, with music video shoots for three of the songs, and over 50 million Naira worth of prizes which include a N30 million cash prize and a brand new SUV.
As a platform that is a launch pad for young, talented Nigerians to achieve their dreams in music both on the local and global stage, the first runner-up in the competition will also walk away with a single produced by a leading music producer in Nigeria and a top notch music video shoot.
The fate of the two finalists – Francis and Kingdom – will be decided by votes from the fans of the show.
