by derrick kayiiraNairobi Fashion Week 2025: A Bold Step Toward Sustainable and Regenerative African Fashion
Nairobi Fashion Week 2025, held on February 1st, showcased a significant shift towards sustainability, featuring innovative designs crafted from recycled and repurposed materials by various African designers. The event highlighted the environmental and ethical concerns surrounding the fashion industry in Africa.
Kenyan brand Maisha by Nisria presented handmade designs using textiles sourced from flea markets, wholesalers, recycling factories, and landfills, embodying a zero-waste philosophy. Their Afropia collection included pieces like a cropped high-collar jacket and boxy miniskirt made from repurposed curtains.
Rwandan designer Jean Maurice Niyigena’s streetwear label, Bone Koboyi, focused on cultural heritage and sustainability, using recycled materials for his collection. His Exodus collection featured exaggerated silhouettes and hand-painting inspired by traditional textile art, reflecting a balance between innovation and cultural preservation.
Cameroonian designer Sikoti Mbaitjongue, founder of Sokolata, showcased playful cotton pastel designs. She highlighted challenges in sourcing raw cotton, emphasizing the need for local textile industry support to make sustainable fashion more accessible.
The event also featured brands like LaOculta, a womenswear brand rooted in both Kenya and Colombia, and jewellery and accessories brand Apar Gadek, known for distinctive pieces made from materials like brass, recycled glass beads, and upcycled cow horn and bone.
Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 concluded with a powerful statement on the future of fashion, spotlighting Africa’s vibrant design talent and the growing importance of regenerative fashion practices. The event celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Africa through diverse collections that pushed boundaries while honoring traditional craftsmanship.
The event served as a platform for crucial discussions on textile circularity, recycling, and the impact of both national and global policies on the future of the textile industry in Kenya and beyond. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and environmental organizations to create policies that support sustainable fashion and encourage responsible production practices.
Overall, Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 highlighted the growing movement in Africa toward fashion that is not only stylish but also mindful of its environmental impact. The event showcased the incredible work of African designers who are redefining fashion through sustainability and innovation.
Sanaipei Tande earns her spot at the WIFA (Women In Film Awards)
Sanaipei Tande, a renowned Kenyan singer and actress, has been nominated for Best Actress in Film at the 6th annual Women in Film Awards (WIFA) 2025. The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 8, 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day. This year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion: Amplifying Voices of Marginalized Women Filmmakers,” emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation in the film industry.
Sanaipei’s nomination recognizes her outstanding performance in film, highlighting her versatility and talent as an actress. She shares this category with other notable nominees, including Nyokabi Macharia. The WIFA event celebrates the achievements of women in the Kenyan film industry, acknowledging their contributions across various categories such as directing, producing, scriptwriting, and acting.
Voting for the awards is currently open and will close on February 18, 2025. Supporters can cast their votes online via Mymovies.Africa, which also offers a seven-day rental of the internationally acclaimed film “Sleeping Warrior,” a true story about Africa’s first women’s lacrosse team from the Rift Valley.
Sanaipei Tande’s nomination is a testament to her dedication and impact in the Kenyan entertainment scene, and her fans eagerly anticipate the awards ceremony to celebrate her achievements.
South African Amapiano DJ Vigro Deep to Light Up MadfunXperience in Nairobi
South African Amapiano sensation Vigro Deep is set to captivate audiences at the upcoming MadfunXperience concert on March 1, 2025, at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. He will share the stage with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy and Kenyan Afro-pop artist Charisma, promising an unforgettable musical experience.
Vigro Deep, renowned for his innovative contributions to the Amapiano genre, has been instrumental in its global rise. His unique sound blends deep house elements with jazz and lounge music, creating tracks that resonate with audiences worldwide. His performance at MadfunXperience underscores the growing influence of Amapiano in East Africa, as the genre continues to dominate clubs and airwaves across the region.
Fans can anticipate a dynamic set featuring Vigro Deep’s signature tracks and electrifying beats. His previous performances, such as the live DJ set at AfroNation Portugal 2024, have been lauded for their energy and musicality.
Tickets for MadfunXperience are available through official channels. Given the star-studded lineup and high anticipation, early purchase is recommended to secure attendance at this landmark event.
For a glimpse of what to expect, check out Vigro Deep’s live DJ set from AfroNation Portugal 2024:
Smriti Vidyarthi Bids Farewell to NTV After 16 Years of Journalism Excellence
Renowned Kenyan journalist and news anchor Smriti Vidyarthi has announced her departure from Nation Media Group’s NTV after a distinguished career spanning sixteen and a half years. In a statement on Monday, February 10, 2025, Vidyarthi expressed her gratitude to viewers and the organization, saying, “Sixteen and a half years of service to the Nation Media Group and to the nation at large. Thank you for trusting me. For now, tune in tonight at 9 pm for my last bulletin on NTV.”
Vidyarthi’s journey in journalism began in January 2008 at K24, where she served as a Business News Anchor. Later that year, in September 2008, she joined NTV, becoming a prominent figure in Kenyan media. Throughout her tenure at NTV, she anchored major live events, breaking news, and conducted interviews with influential figures, including Raila Odinga, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, U2 lead singer Bono, and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt.
Beyond news anchoring, Vidyarthi hosted “NTV Wild Talk,” a program dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental issues. In this role, she raised awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental issues, interviewing notable personalities such as former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta regarding the Hands Off Our Elephants campaign.
In 2013, her exceptional work was recognized when she won the Media Council’s Annual Journalism Excellence Award in the Television & News Bulletin category.
Vidyarthi’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Kenyan journalism. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, and her presence will be missed by colleagues and viewers alike.
Sam West Urges Support for Struggling Kenyan Artists, Highlighting Mental Health and Industry Challenges
Sam West, a prominent Kenyan pastor, speaker, and relationship coach, has recently emphasized the importance of supporting struggling artists and celebrities in Kenya. He advocates for a collective effort to assist these individuals, recognizing the unique challenges they face in the entertainment industry.
Challenges Faced by Kenyan Artists
Many Kenyan artists encounter difficulties such as financial instability, mental health issues, and a lack of adequate support systems. The pressure to maintain a public image often conceals personal struggles, leading to issues like depression and, in severe cases, suicide. Sam West has personal experience with such tragedies, having lost his brother to depression.
The Importance of Support
Providing support to struggling artists is crucial for several reasons:
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Mental Health Awareness: Offering assistance can help destigmatize mental health issues, encouraging artists to seek help without fear of judgment.
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Sustaining the Arts: Support ensures that artists can continue to create and contribute to Kenya’s rich cultural landscape.
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Community Building: Helping artists fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility within society.
How to Support
Sam West suggests practical ways to support struggling artists:
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Financial Assistance: Attend events, purchase their work, or contribute to crowdfunding initiatives.
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Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and encourage open discussions about mental health.
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Professional Opportunities: Provide platforms for artists to showcase their talents and connect with wider audiences.
By embracing these approaches, we can create an environment where Kenyan artists thrive, enriching our culture and society.
Google Removes Pride Month and Other Cultural Observances from Google Calendar, Sparking Backlash
In mid-2024, Google Calendar revised its default holiday listings, removing several cultural observances, including Pride Month, Black History Month, Indigenous Peoples Month, Jewish Heritage, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Hispanic Heritage Month. This change has led to user backlash, with some expressing disappointment over the absence of these significant events.
A Google spokesperson explained that the manual addition of these events was not scalable or sustainable. Consequently, Google returned to displaying only public holidays and national observances sourced from timeanddate.com. Users can still manually add important cultural moments to their individual calendars.
This decision has sparked discussions about the balance between maintaining a manageable global calendar and recognizing diverse cultural events. While Google aims to manage feedback and maintain consistency globally, some users feel that the removal of these observances diminishes the platform’s inclusivity.
As of now, Google has not indicated plans to restore these cultural observances to the default calendar settings. Users interested in commemorating these events are encouraged to add them manually to their personal calendars.
Paisleey Teams Up with Ugandan Producer Jazz Beatz for a Heartfelt Love Song
Paisleey, a rising star in the East African music scene, is set to release a new single in collaboration with renowned Ugandan producer Jazz Beatz. This partnership aims to blend Paisleey’s unique vocal style with Jazz Beatz’s distinctive production techniques, promising a track that will captivate audiences across the region.
The upcoming song is a love song, showcasing Paisleey’s ability to convey deep emotions through her lyrics and vocals. With heartfelt melodies and a captivating beat, the track is expected to resonate with fans who appreciate romantic and soulful music.
Jazz Beatz has established himself as a prominent figure in Uganda’s music industry, known for his innovative approach to music production. His work spans various genres, and he has a reputation for crafting beats that resonate with a wide audience.
This upcoming single marks the first collaboration between Paisleey and Jazz Beatz, generating significant anticipation among fans. Listeners are eager to experience the fusion of Paisleey’s emotive singing and Jazz Beatz’s dynamic production.
As the release date approaches, both artists have been teasing snippets of their work on social media, further heightening excitement. This collaboration is expected to be a significant milestone in Paisleey’s burgeoning career and a testament to Jazz Beatz’s versatility as a producer.
Stay tuned for the official release, as this heartfelt love song is poised to make waves in the East African music scene and beyond.
Dem Wa Facebook Denies Claims That Oga Obinna Repossessed Gifted Car, Sets Record Straight
Recent rumors have suggested that comedian Oga Obinna repossessed a car he had previously gifted to fellow comedian Dem Wa Facebook following their professional fallout. Addressing these claims, Dem Wa Facebook clarified that she still possesses the vehicle and has chosen to keep it private for personal reasons. She emphasized that Obinna is not the type to take back gifts and that the car remains in her possession.
Dem Wa Facebook also mentioned her practice of driving different cars, both for privacy and convenience, which may have led to the speculation. She stated that in her apartment complex, residents often share vehicles, resulting in her using various cars throughout the week. This practice contributed to the rumors when she wasn’t seen with the gifted car.
Furthermore, she expressed her focus on personal growth and achievements, revealing her goal to purchase a Toyota Harrier with her own money. Dem Wa Facebook emphasized that she is prioritizing her personal goals and does not plan to be involved in relationships in 2025.
In summary, Dem Wa Facebook has refuted the claims about the car’s repossession, attributing the rumors to misunderstandings arising from her lifestyle choices and reaffirming her commitment to personal development.
Nigerian Artist Johnny Benzx Teams Up with Ugandan Producer Jazz Beats for a New Hit After Past Successes
Johnny Benzx, born John Napon Tali on October 28 in Abuja, Nigeria, is a talented artist who began his musical journey at the age of 12, singing in a church choir in Abuja.
Over the years, Johnny Benzx has released several notable tracks that have contributed to his rising fame. His debut single, “Define,” marked his entry into the music scene, showcasing his unique style and vocal prowess.
In 2023, he released “Bad Man Do,” further establishing his presence in the industry. The following year, he captivated audiences with “Addicted,” a single that highlighted his versatility and depth as an artist.
His most recent hit, “My Baby,” has garnered significant attention, capturing the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
Currently, Johnny Benzx is gearing up for another exciting project, collaborating once again with Ugandan producer Jazz Beats. Given their previous successes, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of this new track, expecting another chart-topping hit from this dynamic duo.
Their upcoming collaboration is highly anticipated, given their proven chemistry and track record of creating compelling music. Fans are eager to see how Johnny Benzx’s distinctive style will blend with Jazz Beats’ production expertise in this new release.
As the release date approaches, the anticipation continues to build, with many expecting another chart-topping hit from this talented duo.
For a glimpse into their previous work, you can watch the official video for “My Baby” here:
Heavy Cane Launched Viral Challenge to Reach Dem Wa Facebook for “Ananipenda” Video
Kenyan artist Heavy Cane has recently released a heartfelt love song titled “Ananipenda,” featuring Harry Craze. In this track, Heavy Cane openly expresses his admiration for the social media influencer known as Dem Wa Facebook. To further engage his audience and connect with her, he has initiated an open verse challenge, inviting fans and fellow artists to contribute their own verses to the song.
The challenge has gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok, where users are sharing their creative renditions and supporting Heavy Cane’s endeavor to reach Dem Wa Facebook. Through this collaborative effort, he hopes to not only enhance the song’s appeal but also feature her in the upcoming music video, making the project a unique blend of music and social media interaction.
This initiative reflects a modern approach to music promotion, leveraging social media challenges to foster community engagement and create buzz around new releases. By dedicating “Ananipenda” to Dem Wa Facebook and involving his audience in the creative process, Heavy Cane is effectively bridging the gap between artists and fans, showcasing the evolving dynamics of the music industry.
As the challenge continues to gain momentum, it will be interesting to see how this blend of personal expression and audience participation influences the song’s reception and Heavy Cane’s relationship with Dem Wa Facebook.
