Jonathan Chapuis, commonly known by his stage name ‘Layonn’, went viral after he did a remix to Sauti Sol’s ‘Kuliko Jana’ back in 2016. By the time of this publication, the song has over 500,000 views on YouTube. He talked to Nate’s Crest Almanac contributor Charles Gachango about his musical journey, being born to a … Continue reading Layonn; ‘Kuliko Jana’ Rendition Made Me Popular
Warner Music Group (WMG), the third largest music label in the world going by 2019 estimates, has announced it is investing in Africori, Africa’s leading digital music distribution, music rights management and artist development company. The deal gives Warner Music’s Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) division access to Africa’s largest catalogue and A&R network, which is … Continue reading Warner Music Invests in Leading African Distributer, Africori
Apple has announced that starting today, even more customers around the world, including those in Tanzania, Rwanda, Morocco and Cameroon can have access to Apple’s most popular Services: The App Store®, Apple Arcade™, Apple Music®, Apple Podcasts® and iCloud®. The services are now available in 20 more countries, and Apple Music is available in 52 … Continue reading Apple Music Now Available in Tanzania, Rwanda and DRC
At 8 years of age, Lamar Munene is already reaching for the highest. He is a runway model, brand ambassador and an actor. I had a chance to talk with him and below is what the outspoken young star had to say. At what age did you know You are an actor? I knew I … Continue reading Lamar Munene: ‘Nothing Can Stop Me’
Elvis Nyaruri has become a household name in the country since he debuted as a country singer. The 25-year-old draws his inspiration from global legend Elvis Presley. ‘He inspired me to sing. We have the same tone and people often misinterpret [my performances] for impersonation’ he says. Nate’s Crest contributor Charles Gachango got a chance … Continue reading Elvis Nyaruri; Kenya’s Country Music sensation
Business is booming for music streaming platforms in these times of the coronavirus pandemic which has forced millions across the globe to stay indoors. Streaming site Mdundo.com reports over 4.5 million downloads in the four weeks ending March 22nd. In the reporting period of March 1st to 22nd 2020, Mdundo revealed that the company witnessed … Continue reading Streaming Site Mdundo Records 4.5 million Downloads in COVID-19 times
Suzanna, the infectious new single by Sauti Sol, which heralds the group’s fourth studio album, ‘Midnight Train‘ has been unveiled, and fans are absolutely loving it, responding in kind with record-breaking streams and views. Within less than a week, YouTube views have clocked in at close to a million and a half, a feat that … Continue reading Sauti Sol’s New ‘Suzanna’ a Visual Ode to the Golden Age of Afro- Music
In case you were wondering what was brewing with Kenya’s biggest band, the multiple award-winning group, Sauti Sol, they yesterday signed an exclusive recording agreement with Universal Music Africa (UMA), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment. The agreement will give the Kenyan Afro-Pop band, which is comprised of … Continue reading Kenya’s Sauti Sol Signs with Universal Music Group
We’ve seen him and loved him on screen, as the boy toy Luka in Tabasamu or the conflicted heart-throb Leo in MTV’s Shuga. He’s even courted Nigerians playing Tomide in Lowladee’s romantic comedy series This Is It. But can Nick Mutuma prove his directing chops with his first film, the rom-com You Again? Nick describes … Continue reading INTERVIEW: ‘You Again’, Nick Mutuma’s First Stint at Directing
Todd Phillips‘ and Scott Silver‘s take on one of television and the silver screen’s most debilitating antagonists, ‘Joker’, is the very definition of a ride on the wild side. Starring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker, the film is a not-so-subtle take on the intricately disturbing beginnings that shaped the sadistic existence and actions … Continue reading FILM REVIEW: DC’s ‘Joker’, the Controversial, Quirky and CGI-free Genesis Story
