WORD HAS IT...

1. Tom Close threatens to boycott 2Face concert 2. Red Avenue Party: Teta keeps people guessing 3. Is Sauti Sol eyeing Meddie? 4. Trey Songz in Kenya for Coke Studio 5. Actress Roland in charity drive for Genocide orphans

Thursday, September 22, 2016
Sonia Roland

Tom Close threatens to boycott 2Face concert

2Face

Nigerian music star Innocent Ujah Idibia, commonly known as 2face Idibia or 2Baba is expected to perform in Kigali at the Serena Hotel tonight. The singer is expected to perform alongside other local artistes including Kina Music’s Tom Close and recent Primus GumaGuma Super Star winners, Urban Boyz.

However, Tom Close has threatened to boycott the event over a disagreement with the organisers. Tom Close announced on his Facebook page that he will not perform saying that the "organisers cannot meet their commitments.”

We have also heard that the organisers have failed to get an official sponsor and have failed to pay the band supposed to assist the performers. We hope the organisers can sort this to avoid headlines of a concert flop.

Red Avenue Party: Teta keeps people guessing

 Sandra Teta

Last year’s annual Red Avenue Party was marred by poor management and a low turn-up and this year’s event may not be any different.

 Sandra Teta, the lady behind the event has posted about the event on her social media platforms, but we are told what she is promising should be taken with a pinch of salt.

For example while she claims that Urban Boyz are supposed to be the main headline act of the show, news reaching our desk indicates that they haven’t heard from the organiser for a long time. 

The aggressive businesswoman, who is also behind ‘Industry Night’ and ‘Connect Party’, has previously held social parties which were graced by Tanzania’s female rapper Vanessa Mdee, Kenyan Socialite Huddah Monroe, and a few other local artistes. What new tricks does she have in her bag? Watch this space.

Is Sauti Sol eyeing Meddie?

Meddie

They are East Africa’s hottest music group right now and have just concluded staging a successful concert in Kigali but was Sauti Sol here for more than just music?

Well, we are told that America- based Rwandan musician Meddie caught their attention and they are now in talks to collaborate.

Meddie, whose song Ntawamusimbura has been chart topping for months now, has enjoyed a successful run with songs like Nka Paradizo which he sang with Priscilla and Burinde Bucya.

If the talks are successful, Meddy will join the ranks of stars like Tanzania’s Ali Kiba, Nigeria’s 2Baba and many others. We wish him luck.

Trey Songz in Kenya for Coke Studio

Trey Songz

American RnB singer, Trey Songz, arrived in Kenya on Tuesday for the Coke Studio Africa Season 4, Coca-Cola’s African music show. He was even seen riding in Kenya’s popular means of public transport commonly known as ‘Matatu’.

Other pictures of the star that have been circulating include one where the singer was sharing a meal with Nigerian female singer Yemi Alade. On Tuesday morning, Trey Songs tweeted, "Good morning from Nairobi! Didn’t sleep last night, may take a few days to adjust but I feel amazing. Looking forward to today.”

For the final episode of Coke Studio Africa 4, Trey Songz will record a song and stage live music performances with Nyashinski (Kenya), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Rema Namakula (Uganda), Neyma (Mozambique), Serge Beynaud (DRC), Lij Michael (Ethiopia), Patoranking (Nigeria) and Stonebwoy (Ghana).

Actress Roland in charity drive for Genocide orphans

Sonia Roland

French actress, Sonia Roland is interested in developing the local film industry through her ‘Sa tourne Productions’ but her passion is not limited to entertainment only. We are told that the beautiful former Miss France, who lived in Rwanda before moving to Burundi in 1989 and later to France in 1994 is planning to give support to orphans of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

During the Maisha Africa’s celebration of 15 years of existence in France, Roland announced her ‘Aider Gisimba’ (Support Gisimba) initiative which will see her provide educational support to children who use the Gisimba Orphanage as an educational centre. The ceremony featured a fundraiser, and all the proceeds will go to supporting the children. Go girl!