Top regional lifestyle: Isheja’s radio return, South Sudan’s social media shutdown, Fresh Kid’s school success, and more

Keeping up with the constant stream of updates on social media can be overwhelming, but we’ve done the digging for you. From local highlights to regional buzz, here’s a roundup of some of the biggest newsmakers making waves—no ranking, just the stories you need to know. ALSO READ: Recap: Knowless’ beer name, Tems in Kigali, Diamond Platnumz’s wedding, TikTok shutdown, and more Isheja back on air? Celebrated journalist Sandrine Isheja, now serving as Deputy Director-General of the national broadcaster RBA, is once again gracing the airwaves. She has joined Japhet Mazimpaka and Anick Uwingabiye on Magic Morning, a show on Magic FM. For fans who’ve missed her iconic voice, Isheja officially returned to the morning show on Monday, January 20. While her duties as a senior leader at RBA may sometimes pull her away, the broadcaster’s management has assured listeners that whenever she’s available, she’ll be a familiar presence on Magic Morning. Magic FM, the youthful infotainment arm of RBA radio, has also introduced several changes to its lineup. Artiste Passy Kizito has joined Yvonne Ingabire on Magic on Point, while Ines Ghislaine, Deputy Head of Radio Rwanda and Community Radios, has been added to Magic Drive, currently hosted by Robert Mackenna. Ticket prices revealed for Tems' Kigali concert As the excitement builds for Tems’ Born in the Wild concert, tickets are now available for the event. The concert is set to take place at BK Arena on March 22, with ticket prices ranging from Rwf15,000 to Rwf70,000, depending on the seating preference. Tems, one of Africa’s brightest stars, has quickly risen to global fame despite her relatively short career. She became a household name after collaborating with Wizkid on the hit track Essence in 2020, the same year she released her debut EP For Broken Ears. Her follow-up EP, If Orange Was a Place, in 2021 solidified her presence on the international music scene. In 2024, Tems released her first full-length album, Born in the Wild, which she has been promoting worldwide. Kigali is the latest stop on her tour, where fans can expect a stunning performance featuring hits like Me&U (50 million views on YouTube), Damage (32 million views), Crazy Tings (23 million views), and fan favorites Try Me and Love Me Jeje. South Sudan blocks social media amid surge in violent content South Sudan's government has imposed a three-month social media blackout, instructing telecom companies to block platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. The move, announced Wednesday, follows the circulation of graphic videos showing South Sudanese refugees in Sudan being attacked, reportedly by Sudanese soldiers. The National Communication Authority (NCA) explained that the measure aims to address the spread of violent and disturbing content, which has caused significant distress. The content violates local laws and poses threats to public safety and mental health, particularly for vulnerable groups, said NCA Director General Napoleon Adok. Telecom companies, including MTN and Zain, have complied with the directive, suspending access to the platforms for up to 90 days. The government claims the action is necessary to prevent retaliation and misinformation following recent events in Sudan. However, the decision has sparked debates over its impact on information access and freedom of expression. Uganda’s Fresh Kid excels in 2024 PLE results Fresh Kid, the viral child rapper from Uganda whose real name is Patrick Ssenyonjo, has proven his academic abilities, securing 11 aggregates in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) released the results on Thursday, January 23, with Fresh Kid, a student at Kampala Parents School, earning a spot in Division 1. His results include 2 aggregates in English and Science, 3 in Social Studies, and 4 in Mathematics. At just 13 years old, Fresh Kid has balanced his academics with a rising music career that features collaborations with Ugandan stars like Jose Chameleone, Pallaso, Lydia Jazmine, and Navio. Thanks to a scholarship secured through former Minister Nakiwala Kiyingi, he is set to attend Cambridge International School for his high school education, paving the way for both academic and artistic success. Kenyan trumpeter Mackinlay aims for 24-hour Guinness world record performance Celebrated Kenyan trumpeter and producer Mackinlay is gearing up to set a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous trumpet performance—a 24-hour non-stop concert. The historic attempt is scheduled for January 31, at Geco Café in Nairobi, starting at 10:00 PM (GMT+3). This follows his 12-hour performance at the same venue on October 12, 2024. More than a musical feat, Mackinlay’s effort carries the inspiring message, “No human is limited,” a nod to Kenyan marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge. “This is a journey of self-discovery and a chance to push creative boundaries,” Mackinlay shared. Months of preparation have gone into this endeavor, including collaborations with fellow musicians, a demanding fitness regimen, and rigorous practice to ensure both physical and musical endurance. “I’ve had the Kenyan flag on my trumpet for years, representing a legacy of record-breaking and world-changing achievements by great Kenyans. This 24-hour trumpet marathon is my way of contributing to that legacy,” Mackinlay said. Notably, this record has never been attempted before, making Mackinlay the pioneer of this challenge. Fans and supporters can follow his progress on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (@mackinlay_music) for exclusive updates leading up to this event.

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Top regional lifestyle: Isheja’s radio return, South Sudan’s social media shutdown, Fresh Kid’s school success, and more