7th November 2015-What To Expect

Pwani Celebrity Awards 2015 going down on 7th November 2015 at Hotel Sea Front Kengeleni.

It has been a year of planning for a show that promises to be the biggest and grandest ever seen. Our dedicated members of staff working round the clock to ensure nothing but perfection on the day we have all been waiting for. With only 7 days left, we thought it wise to let you in on some of the things to expect on that day.

To start with, the entrance fee is set at Ksh. 500 for the regular ticket and Ksh. 1000 for the VIP. Most of you have complained, others are yet to complain about the charges. So maybe a breakdown of what is to happen at Hotel Sea Front on the night of 7^th November 2015 will help convince you that the prices are fair enough.  

For Ksh. 500, you get that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience all the fuss as has been explained below and much more live and direct, free welcoming cocktails and stand a chance to win a lot of giveaways during the show. For those paying for the VIP, you get the special privilege to mingle with our organizers, nominees, various artists, key figures in the Entertainment Industry and all other invited dignitaries, dine with them for the mouth-watering delicacies, unlimited supply of soft drinks that will be available on the night (free of charge for the VIPs), and much more that we cannot disclose at the moment. Just to be clear, alcoholic drinks will also be available.

Red Carpet Photography by professionals will be free for all. Come get a chance to pose with your favorite celebs on the red carpet for an unlimited number of photos.

We will be having a live Media Coverage as we have invited various Media Houses in the country for the event, so expect more on that night.

As stated earlier, we shall be having a surprise artist in attendance to keep us on our feet on that night. Ever since this announcement, there have been speculations all over the place about the big artist people think will grace the show. But as stated, it is a surprise; therefore, it is not in our place to disclose any suggestive hint on the matter as we do not intend to change the Queen’s Language’s meaning of the word ‘surprise’.

 As you may have noticed, Pwani Celebrity Awards embodies the spirit of nurturing talents, and that’s why on that day, we shall be having some artists who are yet to find the breakthrough or meet the right people to help debut their art performing. You should however stay advised that these artists are not just picked at random for we believe that it takes more than just holding a mike and spitting words on stage to be part of the show that night. We look for people with content and potential in the industry. That’s why our committed team has scheduled a day in the course of next week to audition the artists who have expressed interest on performing on the night. As we said earlier, we are perfectionists. We plan to make the show worth your money and time.

 Present to entertain you will be some of the best dance groups we have around, contemporary dancers making an impression on stage, comedians to crack your ribs, various artists, bands and also poets to keep your imagination awake. On the decks will be a Deejay Line-Up of all your favorites plus one Guest Deejay to ensure that you are sorted musically.

We have a very experienced team of interior designers taking care of the decor, setting up everything to perfection in our bid to leave a lasting impression of the night.

Fashion lovers, you've not been left out. We shall be having a runway set-up, where various designers get to showcase some of their works. In preparation for this, Ashantyz Promotions & Catering Services has signed 10 experienced Models who will help with the exhibition. They will take the runway, one at a time, showcasing various outfits from the very creative fashion designers we have, not just from Mombasa, but from the entire Coastal Region. We hope that after the night of 7^th November 2015, you just don’t go home thinking of how Person A looked adorable when receiving their award; we want you to leave the place with a different mindset, that of supporting local designers in whatever way possible for the talent that they have.

On the night, we plan to have a very unique awarding ceremony for the winners, given the hard work and dedication they’ve all shown in shaping the Coastal Entertainment Industry for the year that has been. As we have stated in countless occasions, this year we are not just giving out trophies to the winners as has been our tradition ever since; there is more in store for them; more that we also choose not to disclose for now, for as you may have noticed, we are full of surprises this year, so it’s really up to you to come and find out.

A keen look at the Nomination Categories will indicate to you that we have some new ones this year, some like Mentor of The Year, Humanitarian Award and so on and so forth. We will be having some of these people let you in on what they are all about; their life experiences in the journey to becoming the great people that we see today.

The above stated and much more is what we plan to deliver on that night. So, mark your calendars and start getting ready for a night of its kind.

For tickets, contact 0706585788.

GREEN OLIVE CHILDREN'S HOME; A TIME TO GIVE BACK...

Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominees donating at Green Olive Children's Home.

Every day when the sun rises, Mama Esther as they know her, has to be up. She has to rise and rack her brain on how she will fend for the 50 kids she has under her care. She does not have any assured source of income; yet, it is her up to provide for everyone, including her eight members of staff, who also happen to have families who depend on them. Bills have to be paid, regardless of whether there are resources on not.  The familiarity of this cycle is nothing but comforting to her, as she has been doing this for the past 10 years.

It all started when she worked with some tourists some years back. She would have them help out some one or two kids whom she felt were in need. It was a calling of some sorts, and as the number gradually grew, she had to sacrifice her youth for the kids and dedicate her everything to their well being. Friends challenged her to start a children’s home for them, something she did with no hesitation, and that saw the birth of Green Olive Children’s Home, more than a decade ago.

Green Olive Children’s Home isn’t like any other that you know. It is one that smiles in the face of its adversities. For a first-timer, Green Olive just poses like any other elementary school somewhere in a remote area.  The faces that greet you upon entrance are those filled with hope and excitement. It however doesn’t take a genius to tell their unspoken.

Behind every kid at Green Olive Children’s Home is a story that made them end up there; one that they know only too well. Some are orphans, others, abandoned some, lost and found, though not by their parents as one would expect, but by Green Olive Children’s Home. They all live there as brothers and sisters under the loving care of their Mama Esther. Some struggle with diseases, others even test positive to HIV/AIDS, in fact, just recently, one of them lost the fight after 10years of nothing but struggle. Despite all these, they have never given up hope; hope that they will one day be like you and me. They never think of home, as this has been their home ever since, one which they have long lived to embrace.  The members of staff have become members of their family. Together they are joined by bonds that are not likely to be broken that easily.

Over the years, it has been a great struggle for Mama Esther, with the main challenge being fending for the basic needs, like food for the little hungry mouths. She is also aware that some kids from the society join the orphans for a share of whatever there is on the table. She can’t send them away. They count on her for their daily bread, and it is not like her to let them down. She has made them her responsibility. 

Green Olive Children’s Home runs at a cost of Ksh.120,000 per month. Currently, the Children’s Home operates in the dark as it owes K.P.L.C a substantial amount of money, Ksh. 38,000 to be precise. This, even as  among the 48 kids were 10 K.C.P.E candidates who needed to study for their exams and light up their future. On many occasions, Mama Esther had risked stealing electricity for the sake of the kids. Something that could have easily gotten her arrested and charged. Her efforts to seek or get donors or even government support for her foundation have been futile as all she gets from such parties are promises and more promises.

18^th October 2015 would however be a day that restored hope to this forgotten about Children’s Home, all thanks to the Pwani Celebrity Awards family. The organizers staged a visit for this year’s nominees to Green Olive Children’s Home, just to have them get to know that other that the flashy lifestyle of the fans they are used to meeting in fancy places, there exist a minority fan-base somewhere; one that enjoys their art as well and would wish to emulate them. Someday. Various organizations, including Coastal Films Productions, Banduka, Ashantyz Promotions & Catering Services, Green Bird Entertainment, Pad A Dada, Spinworld International and many others came on board to support this course. Donations were made for the kids, from food stuff, clothing and pledged support that seemed to restore hope for better tomorrows for the children. The guests got to spend time with the kids; sing with them, dance with them and simply just have fun with them.

Games time.

Sharon Wanjiku and Gathoni Mbugua of Utandu posing for a selfie with one of the kids.

Mr. John Chacha with two of the kids.

Aisha Frere having fun with her new-found friend.

Wherever they are right now, the kids are happy. Even though they all know too well that this is state that will be short-lived. The little they got from us won’t last forever. It cannot. Yes, it will sustain them, but not for long. You and I can however make it a different story. Our nominees and members present discussed on ways that would ensure regular support for the kids. If you are willing to come on board, if you have some shreds of tenderness left in you, here is your chance. Get in touch with us through 0706585788. As we always say, it doesn’t have to be silver or gold, the little you can give, even a message of encouragement to them will go a long way in making the kids know that they are never alone in this.

NOMINEE PROFILE: MAFIOSO MUSIC GROUP

Mafioso Music Group. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominees. Music Group of The Year Category.

They are no doubt one of the groups to watch. Mafiso Music Group is one made up of three young, but super talented men, Ruksy, Mwasi and Puka Pisces, whose almost angelic voices blend so naturally to bring about a heavenly melody to our airwaves. They are by all means ready for the limelight and ready to prove to the world that areas considered to be as remote as Ukunda, South Coast, rests a musical gem yet to be discovered.

Their musical paths crossed by chance as they all grew up together, though all singing in different groups before they merged to be what we know today.

Since their merger, the Mafiosos have worked with legendary producers like TK2, Producer Totti, Kimshizzle, Bizi B, just to mention a few.. (you can head to YouTube and watch any of their videos and you'll understand that we are not just misusing words when describing them)

The Mafiosos were overwhelmingly nominated by their fans for this year's Pwani Celebrity Awards under the category of Music Group of The Year. They need you to vote for them and make their dreams come true. From this end, best of luck to them.

NOMINEE PROFILE: MAMA LAO

Mama Lao. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Female Hip Hop Artist of The Year.

Probably one of the pioneer female Hip Hop Artists in Mombasa, a genre that most female artists shy away from. Six years in the game and going by what we gathered about her, Mama Lao is about to take the industry by storm; one that's never been seen before.

Mama Lao has in the past been featured in collabos with some big names like Kidis, and is currently riding high with her single, Mdodo, which got a very positive reception from her fans all over, and getting quite some airplay in local radio stations. This doesn't come as a surprise to any of us as the singer speaks so passionately about her hardwork in her six-year journey to greatness. 

Over her stay in the industry, Mama Lao has been able to establish a fanbase that saw her earn a nomination slot in this year's Pwani Celebrity Awards. She falls under the category of Female Hip Hop Artist of the year. Vote for her. Make her the next Queen of Rap.

NOMINEE PROFILE: OHMS LAW MONTANA

Ohms Law Montana. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Hip Hop Artist of The Year Category.

Talent is his second name. He has this unique way of infusing poetry into his rap music, bringing about something way out of this world. 

Ohm's Law discovered his ability to make words come alive to the world through spoken word poetry when he was still in high school. He dedicated his time to his new found passion and by 2011, Ohm's Law was representing his now former school, Hamisi High School on National Level in matters poetry. 

It is however in 2013 when Ohm's Law first hit the studio and started releasing his works of a genre he admiringly named 'alcapoetry.' Since then, Ohm's has been landing gig after gig and has at some point represented Mombasa on Capital Fm's Lyrical Wednesday. He made us all proud. Among his hit songs are Wamakataimara (be careful with your tongue when pronouncing that), Poleni; a song in which he chooses to pay tribute to those who have gone before us.

In five years time, Ohm's sees himself giving a new definition of what rap music should be like to the world. He aspires to be in the lanes of Kendrick Lamar and other known rapgods, and at a point in his life, make it to the BET. Well, we hope and pray for him. May his dreams be among the valid ones.

Ohm's Law was recently nominated as Male Hip Hop of The Year for Pwani Celebrity Awards. If you feel he deserves this title, vote for him. Make him win.

NOMINEE PROFILE: FRANKEE DEE

Frankee Dee. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Dancehall Artist of The Year Category.

You've been asking for him in our email, you've been calling and texting, asking for his profile. Today, we present him to you, Frankie Dee!

As mostl of you may know, Frankie is one of the few Dancehall Artists who've been consistent in the game ever since. He got to the limelight in the year 2007 under Big Sound Records. One year later, Frankie teamed up with fellow artist, Jovial for a collabo on a song known as Sema, one that would be a club anthem for a very long period of time. He has since worked with some great artists, the likes of Ally B on collabos. Just recently, Frankie released another hit song, Buss A Whine, which is enjoying quite some airplay in local radio stations. 

Apart from music, has his side businesses; for one, we understand he has his own clothing line, Frankie Wear.

Over his stay in the game, Frankie Dee has managed to build a fan base, one that would see him nominated as Dancehall Artist of The Year for the Pwani Celebrity Awards 2015. For the far he has come, it would only be fair that we all wish him the best of everything.

NOMINEE PROFILE: SANDRA SHANTEL

Sandra Shantel. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Female Model of The Year Category.

Brightening our Monday morning is one of Mombasa's most successful models Sandra
Shantel, rumored to be the highest paid in the region. You may know from Prezzo's video My City My Town (ft. Cannibal). She was also the winner in the Female Model of The Year for the first ever Pwani Celebrity Awards show held in November 2013.

It is also in 2013 that Shantel's became a household name when she won the The Face Of Pulse crown, and has never looked back since then, going ahead to
endorse several notable brands within Kenya and around Africa (for her professional interest, we shall withhold the brand information).

Since her birth to the industry, Shantel has been at the forefront in celebrating beauty, diversity
and lengthening the limits of being a model, with her main objective being to inspire every young girl with the passion for the runway to achieve their dreams, clearly evident from the work she does.

Sandra was once again nominated in this year's show as Female Model of The Year. All the best to her.

NOMINEE PROFILE: BUSY BEE

Busy Bee. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Gospel Artist of The Year Category.

Just because we can, we choose to start our day this morning on a gospel note, with our person of interest being Fred Makori, most of you know him as Busy Bee Mteule.

Busy Bee is an all-rounded talent, he sings, he writes songs and he acts as well. Being who he is today, a great gospel artist, meant a lot of hard work and dedication from him. Like most gospel artists, he started singing in his church's choir at the age of 12. In school, he got appointed to be the head of a Christian Union Choir he was part of, something that really elated his musical gift. Busy Bee owes his success to the great people in his life who've been challenging him to apply himself in all ways possible.

Apart from singing, he has worked as a Graphic Designer, Web Designer and at some point, he worked as an event organizer.

Busy Bee is currently riding high with his song, Ninavyoshine, produced by the legend that is Producer Totti and Kay-G Records. He has also in the past worked with the likes of Donatah and MC Mike (who also happens to be a nominee) in giving us some great melodies.

Fred Makori was recently nominated as Gospel Artist of The Year. If you feel he deserves the title, vote for him and make him win. From this end, we can only wish him the best of luck.

NOMINEE PROFILE: PETRA BOCKLE

Petra Bockle. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Female Hip Hop Artist of The Year.

One would be forgiven for mistaking her for Nicki Minaj. Have you heard her song, Mkali Wao? Her name is Petra, she is a musician, started singing at age 11.

At age 18, when most people get excited for finally owning a National Id Card, Petra was busy working on a remix of a song with Rabbit, Ligi Soo, one which would elevate her career to being one of the greatest female rappers, not only in Kenya, but Africa as a whole.

Petra has since been affiliated to multi-million projects. This doesn't come as a surprise to any of us as she is just more than talented.

She was recently nominated as Female Hip Hop Artist of The Year in Pwani Celebrity Awards. All the best to her as she continues keeping our ears busy.

NOMINEE PROFILE: RUTHALIA MICHAELS

Ruthalia Michaels. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Female Model of The Year Category.

Our person of interest this morning is Ruthalia Michaels. She is a Commercial Model, Fashion Model, Print Model and if you are wondering why her face strikes you as a familiar one, it is because she is also a Video Vixen, you may have spotted her in Kidis' song, Kachiri, or My City My Town by Prezzo featuring Cannibal.

Apart from modelling, Ruthalia is involved in other projects as well. She is a business woman and also Heinken Brand Ambassador.

Ruthalia was recently nominated in this year's Pwani Celebrity Awards under the Female Model of The Year, you may have come across her campaign hashtag #Teamthalia. All the best to her.

NOMINEE PROFILE: B4C MUSIC GROUP

B4C Music Group. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominees.

Their story is nothing short of inspiring. B4C is a gospel music group made up of two best friends, Fidhel Kyalo and Shadrack Kyalo. You will be forgiven to think they are brothers as the duo grew up together and have lots of childhood memories which they never miss to share when an opportunity presents itself.

They started their musical journey in December 2013. The songs they sing are mostly inspired by their life experiences together, all that they've gone through to be who they are today. They acknowledge the mentorship they got from the likes of Mbuvi, Mercy D' Lai, Mr. Cross, Maxton Media and many others who played a role in their growth. Their first video, Rafiki, was released just 22 days after joining the industry. It then took a while before releasing their second song, Vumilia, again, talking about the hardships one faces in life with the hope of overcoming them someday. After Vumilia, their journey became a bit rossy, leading to the release of Fimbo Ya Shetani, and the latest being Ndoto, which is less than 24 hours old on YouTube.

B4C were recently nominated for the Music Group of The Year Category in this year's Pwani Celebrity Awards. Join us in wishing them all the best as they continue soaring higher and higher.

NOMINEE PROFILE: RAHIMA FEISAL

Rahima Feisal. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Facebook Personality of The Year Category.

Social Media. It is a revolution taking the world by storm. Careers have been built through it. Love has been found in Social Media. Great ideas from some of the world's greatest thinkers have been shared through Social Media. At Pwani Celebrity Awards, we acknowledge all good that can come from it. We intend to change the mentality of our youth, that of using Social Media as an idling ground, to that of using this platform in a way that can be income-generating and also fun to whoever uses it.

On our page this evening is Rahima Feisal. She is a singer with vocals worth dying for, dreams of being the next Whitney Huston. There is absolutely nothing illegal in referring to Rahima as one who is multi-talented as she is also a songwriter, rapper and model.

Her fans recently nominated her as Facebook Personality of The Year in this year's Pwani Celebrity Awards. All the best to her and may her dreams come true. Hoping to see her on some of the world's biggest stages. Someday.

NOMINEE PROFILE: JUDY KWAMBOKA

Judy Kwamboka. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Photographer of The Year Category.

Photography is an art. One which means getting used to tiny clicks and slides of lenses in to camera being on constant replays in your head and even in the deepest point of your dreams. It means to focus on every bit of detail in your field of view. The art of photography means telling a story to the world in a way only you know how.

Colouring our page this morning is one of the very few female photographers we have in the country. Her name is Judy Kwamboka. Judy is one of all trades in her field, as she covers wide range of events; from political events, weddings, parties and many more.

Judy never dreamt of being in her field of work as a child. She only came to fall in love with the camera while working as an intern in one PR firm. She followed the new found passion which led her to unfamiliar paths, and has never looked back, however tough it may be being in the male-dominated line of work.

Judy was recently nominated in this year's Pwani Celebrity Awards as Photographer of The Year, and we can only wish her the best of everything.

NOMINEE PROFILE: DJ BONNEZ

Dj Bonnez. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Dj of The Year Category.

He is undeniably one of Mombasa's finest DJs at the moment. Landing gig after gig, keeping fans on their feet. But this is expected, given his 10 years experience in the game, there's never a dull moment with him on the decks.

He is currently the head of SpinCyle Dj Unit in Mombasa region. The just concluded Stylus Awards saw a teary Bonez walk home with the Fortis Dj award, that which was meant to acknowledge the effort and struggle this guy has been through to be who he is today. From the days of E-Sir Memorial and many other events of such nature, Bonez has been there to make us stamp our feet. He also happens to be one of the very few Kenyan DJs who have managed to get contracted to perform in other regions outside Kenya, like Juba, Sudan.

In another life, Bonez would most likely be a Soldier as he had always fancied being a Naval Soldier.

DJ Bonez is a nominee for this year's Pwani Celebrity Awards under the DJ of The Year Category. All the best to him from this end.

NOMINEE PROFILE: JOHN ABDUB

John Abdub. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Humanitarian Award Category.

Fondly known as Mr. President, perhaps because of his leadership skills displayed at Moi University Main Campus, where he serves as the students' leader, or maybe because of his dream of becoming a president in the near future. He is John Abdub.

John Abdub has obviously achieved more for his age already, seeing that he is a published author of a very inspirational book, My Success My Choice. Apart from writing, Abdub is also a motivational speaker, something he does so effortlessly.

Mr. Abdub also has a philanthropic side as he is the Director and Founder of Eagles Foundation, an organization which seeks to sponsor less fortunate members of society in undertaking communal activities.

He was recently nominated in this years' Pwani Celebrity Awards under the Humanitarian Award Category. All the best to this young man.

NOMINEE PROFILE: PETRONILLA MARIA

Petronilla Maria. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Humanitarian Award Category.

 

To many of us, she is known for her PAD A DADA initiative, where she gets to mobilise resources and use them in supporting the girl child. This she does by getting like minded individuals to see the challenges young girls in society face in their day to day lives, after which, they all raise funds and buy sanitary towels which they later distribute to the school-going young girls from marginalized areas. 

She currently focuses on empowering Kilifi County, 'padding' one girl at a time. Interested parties can get in touch with her as she plans to hold a charity walk for the PAD A DADA Initiative come 19th of this month.

When she is not singing and dancing joyfully with the young girls she gets to visit in various schools, Maria is probably busy taking care of her other company in which she does inside and outside catering, and at times hold events.

Petronilla was recently nominated in the Humanitarian Award Category in this years Pwani Celebrity Awards. We wish her all the best as she continues changing the world in her own small way.

NOMINEE PROFILE: YOUNG C

Young-C. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Upcoming Artist of The Year Category.

His name is Chasta Njewa, a.k.a Young C. He is 7 years old, and he is a musician. You are understandably shocked by his age, given the many achievements to his name. Apart from being the youngest musician in Kenya, Young C was recently crowned as the best Young Achiever Under 12 years in Mombasa County.

Young C currently has 2 songs to his name (that we know of), namely 'Nawakilisha' and the latest being 'Ma Birthday' in which the young boy has featured a myriad of other Coastal superstars, from artists, to models, to dancers.. he has them all falling in love with the kind of music he has to bring to the table.

Friends describe Young C as one who is playful and really makes good company, and for those of us who've been lucky to see him perform, we must admit that he's got some captivating moves. It's also interesting to note that young as he is, Young C has his own group of dancers known as Young Unit from SOS Children's Home.

Young C was recently nominated in the Upcoming Artist of The Year Category in this year's Pwani Celebrity Awards. All the best in the musical journey ahead of him.

NOMINEE PROFILE: HARRIET MUKANA

Harriet Mukana. Pwani Celebrity Awards Nominee. Blogger of The Year Category.

 

 

 

For those who don't know her yet, her name is Harriet Mukana and she is a blogger. What's unique about what she does though, is that, unlike most bloggers in Mombasa who only focus on entertainment news, Harriet, through her blog, pwanialive.wordpress.com thrives to tell all the stories that make Mombasa County stand out among as the best among the rest. She writes about culture, art, sports, entertainment and even charity events being held along this great region.

Harriet recently brought to light a story about the Bombolulu Bench Youth Group. From what we gathered, among many other things, this youth group holds a beach cleanup activity every third Saturday of the month, a very noble initiative which she urges you to join.

When she is not blogging about Mombasa, Harriet is probably somewhere in Turkana or visiting other remote areas in the country healing the community as she happens to be a medic by profession.
Harriet's blog, Pwani Alive was recently nominated in the Blogger of The Year Category in this year's Pwani Celebrity Awards. We wish her all the best as she continues telling Mombasa's beautiful story to the world.