NBA legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash aged just 41.
According to TMZ, the LA Lakers icon was travelling with three others in a private aircraft when it came down in Calabasas near LA, California, US.
It is understood up to FIVE people have died in the crash, with nobody on board surviving.
An investigation into the incident – which happened on Sunday morning – is underway.
According to reports, the helicopter went up in a ball of fire after hitting the ground.
He is survived by his wife Vanessa and their three daughters, who are thought to have not been on board.
His shock death sparked an outpouring of grief from the basketball world.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic tweeting: “NO PLEASE, I’m shaking this can’t be true please.”
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love said: “Please no. Please God no. It can’t be true.”
Tristan Thompson added: “I hope this isn’t true man!!! Not Kobe.”
Bryant was drafted straight to the NBA from high school — where he won the Pennsylvania state championship in 1996.
He was picked up by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Lakers.
Bryant, who stepped away from the game in 2016, spent his first 10 seasons wearing No 8 and his final 10 in No 24, with The Lakers retiring both jerseys.
Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) introduced their new Guinness variant Guinness Smooth in a luxurious ceremony held at the Kampala Serena Hotel gardens on Saturday night.
During the Launch, the Guinness Global Master Brewer Peter Simpson who played a major role in the making of Guinness Smooth took the invited guests through the four Flavour Rooms that speak to the character of the new beer.
The rooms included the Bittersweet Room, the Bold Room, the Rich Room and the Refreshing Room where consumers were let in on the sight, flavour, feel and taste of the new beer.
They were taken through the perfect serve for a Guinness Smooth, tasting and appreciating the perfect balance of sweet (butterscotch and toffee flavours) and bitter, and also smelling the chocolatey-coffee aromas and rich notes from roasted barley.
Speaking to guests, Mr Simpson commended Ugandans’love for the famous black liquid and couldn’t hide his excitement about people finally tasting a product that he has worked on with Ugandan brewers for a very long time.
“I cannot mention how proud I am that you all get to taste Guinness Smooth today. It is every brewer’s dream to see people taste his creation,” he said, before imploring guests to toast to Arthur Guinness who first brewed the world-renowned beer in 1759.
“Brands that don’t innovate don’t survive. 261 years and counting, this is the first innovation extension or variant of brand Guinness in Uganda. This right here is history in the making,” UBL’s Marketing Director Juliana Kaggwa said at the event.
“We are giving young vibrant millennials an opportunity to join the family of Guinness through a variant called Smooth. The brand is smooth and therefore easy on the tongue,” Ms Kaggwa said.
She noted that people have different palates and Guinness Smooth is a variant that maintains the full-bodiedcharacter of Guinness, though with bitter-sweet undertones. “It is a beer with a distinctively smooth and refreshing taste,” she said.
The night also featured performances from Uganda’s very own soul star Maurice Kirya and SheebahKarungi, arguably the hottest female artiste in the land who took guests on musical rollercoaster of some of her hits songslike Mummy Yo, Enyanda and Sweet Sensation, her banger with Nigerian star Orezi.
With the frothy, but smoother version of Guinness flowing endlessly, it was indeed as smooth life for guests and there were no “janworries” of having to dig into their pockets as it was on the house.
The Guinness Master Brewer, Peter Simpson is in town ahead of the launch ofthe new Guinness variant ‘Guinness Smooth’a beer that has hit the Ugandan market like a wave ever since it was first introduced earlier this week.
Simpsonwho has been very fundamental in the making of this particular variant will officially launch the product in a luxurious function that is slated to take place tomorrow Saturday January 25, at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Based at St James Gate Brewery, the home of Guinness in Dublin, Simpson who joined the brewery 12 years ago prides himself in having been part of the brewing process of not only Guinness Smooth but many other Guinness variants around the world.
“I have been working closely with the local brewing team here in Uganda to develop the liquid and make sure that we have a truly unique product that is perfect for everyone to enjoy when out to catch up with friends, this is a new expression of Guinness, crafted with Ugandan consumers in mind, you need to try it” said Simpson.
Simpson is also part of a Guinness initiative that encourages innovation by its talented team of expert brewers tasked with creating new products like the Guinness Smooth & Hop House 13 and exploring new recipes while drawing inspiration from the two and a half centuries of expertise contained in the Guinness archives.
AS National Resistance Movement (NRM) celebrates 34 years in power this weekend (26th January 2020 in Ibanda), we take a look at how Entertainment Industry has thrived under this regime which is under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In 1986, when NRA took over power there was entertainment but not at the level it is at today.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said have been able to perform and show off their talents because of prevailing peace and stability brought by his NRM government
With stability and peace created by NRM prevailing, the environment for improved entertainment industry was created and this didn’t take long for Ugandans to see change in the industry.
From singers to actors to entertainment venues, all these ones have developed tremendously under the NRM government with the prevailing freedom of speech and resources to use.
H.E M7 with singer Eddy Kenzo at State House Entebbe last year
While it was very difficult to host music concert those days because of security reasons, it is easy these days because the venues are very secure and very available. The likes of lates; Elly Wamala, Philly Lutaaya, Paul Kafeero were very brilliant musician but the political atmosphere at the time they were shining wasn’t conducive to their work. The late Lutaaya had to shift to Sweden because of political instabilities in Uganda at that time.
H.E M7 attending concert marking 33 years of acting by Sam Bagenda aka Dr. Bbosa at Theatre La Bonita
While promoters in 80s and 90s used to bring musicians from outside Uganda especially Congolese, this has since ceased after the rising of Ugandan singers like Jose Chameleone, Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine, Juliana Kanyomozi, Iryn Namubiru, Afrigo band become more popular under NRM. These and more led the overthrow and influx of foreign musicians in Uganda. They have become household names not only in Uganda but also East Africa and beyond.
While meeting singer Eddy Kenzo real name Idrissa Musuza in October last year at State House Entebbe, President Yoweri Museveni congratulated Eddy Kenzo, one of Uganda’s high sounding and outgoing personality in the music industry, for making very good achievements in the music and entertainment sector. “I want to congratulate Kenzo for making very good contribution in music. He was a street boy and an orphan but he had a talent of singing,” said President Museveni. President Museveni used the occasion of his meeting with musician Eddy Kenzo to appeal to the youths in Uganda to emulate the example of Mr. Kenzo to get out of poverty by exploiting their talents fully. “I appeal to the youths to use his example to get out of poverty by using their talents. If you are not singing, you can do it by farming, innovations and painting, among others, he said.
He noted that the musicians have prospered because of performing good entertainments in Uganda adding that this is possible because of the prevailing peace provided by the NRM government. He observed that Uganda is an easy destination for investment in comparison to other destinations mainly because of the prevailing peace. Not only musicians have developed but also other entertainers like comedians, actors, fashionista.
There was barely any comedian in Uganda before but look at how comedy has sprung up and led its own revolution in entertainment.
With the environment favouring one to what they want, there was birthday of comedy in Uganda which has seen several young Ugandans earn big from the industry and are now international recognized. The Amarula Family was one of the groups that led to comedy revolution. The comedy has since given birth to stars like Amooti, Alex Muhangi, Patrick Idringi Salvado, Prince Emma, Mendo Herbert Ssegujja who himself has a household name imitating His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Anne Kansiime who has gone to shine on the world stage as a comedienne, the Fun Factory group has a lot full of talent making it big on comedy.
The film industry has also been on the rise with many Ugandans joining and creating movies and films that have seen many theatres come up to show these films. Forget about Hollywood movies and Nigeria, Uganda we now also have Kina-Uganda and our theaters have been proudly showing such films. Look at The Ebonies and Bakayimbira Dramactors, Deception, Hostel and several others have come up to act Series that being show on our televisions and cinemas.
While attending a concert to mark 33 years of acting for Mr Sam Bagenda aka Dr. Bbosa in December last year at Theatre La Bonita, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni lauded the dramatists for taking advantage of the peace brought by his government to develop their talent.
“With peace ushered in by the NRM, people are bound to exhibit talents in all aspects; Preachers will preach, actors will act, artistes will compose and sing, farmers will flourish in fields, herders will tend, everyone will get chance to showcase their God-given talent,” M7 said.
You can’t talk about entertainment without mentioning Radios and Televisions, before NRM came to power there was only one Television and Radio (both UBC). At the moment they are close to 15 TV Stations and over 300 Radio stations. With these stations, entertainers have had the chances to showcase their talents and this has led the industry to develop at a faster rate.
During this regime, we have had many earn big being Master of ceremonies and Deejays at different entertainment centres and social events. This wasn’t the case before.
Fashion industry which is also under entertainment has come up and we have had a number of Ugandan become creative in field. We have seen people like Anita Beryl, Stellah Atal, Sylvia Owori, Fatumah Asha, Judith Heard, Ahumuza Brian aka Abryanz, Jenny Linda do wonders in style and fashion. They have created different labels which have won them accolades not only in Uganda but also abroad. Televisoion fashion shows have also been allowed to air and this improved on how stars can style themselves especially when hitting stages.
Music promoters like Balaam Barugahara and others have not struggled to get gigs because they have musicians to use.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of recent while attending concerts of Bebe Cool, Catherine Kusasira and Sam Bagenda aka Dr. Bbosa pledged support to entertainers so as boost their careers. The NRM has recently created a platform to help entertainers and these days, the president meets different groups of entertainers to see who to support them in their field. This surely shows that Entertainment industry is headed for even better working environment. Congratulations to NRM upon this milestone
As celebrated Comedian Patrick Salvado celebrates a decade of comedy, international award winning star Eddy Kenzo has pledged his support for the ‘Man from Ombokolo’ and promised to serve all the Semyekozos and love niggas lemonade hits at Africa Laughs Season 5 slated to take place at KololoAirstrip on Valentine’s Day.
“Salvador is a brother and I will be at Kololo Airstrip to perform and celebrate 35 years of a brother and 10 years of him making us laugh,” said Eddy Kenzo.
Salvador will be celebrating a decade since he tradedhis blue collar job for comedy, his birthday and the Singleton Africa Laughs Season Five spiced up with Africa’s funniest comedians that will be flying in to celebrate his milestone.
Following his baby mama’s introduction to another man, Eddy Kenzo had an emotional breakdown that had him calling out for help from the Uganda Government but it also led to the birth of his hit song Semyekozo.
Being Valentine’s Day, Eddy Kenzo will be at KololoAirstrip cheering up his fellow ‘love niggas’ as his estranged lover Rema Namakula will be at Hotel Africana entertaining all the lovers.
The Africa Laughs tickets are available at all Shell outlets and Quicket online platform with early bird tickets at Shs35,000, V.I.P at Shs100,000 and VVIP at Shs300,000.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has withdrawn and dropped charges of; criminal tresspass, impersonation, obtaining money by false pretense and fraud maliciously levied on Angella Katatumba by Mukesh Shukula aka Shumuk in yet another failed attempt to gain ownership of Hotel Diplomate Muyenga.
It is public knowledge that H.E Prof Boney Katatumba won his property cases against Shumuk at Commercial court.
The Honorable Justice Peter Henry Adonyo ruled very harshly against Shumuk ordering him to put all the titles back into the names of Boney Katatumba of which Shumuk fraudulently put in his names.
The titles are for the properties of Katatumba Suites, Hotel Diplomate Muyenga and Katatumba’s 200 acre Island in Banda, Kalangala. The judge further ordered Shumuk to pay Katatumba 54 Billion for the balance he owes Katatumba at Katatumba Suites. Shumuk appealed and was granted a stay of execution. The reason why he has not yet been thrown out of Katatumba Suites.
Shumuk then resorted to opening the same case that he lost, using forgeries that he is currently standing trial for at Buganda Road Court. He has so far opened cases against Angella Katatumba at; Makindye court, Lands at High Court and Execution Division, all of which he has miserably lost, in the hopes of gaining possession of Hotel Diplomaté.
The most recent case he opened against Angella Katatumba was a Private prosecution case at Makindye. The charge sheet was full of trumped up and bogus charges against Angella Katatumba of; criminal trespass, obtaining money by false pretense, cheating and impersonation at Hotel Diplomaté.
The DPP, the Honourable Justice Mike Chibita, noted that Shumuk was maliciously targeting Angella Katatumba and he then withdrew the case against Angella Katatumba and dropped all the charges of which, Makindye court then acquitted her.
Big size singer Bebe Cool and his Amber Heart Foundation in collaboration with Defeat TB have carried out Tuberculosis Screening and Awareness Campaign in New Taxi Park.
The TB ambassador said the outreach is aimed at creating awareness and treat those already infected and affected by the deadly disease.
The singer recently intensified campaign aimed at ending Tuberculosis in Uganda. Him and his team carried TB sensetisation in Jinja. Keep up the fight man!!!
Nairobi: Go Gaga EXP is calling for nominations of outstanding women in the community for the upcoming fourth edition of the Zuri Awards.
The awards held annually seek to recognize and celebrate outstanding women at the community levels. This year’s theme is “An equal world is an enabled world” and is in line with this year’s theme for International Women Day.
The various categories up for nomination include – STEM, Public Service, Agriculture, Arts & Culture, Healthcare, Media, Renewable Energy, Finance, Humanitarian, Manufacturing, Innovation, Education, Young Achiever and Sports. Nominations can be done via their website: zuriawards.gogagaexp.com and will close on the 31st January 2020.
Selected nominees in the various categories will be involved in a series of awareness activities- photography and video sessions, public exhibition of their work, digital storytelling and to highlight their works and stories in the media.
“There are so many women impacting lives in the community but do not get any recognition because they are not big enough or known,” said Muthoni Mumo, Co-founder of Zuri Awards. “Zuri Awards encourages the unsung women in the community to share what they are doing to change their communities with the little they have.”
Since its inception three years ago, the awards have recognized and celebrated outstanding women in line with the International Women’s Day theme every year. Zuri Awards has experienced immense growth from 4 categories at the 1st inaugural edition to a total of 15 in the past 2 years.
The awards have led to a positive publicity of the nominees and honorees in their respective sphere of influence hence enhancing the expansion of their projects and their exceptional competencies.
Some of the honorees have made strides in their undertakings with three of past nominees and honorees being featured in the Ms. President reality show last year and winning awards- Buya Mukonzo – 2017 My Little Big Thing Winner, Fatuma Abdikadir Adan – HODI took a team to World Cup 2018 in Russia, Dr. Chao Mbogo – Founder of KamiLimu & 2018 Face of Science Kenya, Caroline Wanjiku of HELD Sister Foundation & Umulkheir Mohammed founder of Kesho Alliance – Ms. President Reality show.
Zuri Awards has attracted some of the most prolific individuals in the society in the previous years and is sponsored and curated by Go Gaga Experiential Ltd. Some of the past sponsors and partners include Barclays Bank of Kenya (ABSA), Safaricom, KCB, Brighter Monday, EABL – Baileys Brand, Royal Media Services as the official media partners and the Ministry of Public Service and Gender.
Nairobi: Fast-rising Kenyan female sensation TheOnlyRosa has dropped her new single “Popping”. The audio was produced by Kaki, while the video was shot in London courtesy of Ballantines and directed by Jordan Gomez.
“Popping” is a tribute to the discovery of her true passion in being a creative and the struggles experienced throughout her journey to becoming the artist she is now.
Since coming to the limelight few years ago, Rosa’s musical career has been on an upward trajectory that has seen her collaborate with local stars – Naiboi, Kidis and Steph Kapela. She has also shared the stage with International acts– Nasty C, Konshens, Burna Boy and a studio session with the award winning Mr. Eazi.
The Ballantine’s’ True Music winner 2019, took a one year break off music to focus on her studies in the UK, and is back with a bang and promises her fans more music this 2020.
“This year, I am focusing on creating musical experiences for both myself and my fans.” TheOnlyRosa, noted.
The new single is available on ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS including Boomplay, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon.
TheOnlyRosa continues to push creative boundaries, expanding her influence and impact beyond music.
Kampala: Arguably Uganda’s funniest man, award-winning comedian Patrick Idringi popularly known as Salvado is set to take Ugandans on a rib-cracking fest dubbed ‘Africa Laughs’come February 14,2020 at Kololo Airstrip.
The natural, blunt and hilarious “Man from Ombokolo” who draws his humour from events in society and his village Ombokolo celebrates 10 years since he traded his engineering career for stand-up comedy.
Addressing journalists at a press conference at Speke Apartments to announce his tenth anniversary show, the much sought-after comedian revealed that comedy has changed his life and helped him grow as a person.
“I’m forever grateful to my sisters who pushed me to join stand-upcomedy in Uganda, they were so persistent,” Salvado added.
First held in 2013, Africa Laughs in partnership with The Singleton will this year be running its fifth lap and to celebrate the milestone, Salvado will be joined byinternational comedy giants like Kenny Blaq, Eric Omondi, Eddie Kadi and Alfred Kaingo in addition to our own crème de la crème, such as Daniel Omara, Prince Emma,Ronnie McVex, Agnes Akite and Madrat & Chiko. East Africa’s bongo star Harmonize will be gracing the event.
Salvador’s blend of laugh-out-loud humour and attention to ridiculous details while narrating stories has earned him a widespread following across Africa and beyond, making the laugh fiestathe most-anticipated comedy show of the year.
“The Singleton believes in crafting first impressions while creating lasting ones, something that Salvado has been able to do all through the years. He has for the last 10 years put smiles on people’sfaces through his comedic genius, givinghis audience around the world unforgettable memories,” said Annette Nakiyaga Head of Luxury Portfolio at UBL.
