Category: Profiles

Bobby Brown’s Nephew For East African Tour

Jerod W. Brown, a nephew to singer Bobby Brown is set to come to Kampala in the near future and other parts of East Africa in a move aimed at promoting his music in Africa. The America born singer sees Africa as an opportunity for his music exploits and to put to a higher level. The date for his coming is not yet set.Jerod Brown (L)

Who is Jerod W. Brown?
Jerod Brown born on November 9th 1987, known as YF Kennedy, grew up in Boston, MA. His parents, celebrity locals, Herod Shelly & Elizabeth Brown were no strangers to the hustle and street life Boston had to offer.

Elizabeth Brown,(eldest sister of Boston’s bad boy, R&B singer Bobby Brown), fell into drug addiction which would be the cause of YF being adopted along with his twin brother at the age of two.

12 years later, YF and his twin brother would rekindle with their biological mother in the summer of 2002, only to find out that she was suffering from stomach & lung cancer.

In 2003, Kennedy’s mother passed away after only spending less than a year with her. Kennedy, already influenced by the music of DMX, Bone Thugs & Harmony, 2Pac, Nas, & Jay Z, found a passion and outlet to release frustration…MUSIC!
With big dreams to make his mark in the music industry, Kennedys freedom and developing career became a risk the summer of 2006, when he found himself “in the wrong place, at the wrong time.”
After serving ten months in Rock Hill, SC county jail, Kennedy would go on to put out street mix tapes “Insomnia” & “So F@#$%kin Serious” under the alias “Ben Yatti” which would give him the respect as an artist his fans could relate to. Grabbing the attention of super producer Nick Fury, Kennedy got his shot to showcase his talent and instantly began recreating his sound. From then on Kennedy was sure music was his calling.

Kennedy began collaborating with various artist who believed in his raw talent and soon became a team member of Skyways Music Group, which he would assist on records for the street mix tape Real Niggas Know by SMG artist Eddy Fish.
Kennedy got the opportunity to create street records “Fast Life” featuring Cassidy, whose hit single ”Im a Hustler” was a huge success, and 2nd single “We Like 2 Ball” which was released on MTV Jams the summer of 2013.

Since the release of MTV music video, Eddy Fish “We Like 2 Ball” ft Yf Kennedy, YF felt it was time to create his greatest work yet, debut album IlumiYATTI. With the help of grammy producer Jared Lee Gosselin, super producers Nick Fury, Track Gods, Nuka Bomb, Kick Lee and other upcoming producers, Kennedy is sure this album will be a favorite added to your collection.

Releasing 1st single “Gold Kisses”, produced by Referee Music, scheduled to release spring of 2014.
YF Kennedy the epitome of young, raw, & innovative talent and skill.
So what makes him so special, you asked? His ability not only forces you to nod your head, but to actually be part of his journey and on-going success.

YF plans to present an elite lifestyle by taking his brand Members Only Elite to a platform which will be a huge influence on today’s and future generations.

July 29, 2014
Facebook Verifies Tumusiime Flavia’s Fan Page

Capital FM and Channel O presenter Flavia Tumusiime’s Fan page has been verified by Facebook. The presenter/MC becomes the first local female celebrity to get her page verified and this is definitely a step in the right direction for this full package entertainer.

Below is the official communication from her team about the new development.

Credibility for brands and everyone especially people in the entertainment industry – TV, Radio, Music in Uganda is a constant struggle especially in the era of social media.

We are happy to announce that FACEBOOK has verified Tumusiime Flavia’s facebook page and she becomes one of few Ugandans to have a verified account.

Flavia’s line of work has put her in the spotlight making her a target for malicious people who want to feed off her fame. This has exposed her to scams and rumours that have been floating around. Facebook verifies profiles or Pages to help you be sure that they are who they claim to be. Verification is aimed at fixing this identity issue for personalities and brands; by offering instant credibility; it allows you to separate yourself from anyone who might be trying to use your brand name maliciously.

The Blue Badge next to Tumusiime Flavia’s Facebook name will help eliminate the confusion for her friends, business partners and fans who couldn’t tell the official pages from the fake ones.

Nearly 800 million people are connected to public figures on Facebook, and interacting with athletes, musicians, actors and other influencers is an important part of the facebook experience.

Who is Flavia?
Tumusiime Flavia is a TV presenter, radio host, VJ, Mcee, actress, model. She began her journey at the age of 14 at WBS Television as a host of Teens Club, a popular teen’s show. Flavia then became the face of Freedum Nytil, a clothing brand from 2006-2008 and its from then that she evolved into award winning roles like being the first East African to co-host Big Brother Africa reality show, the first Ugandan VJ for the popular Africa Music Channel (Channel O).

Flavia co-hosted the Guinness Football Challenge from 2011 and is now in its 3rd season. She currently hosts the daily mid morning show on Capital FM, which won an award in 2013 & 2014 for being the best mid morning show.

July 23, 2014
Doreen Kabareebe Bounces Back On Social Scene With PRO Job

Former city model Doreen Kabareebe has bounced back on social scene after months of self imposed exile with a new slot at Obama Bar and Restaurant. The sexy model is the new Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Kabalagala based bar and Casino.

She is set to start work next month but she has already starting sharing updates about the hangout on her facebook page.

When asked about her new job, Doreen said, “ I will start work officially next month after rejoining Nkumba University where am going to do Masters in international relations”,.

The hangout is owned by Rugiirwa Katatumba son to the Pakistan Consul to Uganda Bonny Katatumba.

July 21, 2014
Jamaican Star Christopher Martin To Rock Kampala

Uganda Jamaican music lovers have a reason to smile as another Jamican star is coming to Kampala. Christopher Martin is set to perform in Kampala on September 5th 2014 alongside fellow Jamaican Celile.

The concert is due to take place at Freedom city in Najjanankumbi on Entebbe Road given the fact that Lugogo Cricket Oval which has been hosting international singers was banned by KCCA from holding any more music concerts till further notice. The vocal talents of Christopher Martin have been noted since his humble beginnings.

Who is Christopher Martin?
Christopher Martin (born 14 February 1987) is a Reggae singer/songwriter from St. Catherine, Jamaica. Chris won Digicel Rising Stars in 2005 (the Jamaican version of “American Idol”) and is best known for the songs “Take My Wings”, “Giving It” and “I’ll Be Your Driver”.

The vocal talents of Christopher Martin have been noted since his humble beginnings. Born in Back Pasture, St. Catherine on Valentine’s Day (14 February 1987), to parents Cleveland and Maxine Martin, Christopher attended the Watermount All-Age School and later went on to graduate from St. Jago High School. It was during his High School years that his love for the dramatic arts and sports developed. In 2003 Christopher graduated with countless awards and accolades.

After winning the Digicel Rising Stars competition, Christopher participated in Digicel’s Christmas promotions in 2005. His debut single ‘Love is all We Need’ formed part of the promotional campaign. Christopher created history when he became the first Digicel Rising Stars Alumni to score a hit single on the charts in Jamaica. He instantly shot to fame and shortly after won the coveted ‘Digicel Rising Stars’ title in 2005, becoming one of the most sought after performers on the Jamaican musical landscape.

Among others, Christopher’s parents have been the source of his motivation in pursuing his musical ambitions. “My parents and my peers at School really motivated me. They always said that I would be a star”, he confirms. Already a national household icon, Christopher’s main objective is to take his music to the optimum level. “I want every household across the world to know and love my music and where I come from”, Christopher enthuses.

His debut releases include: ‘Nah Go Change’, ‘Take My Wings’, ‘Tonight’, ‘Giving It’, and the single, ‘Jamaican Girls’ and ‘Gallis’ featuring Busy Signal. He has worked with a number of top producers in the Reggae and Dancehall arena to include, Robert Livingston (Big Yard), Arif Cooper, Shane Brown (Jukeboxx) and Christopher Birch.

Christopher has performed on numerous stage shows across Jamaica and set a precedent for newcomers, when he was invited to perform at ‘One Night with Michael Bolton’ and at the 2008 Air Jamaica Jazz Festival. 2008 was a productive year for Christopher, he was nominated for numerous awards to include, ‘The Jamaica Observer Teenage Choice Awards’ and ‘Excellence in Music and Entertainment’, an achievement which has secured permanence in his art. With a slate of singles permeating drive-time radio and the Jamaican music charts, Christopher Martin is optimistic about his career in music, “It has been a wonderful journey so far, filled with new and promising encounters. It is also challenging but I love what I am doing, so it makes it that much easier.”

His latest musical offering, includes but isn’t limited to ‘Melody To My Song’, on the Good Love Rhythm, produced by Baby G, “She never listens” ft Demarco produced by Star Kutt, “Watch me lord” by Ariff Cooper on the Fresh Ear Label. In addition to those, Christopher Martin is currently heavily promoting “Vibe is Right” on the Street Bullies Medley produced by Tony Kelly as well as “Real Friends” ft Agent Sassco (formerly Assassin) and D-Major by T.J Records is available now. In 2013, Christopher Martin signed to VP Records.

June 26, 2014
Crystal Newman Still Got IT

Sanyu FM presenter and corporate events MC, Crystal Newman Kavulu is still a force to reckon with as far as hotness is concerned.

Crystal’s cleavage was the talk of the event by men

The MC who was co-hosting Superbrands awards on Friday looked amazing and hot. Her cleavage was like that of a 20 year old hot babe yet she is a mother of three or four. She left many men salivating as she mingled her butt and boobs throughout the event. She hosted the event alongside Roger Mugisha. As lovers of showbiz, we must appreciate Crystal’s effort to keep looking sexy and hot. Big Up lady!Crystal and Roger Mugisha co-hosted the Superbrands awards together last Friday

June 23, 2014
Who Is Fresh Papoose?

Robbie Rain Businge Luwaga, the artist known as ‘Fresh Papoose aka Fresh P’ is a young, dynamic and talented Luga flow hip hop, whose career is set to the high level over the next years.

He first emerged on the music scene in the year 2010 as part of the group ‘Red Tawu Entrainment’ (R.T.E). He then recorded his first song ‘Ensi si nyangu’ in the same year 2010. Since then, Fresh Papoose has gone from strength, working his way up the entertainment ladder in some places in UK to become the most recognizable Luga Flow Hip-hop artist in the music industries/country Uganda, and receiving recognition comments from the people.

As part of the group ‘Red Tawu Entertainment’, Fresh Papoose was the only Luga flow hip hop artist in group and in UK who never let the group down as for him. As a rap act, Fresh Papoose is looking forward has reputation spreading throughout East Africa and in some countries. Quality has been a huge part of Fresh Papoose’s progression as an artist, and Fresh Papoose has always needed it to gain the appeal that is now giving him more of the confidential Luga flow hip hop artist in East Africa according to his dreams.

Fresh Papoose’s highly anticipated he hasn’t got album yet entitled ‘Who am I? Am the Hip Hop Police!!’ is a fresh as his name Fresh papoose, youthful sound with strong African influence that looks set to take the East African hip hop Music to the next level by storm. Before, Fresh Papoose was well known as Kichen Bro in his neighbourhood and the fans.

The name Kichen Bro was given by her young sisters, Angela Nakix “https://twitter.com/Angelanakix” who is a upcoming model now and Immaculate Nakibuugwe “https://twitter.com/minajsolaskie”, so he decided to spell it differently Kichen without “T” as in Kitchen. His young sisters came up with name “Kichen Bro” because he liked cooking or being in the Kitchen all the times and they came up with “Bro” because his they’re older brother. Fresh Papoose is the only son in the family with 5 sisters.

After some times, he moved to UK with all of his 5 sisters in 2008 from Uganda to join their parents in United Kingdom to have better life after long time without seeing each other since they left Uganda in 2000. He then recorded is first song “EKIBUUZO” after he find it so hard to find music studio to record as he never took it seriously as he was into studies. After sometimes, he then changed his name from Kichen Bro to “Fresh Papoose” after a friend of his told him, “that someone else is using his name in Uganda”, but for him spells the name Kitchen Bro with “T”, so he had to let it go. The reason why he let the name go Is because the guy using his name is on the ground in Uganda and he will be more popular and recognized than him. “After” he thought of the new name, He came up with “FRESH PAPOOSE” a.k.a Fresh P.

Fresh Papoose and Jay Hustle

The young talented Ugandan lugaflow hip hop artist hailing from United Kingdom. Fresh Papoose is interested in music showed at an early age, He was heavily influenced by hip hop rappers like Papoose U.S.A hip hop underground http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papoose , Juacali Kenya, Juelz Santana U.S.A ,Bataka squad/ Babaluku/ Saba saba Uganda, Krukid Uganda American, Keko Uganda, Navio Uganda, Kool G Rap, Rakim and Big Daddy Kane and many more.

He listened to their music by visiting their website local TV music channels or by visiting you-tube channels, a channel he would watch everyday when he goes on internet. His introduction to hip hop and luga flow was when he first heard “AMAWULILE”by Bataka Squad, from their on wards, he started downloading there songs from youtube and some free website music. He started writing his own songs since he left Uganda to UK and I started recording songs since and then. So far, he only worked with Producers like Nafia and Platinum for the success.

May 20, 2014
Solange, Jay Z Pose for First Pic Together After Elevator Fight

It looks like Solange Knowles and Jay Z have put all that elevator drama behind them! Over the weekend, Beyoncé shared a happy family photo of herself, Jay, Solange and their mother Tina Knowles all posing together, seemingly proving that they’ve put the family drama behind them after the dramatic Met Gala brawl that occurred earlier this month.

In the cute pic, the foursome flash giant smiles. Jay puts one arm around Bey as Solange and Tina wraps their arms around each other. The happy family snapshot was taken Saturday during a mini reunion in New Orleans, where Solange currently lives with her son.

The happy family pics come about two weeks after Solange attacked Jay in an elevator on the night of the 2014 Met Gala because of some apparent flirting that went down with longtime acquaintance and designer Rachel Roy.

This past Thursday, Beyoncé, Solange and Jay released a joint statement on the incident, saying, “As a result of the public release of the elevator security footage from Monday, May 5th, there has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident. But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it. Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family. Adapted from eonline

May 20, 2014
Barika Fashion House Online Launched

On 4^thApril, 2014, Barika Fashion House launched an online website; barikafashionhouse.comErika (L) and Karen(R)

As usual due to FOMO, Showbiz Uganda could not miss out the opportunity to bring you our readers, first hand information. We caught up with the lady herself, Erika, and asked her about the event.

SU: Hi Erika Erika: Hallo Showbiz Uganda

SU: Most people know you as Barika, so can you please enlighten them on your real name?

Erika: My name is Erika Biingi, Biingi being my family name. My middle name is Nyakato, since I’m a twin. So the full name is Erika Nyakato Biingi.

SU: So am guessing the word Barika comes from that? Erika: No Barika comes from two names Barbra (a friend) and Erika. We had the idea as children and when I got done with school, I started up. It also has a nice meaning in Swahili, which we learnt after creating the company.

SU: So what exactly is Barika Fashion house about? What do you do?

Erika: We had this idea to create everyday clothing and add origin to them. Yah so that’s what we do. We culturalise clothing for anyone with any sort of African Heritage. We make clothing for both women and men using African print as a main factor in our clothing. We will slowly also add accessories in the years to come.

SU: Where do you get the African fabric from? Erika: I go with a friend of mine called Karen to Kiyembe. We will probably import later on but for now, it’s really fun going down there

SU: That is very interesting. I must say you look very young yet have very mature ideas, how old are you, if you don’t mind us asking? Erika: 19

SU: WHAT!!!! Erika: (laughs) I like to have that effect on people.

SU: (still in shock) What or who inspires (d) you to start this?Erika: That would be my art teacher and Gloria Wavamuno. Gloria has a way she turns art into wearable art and it’s envious. She’s amazing. My teacher of art because he always, “If it’s not challenging then it’s not right.” so you could paint till you became a pro and if you found it easy, you find something else to go for, like carpentry. I found it so hard to express how I felt through clothing, so I’m on the right track. Plus I love African fabric. It feels like another world altogether.

SU: Because you mentioned your teacher as an inspiration, I’m tempted to ask what schools you attended. Erika: I went to Greenhill from P2 to S4, after which I attended Greensteds in Kenya for my A level. This school gave me a whole other angle to life. That’s how I knew now was the time for me to start.One of the designs of Barika

SU: Have you had an Exhibition yet? Erika: Yes, we had a launch last year. It was a debut show on August 8^th and we have participated in concurrent shows.

SU: And now the big question, Barika online. What is this that’s filling our news feed?

Erika: We currently don’t have premises so it has been hard trying to reach our clients. So we decided to go online. The plan is to have people be available to buy our products and have them delivered to them. Also to have a platform for other creative artists to work with us.

SU: WOW! I see you are powered by Code 256, what under the sun is that?

Erika: They are a brand that does branding and also have items for sale of their own. Under normal circumstances they would be my completion but they have supported me throughout this journey.

SU: Thank you very much Erika for your time during this very hectic period and last minute rush.

Erika: Anytime, thank you Showbiz Uganda for your time, it means a lot to me and Barika Fashion House.

April 17, 2014
UK Based Singer Jay Hustle Talks About His Music

Jay Hustle is a UK based upcoming artist who made his first appearance in “Drive Me Crazy” ft Ag3lina real name Angela Nabuufu and ‘Si Mberenge’ ft Fresh Papoose.Hustle who also doubles as a brother to singer Fyonna Nsubuga says that at the time he was yet to discover himself. He has kicked off 2014 with his first Solo release titled “Ndabila Kukyi” which is currently going viral on the social networks. The song embraces a woman’s qualities, which many people may not value in today’s society. Emphasis is put on those qualities and demonstrates the importance of these assets. He has showed extreme fortitude with his powerful lyrics and warm spirit. The singer explains that it took a day to compose the song, emphasising his passion and electrifying creativity.

SU: Is there anything more we don’t know about J Hustle’s music?

Jay: I am having fun with the music and still exploring my creative edge. I am not afraid to experiment. I am going beyond life experiences creatively as well as entertaining people, whilst showcasing life experiences.

SU: What is the target audience for your music?

Jay: There are no limitations to my music and my image and persona should not deceive people in thinking that my music is aimed towards a certain age group. My music accommodates all ages, all creeds and all races. There is a lot more fun and laughter to come!

SU: So what’s next for Jay Hustle?

Jay: As well as promoting my music on a global scale I also plan to enhance the Ugandan communities understanding of my music and what my music is about. Home is where the heart is for me; part of my music is about the people, the community, and the Ugandan culture. My music will not only exemplify the realities of life but will also bring out the humorous perspective on life itself. There is so much more to come. The journey is just the beginning!

April 16, 2014
Model Nina On Representing Uganda, Modeling And Love Life

Nina Mirembe is a Ugandan professional model well known as a fitness, bikini, lingerie, high fashion, commercial, editorial, and runway model.She was last week chosen to represent Uganda at the 2014 Miss Asia Pacific World beauty pageant in South Korean capital Soul. Showbiz Uganda tracked her down and this is her story.

SU: Who is Nina Mirembe?

Nina: I am a very happy and compassionate person. I enjoy sharing things and talking to people about almost everything. I have a quick wit and love to laugh about everything under the sun. I can be quiet at first, but once you get to know me, I don’t shut up. From way back, I happen i to have a logical mind but understand and feel emotions as well. I love good food and healthy fitness, not forgetting my obsession for photography and fashion.

SU: Tell us about your love life?

Nina: I’m not single. I have someone though not yet ready for public consumption.

SU: When did you join modeling?

Nina: I joined modeling in 2012 after winning Miss Uganda Beach Beauty 2012-13.SU: Who inspired you?

Nina: I actually inspired myself in everything have done and in everything I’m about to do because have always been a wildest dreamer to achieve something greater in life, something of which I am passionate about.

SU: Unexpectedly you beat off competition from top model and fashion designers for the slot to represent Uganda at such a big stage (Miss Asia Pacific World)?

Nina: It’s a humbling experience now that I will be representing my country internationally and It’s something that I ever fantasized in my wildest dreams.

SU: What do u in your free time?

Nina: Well, I like to organize my things when I have time. I like to give myself a special treatment, maybe a facemask or a manicure. Fresh air always makes me feel better or puts me in a better mood, so I take an adventure. If I’m alone I will just burst into song and basically dance around my house like an idiot! I love watching YouTube fashion clips, which always keep me updated with fashion trends.SU: Rate modeling in Uganda

Nina: Modeling in Uganda is a bit challenging because it basically isn’t a full time job, fashion industry is just growing up though at a slow pace. Basically its yet to pick up as compared to the potential of our girls.

SU: What cant you do without?

Nina: Touching other people’s lives. Good food, water, oxygen.

My family, My craziest friends, My Man (he gives me a good laugh), Seeing the sun rise and the sun set, honesty, being out at sea on the white Sands on the beach. Healthy fitness (if your not healthy your life is screwed). Ice cream (that’s always a big crave I got). My phone and lastly a lip balm or gloss. Cannot do without them.

SU: What did study and which schools

Nina: Im a high school graduate studied arts including the language Literature in English. I studied from Baptist High School and Good Will College.

SU: Are you a movie freak?

Nina: My favourite movie is Madagascar hahahaha I just can’t get enough of it, its always good to laugh your jaws out. My favourite actor is

I love Jason Statham and my favourite model remains the supermodel Naomi Campbell.

SU: What future plans do you have?

Nina: My future plans are to focus on what I do best, learn new skills in the industry and later I would like to go beyond just being a model to a management.

SU: What is the memorable thing you have done on runaway

Nina: It has always been my signature walk, my unique super catwalk always leave the stage with wow….SU: What message do you have for young models?

Nina: The modeling industry is not a joke, its challenging, there’s scam, there’s rejection but whatever it is …if it comes your way and hits you hard to a point of giving up on your dream, please don’t give up keep dreaming big because there’s always something great you meant to do. One-day success will knock on your door only if you work hard for it, and learn how to promote yourself than being overshadowed.

February 19, 2014