SAUTI SOL JOIN RED HOT LINE-UP FOR MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS KWAZULU-NATAL

The trend-setting top afro pop band from Kenya: Sauti Sol, will be among a few selected African stars who will be joining on stagepreviously announced performers including international artists: French Montana, Miguel and Trey Songz, at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards this weekend (7th June) in Durban, South Africa. MTV Base revealed (3^rd June) that Sauti Sol join the final acts added to the crazy talented line-up at the influential music awards ceremony.

This is also the first time for Sauti Sol to get nominated at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). Sauti Sol have been nominated in the Best Group Africa category alongside P-Square, Mi Casa, Big Nuz and Mafikizolo. Sauti Sol - previous winners of a Channel O Africa Music Video Awards among numerous local and international accolades, are set to release their third album "Live and Die in Africa" later this year.

Sauti Sol members speak:  "At this point, we are super grateful, beyond explanation, for the nomination and trust that our fans have played their part best in the voting process. Let the best band win!" enthuses Bien Aime Baraza. Savara Delvin Mudigi adds, "This nomination has made us realize that we have a solid fan base from allover the world, but especially in Africa. We had a lot of people reaching out to us from West Africa." Sauti Sol have received wide acclaim and celebration following the the big MTV nomination in the competitive category: Best Group In Africa. Band guitarist Polycarp Otieno says, "Sauti Sol can't thank the fans, mainstream media, radio stations, DJs and blogs among many others including family for the tremendous support and promotion." Willis Austin Chimano reiterates, "We've felt the love; especially in Tanzania during the MTV Road to MAMAs Tour. Asanteni sana!!"

Public voting for 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards continues online until midnight on 4^th June 2014. You can still vote for Sauti Sol (Kenya), Nominees (Best group) 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards by logging into: 

http://pixelperfection.co.za/2014-mama/vote-best-group.html

http://mama.mtv.com/

http://www.mtvbase.com/

2014 MAMAs will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, this Saturday 7^th June. The event will premiere on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322), MTV (DStv Channel 130) and other partner channels around the continent from June 2014.

ENDS --

Management/Bookings: 

Anyiko Owoko (Sauti Sol Publicist)

anyiko@sauti-sol.com

Marek Fuchs (Manager)

marek@sauti-sol.com

For more: 

SAUTI SOL

https://www.youtube.com/user/sautisol

https://twitter.com/SautiSol

https://www.facebook.com/Sautisol

URGENT CALL TO STOP ENCROACHMENT AT CITY PARK (dated 28 April 2014)

PRESS RELEASE

URGENT CALL TO STOP ENCROACHMENT AT CITY PARK (dated 28 April 2014)

The Friends of City Park wish to express outrage and     concern about the ongoing encroachment at the City Park of Nairobi,  a public green space gazetted as a National Monument in 2009, under the  National Museums and Heritage Act (Cap. 216 Laws of Kenya). The encroachment entails the clearing of bush in a substantial area, on the North side of the Park, behind the War Veterans Cemetery and adjacent to the   Joseph Murumbi Memorial.

The matter was first reported by the Friends of City Park to the Nairobi City County Government in the last week of March 2014. With great concern, we note that a month later the encroachment activities continue.

This is a gross violation of a Park which is a jewel in Nairobi’s crown of public spaces. It is unique in encapsulating the type of natural forest that, until a hundred years ago, covered most of Nairobi. As such it can be considered a ‘living museum’. Wanton destruction of this habitat is destroying important biodiversity which in some cases is unique to the City Park and making the site unusable by the public.

As concerned residents, we are calling for a stop of this impunity being visited on public land and urging the Nairobi City County Government and other responsible Government agencies to stop this illegal activity at City Park, by what we believe is a private party.

We would also like the media to make the general public, aware of these developments.

END

The public enjoying an event at City Park . Let’s work together to keep the Park green and open to the public.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Firstly, what is City Park?

• City Park is both a public park and a protected area under the National Museums and Heritage Act.

• It is Nairobi's oldest park, entrusted in 1932 to the local authority governing Nairobi at the time, for the recreation of "the town's future citizens".

• It is located between Forest Rd and Limuru Rd, in the Nairobi area of Parklands.

Why it matters?

• It is more than 60 hectares of green space, that incorporate botanic gardens and an evergreen forest remnant.

• With so little green space per person in the city, it is used by communities from as far as Kibera, Embakasi, Karasani as well as those that border the park.

• We've identified more than 1000 species of plants and animals at City Park, making it a biodiversity hotspot in the city.

• The park is one of the few lungs of the city, helping to absorb carbon produced from all the activity in the city.

• City Park also has a rich cultural legacy – The freedom fighter and human-rights activist, Pio Gama Pinto, is buried here, as is Kenya's second Vice-President, Joseph Murumbi (a Murumbi Memorial Garden has been established). There are also several historical sites in the park, including the Catholic, Anglican, Jewish and World War I and World War II veterans’ cemeteries.

The Land and Monument?

• 60 hectares were gazetted as a National Monument by the National Museums of Kenya in 2009 (No. 59 of 4th September 2009 - Legislative Supplement No. 35). The gazetted area includes the band-stand, forest, gardens, nurseries, Bowling Green, Murumbi memorial, cemeteries.

•  The Friends first brought the land issues to the fore at the end of 1996. With regard to the details of the land, and who grabbed it, the National Land Commission would be in the best position to give details of the current situation. Indeed the NLC published a list of land parcels in the national print media on 10th Jul 2013 with the view that they were obtained and granted in an illegal and/or irregular manner (Daily Nation pg.45).

Actions of the Friends of City Park (Friends)

• The Friends is a volunteer group established in 1996 by Nature Kenya (the East Africa Natural History Society).

• Through community organizing, newspaper and media reporting, the Friends initiated and sustained strong public presence with respect to the conservation and protection of City Park.  Newspapers archives will provide a useful historical record of the land issues as they unfolded over the years.

• The Friends worked closely with the National Museums in realizing the gazettement of City Park. The Friends also worked with Museum scientists in completing a biodiversity survey, and published the first ever guidebook for City Park.

•      The Friends have engaged with the National Land Commission on the issue of the contents of the 10 Jul 2013 notice.

•  The Friends encourage use, education, research, and conservation of the park with activities like guided walks (which are open and free to the public), clean-up events, gardening events, corporate and school activities.

PRESS RELEASE: Electrafrique Host International Tribal House DJ Jose Marquez at Carni (Saturday 19th April)

Electrafrique Host L.A Tribal House DJ/Producer Jose Marquez Nairobi Easter Party at Carnivore's Simba Saloon

This weekend, Electrafrique Nairobi is hosting Jose Marquez, celebrated U.S.A Producer and DJ from L.A (Saturday 19^th April). Jose will be playing at Carnivore’s Simba Saloon alongside Electrafrique DJ collective and the live instrumentals band: The beat Parade Band.

Jose Marquez’s music choices are heavily influenced Latin and World Music. Always intrigued by electronic sounds, Jose's mission has been to fuse his love of world rhythms with the dance floor. Jose’s addition together with Electrafrique, masters of authentic Afro-Electronic Music fused with quality Electronic Dance Music (EDM), guarantee April event to rock this city. Also featuring this Month is guest DJ Sesi and MC: Coco Rasta Ngori.

For this special Easter edition, Electrafrique has also partnered with Blankets & Wine Easter Festival. You can buy advance tickets at KES 1,800 to both the Electrafrique Party and B&W (http://www.ticketsasa.com/eventdetail/view/772/51st_edition_of_blankets_and_wine)

Jose Marquez burst into fame in 2010 soon after making memorable remixes and edits of artists such as Celia Cruz, Nina Simone and Oumou Sangare among others. In less than two years time, Jose was blessed with the opportunity to introduce his sound to the world by remixing for renowned Housemusic labels such as Tribe Records, Djoon Experience, Vega/Nulu Records, United Music, Yoruba Records, Wonderwheel and Deeper Shades Recordings.

This April, Electrafrique host their fourth of monthly parties at the Carnivore’s Simba Saloon this year. In February, they hosted The Villagers Band. In past Electrafrique events, have hosted among acts: Black Motion (South Africa), Boddhi Satva(CAR), Carlos Mena (US) and Renato Xtrova (Angola).Electrafrique continues to host monthly parties at Carnivore’s Simba Saloon till end of 2014. Electrafrique Party is supported by Blankets & Wine, the Carnivore, Electrique DJs, UP Magazine and Tribe Hotel.

Tickets will be available at the gate on Saturday: KES 1000

Advance Tickets to Electrafrique Only: KES 700 via Mpesa Pay Bill No. 360146

Advance tickets to both Electrafrique Nairobi/B&W at KES 1800 online: http://www.ticketsasa.com/eventdetail/view/772/51st_edition_of_blankets_and_wine

Jose Marquex mixes: https://soundcloud.com/jose-marquez

To interview Jose Marquez or Electrafrique: email Publicist Anyiko via anyiko.pr@gmail.com 

MORE INFO:

Watch latest Electrafrique YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIwO01D5OQ0

Facebook April Easter Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/271417493035442/?ref=22

Electrafrique TV Interviews: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwFpK7E6dt0 / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9yVhCbUFPs

Electrafrique videos & documentaries: http://www.youtube.com/user/Electrafriquetv

Electrafrique April New York Party:  http://www.okayafrica.com/2014/04/08/okayafrica-electrafrique-nyc-april/

For more: https://www.facebook.com/cortega.dj Follow @djcortega @electriquedjs via Twitter/ Like Electrafrique Facebook Fan Page

More music: https://soundcloud.com/electriquedjs/https://soundcloud.com/cortega

Feel free to share this information and the posters via your networks. And come through!!

PRESS RELEASE: Electrafrique Stage Monthly Party at Carnivore This Saturday 22nd March

Electrafrique Back at Carnivore’s Simba Saloon (Saturday 22^nd March)

 Electrafrique is once again hosting another party at Carnivore’s Simba Saloon this March. On Saturday the 22^nd, lovers of authentic Afro-Electronic Music fused with quality Electronic Dance Music (EDM), experience an all-night long party dedicated to nothing but music and dance.

Electrafrique will also be joined on stage by talented Beat Parade Band. Together, Electrafrique and the band will fuse live music mixes and the live band, concurrently between sets. The Beat Parade Band plays traditional instruments like drums and percussion, making raw African music. Don’t miss to see the fascinating blend of music being made.

For the past two months, Electrafrique has been hosting a party at the Carnivore, every other third Saturday of the month. In February, they hosted The Villagers Band. In past Electrafrique events, have hosted among acts: Black Motion (South Africa), Boddhi Satva(CAR), Carlos Mena (US) and Renato Xtrova (Angola).Electrafrique continues to host monthly parties at Carnivore’s Simba Saloon till end of 2014. Electrafrique Party is supported by the Carnivore, Electrique DJs, UP Magazine and Tribe Hotel.

Tickets will be available at at the gate on Saturday: KES 500

Watch latest Electrafrique YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIwO01D5OQ0

FOR INTERVIEWS: email Publicist Anyiko via anyiko.pr@gmail.com 

MORE INFO:

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/406845432785449/407191682750824/?notif_t=like

Electrafrique TV Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwFpK7E6dt0

For more: https://www.facebook.com/cortega.dj Follow @djcortega @electriquedjs via Twitter/ Like Electrafrique Facebook Fan Page

Electrafique videos & documentaries: http://www.youtube.com/user/Electrafriquetv

For more on the Electrafrique March NY Party:  http://www.okayafrica.com/2014/03/03/electrafrique-nyc-march-okayafrica-presents/

For more music: https://soundcloud.com/electriquedjs/https://soundcloud.com/cortega

PRESS RELEASE: Electrafrique Host Villagers at Carnivore This Saturday! (15th Feb) Valentine's After Party

PRESS RELEASE: 11^TH FEB 2014

Electrafrique Host Villagers at Carnivore for Monthly Party (15th Feb)

E

lectrafrique, Kenya’s number one collective that performs afro-electronic music and quality Electronic Dance Music (EDM), is hosting The Villagers Band at Carnivore’s Simba Saloon for the second edition of its monthly party on the 15^th of February 2014. This is following a successful January premiere in the series of parties by Electrafrique held at Carnivore every third Saturday of the month (2014).

The Villagers Band’s impression of afro-fusion renowned as begenge is heavily influenced by benga, mbalax and kwela among other genres. Come and witness the perfect blend between electro/futuristic music and authentic African sounds with rich instrumentation: from horns to traditional instruments like drums and percussion.

Electrafrique is a premier dance music show, which brings together a worldwide network of artists fusing elements of African music with electronic beats finding roots in African rhythms and musical traditions. It adds a contemporary urban/futuristic electronic twist to its groove culminating into an unforgettable experience and movement that resonates with people and dance floors in all corners of the world.

Electrafrique continues to host a monthly dance party dedicated to African music lovers in New York in conjunction with Okayafrica. Most recently (Feb 8th), DJ Cortega played at NY’s The 303 at LOUIE and CHAN. Electrafrique will be hosting renowned local and international acts on a regular basis in Nairobi. It has in the past hosted Black Motion (South Africa), Boddhi Satva(CAR), Carlos Mena (US), or Renato Xtrova (Angola); all (except Boddhi ) for the first time in Kenya.

FOR INTERVIEWS: email Publicist Anyiko via anyiko.pr@gmail.com 

Facebook Event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/617128055025657/

Electrafrique TV Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwFpK7E6dt0

For more: https://www.facebook.com/cortega.dj Follow @djcortega @electriquedjs via Twitter/ Like Electrafrique Facebook Fan Page

To watch Electrafique videos & documentaries: http://www.youtube.com/user/Electrafriquetv

For more on the Electrafrique February NY Party:  http://www.okayafrica.com/2014/02/03/electrafrique-nyc-okayafrica/

For more music: https://soundcloud.com/electriquedjs/https://soundcloud.com/cortega

For more on Villagers Band: http://thevillagersband.kbo.co.ke

Villagers Band videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheVillagersBand/videos

Tickets will be available at at the gate on Saturday: KES 500