TT SOLOMON ALBUM RELEASE/LAUNCH/LIVE PERFORMANCE

STAR MUSIC PRESENTS

 

Cover for the new Album Jiko langu

Due to overwhelming demand and after a long wait, Kenyans are about to be entertained and treated to new content from a seasoned Kenyan artist TT SOLOMON. He has a new album titled JIKO LANGU scheduled to be released this coming August (04-08-2021). The album has six tracks and two bonus tracks. After the release of one of the most successful track 'Tangu Tupendane' there have been lots of requests from fans for new content. This prompted TT to start working on new stuff from mid last year at Star Music studios along Thika road. The album by this well-known artist is now ready hence this press release. Though he has been in and out of music industry he has now found home at Star Music and fans can only expect more music from the legend. Previously he has recorded music with top producers in the industry including but not limited to Ogopa Djs, Sync sound etc. Besides entertaining throughout the country, TT Solomon has also toured and showcased his music extensively in Europe and USA.

In the new album, TT Solomon has come up with a new vibe ‘Afro Benga’ that is a blend of original Kenya Benga style and the current sound and style. This together with his mellow Kiswahili singing prowess has resulted into a modern sound ‘Afro Benga’ that the artist believes will keep his fans dancing and enjoying for long time to come.

 

TT Solomon has performed in over 500 corporate events and other countless events out there. In promotion of the new album he shall be partnering with other interested brands to bring musical experience to rural Kenya in a festival called BENGA NA MZINGA ‘star music events’. “For me this album is a culmination of the last ten years of hard work... I’m so excited you’ll be enjoying the creativity in this album when it’s officially out! I can’t wait to perform it in front of all you around in Kenya and the world”, Says TT. He whole heartedly welcomes you to the launch of Jiko Langu album at Quavers Grill Thika road on 04/08/21. “Come celebrate with me my birthday and my new content launch. As we work on the videos enjoy the audios that shall be coming to you every Monday. Kindly play and share with fellow DJs. Download track 1 here”, he adds. 

 

A track from the new album JIKO LANGU is here below for your listening and viewing;

https://audiomack.com/song/tt-solomon/14085226?key=ttsolomon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3URPHR2d8Zg

 Also enjoy his first tantalizing song ‘Tangu Tupendane’ link:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cVpYDgzoec

Contacts;

For any questions or further discussions kindly feel free to email him on titisolomn@gmail.com or call us on +254726722227.

Something for Kenyan Artistes;

THE MINISTRY OF SPORTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Musicians & Dancers

Permanent Presidential Music Commission

The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage launched the “Work For Pay” Kshs. 100 million stimulus package for artistes, actors and musicians and this is in line with the Executive Order issued by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta on 6th April 2020, directing the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund to avail Kshs. 100 million to cushion those in the creative industry during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds will be distributed through a campaign dubbed ‘TOGETHER AT HOME’ spearheaded by Government Agencies and Departments, as stipulated by the Regulations establishing the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund

Stimulus Programme for Musicians and Dancers

The Permanent Presidential Music Commission was mandated to spearhead the work for pay program that will provide equal opportunities to VJs/DJs, bands and acapella performing groups, dancers and pop musicians.
The Work for Pay is aimed at supplementing Government’s efforts in combating COVID-19 and its effects by engaging and mobilizing the cultural and creative artists in strategic messaging on behaviour change.
This is to help flatten the coronavirus transmission curve including, but not limited to social distancing, hand washing and wearing personal protective equipment such as masks.

Pop Musicians

This initiative proposes to record songs in all Kenyan languages, dialects, national and official languages and sheng among others. The initiative recognizes that the country has over 43 languages and dialects thus allocating each community at least a song.
Who can Apply?
The call is open to practicing pop musicians in the above category who are Kenyan Citizens above 18 years old, making their living only from this practice. That is, the applicants should not be employed in other industry away from being a practicing pop musician.

Criteria For Submission

Eligibility:

1. The practicing pop musicians MUST be Kenyan Citizens with valid ID/Passport number.
2. All practicing pop musicians MUST be registered in the Permanent Presidential Music Commission portal; www.ppmc.go.keor via USSD channel *483*1006#.
3. The pop musicians must have been practicing in the industry prior to January 2019.
4. Each recording should comprise at least six practicing pop musicians working together (collabo).

Topics to Explore:

1. The recording pop musicians should focus on creatively packaging messages of hope, unity, encouragement, resilience and National Values.
2. Celebrate our heroes and brave Kenyans who have been at the forefront of the current pandemic, such as the medics, security services and essential services etc.
3. Thinking of the Future: Offer their vision, ideas and creativity on the post-crisis as we participate in building a more sustainable and fairer future.

How to Apply:

1. Each group of practicing pop musicians is expected to prepare their own original music/composition lasting not more than 4 minutes,
2. Each group of practicing pop musicians is expected to video record the studio session.
3. NO EXPLICIT CONTENT.

VJs & DJs

This initiative proposes to produce thematic Covid_19 Kenyan mixes and online shows with appropriate messaging. These mixes, live streaming and online shows will engage VJs and DJs countrywide.

Who can Apply?
The call is open to practicing VJs and DJs who are Kenyan Citizens above 18 years old and making their living only from this practice. That is, the applicant should not be employed in other industry away from this occupation.

Criteria For Submission

Eligibility

1. Must be a Kenyan Citizen with a valid ID/Passport number.
2. Must be registered in the Permanent Presidential Music Commission portal: www.ppmc.go.ke or via USSD channel *483*1006#.
3. Must have been actively engaged in VJ-ing / DJ-ing prior to January 2019.

Topics to Explore:

1. The DJ/VJ should focus on creatively packaging messages of hope, unity, encouragement, resilience and National Values.
2. Celebrate our heroes and brave Kenyans who have been at the forefront of the current pandemic, such as the medics, security services and essential services etc.
3. Thinking of the Future: One can offer their vision, ideas and creativity on the post-crisis as we participate in building a more sustainable and fairer future.

How to Apply:

1. Each DJ/VJ will be expected to create a 30 minute mix of Kenyan Music preferably video but where this is not possible audio mixes are acceptable,
2. Sound quality at a minimum bitrate of 192, ideal 320kbps,
3. The Kenyan Music mix can either be genre based, e.g. Benga, rhumba, thematic, or era based, etc.
4. NO EXPLICIT CONTENT,
5. We encourage each DJ/VJ to record themselves and integrate that recording into the mix. Those doing audio mixes should record themselves live while doing the video and submit.

Bands & Acapella Groups

This initiative proposes to produce bands and acapella groups for Covid_19 productions. The bands and acapella groups shall produce and record Covid_19 messaging songs to be aired online and on mainstream media with considerations for live-streaming.

Who can Apply?
The call is open to practicing musicians in the above categories who are Kenyan Citizens above 18 years old and making their living only from these practices. That is, the applicants should not be employed in other industry away from band performances or a cappella performance practices.

Criteria For Submission

Eligibility:

1. The band or a cappella group members MUST be Kenyan Citizens with valid ID/Passport number.
2. All members of the band or a cappella group MUST be registered in the Permanent Presidential Music Commission portal; www.ppmc.go.ke or via USSD channel *483*1006#.
3. The band or a cappella groups must have been actively engaged in performances prior to January 2019.

Topics to Explore:

1. The musicians are encouraged to share messages of hope, unity, encouragement, resilience and National Values.
2. Celebrate our heroes and brave Kenyans who have been at the forefront of the current pandemic, such as the medics, security services and essential services etc.
3. Thinking of the Future: Offer their vision, ideas and creativity on the post-crisis as we participate in building a more sustainable and fairer future.

How to Apply:

1. Each Band or a cappella group is expected to prepare their own original music/composition repertoire lasting between 25-30 minutes.
2. Each band or a cappella group is expected to perform live and video record the session.
3. NO EXPLICIT CONTENT.

Dancers

This initiative proposes to produce cultural and contemporary dance groups with Covid_19 productions, posters and messaging for a more effective grassroot engagement. Their messaging will run on choreographed audio-visual productions superimposed on video transcriptions and messaging including posters. These productions shall then be shared online and on other media platforms.

Who can Apply?

The call is open to practicing registered groups of dancers (cultural, neo-cultural and or contemporary dance groups) who are Kenyan Citizens above 18 years old, making their living only from this practice. That is, the applicants should not be employed in other industry. 

Criteria For Submission

Eligibility:

1. The dance group members MUST be Kenyan Citizens with valid ID/Passport number;
2. All members of the dance group MUST be registered in the Permanent Presidential Music Commission portal; www.ppmc.go.ke or via USSD channel *483*1006#.
3. The applicants must have been practicing in the industry prior to January 2019.

Topics to Explore:

1. The dance groups should focus on creatively packaging messages of hope, unity, encouragement, resilience and National Values.
2. Celebrate our heroes and brave Kenyans who have been at the forefront of the current pandemic, such as the medics, security services and essential services etc.
3. Thinking of the Future: Offer their vision, ideas and creativity on the post-crisis as we participate in building a more sustainable and fairer future.

How to Apply:

1. Each dance troupe should choreograph TWO (2) dances not exceeding 5 minutes each,
2. Contemporary dances should be own original choreography accompanied by Kenyan music,
3. Cultural dances should reflect authentic / traditional idioms,
4. NO EXPLICIT CONTENT,
5. Each dance troupe should record their live performance.

Submission of Works

The recorded content should be submitted with the contact details of members (Name, ID, Telephone) via email to submissions@ppmc.go.ke or WhatsApp to: 0769496025

DEADLINE  for submissions: 31st May, 2020

NB:
ALL productions should adhere to ALL Directives and Guidelines from the Ministry of Health.
Applicants whose content shall be selected shall consequently receive their stimulus package.
Persons with Disability are encouraged to apply

Selection Criteria

A panel from the music industry shall vet and adjudicate each submission based on;
The creativity of the production (innovation, content matter, artistry) etc. and
The realization of the guidelines above.
The selected content shall be aired on the Ministry’s and PPMC’s social media platforms.

Further Inquiries

420 - The Band BeCa (Vybez Video)

Band BeCa - From left Becky & Carol 

The Band BeCa duo are oozing fire with their new hit 420. The song that they say they did to break the boredom from Corona pandemic social and economic effects seems to rock their fans who are so excited. Their vocals are so much on point and above the usual singing many Kenyan artists do. The idea in the video is also good and many fans are now yearning for their official video to be done once social distancing is over.
 We pray that Corona is defeated so that we may have time to enjoy the new vibes and have the new videos done.

See their video below and you'll surely enjoy the music.

//youtu.be/vH52kZcvcE4

KENYAN ARTISTS FIND ATWOLI'S ACTION WANTING

Kenyan Artistes are wondering why Mr. Atwoli, the COTU Secretary General is preaching water while drinking wine. They expect him to practice what he is preaching and protect jobs for all Kenyan workers.

Recently during the Labour day event at Uhuru Park he lamented about the influx of Chinese nationals who had taken up duties that could be well handled by Kenyan workers. We all applauded him for speaking against this practice that has been denying many Kenyans jobs. However, when we saw the list of musicians that were lined up for performances on that day, we noticed that some were not Kenyans but Congolese artists namely; Faya Tess, Wuta Mayi and Nyboma Mwand'indo. The later was also here last year to grace the same event. For sure if our Secretary General meant what he said in his speech, he shouldn't have gone ahead to import talent whereas there are many Kenyan Artistes looking for such opportunities so as to earn some money. I am believe a prodigious amount of money was used to finance the venture hence would have been enough to pay a larger number of local artistes.

Let someone remind him that musicians are workers just like any other workers.

KENYAN ARTISTES COME UP WITH MUSICIANS BIG FOUR AGENDA

Local artistes have decided to work together to overcome their common challenges that have always ailed the music industry and made it lag behind compared to their counterparts in Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, Nigeria etc.

Local artistes who attended the MusicBig4 Agendas meeting

In a meeting that was convened on 25th September, 2018 by Rufftone, Ben Githae and Nonini, artistes in attendance lamented and cited how disadvantaged they were due to a constitution that had not been fair to steer growth in the local music industry. However, they were informed that the Music bill 2017 that has good things for the growth of the industry had been taken to the senate and first reading had already taken place. The convenors urged artistes to get ready to participate by bringing in their presentations when called upon at the time of public hearings. They observed that this effort would help revive the industry whose fortunes have been dwindling due to copyright laws that do not protect the local artistes. They have plans to petition His Excellency the President Hon. Uhuru to intervene and save the local music industry where artistes invest and work hard but never see the fruit of their sweat.

Artistes participating in the days deliberations

It was observed that it was not easy to penetrate the music industries in the above mentioned countries due to stringent policies put in place to lock out foreign artistes whereas our industry is open for them. The artistes observed that the success of artistes like Diamond Platinum, Chameleon  and Davido is due to the home-ground support that made them big in the social media before getting known beyond their countries. Kenyans were urged to be proud and support their artistes so that they may also outgrow Kenya and go beyond.

Airplay has been so skewed to an extent that foreign music dominates the airwaves making foreign artistes earn higher royalty incomes than their local counterparts. Artistes endeavor to petition the President to direct Communications Authority to enforce copyright in broadcasting and the local airplay quota of music content to 60% against foreign/international music content. They said that this would be a good start but cited that the percentage allocated for local music content in most of the continent ranged from 80% to 95%. 

Artistes agreed to bring on board all stakeholders who use music to work on ways that would help out the local artistes so that they can concentrate on creativity knowing that their work would yield and make them live a descent life.

Below are the Musicians Big4 Agenda on a post that was used for invitation;

RIDE OR DIE BY THE BAND BECA HAS IT ALL

It is a season of new hits and every artiste is preparing for the December holidays with potential hit songs so as to reap well during the festivities. One such group bombarding the studios with hard hitting bangers is your favorite girl band The Band BeCa that consists of immensely talented singers, Becky Sangolo and Carol Kamweru that previously gave us hit songs like Toka, Brathe, Tonight and 1234.

The Band BeCa has resurfaced with a new song called Ride or Die that is so catchy and likely to make a quick bang in the clubs in the East African region and beyond. With a nice track produced by Jack On the Beat fans should be bracing themselves for a sweet sing-along song whose audio is officially out. The girls who champion girl power have just shot the video of Ride or die that will be out soon. When asked what their fans should expect this festive season, they said that due to much love from their fans who keep on encouraging them on, they have a couple of nice tunes that will carry them into 2019.

Below is the link to the new song Ride Or Die on Youtube;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i9aqPp4kHI

Becky Sangolo (Left) & Carol Kamweru (Right)

This tantalizing tune has been done in a pop genre and might have a huge potential among the youth especially that it has an easy sing along nature. Those who have listened to it may attest that the song writer and the performers did a great job. For now what is left with in our thoughts is how the video will come out. When asked about the video The Band Beca said "We've actually put in our best and expect the best from our video producer. We pray that it comes out lit".

The Band BeCa were Kenya's Big Break through group for Coke Studio Africa 2017 say they have plans to do shows in the East African region and even beyond with a view of promoting girl-child and women empowerment projects. They want to use their ever growing fan base to reach more youth for sensitization. They hope they will be able to visit schools to give the girl-child hope and support. 

When asked about their social media life they said,"We invite all our fans to our social media handles so that we can interact from time to time in order for us to understand the direction they want us to take and give them the best. We have live appearances both on Facebook and Instagram on especially on Wednesdays. We call our online show 'Live with BeCa'. Anyone with a topic to discuss or a question to ask has a chance to interact with us coz we love people. So stay tuned''.






Let's stay tuned as per their request. We may subscribe to their Youtube channel and wait for notification of the video of the new hit song #RIDEORDIE

Below find more of The Band BeCa songs that have won the accolades and even awards;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNxSXpScyEg - Toka​ 

https://youtu.be/LYbxq63bD68​    -   Brathe Club Version Official video

https://youtu.be/-ZhyZhJk9-E       -    Brathe Smooth Harmonies Official Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjvFUMbwLtU - The Band BeCa X Petra –​   Tonight 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z7Vu60UC8c – 1234 Official music Video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i9aqPp4kHI - Ride or die by The Band BeCa

http://kenyanmusik.co.ke/blog/1234-by-band-beca/

https://kiss100.co.ke/band-beca-release-their-new-track-1234-and-its-serving-all-sorts-of-sauces/