Club Video Music Awards nominees out

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
• MUJUNGU PATRICIA for the video ITAANO by TONIKS
• VICCY & ROSEMARY, NECESSARY GIRLS, BREAK DANCEfor the videoKATA by NAVIO
• KEN SEWANYANA (Kings Dancing Group) for the video CORCODIOSIS by BEBE COOL
• KING for video WORK IT OUT by MAURICE KIRYA
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
• SEAN SAWYER for the Video DANCE MY PAIN AWAY by AMARU
• KINO MUSOKE for the video POWER by GNL ZAMBA
• ADIO ASH for the Video STAY by AMARU
• FRED KIGOZI for the video ONE & ONLY by NAVIO
BEST COSTUME & MAKEUP
• ARK MENZ for the Video NJAGALA GWE by MINAH
• FRED KIGOZI for the video KATA by NAVIO
• BOB DIXON for the Video MIKONKOME by VAMPINO
• HASZ MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT for the video ITAANO by TONIKS
BEST DIRECTING
• KINO MUSOKE for the video POWER by GNL ZAMBA
• JIM TWISTED URB for the Video AMARI by SEAN SIMPLE
• ADIO ASH for the Video STAY by AMARU
• THORN BUBBLE FILMS for the Video LET ME GO by KEKO
BEST SET DESIGN
• KING for Video WORKI IT OUT by Maurice Kirya
• FRED KIGOZI for the video KATA by NAVIO
• DAN ONDENDAALFANTASTIC by RADIO & WEASEL
• DJ BOBBY for Video 18 AND OVER by BAKRI
BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
• ATARODO FILMS for the Video NINGA OMULOGE by NAAVA GREY
• FRED KIGOZI for the video KATA by NAVIO
• FRANK JAH for the Video MBALABA BULABI by RODE N. Y
• VAMPINO/NICKI NOLA/ARKMENZ for the Video NOBODY LIKE ME by VAMPINO & NICKI NKOLA
BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY
• XTREME STUDIOS for the Video NDIWAKABI (I AM BAD) by KS ALPHA
• GASUZA for the Video SHINE by DJ GLOBAL, LILIAN, RUYONGA, PATROBAS, PLCOY,GASUZA, BIG
THRILL & THE MITH
• MARTIN & DENIS CENTRIX for the Video WIND IT by ANDY MUSIC & BIG TRK
• ATARODO FILMS for the Video MUNGATTO by TONIKS
NEW COMER OF THE YEAR
• 18 AND OVER by BAKRI
• STAY by AMARU
• BUKI BUKI by SOLJA
• NTEREDDE by NAAVA GREY
INSPRIRATIONAL MESSAGE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• TWEKEBEZE by BONSTAR STREET DREAMS & BRIS JEAN
• DREAM by NAVIO
• STAY by AMARU
• KATONDA KYASALAWO by RAGGA DEE
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
• CLEAN & FRESH by RHODA K SHELBIE & SIZZAMAN
• WHY by MARO ft GRAVITY
• SHINE by DJ GLOBAL, LILIAN, RUYONGA, PATROBAS, PLCOY,GASUZA, BIG THRILL & THE MITH
• REGULAR by TONIKS ft NAVIO
BEST DUO OR GROUP
• FLASH LIGHT by NEIGHBOURHOOD RnB
• FANTASTIC by RADIO & WEASEL
• BALANCE OF POWER by URBAN AKSENT
• KELE KELE DANCE by ROCKY BOYS
FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• STAY by AMARU
• LET ME GO by KEKO
• NTEREDDE by NAAVA GREY
• ON FIRE by CINDY
MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• POWER by GNL ZAMBA
• WORK IT OUT by MAURICE KIRYA
• KATA by NAVIO
• BALANCE OF POWER by URBAN AKSENT

Chameleon to perform in Zambia

Chameleon has had quite a year, he had such a record breaking Badilisha concert in April and before we could let the dust settle, he left for his Badilisha American Tour. Word is that the concerts were such a success that he was even forced to extend his stay.

Since then, the artiste has been in Obama's backyard performing and touring, he even posted pictures of himself at the white house, those close to him claim that he's even developed some Robin Kisti accent.

Meanwhile last week, the artiste landed and was scheduled to perform at Club Venom for a couple of facebook fans, but before we could even prepare our notebooks to cover the comeback, the do was cancelled since his wife Daniella Atim, had given birth to the newest family member Amma Christian Mayanja.

But even before we could have fun with this bundle of joy, more news about the artiste continued coming in, and the latest reaching us is that singer Jose Chameleon has been scheduled to headline a string of concerts in Zambia later this August.

According to the Zambia's Daily Mail, Chameleon will touchdown in Zambia at the end of this month for three shows at the beginning of August.

He will perform alongside Zambian heavy weights like Danny Kaya, MC Wabwino and Leo Moyo whose stage name K'millian sounds a like.

Its not really clear of who are behind the do though, it spearheaded by one Shezy Maimisa, an international Zambia country coordinator.

The show is focused on uniting Zambians and East Africans on a musical note and that are convinced Chameleon has the ability to do exactly that.

According to the organizers, Chameleon's music appeals to both the young and old fans as its melodious, danceable and highlights real life issues.

The shows is sponsored by Zambia's Apple Max and Southern Sun Hotel.

Air Uganda unveils Online ticket booking

 Its no secret that Uganda is truly gifted by nature, A number of times we been listed as a top tourism destination, though, even when the world praised us with praise, few local based partners were coming on board.

On Thursday 4th, Air Uganda pledged to join the government in the efforts to make Ugandan tourism thrive.

“We want to make it easy for East Africans trying to visit Uganda for tourism purposes”, said the Air Uganda CEO, Cornwell Muleya.

This was during the launch of Air Uganda's new revamped booking engine on their website, www.air-uganda.com. The new engine which is now live on their website was unveiled to the press by the Air Uganda management at their headquarters in Kololo.

The platform was launched earlier in June this year and allows customers to book and pay for their tickets on the airline website in real time using all major payment channels like ATM cards, debit and credit cards (Visa, Master-card), paypal, and Mobile money. Once the payment is made, the air ticket is delivered to your email address.

To demonstrate how the system works, there was a draw involving the scribes present. The winner would get a fully paid for trip to any East African city by the airline CEO.

The draw was won by NBS TV's camera person, Clement Wanjira who chose to travel to Mombasa.

The development comes at the time when many world businesses are embracing the online technology for purposes of cutting on operation costs and time spent.

“we chose to roll out the product because this is the new age and our clients have been asking for simpler ways of booking without making the journey”, says Mr. Muleya.

“We are always looking for better and more innovative ways to serve our customers, this new system brings the Air Uganda services to your computer and mobile phone and its significant in our ability to service our customers on a 24hour basis world wide”, he says.

The engine has already become popular with more than 400 passengers using it.

“The system has been active in Kenya where we are partners with M-Pesa and Airtel money”, he says.

According to an administrator at Air Uganda, Don Mubiri, the system has been tasted alongside those of international airlines and its safe from fraudsters, hacking and cyber attacks.

“We are collaborating with some of the best as far as Online air booking and payment is concerned, we are using the same protection methods like the biggest airline players in the world”, he said.

The booking engine is set to change the way Air Uganda interacts with its customers by offering a faster, cheaper and more convenient way of ticket purchase and travel. The on-line purchase which is only done in dollars comes with a 20 dollar discount.

“being a locally based airline, we want to conveniently price for the community”, says Muleya.

The airline made five years in 2012 and plan on expanding their destination list to Dubai in the shortest time possible.

In addition to the above developments, the Airline is also upgrading its website to ensure interaction with the clientèle. The new website will be easier to navigate and quicker to load. It has been designed taking into account the feedback received from customers and therefore address their needs.

“Air Uganda is a listening and a responsive airline”, says Jennifer Musiime the head of sales and marketing.

Juliana to headline a women empowerment Gala in Rwanda

Julianna has seen the Ugandan music industry grow from rugs to riches, she has performed from karaoke bars to packed stadiums, she's hailed as the first woman to ever win the Artist of the year accolade at the now defunct PAM awards, it's no surprise that she's a role model to many upcoming female artistes.

News coming from President Paul Kagame's home, Rwanda is that Julianna has been booked to perform at a high profile event at Serena Hotel Kigali.

The event dubbed the Influential Business Women Dinner Gala will be held on Friday July 19th.

The Kora award winning vocalist will perform before a large section of Business women and executives from across Rwanda.

According to The New Times newspaper, the main objective of the event is to celebrate the wonderful women that have led the way in the business industry.

Meanwhile, the Ganda Boys are going places ever since they joined forces with composer Craig Pruess and shade off Da Twins tag, their music has featured in famous British TV shows like The Jury of ITV and BBC's Moses Jones.

The boys are currently working on their third album with Samson Cedric, a renown South African composer and producer. In a way to give back to the Ugandan entertainment, which made them, the duo of Denis Mugagga and Daniel Sewagude will be working with Julianna Kanyomozi on one of the album singles.

According to Mugagga, when they visited Uganda a couple of months back, Craig fell in love with Julianna's voice and couldn't stop talking about her, they contacted her and she gracefully accepted to do a song with them.

To fully utilize Julianna's voice prowess, they are recording a grand piano led ballad with a 40 piece Orchestra by the Lithuanian State Orchestra.

Regardless of who she decides to work with, Julianna has always done justice to collaborations, in the past she has worked with Bobi Wine, Klear Kut, Sweet Kid, Annet Nandujja and Mesach Ssemakula among others, we can't wait for this outcome too.

Tusker Project Fame is back

Its one of those shows that comes with hype, by far, its the most famous singing contest in East Africa, yes we are talking Tusker Project Fame.

Ugandans were introduced to the show in 2004 when a couple of promising artistes like Bebe Cool, Maurice Kirya and one Nabeta competed to enter the academy.

Maurice and Bebe didn't make the cut and thus giving way for little known Nabeta to represent Uganda, her rendition of Beyonce's Baby boy didn't secure her a longstay in the musical academy as she was evicted first.

That project fame was a platform for many East African acts like the soulful Digde and Karen Lucas from Kenya, the show was won by one Lindiwe Alam.

However, the real feel of the show was when it premiered in East Africa in 2006 under the brand name; Tusker Project Fame.

Then Uganda was represented by Melton, an Elvis Presely impersonator, as you may know, he was evicted for that.

That show introduced us to Tanzanian rapper Nakai, Kenyan's eventual winner Valerie Kimani as well as judges Hamedi and the tough talking Ian Mbagua.

Over the years, the show has showcased talents of boys and girls like Ngangalito, Msechu, Amelina, Gaga, Ugandans; Allan, Rachael Namubiru, Naava Grey, Jacob and Sharon Peach among others.

Since Valarie Kimani, the show has been won by two Ugandans, Esther Nabaasa and Davis Musinguzi, Rwanda's Alpha Rwirangira and Kenya's Ruth Matete.

Word on the street is that Tusker Project Fame is back to fulfill those music dreams around East Africa. The new season of the show is set to kick off with auditions next month and premier in September.

According to an interview of the show's meanest judge and mentor Ian, this show is expected to be bigger with his definition being “watch this space”.

Ian also shed light on the previous contestants and the gaps the sponsors opt to cover this season.

“this time we want the contestants to take home more than just winning”, he said.

However, he confessed that the previous contestants reflect redundancy in the music industry. In his view, this is due to poor management skills and finances.

“They lack support in sponsorship and honest record labels and that is going to change this time round”, he promised.

In the past, the show has faced a lot of backfire from former contestants accusing the sponsors of simply using them and never sponsoring their careers. In 2008, pioneer contestant refused to appear in a would be Tusker Project Fame success story claiming the show never helped her career in anyway, last year, season three winner Alpha too banished the show sponsors for never fulfilling their pledges.

The show producers however have promised better this time round, if we are to take their face book post serious, may be this season is worth a try.

Bebe Cool Quits booze and shisha

Bebe Cool is indeed a media magnet, even without a big song, he will do something that will turn the cameras his way; either through a random rant, a fight in a bar or a charity event.

This time however Bebe Cool makes the headlines for something rather different; his health.

Over the weeks, it was rumored that Bebe Cool had damaged his vocal chord and thus didn't have to perform for a couple of months, Gagamel fans had rushed to dispute the claims though the man involved remained tight lipped about it all.

However, on Saturday 13th, Bebe Cool made some shocking decisions as he posted on facebook to over 80,000 followers. The Gagamel boss declared his decision to quit smoking Shisha and drinking.

According to the post, the singer was advised by his throat doctor aptly known as an ENT.

“No more shisha, alcohol for me, and this has come at the right time of Ramadhan..”, read part of the post.

He admits that he's been trying to quit the habit but all in vain.

Over the years Bebe Cool has been vocal against his friends who abuse drugs like marijuana, at one time he insisted he can't be friends with Bobi wine because of his behavior towards the holy herb. However, ever since someone sneaked a pot and pipe of shisha in a Ugandan club, Bebe has been puffing clouds and bubbles of different flavours and in some way, this has caught up with him.

“He got a vocal chord problem and one time, we doubted whether he would be able to sing at the September Coccidiosis concerts”, said one of the singers' aides.

Bebe Cool quitting booze may not certainly be the best of news for some Gagamel die hards who usually enjoyed all paid for drinks while hanging with the artiste.

“For all my friends who have been drinking with me, please embrace the new Rasta”, he says.

Seconds within making the post, congratulatory messages started flowing though some called it a cheap publication for his launch later in the year.

Though, on a sad note, Bebe Cool's wife Zuena Kirema is in hospital after their son, Caysan Ssali Siye was diagnosed with a mild skin irritation.

Lucky Dube tribute concert postponed

Mischief has found various ways of befriending the entertainment industry the past month, in a span of two weeks, over three shows have been canceled or postponed due to unclear circumstances.

Last week on Friday, the stage had been set for a reggae concert dubbed Lucky Dube Tribute with Nkulee Dube, however, due to what her team called security threat, the Kampala show was postponed.

According to sources close to the concert organizers, the show has been rescheduled to September this year.

In a report sent to the public through her publicist, Nkulee had this to say; “To all my lovely fans in Uganda, we'd like to send our thanks and gratitude to each and everyone of you for the massive love and interest you have expressed towards me. Unfortunately  owing to security concerns in the country, the promoters have advised that my concerts are rescheduled to September 27th, 28th, and 29th of this year”.

Nkulee Dube is the daughter to the late South African Reggae singer Lucky Dube, last year she was honored at the International Reggae and World Music Awards.

The 28 year old, holds two records as the first artist to nominated six times in the International Reggae awards and being the first non Carribean artiste to be nominated for the award show since the awards were initiated thirty one years ago.

She has performed around the world but most memorable, was her emotional gig alongside her idols and a reggae legends, Tanya Stephens and Damien Marley as well as Rock and Roll icon Mick Jagger.

NTV's Life Stories host resigns

The famous quote goes like; “you gain some and lose some”.

This is one of those sayings I've never taken serious, I think its because of my obsession with winning, though on Monday 1st, NTV must have gotten the true meaning of losing some.

They've spent the past couple of months employing some of the best presenters Ugandan TV can ever dream of that, this is the most unlikely news to come from the station.

Justine Nameere the host of a famous human interest feature show, Life Stories resigned from the station.

The 24 year old presenter and producer surprised her fans when she suddenly announced her resignation on social network.

Posting her post Justine points out that she's had challenges balancing work and studies; “Today I resigned from NTV. I have many challenges in recent months, that have ripped of the balance I had secured between work and my education yet education is the core in life...”, read part of her post.

She however threw in a cliff hanger, when she promised to return with a bang as she has a lot in stock for the fans.

“My dear fans and guests, don't get upset, consider this a break, I have a lot in stock for you”, she said.

Until her resignation, Justine has been hosting one of the most inspirational TV shows in Uganda; she's interviewed from breast cancer victims to war surviving Generals. She's been honored by the Young achievers and the Mid-wives association for her efforts in exposing a common man's plight.

Justine has been so involved with the show that she even started a charity called The Voice of the Pearl foundation to follow up on the stories she does on the show.

Her resignation may be a big blow to the station and the viewers who had resorted to contacting her directly whenever they intended to help a victim from her show.