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Steward Bank’s Dr Lance to deliver keynote address at the Zim Achievers Awards USA

Steward Bank CEO, Dr Lance Mambondiani has been announced as this year’s keynote speaker at the USA edition of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA), taking place on Saturday 29 September in Washington.

Mambondiani has previously been a guest speaker at the SA, UK and USA chapters.

His attendance at the event coincides with the launch of the bank’s innovative app, Square World, which will be launched in Washington on 28 September and hosted by CMG Media International.

The Housing Development Scheme and Mobile Banking Application, targeted at Zimbabweans living abroad is now live in the United Kingdom as well.

The mortgage facility will be available at zero deposit, on a 25-year tenure and an interest rate of 2% per annum, the lowest rate in the Zimbabwean market.

Chairman for Zim Achievers, Conrad Mwanza said: “Dr Mambondiani has been an instrumental partner of the Zim Achievers for several years.

His wealth of knowledge and his innovative approach to the financial world is second to none and we are honoured that he has agreed to speak at the third edition.”

“His attendance this year is significant, as it is an opportunity to highlight the long-term business and investment prospects Zimbabwe has, particularly the bank, which has developed 200 housing units in Ruwa, situated on the outskirts of Harare.

Of these, approximately 100 housing units are available for immediate purchase by Zimbabweans living in the diaspora.

Like him, we are committed to rebuilding Zimbabwe and helping those in the diaspora make key investments that will benefit them in the long run,” he added

Zimbabwe Achievers International has also confirmed that Mtimandze Group CEO, Muzi Kunene and President of Ottawa University, Kansas, Reggies Wenyika will also speak at the awards gala.

Notable guests who will also be in attendance include Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the US, Ammon Mutembwa and African Union Ambassador, Chihombori Quao.

Meanwhile, the late Dr Jack Ramsay, a worldwide ambassador for basketball will be honoured posthumously.

Dr Ramsay was an innovative, ‘Hall of Fame’ coach who won titles and taught the game around the globe.

He also coached in the NBA and NCAA for over 30 years.

Ramsay helped launch Africa Outreach USA and the Dr. Jack Ramsay Grassroots Basketball Development Initiative.

Today the program is empowering hundreds of underprivileged children across Africa including Zambia, South Africa, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, voting for this year’s nominees closed on 20 September, with a record number of votes received.

ZAA USA Director, Faith Banda thanked the public for their continued support and participation.

“Zim Achievers USA has come a long way in the last three years. The public’s engagement is a great part of this process and it would be remiss of me, if we didn’t acknowledge their part in helping us select the cream of the crop for this year’s edition.”

The ceremony will take place at the Gaithersburg Marriott hotel.

The spectacular lakeside hotel has scenic views and is within walking distance of the popular RIO Washingtonian Center.

Tickets are on sale for $85
The awards were established in 2010 and continue to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and organisations in fields that include business, sport, entertainment, arts and culture

#Breaking: Instagram co-founders Quit

BELEAGUERED social network Facebook has taken another hit after both founders of its photo-sharing app Instagram announced their resignations and plans to leave the company within weeks.

Creators Mike Krieger and Kevin Systrom, who developed the popular picture-based network in 2010, notified Facebooks leadership team of their departures on Monday, according to the New York Times, and confirmed their move today.

The Instagram exodus follows resignations from another prominent Facebook acquisition, WhatsApp.

Its remaining co-founder and chief executive, Jan Koum, quit the company in May, saying it was time to move on.

Fellow WhatsApp creator Brian Acton departed in November last year with a more pointed message, which he demonstrated by donating $US50 million to a rival messaging app.

Creators Mike Krieger and Kevin Systrom

Mr Krieger confirmed the new double resignation in a statement today, saying the pair was grateful for the last eight years at Instagram and six years with the Facebook team, but was ready for our next chapter.

“Were planning on taking some time off to explore our curiosity and creativity again,” he said.

“Building new things requires that we step back, understand what inspires us and match that with what the world needs. Thats what we plan to do”

The pair sold Instagram to Facebook for $US1 billion in 2012.

Theres no official word on what caused the Instagram founders to leave, although rumours hint at clashes between the two men and Facebook executives over diminishing independence and demands to direct more users from Instagram to Facebook.

The company also recently added new ways to shop within the network, and introduced a streaming mobile video service called IGTV.

Facebook has yet to comment on the Instagram departures, but they follow a year of controversy and scandal for the worlds biggest social network, which has been widely criticised for its cavalier use of personal information.

Any significant changes to Instagram could hurt Facebooks bottom line as, unlike its parent company, the network has retained its popularity during the scandals.

While Facebook doesnt release separate financial information for the firm, Instagram broke through the 1 billion monthly active user barrier in June, and eMarketer estimated it would generate 70 per cent revenue this year, about $US5.48 billion.

TV On The Go – The Future Of TV In Africa

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The rapid advances in digital technology in Africa have created new opportunities to innovate on TV content delivery.

Digital disruption seen in mobile devices is changing the way Africans access TV content.

As a result, people are consuming more news and more entertainment than ever before.

This is according to Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe who adds that while this digital trend will continue in the future, it is content along with these new delivery channels that will continue to drive the industry forward.

“Only the producers of the most relevant and resonant content will survive this new digital age in Africa. Delivery mechanisms and the technology viewers use to access their favourite content will continue to evolve, and tomorrow there will new platforms we haven’t even begun to think of yet that will broadcast entertainment.

For viewers place greater value on what they are watching than simply the channel they use to watch on,” explains Dziva

But the one constant, the one aspect of this modern media landscape that will not change, is content.

MultiChoice is tapping into this theory by continuing to focus on telling Africa’s stories, as well as bringing stories from across the globe to Africa, but within the context of current technology.

It’s with this in mind that the company has launched DStv Now.

DStv Now allows DStv customers to watch the latest sports and TV shows on their smartphone, tablet or laptop via the DStv website and the free DStv Now app for Android and iOS devices.

The specific content accessible on DStv Now is linked to customers’ existing DStv packages, with viewers being able to livestream some of the best DStv channels, use CatchUp to stream or download the latest episodes of their favourite shows, and binge-watch entire TV seasons.

With DStv Now, two different streams can be simultaneously viewed on separate devices. This means a single DStv account can be used, for example, to watch TV via a decoder in the lounge, a movie on a tablet via DStv Now in the bedroom, and sport on another smart TV also via DStv Now.

Another innovative feature of this offering is that the second device connected to DStv Now doesn’t have to belong to the DStv account holder.This means children who are away from home can still enjoy the family’s DStv subscription, as well as other family or friends who have been given access to that particular account.

This means children who are away from home can still enjoy the family’s DStv subscription, as well as other family or friends who have been given access to that particular account.

“This is all part of our push to tell the right story, at the right time to the right person. African consumers want the best in local and international TV content, which we have always offered. But they also want to access that content when and how they wish.

DStv Now allows us to facilitate exactly that, and make the full scope of our satellite TV offering available on every type of digital device that is available on the continent today,” adds Dziva

DStv Now joins MultiChoice’s regular DStv service – the company’s internet-based, subscription video-on-demand service with a catalogue of more than 30 000 TV show episodes and movies – to provide DStv customers with unmatched flexibility in accessing premium local and international content on their TV sets, and online on their PCs, laptops, mobile phones and tablets.

Although DStv Now was originally designed for mobile devices, customer demand to access DStv Now via smart TVs and media players has seen MultiChoice recently introduce three new DStv Now apps for lean-back viewing on big screen TVs.

These apps make it possible for DStv subscribers to turn any TV in their house into an easy-to-use DStv hub without the need for a decoder.

The new apps are available for Samsung smart TVs (selected models from 2015 onwards); Apple TV (fourth generation and newer); and media players running Android TV (Google certified devices only). Further apps are expected to be added in the future for additional smart TV brands.

Further apps are expected to be added in the future for additional smart TV brands.

“These new developments further our objectives of delivering the best value to our customers, and making great content more accessible to African audiences. They also allow us to reshape our business to respond to our customers’ needs – in this case, the desire for cutting-edge TV technology,” says Dziva “We are always looking for new ways to engage our viewers, given that there are more choices than ever, more free content than ever, and our customers are becoming more and more accustomed to receiving personalised content that talks to their specific requirements, often seemingly for free.”

“We are always looking for new ways to engage our viewers, given that there are more choices than ever, more free content than ever, and our customers are becoming more and more accustomed to receiving personalised content that talks to their specific requirements, often seemingly for free.”

DStv Now represents the next frontier of TV.It raises the standard of satellite TV in Africa by enhancing the viewing experience for viewers across the continent.

This ensures that audiences remain entertained, and that their lives are further enriched through this entertainment
It raises the standard of satellite TV in Africa by enhancing the viewing experience for viewers across the continent.

Thandie Newtown torches a storm after claiming God is a Woman

Excitement clearly got the better of Thandie Newton who left viewers in hysterics after she dropped the f-bomb on accepting her Primetime Emmy Award.

The Westworld star, 45, looked shocked as she was honoured with Best Supporting Actress for her role in HBO’s sci-fi hit at Monday night’s ceremony

“I dodn’t even believe in God, but I’m going to thank her tonight,” she said as she took to the stage.

“I am so blessed, I am so blessed without this I am even so f****** blessed.”

Newton threw her hand over her mouth as the audience erupted into huge cheers.

Piers Morgan has criticised Thandie Newton after she claimed God is a woman, despite being an atheist.

Thandie Newton is the daughter of a Zimbabwean mother, Nyasha, and Nick Newton, a British father who worked as a lab technician.

She lived in Zambia until political unrest caused her family to move back to the UK.

‘Thandie Newton at the Emmys thanked God during her speech despite the fact she’s an atheist which in itself I find very offensive – why would you do that?’

He added: ‘What’s it got to do with an atheist what we call God? Seriously atheists, keep your big noses out of it.

‘It’s nothing to do with you. “I’m an atheist I’ve decided God is a her.” Shut up.

‘Honestly it’s ridiculous. It’s like me saying I’m an Arsenal fan but I think Tottenham should do this. Nobody cares.’

Born Thandiwe, she is known for her starring roles, such as the title character in Beloved (1998), Nyah Nordoff-Hall in Mission: Impossible 2 (2000),

Christine in Crash (2004), for which she received a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Linda in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Kate Thomas in Norbit (2007), Laura Wilson in 2012 (2009)

Tangie Adrose in For Colored Girls (2010), and as Val in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018

Kikky goes Fast and Furious in Boyz dzeTonaz

A head-turning lineup of drag cars flanked by a long-legged rapper Kikky BadAss greets you in the first seconds of the music video Boys dzeTonaz.

 

Second only to a hot Kikky BadAss, is the flashes of hot cars in the music video you can almost taste the dust flying.

Dedicated to the celebration of rich boys of Harare, the reigning female Zim Hip Hop artist of the year gets help from her crew Marcus, Shuver, Jnr Brown and Fucci.

While you cannot hear roaring engines, the video, offers a much more fascinating look at the drag racing culture that has been a constant entertainment feature in Harare.

But the real draw of the video is the people themselves, cameos by Mudiwa, DJ Triangel and a host of other citizens in the grandstands who are clearly enjoying themselves.

Taken off the album Queen of the South, Kikky stamps her regal authority once again – in a big way.

Check out Boyz dzeTonaz

Chitown Music Awards join in the Cholera Fight

Chitown Music, Entertainment and Lifestyle Awards (CMEL Awards) has partnered with various creatives in a bid to help inform, educate the public about the Cholera and Typhoid outbreak.

The *CMELA initiative* is aimed at working with various creatives from artists, writers, video directors, sportspersons and social media influencers in order to help fix the situation.

“It is part of our our goal, to unite the city, country and eventually the continent in a creative and digital savvy way to bring solutions for African problems,”said the founder, Gamuchirai “DJ Chrxn” Chogugudza

“As people we react to problems in different ways and for some reason as Africa we amplify the problem instead of making the situation better by bringing solutions to the table. We understand, there is a crisis.

Therefore there is an obvious need for us to merge our efforts through different platforms and channels which we have in order to bring solutions instead of flaming the fire.

“Some can be doctors in the field and some can be used as advocates to help fight the cause.”

CMELA is going to utilise it’s influence and the people/brandals around them to help fight the problem by coming up with solutions.

Currently they have engaged over 100 influencers who have sent their pictures to be turned into campaign material for circulation on social media.

The pictures are branded with information on how to prevent Cholera and Typhoid.

Some of the personalities who have joined the campaign include Bryan K, Crooger, Ninja Kid, Brythreesixty, Victor Kamhuka(Footballer), UZ Stallions(Rugby Team), Scrip Mula.

Royal DJs (Juice and AM), Scara the Drummer, Bryan Zhawi, Dj Feel good, Lynn Chie, Beav City and Ric Chasers (Chaser swear)

“Our theme for this year is #WeAreOne and therefore this is a perfect moment whereby we become one to fight the problem,” said the organisers.

MultiChoice, Africa’s Biggest TV Operator, To Be Listed By Naspers on JSE

Naspers has announced its intention to list its Video Entertainment business separately on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and simultaneously to unbundle the shares in this business to its shareholders.

The new company will be named MultiChoice Group and will include MultiChoice South Africa, MultiChoice Africa, Showmax Africa, and Irdeto.

Commenting on the transaction, Naspers CEO Bob van Dijk said:

“This marks a significant step for the Naspers Group as we continue our evolution into a global consumer internet company.

Listing MultiChoice Group via an unbundling aims to unlock value for Naspers shareholders and at the same time create an empowered, top 40 JSE-listed African entertainment company.”

Video Entertainment CE Imtiaz Patel said:

“Listing and unbundling MultiChoice Group is intended to create a leading entertainment company listed on the JSE that is profitable and cash generative.

We offer an unmatched selection of original content made in Africa, for Africans, as well as a world-class sports offering.

Our leadership team is diverse, experienced and well-positioned to take the company forward.”

Naspers’ Video Entertainment business is one of the fastest growing top pay-TV operators globally and its multi-platform business entertains 13.5 million households across Africa.

In the last financial year, the business generated revenue of ZAR47.1 billion and trading profit of ZAR6.1 billion.

It employs more than 9,000 people in Africa and indirectly creates economic prosperity for over 20,000 more who are employed by its various partners and suppliers across the continent.

MultiChoice Group is expected to be unbundled with limited leverage, providing it with the necessary financial flexibility to pursue growth opportunities in African video entertainment.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing continents by both GDP and population, its middle-class is rapidly expanding and the penetration of video entertainment is still relatively low.

The business is also positioning itself for the future by offering online streaming services, including Showmax and DStv Now.

Looking ahead, Patel said: “There are significant growth opportunities for MultiChoice Group in Africa.

The combination of MultiChoice’s reach, Showmax’s cutting-edge internet television service, and Irdeto’s 360 security suite will provide a unique offering.

Our customer focus, international and local content, and leading-edge technology places MultiChoice Group at the forefront of the African digital transformation.”

Naspers will retain its primary listing on the JSE.

MultiChoice Group is anticipated to list on the JSE and simultaneously unbundle in the first half of 2019, subject to the approval of the requisite regulatory authorities.

18th NAMA call for entries

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) is calling on production houses, studios, stables, galleries, organisations, associations, groups, artistes, monitors and/or the publics that have outstanding published work of art to submit them for National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA)

The submissions are to be done at NACZ offices in Mount Pleasant or Provincial offices.

Work of art can also be submitted to National Gallery of Zimbabwe near you. The deadline for submission of 18th NAMA entries is 30th November 2018.

Entry forms are obtained from NACZ offices throughout the country, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Murewa Culture Centre, registered arts associations and organisations in Zimbabwe.

Consideration of selection will only be given to artist works published from 1st December 2017 to 30th November 2018 and Only Zimbabwean citizens or those with Zimbabwean resident status can enter their work for NAMA.

Entries can also be submitted online and the link for Gmail user: https://goo.gl/forms/3A98jwRbDRV38sRx1 and non gmail users: https://goo.gl/forms/oK2FE5ZSDAzb3Ncf1

However, supporting material may still need to be submitted in person at the above listed places for use in adjudication.

18th NAMA Edition will be held in Harare on 16th February 2019.

NAMA is the forum where NACZ recognizes outstanding achievements within the arts sector.

By rewarding excelling artists, NAMA stimulates more interest in the arts and raises the profile of the same.

The awards are a means of encouraging creativity and excellence in the quality of the arts, making Zimbabwe a force to reckon with on the international arena.

In addition, the awards aim to inspire artists to strive for higher and original forms of creativity and provide an opportunity for arts disciplines to jointly market and publicize the arts locally, regionally and internationally.

All entries must be accompanied by the artistes product(s). These could be in the form of videotapes, cassettes, flash drives, CDs, pictures or books.

It’s the end of a Celebrity Marriage as Elikem files for divorce

One of Big Brother Africa sweet love stories has finally taken a bitter end as the celebrity couple of Ghana’s Elikem and Zimbabwe’s Pokelo are ready to nullify their marriage.

The love which blossomed in 2013 right in front of our television screens will have its final episode in the High Court of Zimbabwe as Elikem files for divorce.

On Tuesday 11 September the Ghanaian designer and tailor through his lawyers, Mahuni Gidiri Law Chambers, petitioned the High Court, to nullify his three-year-old marriage to socialite and businesswoman Pokelo.

“The plaintiff (Elikem) and defendant (Pokelo) have not stayed together as husband and wife for the past one year since September 2017 and such is regarded by plaintiff to be incompatible with the continuation of a normal marriage relationship,” said Elikem in his filed declaration.

“As a result of the above, the plaintiff has lost love and affection to the extent that there are no prospects for reconciliation due to the irretrievable differences between the parties.”

Elikem is however not requesting custody of their son.

“There is one child (name supplied) born of the marriage on December 23, 2015. It is in the best interest of the minor child that custody of the minor child be awarded to the defendant, with plaintiff exercising reasonable access on agreed holidays and or whenever the plaintiff visits Zimbabwe.

Plaintiff avers that he will maintain the minor child by paying $500 per month,” he said.

Pokelo has not yet respondent.

Cracks in the marriage became visible as early as November 2017 and the rumours were further fuelled during Elikem’s birthday.

Elikem celebrated his birthday on November 7, as had become custom, the two would show their affection on social media, but not even a cake emoji came from Pokelo to his husband.

That time, Elikem poured cold water on the rumours but it was not enough to extinguish the flames.

“Why are people dwelling on what is on social media… I don’t understand why because there hasn’t been a post where people will not want to jump to conclusion to say A, B or C.

“Secondly, I am not ready to spit out what’s private at home out on air to say yes I am divorced or no I am not divorced so whether there is a divorce or not, I’m sure it is not anyone’s business so to speak,” he told JoyNews’ MzGee in an interview in November 2017.

Earlier this year he posted a video of a ring on his Instagram story intimating that he was ready to marry again.

However it was the accompanying caption that seemed to all but confirm his marriage to Pokelo Nare was over.

He regretted marrying her.

He captioned the video “I’m definitely not making a mistake on the next one. The right one.”

Wabata Moyo: Cindy & Andy’s sophisticated intercourse with RnB

RnB and Afropop lovers in the nation have got some top-notch music coming their way this summer, including familiar names and faces.

Long-serving Queen of Zimbabwean RnB Cindy Munyavi released her Andy Muridzo-aided new single entitled Wabata Moyo, off her upcoming Noone is Safe #N1iS project.

The new joint officially dropped on Monday, September 10, and since then the pop world has been enraptured for various reasons with the out-of-the-blue release of the singer’s latest coaster.

Produced by Zambia’s own Dj Dro and Elton Bryce, Wabata Moyo is characterised by the intercourse of sophisticated Rhythm and Blues compositional structures with groovy African pop-music motifs.

A song for hopeless romantics, the song’s saucy marinade of honeyed vocals and despair lyrics make it a radio-friendly track on readily embracing love.

Cindy’s voice is gorgeous—creamy smooth and spectacularly relaxed.

She projects pure emotion into the sensuous, slowly swinging loops and briskly elevate her timbre more sprightly to perfectly blend with Andy.

And she makes all this seem effortless.

Muridzo also comes in naturally on the mid-tempo ballad.

It is out of the dispute that the smoothie has a knack for melody.

His solo styling, whatever it is called, allows him to dabble perfectly on any genre.

On the song, although fans will be more likely to fall for his piquant, intimate crooning than his neologism, he did not have a lot to say.

Well, perhaps that is how hopeless he is, and like what those who came before us said, when in love it matters less what lovers say, than what they do.

Perhaps it is time we come to terms with the fact that most of his material often contains a sense of bucolic swag that is just as amusing and enjoyable as it is critical by pop culture standards.

Either way, his vocals on the song fit the beat like a glove.

Wherefore, will Wabata Moyo amorously encapsulates the summer of 2018?

Apparently, first impressions seem to suggest that we are not the only ones feeling this way.

By the time of publishing, the song currently boasts nearly 2000 listens on YouTube, which is a quite promising stance.

The buzz can’t wait for the duo to come up with a soft and sensual video that matches the song.

Listen to Wabata Moyo below