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february 2020

LIVE IT UP! NOT FOR SALE

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Love, romance, sex and the building of an empire

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020 FASHION • beauty • RIDes • food • ADVENTURE • SPORTS • REVIEWS 1

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FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

T I E V I L

! P

events FEBRUARY

various cities.

its 150th anniversary, caused a stir last year with its camp theme. This saw celebrities dress in some of the most outrageous outfits you could think of.

British Academy Film Awards Date: February 2 Venue: Royal Albert Hall,

MARCH

London

Safaricom Jazz Festival.

This event has, for the past two years, had the pleasure of having the Royal family grace it. It will be celebrating the best there is in the film industry in Britain.

Jazz music lovers will start their month on a high as international jazz artistes entertain them with some of their smooth jams.

JUNE

St Patrick’s Day Date: March 17 Venue: Celebrated in all cities

The event awards and recognises the best in the Kenyan gospel industry. Venue to be confirmed.

Celebrated globally, this is a day to celebrate and honour St Patrick who ministered Christianity in the 5th Century. He was of Irish descent.

BET Awards Date: June 29 Venue: Los Angeles, California.

Super Bowl Date: February 3 Venue: Hard Rock Stadium,

Miami

A sporty night that will see two giants, the AFC champions and the NFC champions go head to head. The event will feature performances by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.

Oscar Awards Date: February 10 Venue: Dolby Theatre,

Hollywood

The 92nd Academy awards will go down at the Dolby Theatre and will honour the best films of 2019. This will be the first time in years that the awards will be held in early February.

New York Fashion Week Date: February 6-13 Venue: New York London Fashion Week Date: February 14-18 Venue: London Milan Fashion Week Date: February 18-24 Venue: Milan Paris Fashion Week Date: February 24- March 4 Venue: Paris These fashion weeks will see the biggest trends of the season – spring, summer, autumn and winter – showcased on the carpet and on the streets in the

of the world

APRIL

Coachella Music Festival Date: April 10-19 Venue: Empire Polo Club,

California

An annual music and arts festival that has previously featured acts such as Beyoncé and is held over two weekends. MAY

Cannes Film Festival Date: May 12-23 Venue: Cannes, France The event honours and previews the best in the film and documentary industry.

Groove Awards Date: June 1

The awards are held to celebrate African Americans in music, acting, sports and other entertainment fields. JULY

Zanzibar Film Festival Date: July 6-16 Venue: Zanzibar Like the name states, Zanzibar celebrates its own in the film and theatre industry. This is a festival that draws thousands to the island to witness the awards. AUGUST

Kenya Sevens Rugby Dates: August 15 Venue: Nakuru, Mombasa,

Kisumu and Nairobi

of Art, New York

Held in different venues across the country, rugby is one sport that people show up to in large numbers and stay on for the legendary after-parties.

Yet another highly anticipated event, mostly because of its annual fashion themes. The event, which will be celebrating

SEPTEMBERER Nyege Nyege Music Festival Date: September 5-8

Met Gala Date: May 4 Venue: Metropolitan Museum

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

Venue: Jinja, Uganda The four-day annual music festival celebrates art and music and is considered East Africa’s biggest cultural and artistic event. OCTOBER

Miss Universe Kenya Date and venue: To be confirmed

An annual beauty pageant that will in the end see one woman chosen to represent the country at the global level. Prior to the event, there is a bootcamp where the participants are trained before the grand finale.

Mr and Miss World Kenya Date and venue: To be confirmed

Just like Miss Universe, this is yet another beauty pageant held annually ahead of the global competition in December. The contestants go through immense training at a bootcamp before they present their skills on stage at the main gala.

Oktoberfest Date and venue: To be confirmed

This is a weekend full of fun, food, beer and musical performances from some of your favourite Kenyan acts.

Halloween Night Date: October 31 Venue: Global This costume-themed night happens annually. The costumes are worn to scare off ghosts from the past.

books/ movie winnie makena/ boniface mithika

ibliophiles had a wonderful, fun-filled 2019 with some unforgettable books. From debut novels, fantastic fiction, unforgettable memoirs, books written by bestsellers and newcomers, here are some books to put on your 2020 list:

Godshot Author: Chelsea Bieker It’s flashy. It’s gold. It’s about cults. And would look good as an Instagram post. The literary debut by Rona Jaffe Award winner Chelsea Bieker is about one teenage girl’s feminist awakening and her search for her missing mother.

Topics of Conversation Author: Miranda Popkey An unnamed female narrator explores attraction, disgust, womanhood and apathy over a timeline that spans nearly twenty years. Popkey comments, especially, on attraction as other than sexual; on hungry desires for people, and then on self-hatred, feminism and not, control, anonymity. A treat for lovers of Sally Rooney.

Wow, No Thank You. Author: Samantha Irby For an up-to-date pop culture reference, humour writer Samantha wrote the fat girl pool party episode of Shrill. No I’m not kidding! If you have tummy issues, Samantha’s books are for you. The essays in this collection draw on the raw, hilarious particulars of Irby’s new life. Wow, No Thank

You is Irby at her most unflinching, riotous, and relatable.

American Dirt Author: Jeanine Cummins This is a timely and powerful portrayal of the plight of the migrant. An innocent mother and her young son desperately and illegally attempt to enter the US from Mexico while fleeing from a cartel. This book is one of those that you finish and immediately need to talk about.

Tweet Cute Author: Emma Lord This book is most likely to get you to re-download Tinder. It’s like You’ve Got Mail but slipped into a modern jacket. Two classmates from rival food chains start a full-blown Twitter war, not knowing that they’re pouring their hearts out to each other on an anonymous chat app every night, disgustingly cute.

Life: A User’s Manual Author: Julian Baggini, Antonia Macaro Renowned existential psychotherapist and philosophical counsellor Antonia Macaro and bestselling philosopher Julian Baggini cover topics such as bereavement, luck, free will and relationships, and guide us through what the greatest thinkers to ever walk the earth have to say on these subjects, from the Stoics to Sartre. Because we have to be serious about life at some point.

Godshot:

“Whatever’s happened to you can either make you beautiful, or it will ruin you forever.” — excerpt from Chelsea Bieker’s ‘Godshot’

JANUARY 2020 pulser magazine

BIRDS OF PREY (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) Cast: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Ella Jay Basco, Rosie Perez Genre: Crime/Action Directed by: Cathy Yan Release date: February 7 Since the events of Suicide Squad, Harley Quinn has left the Joker. When Roman Sionis, a narcissistic crime lord known as Black Mask, places a hit on a young girl named Cassandra Cain, Gotham City turns upside down looking for her. FANTASY ISLAND Cast: Michael Peña, Maggie Q, Lucy Hale, Austin Stowell, Portia Doubleday, Jimmy O. Yang Genre: Horror Directed by: Jeff Wadlow Release date: February 14 The enigmatic Mr. Roarke (Michael Peña) makes the secret dreams of his lucky guests come true at a luxurious but remote tropical resort. But when the fantasies turn into nightmares, the guests have to solve the island’s mystery in order to escape with their lives. SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Cast: James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Jim Carrey Genre: Science-Fiction/Adventure Directed by: Jeff Fowler Release date: February 14 Sonic, a blue anthropomorphic hedgehog from another world comes to Earth to escape malevolent forces that seek to harness his power of super-speed. BRAHMS: THE BOY II Cast: Katie Holmes, Ralph Ineson, Owain Yeoman, Christopher Convery Genre: Horror/ Mystery & Suspense Directed by: William Brent Bell Release date: February 21 Unaware of the terrifying history of Heelshire Mansion, a young family moves into a guest house on the estate where their young son soon makes an unsettling new friend. THE INVISIBLE MAN Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer Genre: Mystery/Sci-fi Directed by: Leigh Whannell Release date: February 28 Trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist, Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding.

pulser pulser magazine magazineFEBRUARY JANUARY 2020 2019

CON TEN TS CELEBRITIES, MUSIC AND SHOWBIZ 4-5. 12. 13. 14. 15. 26-31. 34-37. 38-41. 42-45. 46-49.

Events/ Books/movie Zozibini’s Mzansi magic Brenda’s drive Toni-Ann flies high Spicy Lulu Femme and fortune Fitting case for the suit For better, for worse… The Muraya’s empire Beats & Paces

FOOD, HEALTH and FITNESS 20. 21-22. 24. 25. 58-59.

strike a balance Detox the crap out Food hacks Juice pulp balls Off to the Gym

FASHION and BEAUTY 8. Loose change 9. Style 34-37. Fashion RIDES, TOYS AND ADVENTURE 16-17. Pounding Pace LIFE, TECH AND REVIEWS 18-19 Kenya’s film revolution 60-61. Whip appeal 62-63. Gaming

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

THE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER orlando lyomu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OCHIENG RAPURO Managing Editor, Daily Denis Galava MANAGING EDITOR – WEEKEND/MAGAZINES JOHN BUNDOTICH EDITOR STEVENS MUENDO

FROM THE DESK

New decade, new era

REVISE EDITORS Ferdinand Mwongela Kagure Gacheche PETER NDORIA

SUB-EDITOR WAIRIMU NYINGI MANAGER, PRINT CREATIVE DAN WELOBA CREATIVE DESIGNER JOSECK MUTORO PHOTOGRAPHY HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY JACOB OTIENO PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR MAXWELL AGWANDA DIGITAL NJAMBI MUNGAI WAIRIMU NYINGI CONTRIBUTORS TONY MOCHAMA PERIS WAMBUGU PAUL OWERE AHADI WAMBUI BARBARA NYAMBURA milton were BONIFACE MITHIKA MARGARET NGENYA TRACY GESARE WINNIE MAKENA

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recall processing a Kodak film in a college studio darkroom a decade ago. I know that sounds ancient. That is how swiftly things have changed. The museums must be banking an overload. In the newsroom, the Kodak film has since been replaced with digital photography; pen and paper with the mobile recorder. Tomorrow’s news is breaking today. And more significantly, rather than keeping to the traditions that governed the media, there has been an urgent, if not desperate, call for change to adapt to the new era. Creativity, innovation and convergence have become the buzz words, and require immediate execution to forestall eminent death in the traditional media house. And in the music scene, artistes no longer need to hawk CDs on the streets, nor are they banking on big album sales through physical music stores. New entertainment trends have dictated that they sell online. We are discussing downloads and views as the benchmark of who’s making it musically. It is intriguing gazing at the metamorphosis that has been the film and TV sector. From rooftop aerials to pay TV dishes, to streaming using fiber. In fact, traditional TV as we knew it 10 years ago does not exist. The talking points now revolve around the anticipated streaming wars, with HBO Max scheduled to launch in May right after Disney+ and Apple TV+ did the pacesetting, and this in the face of the muscle of the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Automobile technology has long been setting the pace for change. It has become astronomically insane, with new inventions hitting the streets every day. We’re also booking our travels to far-off adventure destinations from the comfort

of our living rooms. Our food is also just a call away. The social media phenomena has bombarded our day-to-day lives in ways we can hardly ignore. We have to live with all those intrusions from SMSs, WhatsApp messages, memes, pop-up advertising and much, much more. We have to wrestle with cyberbullying and fake news. And the strain of keeping up with all of it, as well as FOMO, is taking a toll on our mental health. How our world has changed in just 10 years! This is February 2020 and moving past the harsh financial realities of January, we are still detoxing and wrestling with those New Year resolutions. And aside from keeping up with the weight-loss plans and new healthy habit manuals, how about turning on the love bulb? It is February after all, and love is in the air. Let’s ‘Live it Up’.

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

loose change

Sheer or glitter tights

- peris wambugu

Halter tops of the Versace-era, ‘90s

s i d l O

Polka dots from the ‘80s

D GOL

The micro-mini dress of the ‘80s

Chain necklaces from the ‘90s hip-hop age COURTESY

Fuzzy sweaters from the ‘50s

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

Tattoo print tops of the ‘90s

style style

t’s a new decade – the perfect time to make changes that will shape the next 10 years of your life, and why should fashion be left out? The best place to start is by readjusting your wardrobe. You’ll be surprised at how much influence an outfit can command. That said, here are a few fashion fails to steer clear of:

Ill-fitting shoes

Finding shoes that fit perfectly is a struggle for many. However, this isn’t an excuse to wear visibly oversize or undersize shoes. If you struggle to find shoes that fit right, then go for closed shoes. It’s hard to notice the size difference in closed shoes and you can add padding to make them fit better.

Plastic accessories

We all had a pair of plastic earrings or bracelets growing up. It was what we could afford. Looking back, it was one of the biggest fashion fails. It looks cheap and doesn’t go with any outfit – no, not even jeans. It’s time to invest in good quality accessories.

Crochet berets

Unless you’re planning to join Bob Marley’s band, this isn’t a good look. There’s no appropriate occasion for a crochet beret. They lack functionality and aesthetic purpose, so why were they a trend to begin with? Try a beanie instead for function and style.

Oversized suits

An oversized suit looks bulky and rough. Though celebrities like Rihanna and Victoria Beckham tried to make this a trend, it didn’t

COURTESY

Trends to ditch

- pulser writer - pulsEr writer

resonate with a lot of people. It’s a bizarre look that the everyday person will find difficult to pull off.

Distressed tops

Distressed jeans are a good look while distressed tops give off a homeless look. Additionally, distressed tops are flimsy and wear out fast. No matter how much you try to dress it up, a top with holes in it will always look bad. Let’s just stick to the distressed jeans in this decade.

pulser pulsermagazine magazineFEBRUARY JANUARY 2020

trends

Who

— Boniface Mithika

beat it B

ig showbiz names, among them DJ Khaled, Travis Scott and LeBron James, are the faces behind trending multi-billion-dollar products. When a company wants to sell you something these days, it needs to do more than just show you the product. It has to create a lasting brand impression. Famous endorsements create an indelible connection between brands and their spokespeople. For instance, brand recognition, regardless of it being positive or negative, has been at the core of Beats’ triumph. And so far, there are no signs of the multi-billion-dollar company veering away from using celebrities. Beats by Dre has become synonymous with celebrities who don them while jogging, running errands, doing chores or just chilling. Here’s how else the company has pivoted on its celebrity links to grow the brand:

LeBron James – Red 23

In 2008, Beats by Dre partnered with Monster Cable to manufacture the brand’s first-ever pair of headphones called Monster Beats Studio. Three-time NBA champion LeBron James was one of the headphones’ endorsers and had an exclusive custom pair called ‘Red 23’ in reference to his jersey number.

DJ Khaled – Grateful Beats

Rapper and record producer DJ Khaled has worked with Beats since 2017, which is around the same time his ‘Grateful’ studio album was released. The striped Beats Pro was constructed mostly from aluminum, with massive ear cups that enclose the entirety of your ears, which makes for an intuitive noise-canceling effect. Khaled personally had a hand in the design of his limited-edition custom headphones, which he called ‘Grateful Beats’.

Conor McGregor – Notorious Beats

UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor was signed on as an official Beats athlete months before his historic fight with boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr in August 2017. In usual Beats fashion, the brand jumped

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

on the opportunity to become an official sponsor of the Irish fighter, releasing his limited-edition custom studio wireless headphones, which he called ‘The Notorious’ after his moniker.

Travis Scott – UNDFTD Powerbeats 2

Travis Scott scored a deal with the brand and became the face of the UNDFTD x Beats by Dre collaboration for Powerbeats 2, the Beats headphones designed for fitness fanatics, which may not deliver on the mids and highs, but it certainly does for the bass, which adds more juice to your workout routines. The product line also provided sweat and water-proofing.

Nicki Minaj – Pill

At the height of Nicki Minaj’s career, Beats by Dre was banked on the 10-time Grammy nominee’s popularity. She booked her first major endorsement deal with Beats in 2013, releasing ‘Pill’, a bluetooth-ready speaker. The product’s success was attributed to Minaj, alongside fellow artistes Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke.

Lil Wayne – Graff Diamonds-Encrusted Beats Pro

Back in 2012, Grammy winner Lil Wayne made headlines after he sported a Sh100 million diamond-encrusted Beats headphones at an NBA All-Star game. It was so dazzling that no one seemed to notice Drake was sitting beside the rapper. Ultimately, it was one brilliant marketing tactic to promote the firm’s partnership with British jeweller Graff Diamonds.

J Blessing – Pace

Closer home, it’s not news to say that Pace headphones and portable speakers have made inroads among East Africa’s deejays, musicians, actors and comedians. They have plastered the headphones all over Instagram. The brand is largely associated with award-winning producer and film director J Blessing.

COURTESY

erdy chic is one of the trendiest looks of all time. Whether your glasses are a fashion piece or a medical prescription, there’s no reason to stick to basic eyewear. Just like sunglasses, reading glasses are an accessory that can alter your physical appearance. With the right pair, you’re bound to turn heads. Luckily, there are a wide range of styles to fit your needs and tastes. Here are some types of reading glasses that complement the nerdy, but fashionable look:

Cat Eye

This is one of the most common styles of reading glasses among women. It has made a mark in the world of fashion. Additionally, cat eye glasses add an aura of sophistication and elegance to any look. It’s most suitable for people with narrow faces and can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.

Round

style - pulsEr WRITER

Frameless

There’s something about frameless glasses that say doctor or professor. Frameless glasses are the perfect combination of chic and elegance. If you don’t want your frames to draw all the attention, these type of glasses offer exactly that. Additionally, these glasses have few limitations. They go with any outfit. They flatter every face and aren’t bulky.

Oversized

When it comes to chic eyewear, some are of the notion that the bigger the better. Oversized glasses aren’t a new trend. It first started with oversized sunglasses and now, reading glasses have adopted this style. Though it’s a stylish look, oversized glasses aren’t for everybody or for every occasion. This style requires a superstar attitude to match its flamboyance.

Clear

Clear glasses are the less serious sibling of the frameless glasses. While frameless glasses add a touch of sophistication, clear glasses add a more youthful look. They have a way of illuminating your face, making you look vibrant and more friendly. If you’re in a creative industry, these are the glasses for you. Not to mention, clear frames contrast beautifully with darker skin tones.

COURTESY

Round reading glasses have made a big comeback. Their resemblance to the famous Harry Potter glasses might have something to do with this comeback. They look good on both men and women, making round frames one of the most versatile eyewears. Round frames also soften your physical appearance, giving you an innocent and smart look. It best complements chiseled faces, but can work on almost all face shapes.

Ner dy

chic

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

hot in town — Ahadi Wambui

Zozibini’s Mzansi magic COURTESY

COURTESY

he Miss Universe crown came to Africa with the amazing Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa being crowned the fairest of them all. Black girl magic proved to be a reality in 2019, with a majority of acclaimed beauty pageant crowns being scooped by black women. South Africa did us proud with Zozibini, who became the second black woman to win the Miss Universe title in the pageant’s 68-year history. Looking amazing in her natural African hair despite some opposition, the former Cape Peninsula University of Technology student beat them all to close a year where Toni-Ann Singh of Jamaica was crowned Miss World, Kaliegh Garris won Miss Teen USA, Cheslie Kryst won Miss USA and Nia Franklin reigned as Miss America – all are black women. Zozibini was unapologetic about the significance of her win. “I want young girls and women to look at me and feel like they can be represented as well in society. People can tell you you don’t belong, and then you start believing it. It was so important for me to say that message, so that people know that they do belong,” she said. Zozibini began her pageantry career in 2017 as one of the 26 semi-finalists in Miss South Africa 2017, though she did not end up one of the 12 finalists. She returned to pageantry to compete in Miss South Africa 2019, a competition she won before going into Miss Universe. Zozibini’s favourite destination: Miami Favourite actress: Jennifer Lawrence Favourite food: Italian Favourite actor: Tom Hanks Hobbies: Cooking, yoga

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

HOT IN TOWN COURTESY

—ahadi wambui

She has the brains. She is BOLD. She is hot. And she is TRAVELLING A road FEW would dare TO TAKE

eading actress and film director Brenda Wairimu had a successful 2019 as she firmly got back into the acting scene, taking a major role in the award-winning TV drama series, Selina, where she plays the role of Rosette. And then there is her TV series, Monica, which is popular with viewers and got a nomination at the recent Kalasha Awards. The two projects have brought out a side of Brenda that fans can’t seem to get enough of. Her role as Rosette tackles mental health. “It (mental illness) affects people’s daily lives, their work and relationships. It’s the reason some people act the way they act … it’s a conversation that needs to be had and I hope that this character, in as much as she’s bringing the fun and drama that’s funny to watch, I also hope that she triggers some conversation in homes,” she said. This beauty has a degree in international business management, which led her to pursue an entrepreneurial venture in fashion. “If I said I have a blueprint to making it to the top, I would be lying. I am still growing and learning, from my own experience and those of my peers, as well as those who came before me. Our industry is still young. When I learn the magic formula, I will be sure to share it,” she told Pulser. Twitter: @BrendaWairimu Instagram: @brendawairimu_ Photo credit: Ephy Saint Make-up and styling: Actress’ own

Brenda’s drive pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

hot in town She is drop-DEAD gorgeous, And there is no question THAT she EARNED HER Miss World CROWN

Toni-ann flies high O

n December 14, last year, 23-year-old Toni-Ann Singh from Jamaica was crowned Miss World 2019 during the pageant’s finals held in London. The reigning Miss World Kenya Maria Wavinya, came sixth, a commendable feat that placed her as the second model from Africa in the top-12 list, with Miss Nigeria Nyekachi Douglas getting into the top five bracket. Toni-Ann’s crowning came hot on the heels of 26-year-old Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa, who won the Miss Universe 2019 crown within the same December week. The duo joined Kaliegh Garris, Cheslie Kryst and Nia Franklin who claimed the titles of Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss America, respectively. “To that little girl in St Thomas, Jamaica, and all the girls around the world – please believe in yourself. Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams. This crown is not mine but yours. You have a purpose,” she said just after the crowning, comments that got the world’s attention. The 23-year-old student was born in St Thomas and plans to study medicine and become a doctor. Toni-Ann impressed judges at the event in ExCel London after singing Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing, and answering a variety of questions. She said: “This feels like a dream, I’m so grateful. Whatever it is you see in me, thank you. I’m ready to get to work.” The beauty beat 111 other contestants to become the fourth Jamaican winner of the title since the competition began 69 years ago.

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

COURTESY

- pulser writer

hot in town — pulser writer

“R

COURTESY

ight now, I am on the lookout for a Kenyan man. And not just any man, but older, more experienced and one whom I won’t bump into at the clubs I go to,” Lulu Diva told Pulse Magazine during a recent interview. The hot Tanzanian showbiz girl had been in Kenya for weeks seeking to promote her new single. “Kenyan men are generally hardworking, smart and sharp when it comes to business. But I want an older man because I am still in my foolish years and want to do much more foolishness. An older man who has seen it all will understand and we won’t be competing on a foolish level,” she went on as we sought her comment on her alleged affair with Starehe MP Charles Kanyi, aka Jaguar. “I miss Mheshimiwa,” she said with a cheeky smile. “The streets miss Jaguar’s music, but we have to accept the reality. He is an easy person to deal with and understands me. He supports me and since he has been in the (showbiz) game for long, he has the connections. Lakini yeye kwa sasa ni mdosi (But, for now, he is a boss)!” she went on. Lulu was a second runner-up in the 2013 Pwani beauty contest and came second in the Kibaha pageant. In 2015, she appeared in Mirror’s music video, Naogopa, as a video vixen. Since then, she’s been in a handful of videos, such as Belle 9’s Burger Movie Selfie, Baraka de prince’s Pamela and others still in production. The beauty has also featured in a number of movies, including Pain of Love and Nikabu. She, however, says her focus is currently on music. “I have to eat and live well. Mziki ndio biashara (music is my business). I do music that is in demand from the fans. I have written many songs on emotions, but those won’t get me shows in the current market,” she said.

Spicy Lulu pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

MOTOR MOTO

Aston Martin Valkyrie

— boniface mithika

belt up, The adrenaline rush is on As fast jets meet the tarmac and the automotive industry shifts gears even higher, brace yourself for A LIMITLESS 2020.

ust like in science and technology, the automotive industry has been pushing the buttons, innovating and pushing the limits. It has mostly been about the mystery surrounding humans and speed, innovative features, insane shapes and looks, and the fanaticism of what money can buy. It’s about boys and big toys, shining billions and bling. See, the future is now! Quick tip: As you read this article, the Bloodhound LSR car, a combination of the F1 car, a fast jet and a spaceship – making it the world’s fastest car – is set to break the record of the fastest car on earth! The supersonic machine has already completed its phase of high-speed testing and is raring to go. The love of rides and speed is not about to end. And 2020 paints a crazy picture of supercars that could hit the streets as car makers flex their muscle.

SSC Tuatara The SSC Tuatara is a sports car to be produced by automobile manufacturer SSC North America. The car is the successor to the SSC Aero and is the result of design collaboration between famed automobile designer Jason Castriota and SSC. Initially it was to be powered by a 6.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine but the capacity of the engine was reduced to 5.9-litres in order to allow the engine to have a higher redline of 8,800 rpm. It boasts of 1,350 horsepower.

Price

32 ly Sh1 e t a m xi appro

on milli

The ultra-exotic and ultra-rare Valkyrie represents the ultimate road going Aston Martin. There’s a more extreme version called the Valkyrie AMR Pro, but it’s meant purely for racetrack purposes. Both were co-developed by the legendary British automaker and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team, with the intent of making the regular Valkyrie the fastest-lapping street-legal car in the world. Only 150 cars will be available around the globe—all of which have been spoken for. That means most people will have to drool over this astonishing Aston via wall posters or virtual games.

Price - approximately Sh325 million Tesla Roadster

Pounding

The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric battery-powered four-seater sports car made by Tesla, Inc. This sporty supercar will be capable of 0 to 97 kph (0 to 60 mph) in 1.9 seconds, quicker than any street legal production car to the date of its announcement in November 2017. It will be expected to be one of the quickest cars in the world, with record-setting acceleration, range and performance. As an all-electric supercar, Roadster maximises the potential of aerodynamic engineering, with record-setting performance and efficiency.

pace 16

JANUARY 2020 FEBRUARY 2020pulser pulsermagazine magazine

Price

approximately

Sh25.4 m

Porsche 911 Turbo The 992-series Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S will introduce themselves this year with the Porshe911 Turbo car. Its power will come from a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six upgraded with iron cylinder liners and cast iron exhaust manifolds, larger turbo, new intercooler placement, piezoelectric fuel injectors, redesigned catalytic converters and gas particulate filters.

Price - current 911 Turbo S starts at Sh19.3 million

COURTESY

Mercedes-AMG One

Price - approximately Sh276.6 million

This hybrid hyper car powered by a 1.6-litre V6 hybrid engine - with an eight-speed semi-automatic transmission - uses its electric motors to spin the engineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turbos, which helps eliminate turbo lag and increase acceleration. As a result, the car is able to go a 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds, which is slightly slower than the Bugatti Chiron but faster than the McLaren Senna. The AMG Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top speed is said to be 217 mph (349kph). The car will have 1,021 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and two-person seating capacity.

FILM – PULSER WRITER

fter successful execution of the Kalasha Awards, all eyes are now on the Kalasha International TV and Film market set to kick off at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in two months’ time. This is a unique platform for regional and international players from the TV and film industry to gather, discuss ideas, share stories and develop new business opportunities in a fast-growing region. For three days, local and international professionals from the audio-visual and film industry will come together and get the unique opportunity to boost their business through trading content, finding partnership opportunities, networking and more. The event’s primary objective is to showcase Kenya as a major regional hub for film and TV production, post-production and distribution across all platforms and genres, while reinforcing the uniqueness of Kenya as a shooting location. There has been a deliberate move by the government to grow the local film industry and entice international filmmakers to choose Kenya as their preferred shoot location. In December, for example, during a Cabinet meeting, President Uhuru Kenyatta called for the implementation of the film

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

incentives package. “The incentives, which include a ‘onestop-shop’ approach to licence approvals, tax concessions and waivers of various levies for personnel and equipment, are expected to encourage both local and international filmmakers to use locations in Kenya for their productions,” a statement from the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU) read in part. The move came as a group of Nollywood players visited Machakos County during the annual Machawood Film Festival and pledged to create partnerships that will see film players from the country benefit from the Nigerian experience. Nigeria, the biggest film producer in Africa, has a thriving industry valued at billions of shillings. It was during the Machawood event that the Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Ezekiel Mutua said the future of the African film industry would largely depend on collaborations between the continent’s nations. He said Kenya stood to benefit from such collaborations as most international players have their eyes on Africa as a filming destination. “For so long, our African story has been told by Western media and there has been a lot of misrepresentation on who we are as a continent. We need to tell our own story as it should be told and reclaim our dignity, as we reserve that of the generations to come,” Mutua told hundreds of film makers and supporters during the big film night. Among those present was the Nigerian National Film and Video Censors Board Executive Director Adedayo Thomas, and Envivo boss Gbenga Obadina, a leading partner in the Nollywood film industry. “I thank all the international delegates

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with Kalasha Film Festival prep underway and a Machawood windfall expected, all eyes are on the film industry. Are the ongoing collaborations between stakeholders here and abroad behind the reawakening?

Pasca l Toko di

Kenya’S film revolution

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Nyce Githinji

who are here to support the Kenyan film industry, and more so, all the major partners from Nigeria who have pledged to support Machawood, the Machakos County government branch that deals with film, music and creative arts. They have pledged to help us in capacity building in scripting and production, as well as give financial aid,” Mutua said. “As a pilot project in empowering the film industry, Machawood will be benefiting from the big support we are getting from Envivo and other international investors from Africa and America.” Delivering the keynote speech during the gala night, Thomas said much as Africa looks at Nollywood as the biggest film producer after Hollywood and Bollywood, a lot of creative wealth lies in every African country and it can be drawn out through collaborations.

He said the Kenyan film industry was already coming of age, and stressed the need for consumers to support the industry. “From the government to corporates to individuals, everyone has a role to play in ensuring that the film industry enjoys the growth it deserves. You need to support the authorities that govern the industry, especially regulatory bodies such as the Kenya Film Classification Board that has been making sure that quality films that represent Kenyan-African stories are given the prominence they need,” Thomas said. “I have noticed that a lot of films from Nigeria that have not been censored have made their way into Kenyan TV, and this is rather sad – that people are watching material that should have been censored. We have shared this with the local authorities and soon, these films will be out of the screens to pave way for clean content.”

For Afri so lon has can st g, our by W been ory med este told ia. rn pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

FOOD — fork n awesome

how long did your New Year’s resolutions LAST? sometimes we bite OFF more than we can chew

strike A balance S

o many of us start a new year determined to kick poor diet habits to the curb. And then February sets in and we realise we didn’t quite do what we set out to. The reality is that a healthy diet doesn’t mean working on strict limitations or trying to shed fat and look thin. Neither is it about depriving yourself of the foods you love. It is about feeling great about ourselves in terms of esteem, as well as improving our health in general. The truth is that while some specific foods or nutrients have been shown to have a beneficial effect on mood, it’s your overall dietary pattern that is most important. The cornerstone of a healthy diet should be to replace processed food with real food whenever possible. Eating food that is as close as possible to the way nature made it can make a huge difference to the way you think, look and feel. The exact ingredients of a healthy diet will depend on different factors, like how old and how active we are, as well as the kinds of foods that are available in the communities where we live. But across cultures, there are some common food tips for helping us lead healthier, longer lives.

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

— fork n awesome

In your daily diet, aim to eat a mix of staple foods, such as wheat, maize, rice and potatoes, with legumes like lentils and beans, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and foods from animal sources (like chicken, fish, eggs and milk). Choose wholegrain foods like unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat and brown rice when you can; they are rich in valuable fibre and can help you feel fuller for longer. For snacks, choose raw vegetables, unsalted nuts and fresh fruit, rather than foods that are high in sugars, fats or salt.

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Some tips to reduce your salt intake:

When cooking and preparing foods, use salt sparingly and reduce the use of salty sauces and condiments (like soy sauce, stock or fish sauce). Avoid snacks that are high in salt, and try and choose fresh healthy snacks over processed foods. When using canned or dried vegetables, nuts and fruit, choose varieties without added salt and sugars. Remove salt and salty condiments from the table, and try to avoid adding them out of habit; our tastebuds can quickly adjust and once they do, you are likely to enjoy food with less salt, but more flavour. Check the labels on food and go for products with lower sodium content. Some tips to reduce fat consumption:

Replace butter, lard and ghee with healthier oils such as soybean, canola (rapeseed), corn, safflower and sunflower. Choose white meat like poultry and fish that are generally lower in fats than red meat, trim meat of visible fat and limit the consump-

tion of processed meats. Try steaming or boiling instead of frying food when cooking. Check labels and avoid all processed and fried foods that contain industrially produced transfat. It is often found in margarine and ghee, as well as pre-packaged snacks. How to limit your sugar intake Too much sugar is not only bad for our teeth, but increases the risk of unhealthy weight gain and obesity, which can lead to serious, chronic health problems. Like with salt, it’s important to take note of the amount of ‘hidden’ sugars that can be in processed foods and drinks. For example, a single can of soda can contain up to 10 teaspoons of added sugar. Limit your intake of sweets and sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks, fruit juices, liquid and powder concentrates, flavoured water, energy and sports drinks, ready-to-drink tea and coffee, and flavoured milk drinks. Choose healthy fresh snacks rather than processed foods. Avoid giving children sugary foods. Salt and sugars should not be added to complementary foods give to children under two years of age, and should be limited above this age. When alcohol gets dangerous ... Alcohol is not a part of a healthy diet, but it does tend to feature in a lot of our celebrations and wind-downs after a long week. However, drinking too much or too often increases your immediate risk of injury, and has longer-term effects like increasing your risk of liver damage, cancer, heart disease and mental illness. The less alcohol you consume, the better it is for your health. And it is perfectly OK not to drink. But if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, driving, operating machinery or undertaking an activity that involves related risks, keep off the alcohol. This also holds if you’re taking medicines that interact with alcohol, or you have difficulties controlling your drinking.

— Internet sources/WHO

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19 21

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Some tips to ensure a balanced diet:

mixology - pulser writer — FORK N AWESOME

Whether you are healing the skin and body, or simply boosting energy levels, cleaning out your system will get you back in gear

the crap out L

et’s give the alcoholic cocktails a break. We need to cleanse those vital body organs, eliminate toxins and boost our metabolism. In simple words, we need our bodies back. It’s called the reboot! Detox drinks have been found to help with weight loss, improve digestion, improve liver function, reduce inflammation, improve skin and hair, and boost energy. Detoxification is the process of eliminating toxic substances from the body. In their book 7-Day Detox Miracle, Sara Faye, Stephen Barrie and Peter Bennett explain that detox drinks can bring your body back into a healthy balance. If toxic intakes are not curtailed, this can manifest in various problems like bloating, gas, headaches, constipation, fatigue, nausea and skin problems. Detox drinks also help you sleep better. Here are five detox mixes you can try:

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

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Detox

Dawa (honey, lemon, ginger tea)

If you walked into any restaurant in an urban centre and asked for ‘dawa’, you would definitely get a concoction that will at least have ginger and lemon in it. We use this drink to beat the hangover, and treat sore throats and colds. The fact is, ‘dawa’ goes a long way towards performing some detox roles in our systems. Here’s one version of the mighty dawa.

Ingredients: Three cups of water One teaspoon lemon juice One teaspoon honey One teaspoon finely chopped ginger How to make it:

Heat three cups of water in a jar and before the water starts to boil, put in the ginger. As the water starts to boil, add all the other ingredients. Let it boil for a little while and your drink will be ready to serve.

Fruit tea

Fruit tea also comes in many forms. In this case we combine ginger, blueberries, other berries, orange and mint leaves with chamomile tea. This particular mix is both an energy-booster and a detox.

Ingredients: Two chamomile tea bags One orange 50 grammes blueberries 50 grammes other berries 10 grammes ginger Nine mint leaves Two cups boiling water How to make it:

Mix all the ingredients and boil them together for about three minutes and then serve hot.

Cucumber-mint detox drink Like most detox drinks, this is an easy fix. Most of the ingredients are easily and readily available this season. The thing about mint is that it improves the flow of bile through the stomach, speeding up the digestion process. It has long been used for soothing stomach upsets. A mixture of mint, cucumber and lemon makes a good mocktail.

One cucumber Nine mint leaves Two teaspoons lemon juice Ice cubes Iced water How to make it:

Clean, peel, chop and blend the cucumber, and poor in one cup of water that you have mixed with the mint leaves. Add lemon juice and salt and add some water if necessary. Pour your mix in glasses and then add ice cubes and garnish with lemon rings and mint leaves. Your drink is ready to serve.

Radiant lemonade

This is another detox drink that is quite common in many eateries, but you can easily fix it at home. The radiant lemonade is rich in pectin fibre and helps in shedding weight.

Ingredients: One chopped apple Two juiced lemons One chopped carrot Half beetroot (sliced) Half a spoon lemon zest How to make it:

Simply mix all the ingredients in a blender and add a little bit of water to adjust the consistency after which you sieve and serve.

Coconut, lemon and mint

For those down at the Coast where coconut is readily available, you don’t need to struggle to ensure those toxins are cleaned out of your liver.

Ingredients: One coconut Mint leaves One teaspoon honey Juice of one lemon How to make it:

Break the coconut and put the water into a jar and then chop the coconut flesh finely before adding it into the jar with the coconut water. Into it, add mint, honey and lemon juice. Stir well and then serve.

Ingredients: Lemon rings and mint

leaves

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

food —margaret ngenya

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Food

hacks

jaanuary came and went, but that in no way means it’s back to overspending. In fact, this is the perfect time to recover financially, and you can start in the kitchen by making the most of your food.

Clean with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar kills any potential bugs on the surface of produce, and reduces the incidence of spoilage from mould, yeast and other contaminating micro-organisms. This is especially helpful for berries.

Make citrus peels do more

Don’t throw out the peels of limes, lemons or oranges after you have squeezed out their juice. Consider zesting the peel to add flavour to desserts, marinades and sauces – and a kick of vitamin C. If the peels are more than you can use in a sitting, try making a lemon pepper seasoning. Or dehydrate the peels, keep them in an airtight container and use in

FEBRUARY 2019 pulser magazine

place of a squeeze of the same fruit. Alternatively, marinate them in vinegar to make a citrus flavoured all-purpose cleaner.

Make veggie broth

The peels, stalks and stems of most edible vegetables are just as nutritious. So, instead of filling your bin with cuttings and peelings of broccoli, cauliflower, coriander and carrot peels, add them to water and bring the water to a boil.

Buy the ‘uglies’

When going grocery shopping, opt for the odd-looking fruits and vegetables. They are just as nutritious and cost less. Another option is to use over-ripe fruits and veggies (also sold cheaply) to make smoothies, jams and other condiments.

Use your freezer

Ever used half a can of tomato paste or coconut milk and didn’t know what to do with the rest? You can

freeze it in ice-cube trays in single-use portions. Also, consider buying fruits and veggies that are in season in bulk, and freezing them. You can also chop herbs, put them in ice-cube trays, top them off with oil and freeze. Use these in dishes as needed.

Start a herb garden

Herbs grow quickly and add lots of flavour to an otherwise bland dish. Coriander, basil and mint are a good place to start your gardening quest.

Dry it

Hang fresh herbs in a warm dry environment and store in glass jars for later use. You could also dehydrate the herbs in the oven before packaging in an airtight jar for later use.

Store in water

Anything with a stem – coriander, celery, kale, spinach, etc – can be kept fresh for longer by storing in jugs of water, much like flowers.

recipe

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â&#x20AC;&#x201D;fork n awesome

Ingredients

2 cups juicing pulp (we juiced, carrots, apple, lemon and ginger) 1 cup dates or sugar 1/3 cup dried coconut 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/3 cup raisins or dried fruit of your choice Cacao nibs, or shredded coconut for garnish Method

Throw everything, except the garnish, into a food processor and process until well combined Roll mixture into bite-sized balls and roll in cacao nibs or coconut Store in the freezer and eat whenever the craving strikes

Juice pulp balls pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

hot of the month — PULSER WRITER

creatives and social media influencers are set to keep cashing in on digital trends. We take a look at the arena and single out some of the fresh faces in for the big deals

his is a year for the creatives – everyone from big business to politicians is looking for them. They are the new movers in town. But it is not simply a numbers game. Brands are looking to move beyond just paying for a social media practitioner’s big following to finding an ‘influencer’ who can work on sustainable campaigns. The players are looking to achieve real goals – over and above the hype. So for those looking to cash in, it’s going to be about innovation – the process of translating brands into goods and services that create value and translates into big gains. Besides having the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others because of their authority, knowledge, position or relationship with the audience, the new-decade influencer will need to walk the extra mile and prove the sustainability of the power of an idea. These are individuals who have a following in a particular niche that they actively engage with, whose size of following depends on the size of the niche. These individuals are simply not marketing tools but rather social relationship assets that brands can collaborate with to activate their marketing objectives. Influencers in social media are individuals who create a reputation for their knowledge and experience on a particular issue. They are individuals who make regular posts on that particular topic on their preferred social media channels and generate large followings of enthusiastic engaged people who pay close attention to their views. Brands love social media influencers because they can create trends and encourage their followers to buy products they promote.

femme and fortune: top influencers

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

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They include celebrities, industry experts and thought leaders, bloggers and content creators and micro influencers. In the past couple of months, comedian Eric Omondi has commanded hundreds of thousands of followers in getting updates on the English Premier League (EPL) games especially during the weekends with big clashes. Working as a celebrity influencer hired by DStv, the comedian who seems to have mastered the creatives’ art has become a leading voice when it comes to hyping EPL in Africa. He has made a good investment with a team who work as media consultants. Throughout the week, the team brainstorms through ideas on most of the trends taking place around the subject of execution and using this knowledge, they create short video clips that comically capture the subject. Recently, the team came up with an EPL promo ahead of the Arsenal versus Manchester City face-off where Eric was seen leading the Arsenal team to a witchdoctor who would predict positive results come the match day. Too bad, the ‘charm’ never worked. Many businesses have discovered the magic of using a celebrity to promote or endorse their product. This does not come cheap. Unlike Eric Omondi, a known Manchester United fan, some celebrities endorse products they themselves don’t believe in. For example, there is King Kaka who created a major media buzz after he was announced the Rémy Martin campaign ambassador yet he is a teetotaller. There was also the case of Sauti Sol who signed a multimillion-shillings deal with East Africa Breweries Ltd making them the campaign ambassaors for their vodka brand, Chrome. Truth is, not many fans would associate the boyband with the drink. Rue Baby However, the impact of this partnership became so big that the contract he started off in the showbiz industry walking was even renewed. in the shadow of her celebrity mum Akothee. “Today marked the renewal of Now, she has made a name for herself as one our partnership with @chromof the female acts taking over the showbiz sector by evodka. Launched in February storm. Rue Bae had a phenomenal 2019, getting this year, the relationship has crowned the first-runner up during the Miss Universe been a perfect fit for both finals held at Panari Hotel in Nairobi. The model, social brands leveraging on each media influencer and brand ambassador is a face to other’s success. Sauti Sol watch this year. embodies #ShineOn – this is Rue who has been the face of Nivea Kenya and who why we are in the position we is now the Dear Awards Model of the year has also are today. “As a group and taken up acting with her collaborated new short film Love Daggers, a film having won the The Best Short Film Turn to pgs 28 & 29 of the Year at the Machawood Awards held in December, last year. The team took home Sh1 million cash prize. Look out for her in 2020.

Man hav y bus the e disc inesse usin magic overed s to p g a ce of end romot lebrity pro orse t e or doe duct. T heir che s not c his ap. om e

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

hot of the month

friends, we have never lost focus of our dreams and that is how we got to where we are. On top of all that, we still dream big,” Sauti Sol posted during the deal’s renewal three years ago. Gospel singer Size 8 entered a lucrative deal with Chinese diaper manufacturer Soft Care and, together with her daughter, Ladasha Belle became the brand’s ambassadors in 2016. The photo of mother and daughter was so convincing that the campaign became so successful and was renewed. TV personality and public speaker Sharon Kate Ng’an’ga has been part of celebrity hosts, bloggers and influencers who have been the face of Marina Naturals – the hair brand. With its great following, the team carried a major campaign promoting Marina Naturals online as the best for naturalists. Since, Sharon has appeared in a number of other campaigns, a lucrative business that has turned the rather ambitious young star into one of the most sought young media personalities in town. Now that 2020 is here, marking a new decade, we look at the leading women with a bankable following.

Jojo Mleika

part from being a star on the rise, Jojo is the only video vixen who is also a qualified nurse one can think of and she grew a lot last year. She has featured in various music videos and appeared on a couple of T.V interviews. 2020 is sure to be a huge year for her.

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

COURTESY

From pgs 26 & 27

Stephu Mulinge

f you are a Twitter head, you definitely know Stephu. She works with companies such a Eat Out Kenya and Reina Luxury. She has also been working closely with entertainment outfits where she helps organise and hype events. Stephu is however not just about beauty, she is also a philanthropist. She is a co-founder of the Rays of Hope Foundation; a non-profit organisation set up to help the less -ortunate. As she completes her degree course at Daystar this year, there is no doubt that this charming beauty has her eyes on the stars.

Wabosha Maxine

his young entrepreneur, model and content creator has had an unforgettable 2019. Wabosha has been hardworking, pushing most of her content on Instagram. She is a brand influencer to various companies; from Huawei to Jumia, various clothing companies and most recently Coca-Cola. Wabosha is also studying Engineering â&#x20AC;&#x201C; talk about beauty and brains.

Turn to pgs 30 & 31

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DJ Kezz Kenya

here was a time being a female deejay was unheard of. DJ Kezz however broke through all that negative stereotype and is making major moves. She is also a brand influencer, femcee and even has her own clothing line; Dj Kezz Wear.

From pgs 28 & 29

DECEMBER2020 JANUARY FEBRUARY 2020 2019pulser pulsermagazine magazine

Sharlet (@_mshai_

ith 150k followers, Sharlet is one of the most followed Kenyans on Instagram. Thus, she is a digital influencer. Sharlet is notably brand ambassador for Desparado Beer and Backyard Shoes. This makes her one of the most accomplished brand influencers in the country. She also has a degree in Environment Management.

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hot of the month

L A DE Annestella Karimi (@Annestellah

nnestella is an actress in the local Kenyan scene. She made major waves in 2019 with her role in the highly acclaimed Kenyan movie Her Eyes. The movie got six nominations in the 2019 Machawood awards, winning the Best Score Award. Apart from acting, she is a brand influencer to a number of companies like Airtel. Anne is happily married and if 2019 was the benchmark year to go by, then 2020 is the time to win awards and get the cash to the bank.

Ann Nixxie

s Ann said, “2020 won’t come with a manual and neither will she.” The young beauty clearly has her eyes set on the new decade. Ann is a TV personality at KTN Home and has a morning lifestyle show, which has now become very popular among her viewers. On her show she discusses various lifestyle issues. She is also a model, MC and brand influencer.

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

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he model in this pin-up photo is Stacy Michuki, the 18-year-old reigning Miss Universe Kenya crown holder. The photography is by a Russian photographer called Kristina Makeeva and the designer is Cac Lam who has worked on it for a Vietnamese swimsuit brand called Cacdemode. This project is a collaborative work between Miss Universe Kenya and Cacdemode for their 2019 swimsuit campaign. The concept is to portray harmony between humans and animals. Photo is used courtesy Miss Universe Kenya.

FASHION

Recent global fashion weeks have showed us that you can still rock your suit as a street wear style. Drop the formal suit style and add on a trench coat for a more relaxed look to wear in the evenings or on weekends.

COURTESY

- PERIS WAMBUGU

ADDING ON A TRENCH COAT

A SUIT TIE There is something about a tie that adds formality to your look. A tie brings out a more serious side of you but is the simplest way to accessorise your suit. Since we are all about style, I suggest you go for a lighter coloured tie especially when heading out to an informal event.

fitting case for the suit 34

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LAPEL PINS

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It is safe to say that a good old lapel pin acts as an ornament to your suit. Mostly worn on the left side of the coat or jacket, this is one accessory that brings out your creative skills on how to spice up your look. A small pin is advisable as a large one can make the look appear a bit exaggerated.

itted suits always bring out a fresh look that makes quite the fashion statement. To complete the whole package, it is advisable to accessorise your look to appear even more fashion-conscious and dapper. Whether you choose to go for a lapel pin or a pocket square to match up your look, ensure you get the accessories right.

Turn to pgs 36 & 37

pulser pulsermagazine magazineFEBRUARY JANUARY 2020

FASHION

POCKET SQUARES

COURTESY

It goes without saying that this is a staple accessory. Pocket squares come in many colours and designs. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily have to match your pocket square to the colour of the suit. Depending on what complements your look best, you are at liberty to play around with hues when it comes to the pocket square.

From pgs 34 & 35

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

A BELT Whether to add on a belt to your pair of trousers is debatable as the assumption is that they should fit. As some may not be in favour of this, it is your choice to throw in one. If you choose to do so, get one that is tailored to perfection and that fits right.

STOCKISTS Model: Bashir Mohammed :Bashir_hajji_zeid Outfits: Top Models Clothing Line : topmodels_clothline_ke Photos: Peter Thira : @peterthira

A GOOD WATCH There is nothing that a good watch canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fix. If you have run out of accessorising ideas or have none at all, always result to wearing your watch. The best thing about it is that it requires minimum effort and will bring out a simple yet effortless look.

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

LOVE EDITION - pulser writer

elationships can be hard. In deed, they are hard. And it can get worse, with thousands of people watching your every step. Love them or hate them, we give it up to these celebrity couples who have managed to keep the flame going on and off the camera. DJ Mo and Size 8 The two celebrity sweethearts are currently the most visible gospel couple in Kenya thanks to their social media presence. They can get emotional. They can get witty. They can get crazy. They can shock you with astonishing confessions or even leave you in stitches out of unexpected outburst. The Murayas, as we love to refer them as are simply a reality show. DJ Mo and Size 8 celebrated their sixth anniversary in September last year. They run System Unit, a deejaying company and also run a number of other business enterprises that have made them one of the richest gospel stars in Kenya. Together, they are blessed with two children. And they are inviting you to celebrate with them at Emory Hotel, Nairobi, come Valentine’s Day. The red carpet affair whose dress code is black and white is themed ‘Dine with The Murayas’. Njugush and Celestine ‘Through Thick and Thin’ is not just the Valentine’s Day comedy show at Garden City that the two are organising, but rather, a testament of their love. They started dating when Njugush was still in college at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC). They were broke, but determined, a fact they keep reminding us. Njugush regularly acknowledges the patience and belief Celestine showed in him, before he blew up on The Real Househelps of Kawangware. She is his muse, through Wakavinye, her character on the random skits they drop. Their grass-to-grace love story inspires many. They are not just life partners, but also business partners, working together

Brenda Wairimu and Ephy Saint

For Better, For Worse…

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Njugush and Celestine

and bagging endorsements along the way. Nyashinski and Zai Bett Last year, Nyashinski broke many hearts, and it wasn’t over a song. No, the Malaika singer married his lover Zipporah ‘Zia’ Bett, the lady, who is behind the online ladies’ clothes store Zia Collections, in Nandi. The wedding broke the internet, the few photos filtering in celebrated and at the same time criticised by news sources and netizens, who did not fail to notice Zia had a baby bump. Nyashinski, who came back to an industry that had missed him, had been in the rumour mills as having been dating a number of ladies in the city. With Lift Me Up, which he dedicated to his wife, that case is now closed. Terence and Milly Terrence Creative and Milly Chebby, a TV producer, have been dating for ages. They finally held a traditional wedding in early 2017. The two seemed to have it all, their stars rising almost at the same time, as Terrence carved a niche in the comedy and viral video space as Kamami, a drama-filled lady. The relationship almost tumbled last

Bahati and Diana Marua

year, after it came out that Terrence had cheated with Anita Soina. After a dramatic episode, which saw both sides trade insults, accusations and threats, the love-birds made up and even went for a holiday in Naivasha. It’s been rosy ever since…or so we think.

Nyashinski and Zai Bett

they sat among Sailors, the Gengetone group they both manage. Pulse broke the news when Mwalimu Rachel, then at Homeboyz Radio hosting the 1pm to 4pm show, and K-Letta, fresh from abroad with hot jams playing on radio, started dating. The two, who have been spotted hand in hand in South B refuted the rumour, only to confirm it after Mwalimu Rachel gave birth to a baby boy. As Mwalimu grew her brand, K-Letta seemed to have taken a back seat, and if you expect to see lovey-dovey stuff on their social media pages, you’ll wait for tortoise years.

Bahati and Diana Marua These two have managed to shove their faces on our lives, literally. They have a show on TV, Being Bahati, which revolves around their marriage, social life and business. It’s so popular, it always trends when it runs - whether it’s on the positive or for negative reasons. Bahati and Diana, who got married in October 2017, can irritate with what fans describe as their ‘childish behaviour’, which involves a lot on whimsical events. Also, the couple has been roped into the many dramas that have stalked EMB Empire for the better part of last year. K-Letta and Mwalimu Rachel It did not escape the keen eye of paparazzi at the Pulse Music Video Award nominees party at Kiza in late last year, that Mwalimu Rachel and K-Letta ‘consulted’ each other as

Phil Karanja and Kate Actress The cheeky Tahidi High actor married the Mother-In-Law actress in late 2017 at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, and flew to Seychelles for their honeymoon. The TV director, who counts his wife as his cast on Maisha Magic’s Maepmress, is a constant on Kate’s Instagram posts, where he is described as the ‘Dada of the Decade’. Kate has a large following on social media and is well-loved, while Phil is making his name as an accomplished director with Phil It TV Turn to pgs 40 & 41

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

LOVE EDITION

Bien and Chiki Kuruka

Ben Pol and Anerlisa Muigai

Nameless and Wahu

From pgs 38 & 39

company. And guess what? Nobody told you that the two were blessed with a baby in December last year. Now the secret is out. DJ John and Amina Abdi Amina started dating John Rabar, who was technically her boss, when she was at Homeboyz Radio. The relationship was secret for long, only to surface after Amina gave birth to a baby boy in mid-2014. In May 2017, John surprised Amina, who was the host of K24’s Alfajiri show, by calling in live. His message? “I just wanted you to know that you will always be my number one and that I appreciate you very much,” the industry pioneer said after Amina composed herself. “OK, let me get back to work now.” Nameless and Wahu Last year, Nameless celebrated two decades in the industry. It was also the 14th anniversary of his wedding to secular-turned-gospel singer Wahu. These two have earned their respect in the industry as the ‘First Family of Showbiz’. They have mature children together and established business empires. Their chemistry is real as much as they don’t put it all out there. The other day, while commenting on a photo of her husband she had posted on her Instagram, Wahu penned… “The blacker the berry…” Now you know! DJ Protégé and Diana

The photogenic pair, who seemingly can’t stay far away from each other, have been at it for so long they have started to resemble each other! Diana has been part of Protégé all through his rise to become one of Kenya’s top house deejays. Whenever Protégé plays, Diana, who does extremely funny skits for The Gram, is never far. It’s called marking the territory, right? Brian and Risper Faith What started as appearances on the groundbreaking, controversial and entertaining reality show Nairobi Diaries morphed into a wedding and a baby for Brian and Risper. Until then, Risper had been a socialite with countable video appearances while Brian had relocated to the country after a stay in the United States. Initially, it felt as if the relationship was scripted for the show, until Brian met her parents and started making plans for their matrimonial home. Interestingly, she is the only socialite out here who seems to have gotten it right. Ben Cyco and Wanjiru Njiru Gospel artiste Ben Cyco and YouTuber Wanjiru Njiru have managed to win the hearts of Kenyans thanks to the adorable challenges they do on Wanjiru’s channel. Many look up to them as they have set a standard of the kind of couple everyone would want to be. Their good looks and charm ensure they draw fans from all across the country who keenly follow their

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

adventures together. People like to say that millennial couples do not last, but these two are proving everyone wrong.. Kabi and Milly wa Jesus No one can deny how cute they are, but they sometimes tend to overshare online. They literally hide nothing when it comes to their personal lives. After Milly got pregnant, they took us on a step-by-step journey of their entire pregnancy even going as far as documenting the birth of their child on their YouTube channel. One cannot forget the fact they are never shy about showering each other with affection on Instagram too. The netizens do not seem to mind it as their videos always garner hundreds of thousands of views. Diamond and Tanasha When these two first got together, everybody was sceptical and thought the affair would never last. The Bongo star has quite the reputation of being a ‘ladies’ man, you know. Tanasha has her little ways. When it comes to showering his women with gifts and grand gestures, Diamond goes all out always showering Tanasha with expensive gifts and flowers. They have managed to weather the storm despite cheating allegations and constant break-up rumours. Last year, they welcomed a son. The Baba Lao singer has stated time and time again that he plans to marry. She might be the woman who finally tames ‘Simba’.

COURTESY

Diamond and Tanasha Waihiga Mwaura and Joyce Omondi If there was an award for couples who stay on the down-low, these two would win it. They stay quiet about their relationship and you never hear much about them. They quietly dated and people only came to find out about their relationship after they pair said “I do”. Only on occasion do they show their love for each other. They don’t shove their affection for each other down our throats. Do not be deceived though, these two can show out when it is time, like that one occasion where Waihiga surprised Joyce on Valentine’s Day while she was still on air. Otile Brown and Nabayet Singer Otile Brown has had his fair share of heartbreaks. After his dramatic break-up with socialite Vera Sidika - which led to some pretty embarrassing screenshots seeing the light of day - things for him in the love department seemed bleak. However, he seemed to recover and began flaunting a new lady on his socials. The gorgeous Nabayet is always showered with affection by Otile and the man even took the time to pen an entire song, which he poetically titled Nabayet. He says it’s just a song, but we’ve heard that before. Ben Pol and Anerlisa Muigai It is safe to say Anerlisa might have finally found her Prince Charming in singer Ben Pol. She says it. He confesses it. Everything around them testifies it. She has been through a few broken relationships and one broken engagement, but we hope this one makes it to the altar.

Phil Karanja and Kate Actress

Brian and Risper Faith

Coddein and Leilah Watts This YouTube couple gained fast popularity. They pair are loved for always posting pranks on their channel, making their content unique. Other than pranks, the give us an insight on the challenges they face as a couple and parents.

been making many trips to London, the home of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama. While Victor and his elder brother McDonald Mariga have notoriously kept their babes away from the spotlight, this one is a sure bet.

Bien and Chiki Kuruka These two have been together for a long time and have been engaged for quite a while. Hawk-eyed fans are on the verge of begging them to just get married already. The Sauti Sol singer and Chiki, who runs the afternoon show on Vybez Radio, are not the type of couple to show off and are rarely spotted together. They occasionally go on Instagram doing cheeky videos together. The only thing we love to hate about this couple is how secretive and unbothered they are about their upcoming nuptials. We are eagerly waiting to see when and if they finally walk down the aisle. But never mind… it’s our problem!

Rekles and the Samperu twins Whether it’s for clout or trend, the twins – Stephie and Santaola are taking the industry by storm. Other than allegedly warming the bed of Gengetone’s most popular artiste, the twins have appeared in many local skits, gaining traction and popularity. Sexy, bootylicious and raunchy, the twins were said to have bonded properly with Rekles on the Tarimbo video shoot.

Rufftone and Krystal Maybe it is just a thing about the Mwatia’s, but whether we’re talking Rufftone and bae Krystal or younger brother Daddy Owen with Farida Wambui, be warned, this is not the ground to scout for scandals. And…it is well with our souls. Who is dating who? Victor Wanyama and Sarah Teshna It started as an overheard, but the facts that point to something believable. Actor, radio personality and MC Sarah Tesha has

Shon Boy and Munira ‘Otile Black’ is his raunchy name, when he drops Gengetone or sexually-charged songs. Otherwise, he goes by Shon Boy, and hit the limelight in September 2016, when he accused music producer and artiste Visita of having sold his (Shon Boy) songs to other artistes, including to Prezzo. Anyway, he is married to Munirah ‘Star Girl’ Hassan, the 21-year old vivacious video vixen with a famous tongue. He is also her manager, pushing her brand on his social media pages. Shocking, yeah? Brenda Wairimu and Ephy Saint Chantelle Petit we know! Her baby too. And because babies are to be protected, what makes you think we should talk about ‘acting’ Brenda Wairimu and the ‘innocent’ Ephy Saint?

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

COVER STORY - pulser writer

ospel sweethearts Linet Masiro Munyali aka Size 8 and Samwel Muraya aka DJ Mo are building East Africanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest showbiz empire. They are Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gospel first family. And for the first time, in this no-holds-barred interview, they fondly let us into their love secrets, romance, differences, challenges and the milestones they are yet to conquer.

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

COURTESY

Pulser: What was your biggest highlight as a couple last year? DJ Mo: Finally having a (second) baby was our biggest highlight. You know marriage is not meeting and living in a house. It requires children. Pulser: You opened up to your social media followers on the great triumph God gave you through a complex pregnancy and a life-threatening delivery… Size 8: It was our most challenging year we must say. As you could be aware, after Wambo’s (Ladasha) birth in 2015, we conceived again in 2018 and I had a miscarriage in December that year. You will recall that Ladasha’s delivery also had a lot of complications, all of which left us very broken. With another baby coming last year, everything just got very tense and I was forced to withdraw from the public. As a matter of fact, the unborn baby was in danger same as my (Size 8) life. Pulser: Exactly what was the matter? Size 8: I started suffering from blood pressure and I too had fibroids. The house was dull, quiet and tense. I was admitted in three emergency rooms and on week 34 things got really complicated. I could not walk and sometimes I got totally paralysed. My husband wasn’t saying much but I knew we were going through this together. We shared all that because we realised that people do go through such hard experiences and someone needs to be encouraged. DJ Mo: True. Pulser: What was going through your minds through all this and what lessons did you learn? DJ Mo: We had to stand in faith believing that God is everything. You see, you can have millions but without God, what can you do? We had to believe in more of God and less of us. Size 8: We also learned the power of being together. Sometimes as a Christian you believe, hold on to faith and pray and even feel like all

this time God is looking on the other side. But you don’t give up. We didn’t give up. Pulser: Did you have friends by you, believing with you and supporting you all this time? Size 8: Yes, besides God, both of us were there for each other. We thank Dr Thuo and his wife for the care and the counselling as well as our family members. Wahu and her family, Lady B, Esther, Kevin, Jo, Diana and Tito, who are our friends and really stood with us. We can’t thank our sister Mary enough for her devotion as she was literally everything to us when we needed someone by. Pulser: What does your new baby and the miracles around the birth mean to you? Size 8: Personally, I must say God is faithful and he answers prayers. He is faithful and whatever He promised He delivers. We had been given prophecy that we would get a baby boy. You will also realise that the name we have given to our son (Samuel) is also prophetic. Pulser: Your love and marriage seems to be getting stronger and better by the day. What has been the secret to weathering all the storms? DJ Mo: God is the secret. We have learned to stick together and blocking ears from critics. We have also learned to love each other through thick and thin. It is true that we all have weakness and that no marriage is perfect but one has to overcome that by staying focused towards the goal. Pulser: You have said that no marriage is perfect… DJ No. Ours in not perfect. No marriage is perfect. Size 8: Nobody should go into marriage thinking it will be perfect. However, marriage is a beautiful thing. Marriage is forever a working process.

Turn to pgs 44 & 45

The Muraya’s

empire pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

COVER STORY From pgs 42 & 43

Pulser: Talking of marriage, what does love mean to you? DJ Mo: Love has many meanings. It is being there for someone unconditionally. It is the reflection of who God is. Pulser: How important is affection and romance in a couple’s life from your experience? DJ Mo: The two are very important. It spices marriage and all that, you know. However, romance is not everything in marriage. Size 8: It would be ignorant to think just having sex will lead to a good marriage life. Yes, sex is good but it is just one aspect of marriage. Like cream on cake, that is what romance is to marriage. Pulser: How much time do you find for each other? Size 8: We could be such a busy couple but we have to squeeze time for family and couple goals. Now that I am always at home, Mo has blocked some days off work for family. I would advise boys and girls not to hang out with their crew so much that they have no time for their loved ones. DJ Mo: True, you realise that back at home we are not DJ Mo or Size 8. We are Samuel and Linet. There is work out there but family comes before work. Pulser: How do you separate the duties in your parenting assignments? DJ Mo: (Laughs) I don’t go to the kitchen and I don’t change diapers. I only get to the kitchen when I probably want to get water. Size 8: (Laughs) True. Mo has never changed our babies’ diapers, ever! But he is a very responsible dad. He is very responsible in terms of providing time and provisions. He is always getting home by 8pm to make sure he drops Wambo to school by 7am. We don’t have a live-in house girl and so we share those roles well. Wambo and Mo are really close. They really love each other and she can really throw tantrums when he is not around.

Pulser: You have been sharing so many family secrets on social media. Is there another side of you that people don’t know about? DJ Mo: People might think that they know so much about us but we can say what is out there is just 5 per cent of who we are. We only let out what we think people should know. We do a lot of CSR among other goodwill activities but we don’t like to talk about that. Pulser: More endorsements to come your way this year? Size 8: We pray so. Besides, we know that God has good plans for us. Pulser: Size 8, what should fans expect from you this year? Size 8: There is a lot for them in store. They should expect some collabos out very soon. I will also be doing individual releases. Besides, I am keeping my full time ministry as a musician and a preacher of the gospel. I have a telephone ministry where I send someone a code to minister on their point of need as per to their request.

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COURTESY

Pulser: How has parenting affected your careers, both in music, TV and all the rest including running your ministry, Systems Unit? Size 8: I must say that I am the most affected. I was out of the public eye for the whole of last year. Mo is equally affected because like he has to balance between family and work. We are working hard on establishing good backgrounds for our children as we want them to be God-loving and also get a good education, which Mo insists on. As a matter of fact, Wambo is in a Christian school. We want them to be responsible children of good morals.

Pulser: Are you gravitating towards forming a church, becoming a preacher? Size 8: No! Church politics, no! I already have a full-time ministry. But I am willing to go as the Spirit leads. Pulser: System Unit seems to be one of the few Christian-based stables which are still standing and going strong. What do you attribute this success to? DJ Mo: It’s been God. Nothing bigger than God. Besides, family stands with me and I enjoy good support from team as well as loyal clients. I thank everyone who has been contributing in one way or another towards this ministry. Pulser: What are the main agendas you are pushing as System Unit this year? DJ Mo: We are doing a countrywide tour as well as a ministry to schools and campuses. Come April 12, we will be hosting the Nakx Easter Fiesta in Nakuru which is our Easter project. We are celebrating our years in ministry both as Size 8 and DJ Mo as well as System Unit. Pulser: What good plans do you have for each other on Valentine’s Day? Size 8: We have organised a Valentine’s dinner event named ‘Dine with The Murayas’ that will be held at Emory Hotel. The dress code is black and red and there will be so many activities to enjoy. It will be an event where people will exchange, learn and experience from each other. The

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response has been good and we expect this to be a good unification day for couples and an enjoyment and edification one for those who are single or simply dating. Pulser: Awesome idea… Size 8: It is. Some people have expressed that the Sh7,000 they are being charged per couple for the event, which include dinner is too much. But think of it this way; buffet goes for Sh2,000 at a regular hotel. Then all the other additionals. I fully understand those who are of a different opinion as we are all different. But I can assure you that the feedback is good and we will be in for a beautiful fun-filled, romantic Valentine’s. Pulser: That takes us back to the love story. What are those simple things that make you happy as a couple? DJ Mo: Spending time together. We are two people who love road trips. We love being random…spontaneous! We also like buying meat pie together and throwing shade at each other. Size 8: I have just been teasing Mo on who is aging faster…who has a bigger stomach. You know if mine is a little bit big it’s because of baby fat, but not his. Pulser: What are some of those petty things you can fight about? Size 8: Mo makes noise almost about everything. Even when you flash the loo badly and the water runs forever, he complains. We fight and laugh later… Pulser: What are some of those memorable moments you have had together in the last couple of months? DJ Mo: The other day, we did a random holiday trip and stayed on until we had no clean clothes left to wear. It was a truly random one to Ziwa Bush Lodge in Nakuru. We came back to Nairobi to pick some more clothes and as we were going back, we decided to change to Lake Naivasha Resort where we stayed for a week until all the money we had was over. It was crazy but moments like that make us who we are. Pulser: What are the sweetest things you have heard from each other?

DJ MO: She once told me that I am the best and will get very wealthy. I think I could be rich but she is talking about wealthy. How harder do I need to work ,man? Size 8: True. The thing is that before we got married I used to pray for him and that is what God told me. I know he will be wealthy. In fact, what he has right now is only 10 per cent of what he worth. I didn’t dream of marrying a rich old hopeless man but one whom I grow with, step after another. Pulser: Among the two of you, who is the hopeless romantic? Size 8: That definitely has to be me. I am always here pampering him and being all nice even when I am sick. Mo is so gangsta... if I believed in those emotional moves I see in Mexican movies, I would probably be out of this now. If he ever went to the kitchen, he would blow it up. That is how bad it gets. DJ Mo: It is true. She is the romantic one here. I mean…(laughs). Pulser: Are there sometimes when you feel that you should have done some things in a better way? Size 8: Yes. There are times when I wish I could have handled some things with more wisdom. When we got started, we had so many arguments over issues we could avoided. Pulser: What are some of your treasured items – in your closet or in your investments? DJ Mo: Shoes. And watch. Size 8: Yeah! He treasures his shoes that he has to have them arranged in a particular way. And there is this watch he treasures so much that he would have a safe box for it! He is a gadget guy, you know so I understand. Pulser: What about you? Size 8: I don’t think I do have treasure items, do I? I have gone through near-death experiences that everything has become meaningless. Just touch my family and you are in trouble! Pulser: What are some of your long-term goals as individuals and as a couple? Size 8: Like I said I told God that I don’t want to marry a rich old man. Together, we want to build an empire. We also want to have a fully-fledged home centre other than the one we have, which is rental. Pulser: More children to come, probably? DJ Mo: Can you take silence for an answer? Size 8: Because of what I have been going through my husband is scared I would die and he does not want to lose his wife. But I would want more (laughs). That is if God gives me more grace.

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

BEATS & PACES

Octopizzo

- pulser writer

2020: Khaligraph Jones

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

who will get the mic-drop?

COURTESY

King Kaka

With Kenyan music SOARING EVEN HIGHER, the music race will most likely centre on stars who made a good reTURN last year and THOSE who will use chance and opportunity wisely

hen accomplished rapper Octopizzo took to the podium during the Pulse Music Video Awards (PMVA) to receive the award for the Best Collabo Video for his Wakiritho hit featuring Sailors, he was a man of mixed emotions. First, he thanked Kenyan music fans for supporting local music. He then acknowledged all for embracing the new generation of stars, such as Sailors, who were sharing the stage with him - saying they were the future of the industry. Lastly, he sent out a warning to his competitors, remarks that were seen to be directed to fellow rapper and perceived hip-hop nemeses Khaligraph Jones. It was a little dramatic moment. Octopizzo who is also referredto as Namba Nane (the Kibra matatu route and a name given to him for his strong association with Kibra where he grew up). Khaligraph Jones, who had just won the coveted Male Video of the Year award, was watching Octopizzo from the VIP dome when Octopizzo warned that 2020 won’t be a walk in the park. “And this warning goes to you out there. Get ready for the real battle…,” he said in Swahili. It had been a year when Octopizzo had deliberately taken a back seat, choosing to spend time in studio where he has been putting together his projects set for release this year. In fact talking to Pulser, the Next Year project maker and the face behind Papichulo Music records

said he had been preparing for a grand slam this year. “I am looking at 2020 with a lot of optimism. Having put in so much this year, my fans should expect a lot from me. There can only be one Namba Nane who is the real hip-hop. I have been hearing a lot of noise there on who is top. The challenge has been set and we all know whose battle it is to lose,” he told Pulser. On the contrary, Khaligraph Jones had had a good year in showbiz in which he had big songs such as Leave Me Alone, Siogopi, (featuring Lamaz Span K.O.B) and his latest Ruby keeping him the face of hip-hop in the country. His 2019 Khali Cartel 3 project that featured Bey T, Breeder Lw, Silverstone Barz, Reckles, Chiwawa became the talk of town after it was released. He won numerous awards, sold records and signed mega business deals. The hash tag #TheOGMustBeRespected became his middle name. Gracing the cover of the Pulser magazine in June last year, Khaligraph Jones had downplayed critics and all the pressure that comes with the business saying that is all expected. “If you are talking about all that social media attacks and disstracks then I will say that this is something I choose not to handle. Sometimes I even post diss-tracks that were directed to me on say Instagram for people to hear. I mean, I too used to do diss-tracks on guys like P Unit, Avril, Marya… I think when you grow up and mature Turn to pgs 48 & 49

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

COURTESY

BEATS & PACES

Sailors From pgs 46 & 47

your perception of seeing things changes,” he said during the interview. “I take no offence in such criticism… Absolutely not. I totally understand them (haters) as they will grow up someday. With music, you never take anything personal. I mean, this is like politics. I have had instances where I have had confrontations with the likes of Eric Omondi and Vera (Sidika) but that ends at that and we are friends at the end of the day,” affirmed the Testimony 1990 creator. The 2020 hip hop battle, between Khaligraph Jones, Octopizzo or King Kaka, is not the only discussion in the showbiz industry right now. More so, it is how the Kenyan music industry will take shape in general. Having witnessed tremendous comeback last year, it is expected that many Kenyan artistes will have a good year both through online streaming and downloading services and also through concerts and endorsements. Showbiz critics argue that even though there will be a boom of new artistes thanks to the new self-belief that has come with the

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

Muthoni DQ

Arrow Boy

Gengetone wave, a music sub-genre that has seen traditional music strongholds and cartels crumble, the best half of the year will still be dominated by faces that made it big last year. These include celebrated acts such as Willy Paul, Masauti, King Kaka, Khaligraph Jones, Nadia Mukami, Sauti Sol and Arrow Boy – plus the likes of Gengetone frontrunners Ethic Entertainment and Sailors. The latest statistics released by music streaming services Boomplay have it that Willy Paul has maintained his dominance as the most streamed artiste in Kenya followed by Nyashinski, Sauti Sol, Masauti and Nadia Mukami. King Kaka, Khaligraph Jones, Evelyn Wanjiru, Arrow Boy and Ethic Entertainment, also join the list of Kenya’s top 10 trending and most listened-to artistes in 2019 this giving their consistence in

Nyashinski

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how strong they currently are in the market. An unofficial statistics report has it that Willy Paul aka Willy Pozze is the best stage performer in Kenya. Willy Pozze has successfully shaken off his critics with results and a massive following that you can’t dismiss. He has come out of the gospel cocoon so successfully and branded himself as a secular star to wrestle with. He has broken across the borders and if some of his unreleased projects are anything to go by this year, then expect this young man to make a showbiz statement across Africa,. Masauti, Arrow Boy, H_Art the Band, and Kagwe Mungai are the other faces we all need to watch this year. “In such a digital era like this when streaming and downloading of songs and albums has become one of the major benchmarks on how good an artiste is doing, it is likely that most of the acts who mastered the art last year will keep the status quo for the best part of the year,” says DJ Define. “Most deejays and other music promoters follow numbers to decide who to play or give gigs and it is through these streaming numbers that an artiste will sometimes prove his or her strength in the market. Even though many artistes will be releasing new projects this year, the difference in terms of who takes over from the existing dominant artistes can only be felt much later…We are talking about June and July…,” he adds. According to Boomplay the most streamed songs in the past 12 months are Willy Paul’s Mmmh (feat. Rayvanny), Ipepete by Masauti and Radio Love by Arrow Boy (feat. Nadia Mukami), in that order. The fourth position is taken by Moji Shortbabaa’s Vimbada with Jabidii, Narudisha by Gloria Muliro, Pandana by Ethic Entertainment, Mungu Mkuu by Gloria Muliro and Marathon Runner by Nyashinski. Among the top streamed albums is H_art the Band’s 2019 debut Made in The Streets, followed by King Kaka’s ‘Eastlando Royalty’, then Evelyn Wanjiru’s ‘Mungu Mkuu’ 2017 release at third position with Arrow Boy’s debut ‘Hatua’ in fourth place. Other 2019 albums that have made it into the top 10 most streamed Kenyan albums in Kenya music facts, according to Boomplay, include Spectrum by Kagwe Mungai at position eight and Yesu Mtaani by

Moji Shortbabaa at position 10. The late E-Sir’s legendary status is cemented in this list with Nimefika’at position nine. “Two things are happening in the Kenyan music industry right now. One, the gospel wave that had been ruling the scene has been phased off. That dominance does not exist anymore. Two, in the secular world, there is this new hype for the new Kenyan beat that seems to be realigning things. The fact is that this has brought in a whole new attention on Kenyan music and it is how, even the older generation of artistes will tap into this for their good. The windfall is here now for all,” argues Chris Kirwa, a veteran showbiz manager. “Just like the Bible puts it, the fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. In my own opinion, I think this is what will matter when it comes to artistes and the music industry in general in Kenya this year,” he adds quoting Ecclesiastes 9: 11. “We also can’t ignore that fact that Afrobeats is also taking Africa and the whole world by surprise and how this will impact on the local scene will be something interesting to watch. We have seen how Burna Boy’s songs are so big here and the fact that Davido and Wizkid as well as other West African artistes did not make it big here last year does not necessarily mean that the Nigerian reign is over. We expect most of these guys to be back here with a resounding remark,” notes Ike, the brains behind Taurus Musik. “There are many up and coming powerful artistes in Kenya to watch. People like Kagwe Mungai, Trinna, Ivlyn Mutua, Gin Ideal and Mayonde just to mention a few, are some of the acts whose presence is expected to hit a notch higher this year. We saw how they created a good base for themselves last year and all through, they have been in studio preparing some new projects. Most of them have tours starting as early as May. These are the guys I expect to give everyone a run for their money,” he remarks. According to DJ Define, the music Turn to pgs 50 & 51

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

Wangechi

Masauti

BEATS & PACES

Nadia Mukami

From pgs 48 & 49

landscape could also be affected by the current politics in the country with the referendum issue expected to dominate the political arena. “I am aware that some political groupings are already signing deals with musicians, producers, comedian and other creatives. This is in line with the expected political storm that will be coming with BBI and all that referendum talk. There will be a lot of cash on offer from the political class as well as rallies to drumbeat for the opposing sides. This is one factor we can’t ignore when thinking of the music industry in Kenya. It is a major factor that we all must watch,” DJ Define adds. “This is because we have seen it happen before. Any time we have a referendum or even a General Election, the music industry is usually part of the target. Politicians will always want to use artistes to help build-up numbers as well as perceptions through the messages in the songs they create. Besides, even if our artistes don’t want to be involved in some of these simply because they don’t want

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

fans to view them as taking sides, sometimes the money is just too much to resist,” he observes. There is also the gender balance issue. In the past, the showbiz industry has been a male-dominated affair with most up and coming female artistes getting suffocated on the way. However, the has been a strong shift in the Kenyan showbiz space that has seen some female musicians shake off this stereotype. One of these female artistes to watch this year is afro-fusion singer Fena Gitu, a Pulse Music Video Awards (PMVA) Best Female Artiste winner. Fena’s music career has witnessed a phenomenal rise since she released her debut album Fenamenon, in 2014. Last year, she released Unleashed, another major project that positioned her as one of the powerful music voices in the country. From Doing Her Thing Tho (2017) to Sijaskia Vibaya (2018) then her recent Kaende and Steam hit singles, Fena has been consistent and has over time created for herself a strong following. Seemingly having learned to tap success

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Victoria Kimani thorough strategic association, Fena has been working on her projects through other forward-thinking afro-sound creators such as Muthoni DQ who has had a major positive impact in her music career. Very few female acts can match her stage power and it is no doubt that Fena remains one of the female artistes to watch this year. Talking about Muthoni DQ, isn’t this one of the most powerful musicians we want to see get into full-bloom this year? Over the years, MDQ has maintained the tempo, releasing projects that have seen her earn continental acclaim. She is not only a vocally-endowed musician but also a good instrumentalist as well the face behind the popular Blankets and Wines social-music event. Nadia Mukami who recently scooped the Female Artiste of the Year accolade during the Pulse Music Video Awards (PMVA) is another female artiste to watch this year. And she sounds ready for that. “My main focus (in 2019) was trapping new audiences something I have done, according to my analytics. Moreover, I have had most of my music videos hit over a million views and I got over half a million followers on Instagram all of what was within the plan to increase my reach. I broke through to the corporate market too and I say 2019 fell into place. I have learned to be hands-on. The journey has just started. This win simply means the doors have started to open. I am headed for the stars,” she affirmed terming 2020 as a big year to watch. Then, there is Gin Ideal who has been strategising on making the best out of 2020. “I am greatful to all my fans and everyone who has been supporting me especially though all the success I witnessed last year. 2019 was a good year, both in showbiz and in my personal ventures. I believe that this was a build-up towards 2020. Things are looking up. I

have a series of projects set for launch in 2020 and I just can’t wait to starting rolling this out. 2020 is the year to watch,” Gin Ideal, also a previous PMVA winner told Pulser. Gin Ideal got a major boost when she got signed to Taurus Musik about two years ago. Celebrated for some of her singles among them Rede, Shuga and Balance It, Gin Ideal seems to have come of age and if there was a time we expect her to hit it big, then 2020 is the year. Victoria Kimani is a female act no one can underestimate With her eyes on the international market, the Number One hit maker is expected to hit us with surprise collabos that she has been working on. “Victoria Kimani is one artiste you can not count out when it comes to profiling the stars one would like to see in 2020. She is a very talented artiste with such an international reach and as much as she hasn’t been having such a big presence here, I think she will be among those African female artistes we all need to watch,” says Samson D, a showbiz strategist. “We should also expect Size 8 to make a powerful comeback now that she has delivered. She is one of the talented performers of out time. This applies to Kambua too. In the gospel front there is also Wahu who has been coming up very well since she changed her tune from secular music. There is also Avril, Mayonde, Trinnah, Ivlyn Mutua and Wangechi who have been coming up so strongly. Generally, I think this will be a good year for the girl child,” he concludes.

Fena Gitu

Mayonde

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

travel

- PULSER WRITER

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enya has always been a popular location for film production. Hollywood has a long-standing affair with Kenya that dates back to the 1930’s. Many classic adventure films were shot on location in Kenya, including The Snows of Kilimanjaro starring Gregory Peck, King Solomon’s Mines with Stewart Granger and Mogambo starring Clark Gable and Ava Gardner. Joy Adamson’s book Born Free was made into a hit movie filmed entirely on location in Kenya. George Adamson was to later take the trained lions that were used in the film and rehabilitate them into the wild. The film’s stars Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers went on to form a charity, The Born

FEBRUARY 2010 2020pulser pulsermagazine magazine

Free Foundation, which continues to support conservation work in Kenya. Hollywood’s greatest tribute to Kenya came with 1985’s Out of Africa. Adapted from Karen Blixen’s classic book, the film told the story of her life in colonial Kenya, with Meryl Streep in the lead role and Robert Redford playing her lover, Denys Finch Hatton. With stunning cinematography and a rich music score by John Barry, the film brought Kenya to life for audiences all over the world. A major box office hit, Out of Africa went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The movie also put Ngong Hills in Kenya on top of the list of World’s 10 Most Romantic Movie Locations. Located 22 kilometers southwest of Nairobi, the area around the Ngong hills was part of a major settlement farm run by Karen Blixen. Visitors can enjoy a good hike up the hills, which have a walking trail and enjoy a clear view of the Nairobi city, the Great Rift Valley and Nairobi National Park. World renowned Kenyan athletes are

known to train at Ngong hills before major meets. In 1989, Kenya was the location for the filming of Bob Rafelson’s historical drama Mountains of the Moon. This epic film won great critical acclaim for its vivid retelling of the conquest of the Nile, and the great adventure of the Burton and Speke expedition. Filmed in diverse locations including Lamu, Hell’s Gate and Lake Turkana, the film shows Kenya at its best. Kenya has since served as location for several Hollywood blockbusters, including the sequel to Tomb Raider. In 2002 Nowhere in Africa a German language film about Jewish refugees struggling to create a new life in wartime Kenya was shot on location in Baringo, Bogoria and Mt Kenya. The film was a major success, winning over 14 international awards, including the 2003 Academy Award for Best Foreign language film. The 2005 box-office hit The Constant Gardener was also filmed on location in Loiyangalani, a small town located on the south-eastern coast of Lake Turkana.

Kenya is a great destination for television wildlife productions. Many award-winning wildlife series have been shot on location in Kenya by BBC Natural History, Discovery, Survival and other production houses. The Maasai Mara continues to be the backdrop for BBC’s popular Big Cat Diary, following the lives of the reserves predators. Maasai Mara, Kenya’s world-famous game reserve, was named one of the new Seventh Wonders of the World in a poll conducted by ABC Television’s Good Morning America, and a broadcast on US morning television took this spectacle into millions of American homes, live from the Mara. Kenya hit the top of US TV ratings with the arrival of Survivor Africa. The third series of the hit game show was filmed entirely on location in Shaba Reserve in Kenya. For the producers, Kenya offered the perfect combination of beautiful locale, stunning wildlife and plenty of opportunity for adventure.

— Source: Magical Kenya

kenya, through the lens pulser pulsermagazine magazine FEBRUARY 2020 2019

OUT AND ABOUT

- peter muiruri

experience more in These scenic cities where you can enjoy a lot and meet friendly people WITHOUT necessarily BREAKING THE BANK

et’s be honest, we’re yet to fully recover from December. However, that doesn’t mean all we get to do is mope around the house and relive the dreadful January all over again. In the spirit of renewal, here are a few destinations that are sure to bring back your mojo.

Vienna, Austria

Okay, only half of its days are sunny. But with Nairobi’s sun threatening to crack your cranium, sun is the last thing you want. Here, some of the best activities are free, such as strolls to explore the city’s great architecture. Well, you need a little bit of cash in Vienna too, just enough to visit the renowned opera houses or grab a beer at Badeschiff Wien, the floating bar on the Danube. Vienna has parks worth a morning jog. Why else, you may ask, was Vienna chosen to host Eliud Kipchoge’s Ineos 1:59 Challenge.

Munich, Germany

Never mind missing the city during the crazy weeks of Oktoberfest. You can still enjoy the remnants of the festival by enjoying some of Bavaria’s best beers along Isar River. The city has rafts that allow you to soak up the city’s beauty without breaking the bank. Again, it is January folks. Munich has over 350 enchanting trails that ensure you some of the best air quality in the whole of Europe. If you prefer to stay still, then visit any of the beer gardens strewn across Munich such as Waldwirtschaft and Augustiner Bräustuben. Be careful though: If you are bothered by the sight of naked people, ask for directions to the naked zones and take a different route.

Eindhoven, Netherlands

The small city may not attract as much attention as its big sister, Amsterdam. It is however well known for its technological innovations through the hands of Dr Frederik “Frits” Philips. If you have ever heard of a

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

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Hello mini vacay

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company by the same name, then Philips is your man. The city has an unhurried lifestyle. To keep physically active and in good health, most residents here ride their way around town or to the local railway station. While there are budget hotels in town, check out the vast array of street foods lined up in different areas come evening. You might just stumble on some African dish in the middle of Europe.

Bordeaux, France

It is not all wine in Bordeaux. The famous wine region is also one of the most liveable in France. You can still enjoy your favourite wine paired with your preferred foods at a bargain. Art lovers will find the city full of fun and aesthetically fulfilling. The city is good for shopping, if you still got some loose change after the December escapades. In any case, Bordeaux is less hectic than those other famous cities such as Paris.

Honolulu

It might be far into the Pacific but let us just assume that through a miracle, you find yourself in Honolulu. The laidback island city has some vibe that makes it a fantastic place to visit and play. Your experience is made even better by the warm and friendly people who are just too eager to share their traditions with visitors. They will teach you how to make the lei, vibrant and colourful wreaths or garlands worn around the neck, or the four-stringed musical instrument, the ukulele. (Hmm, sounds like some western Kenya instrument, right?)

Cape Town, South Africa

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get closer home. Residents of what is referred to as Mother City are full of life and warmth. It has a diverse mix of cultures from within and outside the city. And these locals are fond of strangers too, making the city one of the friendliest in the world. Cape Town is also one of the safest on the continent, if you just use some common sense. Chill here with

a glass of wine from the many wineries in town. In fact, take some time and do some wine tours the city is so famous for. Otherwise, relax your mind (and your pocket) by soaking in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty as the Table Mountain, with its picturesque and mystique fog adds some charm in your heart.

Nairobi, Kenya

You didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see this coming but Nairobi is one of the best cities to live in, especially during the broke month. Kenyans and Nairobians in particular, are generally some of the friendliest people in the world. We just have no choice this January than stick together and slog it out as a unit. United we shall vacay.

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

in my closet - ahadi wambui

Luxury and lifestyle Kenyan vlogger Sonal Maherali is FASHION ROYALTY with a million-dollar closet every girl would love to raid

At home S with Sonal Maherali

he has Christian Louboutin custom-made shoes. She has collaborated with Versace. Giussepis, Jimmy Choos, Luis Vuitton and Valentinos among other top brands that know her name. She has two closets; one for daily use and another purely for shoes. Yes, there can only be one Sonal Maherali! As a little girl, she loved to read but always had a playful desire to be a princess. She later went on to study Business Management at Oshwal College but had her mind set on fashion. She dove into her fashion venture in 2010 and the

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

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Question: What did you learn about yourself in 2019? Answer: Do not depend on anyone for your success. Be firm like a tree and when you fall, be like a seed because you will grow again.

desire to find a place to share her creativity with the world led to the birth of a blog and Youtube Channel. Sonal has two brands; Closet SM where she sells pre-loved luxury items from her closet and Shop Sonal., which sells special collection items from her luxury line that was launched last year. The fashionista previously made headlines after getting a Sh1.6million Hermes handbag. There is no compromise when it comes to her wardrobe choices, which include famous brands like Christian Louboutin. Her plan going forward is to focus more on symbiotic collaborations, which will be in line with her passion. The beauty has won several awards including TAWAA (The Asian Weekly Achievers Awards) Best Female Stylish Personality 2018, East FM Social Star of the Year 2019 and was one of the seven women awarded for giving back to the society in 2018 by Ken Bharti. In her free time, she enjoys writing and poetry. Pulser decided to take a peek into her closet.

Q: What are you grateful for? A: My close-knit circle, they know themselves. Q: What will you do more of in 2020? A: I will aim higher and strive to be more grateful. Q: What will you do less of? A: Self-doubt, being too hard on myself and procrastination. Over-thinking and over-analysing things. Q: What are your biggest challenges? A: Definitely opening my business as well as getting in touch with myself. Q: Proudest moments of the last year? A: Winning awards, spending time with family and starting up my own luxury brand.

Q: What is the best advice you would give to yourself in the new year? A:Trust the process and be kinder on yourself. Q: What is your favourite closet item? A: My white dresses. Q: Your favourite fashion quote? A: If you are comfortable in it, wear it and strut it, the world will adjust - Sonal Maherali, 2019 (laughs). Q: What are the three items one will always find in your bag? A: Wipes, sunglasses, a book… and my wallet. Q: What is your favourite place to shop? A: London’s Bind street and Mount street. Q: If you had the chance to raid one person’s closet, who would it be? A: Marilyn Monroe! Unfortunately, that will never happen, will it?

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

fitness - margaret ngenya

New Year, new me - granted, it’s the oldest resolution in the book. however, few see the resolve last into the third month of the year

ou have promised yourself a healthier 2020. I mean, you have done this every other New Year so what guarantees that this time things will be different while we know that everyone drops off the gym by March? You could also be a beginner, thinking of how to get started, what you need and what gym routine to follow. It’s a fact that most people; whether beginners or ‘repeat offenders’ hitting the gym this month are facing similar issues like you, so don’t get intimidated. Everyone hitting the gym has their own issues so don’t give a care on earth thinking that that super jacked dude or that fit looking woman is here to laugh at you. Everyone is trying to achieve something so focus. Focus on yourself! And while many are always upbeat about starting a gym regime to get back to shape or simply get healthy after the long Christmas holidays or just having this as a New Year resolution, most drop the habit on the way in two to three months – simply because they feel that they can’t keep up with it. Keeping workout habits takes a lot of discipline. It might not be a very exciting thing hitting the gym every day or every week but if you have to get the desired results, then consistence is key. That said, what about us taking this at the very basic; what does one need to carry with them to the gym?

A bag and a padlock

Truth be told, gyms are also a healthy spot for pilfers who will lift more than the weights. You cannot be thinking of hitting the gym without factoring the safety of your stuff; gadgets, clothes and all. You don’t have to go shopping for a bag. All you need is your old backpack or just a duffle bag that you can fit everything in. This simply should be one that

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

Off to the

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you can also comfortably carry with you either to the car or to the office. As much as there might be a tiny lock on your gym locker, we recommend that you use your own, a heavier padlock that will keep that sticky hand at bay.

Comfortable clothes

It’s February and most people are still operating on a shoestring budget. Paying for the gym itself could be a hustle and so realistically, we don’t think you have a lot to spare getting some fancy designer brands–at the expense of going without a proper meal all month long. You only need comfortable dressing to the gym. That is all. Get some shorts that let you exercise freely and a T-shirt. Whatever is comfortable, never mind, just wear that. If you can afford, get yourself weight lifting gloves too. At the same time, get comfortable shoes like a pair of Converse – flat soled. Basically, look for something that does not have a large foam heel such as running shoes. Leave your fancy office leather out of this!

Smart phone (workout tracking app)

The basic simple way of keeping track with your workout regime is by using some of those apps on your smart phone. We are all doing that in counting our steps and checking our blood pressure, right? Your smart phone makes the best companion in the gym as you can use it to listen to music, track your workout out and also act as your stopwatch. You can also use the note app to record everything you need. The thing about keeping a gym record is that you can always look back and see the progress you have made over time.

A towel

We are not asking you to carry with you a full size beach towel to the gym. That can be tedious. The truth is that most gyms never provide towels yet when we sweat or simply

need to wipe things before we use them, we need one. A big health tragedy could be when you have to use someone else’s towel! Almost unthinkable, right? There are towels that are designed for gym – that come with built-in zip pocket. However, you don’t have to go the whole hog trying to get that. All you need is a small workout style towel, one that is convenient to carry around.

Water bottle

Not so many gyms provide water fountains and even if that was the case, it is highly important for one to have a water bottle during workout. Besides, who really likes drinking water from a public tap in a city where we trust almost nobody and nothing? This is because during exercise, you will naturally need water to keep you hydrated.

Moisturisers and deodorant

After putting your body and skin through so much strain during the gym session, it is important to refresh yourself – otherwise you don’t want to win the title of the gym stinker. Body and face moisturisers are recommended. Carry your deodorant and lip-balm with you. In case you plan to wash your hair, then you can carry shampoos and conditioners. A hand sanitiser is not a bad idea too.

Come with the right mindset

This sounds like class work, silly even. But are there times when you have walked to that evening class feeling like not being there. Then you never gave attention to the lecturer and it was almost a wasted evening. It is the same case with the gym. When you walk into the gym you need to give it your full focus and commit the workout to the end. It can be useless getting halfway through your set with your mind drifting to other issues as you fail to complete some of those reps. Whatever it takes, keep your mind on the task at hand.

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

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whip appeal - pulser writer

Formula One’s Lewis Hamilton will be one man to watch as pressure mounts on him at a career redefining moment

fter 13 years in Formula One, Lewis Hamilton’s enthusiasm shows no sign of waning. In one area however he may find next season becomes tiresome pretty sharpish. From the moment he returns in 2020, Hamilton is going to be dogged by questions about where he will see out his time in F1: Mercedes or Ferrari. It will be the last of his key career decisions. A choice that could ultimately define his place among F1 greats and one perhaps driven with his heart as much as his head. Gerhard Berger did two separate stints with the Scuderia between 1987 and 1995 and the Austrian ace understands the visceral, emotional attraction of racing for Ferrari. “For Lewis, I could not recommend to any driver more than if you can at one time in your career take the chance to drive for Ferrari,” he says. “It is an outstanding experience. Driving for Ferrari is very emotionally driven. Some are cold to it, some react very much toward it. Me, I was affected very much because I love Ferrari, I loved the Italian mentality, the brand and I think Lewis would. Most of the drivers love it but it has to be right on timing.” Hamilton will have barely given a second thought to missing out on the bloated

frippery of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. What matters to the 34-year-old is proving he is the best on track and he has done so. With six titles, he is one behind Michael Schumacher and trails the German’s record of 91 race-wins by seven. He could reach both next season after which his contract with Mercedes, with whom he has won five of his six championships, comes to an end. In 2021 new regulations come into play. What happens next is something he is already considering. At the last grand prix of the season in Abu Dhabi Hamilton did not deny he had met Ferrari’s chairman, John Elkann. In December Ferrari’s chief executive, Louis Camilleri, confirmed meetings had taken place and said they were flattered by Hamilton’s interest. Leaving Mercedes, a team who have six consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ doubles and are still at the peak of their game, may seem inconceivable. Yet Hamilton is at least contemplating it. In recent years he has often referred to Ferrari as “the red team”. There is a sense he is attempting psychologically to deny the power their name carries but he has also been open in his admiration. Hamilton knows his history and what success at Ferrari would mean for his legacy.

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

He also understands what winning means to Ferrari fans – and they are both legion and global – having denied them the pleasure so many times. Such has been his success there are indications that even in Italy they want the world champion on board. The Italian press, usually focused on Ferrari, were moved to describe Hamilton’s recent win in Mexico as “a masterpiece of speed and technique” and the driver himself as “a giant”. Such superlatives are not bandied about lightly to a partisan audience.

A title triumph with Ferrari would make him the driver who returned the Scuderia to the top – notably where Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel (next season notwithstanding) failed – and enable him to see out his career with the most famous team in F1. Having taken his first championship for McLaren, he would also have won the title with three different teams, a remarkable achievement that would cement his position as the driver who made the difference over machinery. He would also be joining another very select group. Only two British drivers have won titles for Ferrari, Mike Hawthorne and John Surtees. Surtees was the last to do so in 1964 and much as the tifosi took Nigel Mansell to their hearts, branding him Il Leone (The Lion), he did not deliver a championship. Yet cold, hard analysis suggests that staying with Mercedes makes most sense. Their team principal, Toto Wolff, has said he believes it is a 75 per cent probability Hamilton will do so but admitted there was a “25 per cent chance” that Mercedes could not control. “I think he should go to Ferrari but after he has beaten all the records,” Berger says. “It would be too much to do it before because he has such a phenomenal team around him. You never leave a winning team, so perhaps it is not the right moment to do it now.” Hamilton has also been clear that what Wolff chooses to do – staying at Mercedes, taking over running F1 or even joining Ferrari have all been mooted – will influence his decision, which opens further avenues. Perhaps a one-year extension at Mercedes in 2021 to see how the new rules play out before a final move rather than throwing it all behind the big gamble at Ferrari straight away. Either way, Hamilton has all the cards in his hands.

— Source: The Guardian

Hamilton’s huge dilemma pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

games - boniface mithika

get your sports

st year ecade! La d w e n e m to th e made it ear for gaming. Fro uals, y id d iv o d o in g a to s s wa ionship p m t way to a s h e c b s as the E-sport w It t. e s s wa is time the stage is game on, and th It . before. 2020 than ever dence for set prece tting more serious ge round it is e ne, PC 4, Xbox O mplete rugby gam ent, PS 0 2 y b co em g e a Rug th n a u o m y ’ gives tactics ‘Rugby 20 nks to overhauled er behaviour, this is 20’ is e. Tha c play experienc phics, and realisti e real game. ‘Rugby r ra o g o th p f d r e o v e n tatio impro d rath t represen y 18’, which receive phics at n e ll e c x e an gra ugb quel to ‘R d shoddy a direct se to bugs, poor AI an erent. iff d e b to s ue reviews d ‘Rugby 20’ promise t launch. Bu C laying eborne- P r World: Ic 18, this action role-p te n u H r Monste e in 20 s. In the itial releas nt ee update Since its in rgone numerous fr unter, tasked to hu H e d a o n f u o ne f game has layer takes the role ters that roam in o is s p n e o e player ap m game, th er kill or tr ces. If successful, th f up to h it e d n a l spa down roup o ironmenta hunt alone or in a g r. ‘Iceborne’ v n e l ra e v se ay laye of ne multip . Players m rewarded via the game’s onli set after the events es g n n rs a ig e y h a c p la d p m r n fou area a story ca w le e o n h a w g ra a in b ds a nd features nter World, includ e game ad here you th , u n H io r it te d Mons . In ad avel w ting world ither e to fast tr to the exis ides, an alternativ and instruct it to e the r R r te w e s o id ll n new Ra k of a mo our choosing or fo n the bac can ride o a map location of y to onsters. carry you r nearby m e th C o f o s track e and PC P , Xbox On to relive the 4 PS tro , you get ll Z: Kakra at, Dragon Ba role-playing game s, you fight, fish, e n le o tt ti side c a d b e ic rt p a e e e In this a h ghtnd th that vents to li oku. Beyo story of G h Goku. From the e en story moments e it w -s re in a fo and tr ver-be cluding ne quests, in

FEBRUARY 2020 pulser magazine

answer some burning questions of Dragon Ball lore, for the first time you get to experience the story as you play through the vast battlefields with destructible environments and boss battles that will test the limits of your combat abilities. Increase your power level and rise to the challenge.

Journey to the Savage Planet: PS4, Xbox One and PC

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‘Journey to the Savage Planet’ is an upbeat co-op adventure game set in a bright and colourful alien world filled with weird and wonderful creatures. As an employee of kindred aerospace, which proudly touts its rating as the fourth best interstellar exploration company, you are dropped onto an uncharted planet deep in a fictitious, far-away corner of the universe. Launched with high hopes but little equipment and no real plan, your job is to explore, catalog alien flora and fauna and determine if this planet is fit for human habitation.

Moons of Madness -PS4

UR TES

This is a first-person, story-driven cosmic horror game where the scientific exploration of Mars meets the supernatural dread of Lovecraft. A mysterious signal has been recorded coming from the red planet and the message has been broken down and determined it was of intelligent origin. It has been deemed too sensitive for the public so you are forced to explore the real-world fears of isolation and paranoia, enhanced with supernatural elements and cosmic horror. Terrifying visions and monstrous apparitions will make you question what is real and what is not as the very fabric of reality threatens to tear at the seams.

s a w ar r e y Last od yea g. a go gamin rts for m E-spo hips Fro mpions uals, cha ndivid as to i stage w the set.

Street Fighter V: Champion Edition- PS4, PC

‘Street Fighter V’ is a fighting game that carries on the 2D fighting gameplay of its predecessors, in which two fighters use a variety of attacks and special abilities to knock out their opponent. The game features the EX gauge introduced in ‘Street Fighter III’, which builds as the player lands attacks and can be used to either power up special moves or perform super combos known as Critical Arts. New to this game is the “V-Gauge”, which builds as the player receives attacks and adds three new techniques: V-Skills, V-Reversals, and V-Triggers. There is also a stun meter that increases when receiving consecutive attacks thus encouraging players to play offensively when the opponent’s Meter is close to full.

One Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows PC, PS4, Xbox One

This is a 3D arena fighting game in which players do battle using teams of three characters from the One-Punch Man universe. The game features a unique Hero Arrival mechanic surrounding series main character, Saitama. As in the manga and anime, Saitama is invincible to everyone except himself, and is so powerful that he can defeat anyone except himself in one hit. Certain moves and techniques can reduce the amount of time until Saitama arrives. If two Saitamas fight, they can deal damage to each other, but they will not flinch. The game also has a “Dream Version” of Saitama, who wears pajamas and has his powers drastically reduced.

Darksiders Genesis (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch)

This is a top-down hacking and slashing action role-playing video game. The player can switch between Strife and War at any time. Strife uses his pistols while War uses his sword, Chaos Eater. Alternatively, two players can play the game in a co-op mode with each player taking the role of one of the characters. Once the player has killed enough enemies, they are allowed to use burst abilities that allow them to take down enemies quicker. The game currency is souls which can be earned by killing enemies that will spawn before the player.

pulser magazine FEBRUARY 2020

july 2019 L IV E IT UP!

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Tanzanian star coming of age

my closet

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Travel Tips

All about D ubai city www.pulser.c o.ke

DECEMBER 2019 pulser magazine

Queen is k

Music, radio an fashionistas d , vlo socialit

FASHION • beauty

Adelle Sharon Kate

Wabosh • RIDes • fo oD • aDVeN tuRe • sPo Rts • ReVI