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TikTok plans to establish a presence in Kenya and collaborate with the government.

After a meeting with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, on Thursday, Kenyan President William Ruto revealed that offensive or inappropriate content will undergo removal from the short-form video platform.

TikTok has committed to collaborating closely with the Kenyan government to moderate content on its platform, ensuring alignment with community standards.

State House officials further disclosed that TikTok intends to establish a regional office in Nairobi and expand its Kenyan workforce, acknowledging Kenya’s standing as one of the most engaged nations on the short-form video app.

According to the 2023 Reuters Institute Digital News Report, Kenya boasts the world’s highest TikTok usage rate, with 54% of users in the country utilizing the app for various purposes and 29% for news consumption.

This development comes in response to a petition urging lawmakers to ban TikTok in Kenya. Kimani Ichung’wa, the Majority Leader, pointed out that since the app primarily employs young individuals, parliamentary oversight of its suspension becomes complex.

Echoing this sentiment, Opiyo Wandayi, the Minority Leader, concurred, emphasizing that given Kenya’s elevated unemployment rate and the prevailing challenging times, the nation cannot thrive autonomously in the digital era.

In light of these considerations, President Ruto affirmed that YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook have committed to fostering revenue generation from youth-generated content. He highlighted that the government has initiated discussions with these companies’ leadership to cultivate opportunities for talented Kenyan individuals.

Moreover, on August 2, 2023, the Kenyan Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy announced its intention to review legislation safeguarding social media users. The ministry also expressed apprehensions about the current trend of TikTok users streaming live content between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., often sharing explicit material.

Airtel Uganda Set to Compensate Jamaican Singer with $180K

In 2015, a Jamaican singer, Garfield Spence, also known as Konshens, sued Airtel Uganda for distributing his songs, including Gyal a bubbleSo Mitan, and Simple Song, without his permission. He also said they refused to give him any royalties.

The High Court in Kampala has mandated that Airtel Uganda pay him $180,000 (or roughly USh 670 million) in general damages for copyright infringement.

The plaintiff claimed that the defendants had illegally obtained his songs and sold them to Airtel subscribers for USh 600 each as caller tunes for the “Hello Tunes” programme.

Thus, the court found the defendants guilty of copyright infringement and unjust enrichment.

Along with USh 20 million ($5,300) in exemplary damages for copyright infringement, the court also granted general damages at an interest rate of 15% per year from the date of filing the lawsuit until payment in full.

Tsatii Wendy Madiba, A Natural Beauty With Talents Beyond Big Brother Titans

In the realm of reality television, one name has recently captured the hearts of many: Tsatii, the remarkable second runner-up of Big Brother Titans. Her journey through the house was marked not only by her strategic gameplay but also by her undeniable natural beauty and multifaceted talents. As fans continue to discuss and speculate on her future endeavors, the burning questions that arise are why Tsatii hasn’t pursued the Miss South Africa title or ventured into the dynamic world of the South African movie industry.

Tsatii’s allure lies in her unfiltered authenticity and natural beauty. Throughout her stay in the Big Brother Titans house, she captivated audiences not just with her looks, but also with her range of talents. From her eloquent speeches to her prowess in tasks that demanded creativity and quick thinking, Tsatii demonstrated that she is much more than just a reality TV contestant. Her down-to-earth nature and genuine interactions with housemates showcased a rare blend of beauty and substance, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and in Tsatii’s case, her recent images speak volumes about her striking beauty. A simple scroll through her social media profiles reveals an individual who effortlessly exudes confidence and grace. Her radiant smile and the ease with which she carries herself in front of the camera is a testament to her comfort with her own skin. Tsatii’s elegance is not confined to mere aesthetics; it’s a reflection of her inner strength and self-assuredness that truly set her apart.

As the discussions regarding Tsatii’s future trajectory heat up, the question on many lips is why she hasn’t stepped into the spotlight of Miss South Africa or the South African movie industry. With her undeniable charm and talents, she appears to be a prime candidate for both. The allure of Tsatii gracing the Miss South Africa stage, representing beauty with substance, is a prospect that excites her fans. Similarly, the thought of her talents gracing the silver screen ignites curiosity and anticipation.

In the midst of these conversations, Ranks Africa aims to bridge the gap between curiosity and clarity. We are committed to reaching out to Tsatii to glean insights into her plans and aspirations. Our readers and her fans deserve to know more about what lies ahead. As her brand, CIMPOL, prepares for launch, we are excited to explore the possibilities that await this multifaceted star.

Conclusion:
Tsatii’s journey from the Big Brother Titans house to the hearts of fans across Africa is a testament to her charisma, authenticity, and talent. Her natural beauty, both inside and out, has left an indelible mark on the audience. As we eagerly await her next steps, be it in the Miss South Africa pageant or the South African film industry, there’s no denying that Tsatii’s star is on the rise. Ranks Africa remains committed to uncovering her future endeavors and providing readers with the updates they deserve.

BRICS Round Table discussion

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We were highly honored last night to have participated in the BRICS Round Table discussion, co-chaired by His Excellency President Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa, and His Excellency Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China.

We expressed gratitude to both Presidents for inviting us to speak at the High-Level Dialogue with the theme “Promoting African Integration And Jointly Building A High-Level Africa-China Community with A Shared Future.” Furthermore, we commended BRICS for providing a platform for African Regional Blocks to discuss matters critical for enhancing South-South Cooperation.

The development models pursued by individual BRICS economies to emerge as ‘Emerging Developing Economies’ are valuable lessons that are worth reviewing.

We applauded the People’s Republic of China for being a valuable partner in supporting Africa’s development efforts. We reiterated Zambia’s commitment to the Africa-China partnership through FOCAC, both as a nation and as the Chairperson of COMESA.

Furthermore, we extended an invitation to the People’s Republic of China to increase support for the continental development agenda, especially in areas of infrastructure development, industrialization, modernizing production, particularly in agriculture, and capacity building of human resources.

 

Hakainde Hichilema,

President of the Republic of Zambia.

JAGUNJAGUN… a biblical allusion to Saul and David…

JAGUNJAGUN… a biblical allusion to Saul and David…

(Run away from any ‘mentor’ who is not happy with your growth)

There are so many Gbotijas whose growing success continues to intimidate their mentors and some won’t be as fortunate as the resilient Gbotija. Saul was so intimidated that he wanted David dead at all cost!

 

A brilliant and successful attack on the ‘norm’, JAGUNJAGUN has the ‘content’ that knows the right form: Tragedy. Fitting into the Aristotelean definition of this genre, the film is a ‘spell’; a sweet one we desire to have again and again especially when the legendary Chatta engages Yinka Quadri at denouement. Don’t neglect the director; the cameo appearances of established actors are splendid: Odunlade Adekola and Ijebu are deliberate departures from old techniques as their characters are made to appear and die. Yes! A superstar can feature and disappear. It’s called cameo.

 

Femi Adebayo has taught me a big message again: ‘AVOID AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ANY SO CALLED MENTOR OR FATHER WHO HAS NO CONTRIBUTIONS TO YOUR GROWTH AND CAN DO ANYTHING TO DESTROY YOU EVEN WITH THE TONGUE.

 

You are also to avoid people with the ‘divide and rule’ mentality. They engage these tactics when they observe how close you are to anyone around them.

 

I celebrate the great Femi Adebayo. This film wasn’t done to impress but to express. Lateef Adedimeji sliced his own role to pieces as usual. We must celebrate the Legend of legends himself and the postmodern baba of Modern Nigerian Drama, Alagba Adebayo Salami. Fulfillment is when you see your fruits, either in biology or in destiny, produce big trees and greater fulfillment is when you happily sit to participate.

 

OREOFE WILLIAMS

Burna Boys ‘I TOLD THEM’ – A Journey of Resilience and Authenticity

After the Grammy-nominated triumph of ‘LOVE DAMINI’ in 2022, Burna Boy resurfaces with an even more profound and candid narrative in his latest opus, ‘I TOLD THEM’. With 15 meticulously crafted tracks, this album delves deep into Burna Boy’s personal journey and the realities that shaped him. From the fiery verses of ‘Told Them’ featuring GZA, to the introspective musings of ‘Normal’, and the anthemic resonance of ‘On Form’, every note is a chapter in Burna Boy’s ongoing evolution.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Burna Boy and 21 Savage join forces on ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’, a transcontinental masterpiece that bridges cultures and echoes the heights they’ve reached. The album’s honesty finds its zenith in ‘Tested, Approved & Trusted’, a raw exploration of trust and betrayal.

The sonic tapestry expands as Burna Boy teams up with Nigerian sensation Seyi Vibez on ‘Giza’, a fusion of their distinctive styles that paints a vivid picture of their roots. ‘Cheat On Me’ featuring Dave speaks to vulnerability and the complexities of love, while ‘Virgil’ and ‘Big 7’ drive home the artist’s knack for crafting infectious rhythms.

Burna Boy’s global impact is further magnified through the inclusion of American heavyweights like J. Cole and 21 Savage, who lend their prowess to ‘Thanks’ and ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’ respectively. This transcultural convergence mirrors Burna Boy’s boundary-breaking musical spirit.

Tracks like ‘City Boys’, ‘Dey Play’, and ‘If I’m Lying’ showcase Burna Boy’s signature blend of afrofusion, unearthing new grooves and narratives. The album culminates with ‘Talibans II’, a collaboration with Byron Messia that resonates with societal echoes.

‘I TOLD THEM’ is not just an album; it’s a sonic odyssey that narrates Burna Boy’s resilience, vulnerability, and growth. Each track is a brushstroke, painting a portrait of an artist who continues to evolve and redefine the musical landscape. As Burna Boy embarks on this new chapter, his captivating storytelling and masterful compositions remind us that he is a force to be reckoned with, a torchbearer of musical authenticity in an ever-evolving industry.

LISTEN HERE

Burna Boy releases his 7th studio album titled ‘I Told Them…’ – Listen to it now

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Nigerian musician Burna Boy has released his highly anticipated seventh studio album titled “I Told Them…”. The album, comprised of fifteen tracks, features well-known songs like “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” with 21 Savage, “Big 7,” “Cheat On Me” featuring Dave, and his own remix of Byron Messia’s popular track “Talibans.”

Moreover, “I Told Them…” showcases collaborative tracks with prominent American rappers including J. Cole, GZA, and RZA, as well as Nigerian vocalist Seyi Vibez.

  1. Told Them (Ft. GZA)
  2. Normal
  3. On Form
  4. Sittin’ On Top Of The World by Burna Boy & 21 Savage
  5. Tested, Approved & Trusted
  6. Cheat On Me (Ft. Dave)
  7. Virgil
  8. Big 7
  9. Dey Play
  10. City Boys
  11. Giza (Ft. Seyi Vibez)
  12. 12 Jewels (Ft. RZA)
  13. If I’m Lying
  14. Thanks (Ft. J. Cole)
  15. Talibans II by Burna Boy & Byron Messia

You can stream the album HERE

listen below.

“Nigerians trapped in the UK fall prey to visa fraud.”

A recent report has brought to light an alarming trend affecting Nigerians, where an increasing number of individuals are becoming victims of a deceitful scheme.

This scheme involves paying significant sums in naira for job opportunities that, unfortunately, do not actually exist within the skilled worker visa system of the United Kingdom.

The investigative exposé, conducted by Sky News and unveiled on a Wednesday, sheds light on the distressing predicament faced by Nigerian migrants who are manipulated by “traveling agents.” These agents coerce them into paying exorbitant amounts to gain entry into the UK, only to discover that the promised employment is nonexistent upon their arrival.

The report shares the unfortunate story of a Nigerian woman who entrusted £10,000 to an “agent” in exchange for a skilled worker visa, which was meant to secure her a job as a carer in the UK. Regrettably, upon her arrival, she found herself stranded without the promised job.

This report exposes the exploitation of the skilled worker visa system, with intermediaries allegedly receiving substantial payments to arrange non-existent caregiving jobs in the UK.

Consequently, many individuals who are unable to secure jobs are facing dire circumstances, resorting to food banks and even homelessness for survival.

Mary Adekugbe, the founder of the Nigerian Community Centre in Rochdale, expresses deep concern over the growing number of individuals on skilled worker visas who require assistance. She notes that the situation has significantly increased her workload, and she finds it “shameful.”

Jones Adekube, a community volunteer, shares the plight of a homeless woman who was too shy to speak with the correspondent. He recounts that they provided her with basic food like bread and tuna, as she lacked the means to cook or warm her meals. Initially, she was given a single weekly shift of 12 hours, but eventually, the shifts ceased altogether.

The report also provides statistical insights, revealing that during the 12 months leading up to March 2023, there were 170,993 skilled worker visas granted. Notably, the health and care sector witnessed a substantial increase in grants, more than two and a half times higher, accounting for over half of all work visas issued within the same period.

Spanish football association leader Rubiales to resign amid reports of World Cup kiss scandal.

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Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales will step down from his role following widespread condemnation from the football community and beyond.

He faced criticism for forcibly kissing a Spain player after the Women’s World Cup final and will reportedly resign as the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) during an extraordinary general assembly.

The incident involved Rubiales giving an unsolicited kiss to midfielder Jennifer Hermoso and celebrating victory with a controversial gesture.

The pressure to resign mounted, including from figures like Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez and international organizations. FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales based on potential violations of their disciplinary code.

The criticism continued with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also expressing disapproval of Rubiales’ behavior. Amidst the controversy, Rubiales’ presidency, which began in 2018, was marked by various other controversies as well.

Sex-for-Grades: Women’s organization urges Tinubu’s approval for anti-sexual harassment legislation.

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The Women’s Network has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill that was passed by the 9th National Assembly.

The group also suggested that educational institutions in Nigeria should develop a policy against sexual and gender harassment to ensure the well-being of girls and create a secure learning environment.

Mrs. Ladi Bala, the President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, conveyed these requests in Calabar, emphasizing the need for justice for female students of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar.

She strongly criticized the alleged sexual harassment by Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law.

The Women’s Network, operating under the Women’s Voice and Leadership Project of ActionAid Nigeria and supported by Global Affairs Canada, released a statement in Calabar during their meeting.

They condemned the unethical practice of exchanging sex for grades, urging for stringent actions against Prof. Ndifon due to the seriousness of the allegations.

The group praised the University of Calabar’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banki, for promptly suspending Prof. Ndifon and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

They stressed the importance of prosecuting Prof. Ndifon to set an example and deter others from similar actions.

The Women’s Network encouraged other educational institutions to follow the University of Calabar’s lead in creating a safe environment for girls to speak out against sexual and gender-based violence.

They expressed concern that such incidents are prevalent in various tertiary institutions and highlighted the need for proper laws to address this issue before it hampers the education and growth of girls and women.