Umuhoza ‘off the shelf’ Former Miss Rwanda contestant Sharifa Umuhoza is making major steps towards a new chapter in her life, sources tell us. A few months ago, the 23-year-old mentioned she was planning to get married, something that did not go down well with some of her followers, citing that she was too young for the institution. But it looks like Umuhoza is determined. We are told that she held a civil wedding with a man identified as Thierry Niyonteze in Kigali, and it was well-attended by many known people in the showbiz industry. The date for the official wedding is still under wraps though. ************************ What’s the story behind Miss Burundi beauty pageant? 16 finalists of this year’s edition of Miss Burundi withdrew from the race. The final was scheduled for July 21, but it has been postponed. So what’s going on? Last weekend, local news agencies in Burundi announced that 16 candidates in the running for the title withdrew from the competition citing different reasons. It is said that contestants have largely been questioning the operation and credibility of the event, with some accusing organisers of shady deals. It is rumoured that the withdrawal could have been largely precipitated by a lack of transparency. Following the proposal from contestants, we are told that organisers have decided to postpone the event and the current queen, Annie Bernice Nikuze, keeps the crown until the next election. We will keep you posted. ************************ Asinah faces criticism for raunchy outfit After sharing pictures of her recent performance wearing a see-through jumpsuit, dancehall artiste Asinah Erra is once again facing harsh public criticism. The public, particularly her fans, seem to think the artiste is ‘trying too hard’, using all means possible to get recognition, even if it means ‘embarrassing’ herself. After photos of her in the ‘revealing’ outfit hit social media, people claimed she was desperate, and has been since she parted ways with her ex, rapper Riderman. Liberal fans say she is just an artiste trying to make a name for herself, and that that is what the industry requires — somebody bold and brave enough to make it to the top no matter what. Is Asinah losing her way? Time will tell. ************************ Juliana Kanyomozi producing show about women empowerment Ugandansongbird Juliana Kanyomozi is working on an upcoming talk show about women empowerment with females in the entertainment industry that will be launched this July. Dubbed “The Sit Down”, the show that will be hosted and executive produced by the singer herself will feature six media personalities talking about their different experiences in life and the industry that has shaped them to become the successful women they are today. According to the snippet, it features influential women like Sheebah Karungi, Sheila Gashumba, Faridah Nakazibwe, Rema Namakula, and Anita Beryl. ********************* Vera and I don’t live together, Otile Brown explains why The lovely couple who jetted out of the country for a short vacation in Mauritius are taking things slowly and surely but towards the right direction. Contrary to what many thought or believed, Kenyan socialite Vera Sidika and artiste Otile Brown do not live together. According to a local tabloid, the lovebirds are neighbours and that is how they manage to spend so much time together. The curvy socialite lives in the leafy suburbs of Kitisuru while Brown resides along Peponi road. Otile revealed the reason they still live apart is because he doesn’t want to rush things. ‘’We have not moved in together but we live so close to each other, so we are always in each other’s house. For now, we don’t want to rush things.” Addressing their relationship which many people still believe is a publicity stunt, Otile refuted the claims stating that their relationship was serious. “I don’t know why people think that we are staging a publicity stunt. They will be shocked how serious our relationship is. We have been dating for four months now, so if it was a publicity stunt, I guess by now we would have moved on,’’ he said. According to the artiste, companies have approached them to milk their union but they have refused. “We have received offers from different brands for us to use our relationship and earn some money, but we have turned them down. I have already met her mother, who is such a lovely lady,” said Otile.
