Gossip: On the grapevine

Kinyarwanda Nite set for launching Kinyarwanda Nite will be launched early this month. Founded by Rwanda’s-Uganda based R&B artist, Mako-Nikoswa, the Kinyarwanda Nite takes place at every end of month at Blue Africa Bar in Kampala. According to our scouts, Mako is organizing a mega concert to launch the Nite, which will attract renowned Rwandans artists and Rwandans in Uganda. Colombian don for charity in Rwanda The assistant clinical Professor of Public health at Columbia University, Dr. Josh Ruxin is currently in the country, doing charity work within the health sector. Dr. Ruxin, who is not only a health worker, but is also a rare blend of talent, is focusing his skills on the development of sustainable health care systems in Rwanda. Dr. Ruxin is also overseeing the Access Project for the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which he founded in 2002. Ngo, the Prof also believes that Rwanda serves as a great model for other nations, after the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide. Queen Ally to launch album Rwanda’s ‘sweetheart’, Queen Ally, is yet to release a new album early this year. Queen Ally, who was recently named as the 2007 PAM Award winner, is said to be currently busy drafting new projects alongside her new album. Burundi to host PAM Awards ’08 PAM Award committee in Kampala says Burundi is to host the East African PAM Awards 2008. However, this contradicts what our local artists had earlier communicated to the media. “We were expecting to host the event here, but to our surprise, we are told that Burundi will be the host,” said one of the local artists who preferred to speak on anonymity. Meanwhile, our scouts recorded one of the brains behind the event saying that the committee received an application from Burundi and a due consideration was given to them since it is going to be first of its kind. Also PAM Awards committee is working on guidelines and strategies to improve the regional prestigious competitions and awards. Hillary’s comments on Rwanda a new jab for Obama Recently, the US former first lady, Senator Hillary Clinton was heard during an interview with the New York Times explaining her intervention to stop the 1994 Rwandan Genocide which claimed close to a million people. During the interview, she said that she urged the husband to intervene in Rwanda in 1994 and US former President and husband to Hillary, Bill Clinton confirmed that she pushed him to intervene. However, Bill replied by saying that the government at that time failed, claiming that it obviously didn’t have a lot of good options. And he believes that his wife is the best candidate in the race. Incidentally, Rwanda is also a remarkable issue within the Obama campaigns. One of Obama’s foreign policy gurus is Samantha Power, who openly criticises Clinton’s administration. Therefore, Mrs Clinton Hillary comments on Rwanda appeared to be a new jab at Obama, who last week said his multi-ethnic background and childhood meant he was more in touch with the world than someone who had taken tea with US diplomats. Shaggy to tour Rwanda Latest from our showbiz is the Grammy-winning reggae/pop superstar Shaggy preparing to tour the country in May this year. Shaggy was last in Africa in the late1990’s and he performed at Namboole National Stadium in Uganda. Shaggy’s promoter and a close ally only identified as Jedeta, recently confirmed the diva’s trip and said that it would aim at helping and supporting orphans, but especially those who were orphaned to the tragedy of 1994 Genocide. Also local artists have confirmed the tour and Amahoro Foundation, a non governmental organization which brings together Rwandans from the Diasporas and well-wishers is behind this prestigious event. Originally from Jamaica, and now residing in U.K, the global music rotator, Shaggy is commonly known for his vibe and sentiments. Ends