When entertainment became a regional affair

Many a time, when the word entertainment is mentioned in reference to the East African community, the nightlife is usually what comes to mind. Visitors often want to find out which bars or spots are ‘happening’ in Kampala, Nairobi, Kigali, Bujumbura or Dar es Salaam. As far as that is concerned, Kampala seems to offer the wildest experiences after the sun has gone down. Some spots like Kabalagala, Wandegeya or Ntinda are 24 hour entertainment zones. Others are interested in which concerts are taking place over the weekends and where they are taking place. Such information usually does it for those who love stepping out of their home comfort in search for fun only returning for a rest. However, there is also what I call the ‘couch potato’ class. The ones that prefer staying at home and watching TV or listening to the radio. When it comes to home entertainment on radio or TV, a lot of water has flowed under the proverbial bridge. I still remember the days when all that was available was just state TV and state radio. Today, the radio and TV scene has taken on new dimensions that will probably boost integration in the long run even though initially it was all just about profits. I think the IPP media group was one of the first business empires to package a media outlet as an East African product. Some years back even before Rwanda and Burundi were admitted into the EAC, IPP set up East African radio and East African TV. Both stations focused mainly on music and covered the three E. African countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania where they are based. EATV and EA radio did a good job in making music made in one country, more acceptable in other countries. I do not think I would have started loving music by Tanzania’s Professor Jay and Juma Nature if I had not seen the video of Zaali la mentali on EATV (in Uganda) back then. My only request to Bwana Reginald Mengi of IPP is to extend the reach of East African radio and TV to cover Rwanda and Burundi which are now members of the EAC. That way, Kenyans may get to know of other Burundian artists besides Kidum who is now based in Nairobi. The region’s biggest media empire, Nation Media Group (Kenya) soon took cue from IPP and spread its wings first to Uganda where they set up NTV Uganda whose programming is totally different from what NTV in Kenya airs. However what is interesting these days is that some programmes aired on one (NTV) station are shared with viewers in another country. For example, Kenyans have fallen in love with the Hostel series, a Ugandan production which airs on NTV Kenya as well as NTV Uganda. Many Kenyan friends I have spoken to are quick to admit that the fellow who acts as Odoch is a threat to their rib cages as he often leaves them in stitches with his humour. Such small media strategies have gone a long way in educating many Kenyans about the life of Ugandans, for instance. The other day they launched KFM radio for the Rwandan audience. Another Kenyan media giant, Royal Media services has also been operating in Uganda and even in Rwanda (via Star Times decorders). For example I can also get to watch Julie Gichuru on Sundays talking about who owns Kenya. Other times I can risk laughing like a fool while watching Naswa. For those with DSTV services at home you may have noticed that a station like Bukedde TV which is quite popular in Uganda can now be viewed by many in the region. The news bulletin on this station, hilariously referred to as Agataliko nfuufu (fresh news), actually borders more towards comedy than conventional news. I know a Rwandan friend who never misses it as she unwinds from a busy day. Just the other day DStv took things to another level by launching a sports channel dedicated strictly to East Africa. SuperSport9East on channel 219 will be airing sporting events around the clock from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. The station will feature football, cricket, athletics, rugby and boxing among others. There will be live and recorded soccer matches from the Kenya premier league, Uganda Super League as well as CECAFA games. So now a Gor Mahia fan working in Rwanda can follow his team’s games live on DStv. Blog: www.ssenyonga.wordpress.comTwitter: @ssojo81