In this interview, Ann Kihara shares a glimpse of when she started her YouTube journey, what inspired her, whom she looks up to and a lot more.

Tell us briefly about yourself

My Name is Ann Kihara from Nakuru City, aged 22. I school at The Kabete National Polytechnic pursuing Diploma in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).

When did you start your YouTube channel?

I started my YouTube channel in January this year (2021).

What inspired you to start your channel?

My inspiration to start my Adventure and Lifestyle channel is that one, I Love adventures and wanted to share all my life updates to most of the youth out there. I also envisioned to encourage them and show them that nothing is impossible through God. I got motivated by my role model who’s also a Youtuber.

Who is this role model YouTuber?

Wabosha Maxine. She is one of my favorite YouTuber that I look up to.

Apart from YouTube, what else do you do?

Apart from YouTube I am also a student. I juggle the two.

Which YouTuber would you like to collaborate with?

I’d like to Collaborate with Wabosha Maxine, Kush Tracey and Mungai Eve.

What are some of the challenges that you face while vlogging?

The biggest Challenge is when you’re prohibited to shoot some videos from certain places such as malls. Especially when you’ve gone to places where you’re new to the environment. Another challenge is accessing best Vlogging equipments E.g Camera, microphone, stand and such.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself being amongst the best vloggers on YouTube, not only in having fun but also in encouraging my fellow Youths. I also see myself having have achieved and accomplished my Goals.

What’s one thing that people don’t know about you?

There’s alot of things that people don’t know about me mainly because what I share about my life is just a hint of what I want them to know.

If you had one advice to give to an aspiring YouTuber, what would it be?

I’d advise them to Start off immediately and be consistent on it. Start as low as they’re (with what they have) and be positive.

Subscribe to Ann Kihara’s YouTube channel here

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Tell us briefly who you are?

I currently work as a Digital Marketer. I have been on social media industry for the last 6 years but my break through was in 2016 and in 2017. I was nominated as the most inluential personality of the year in Mombasa. Also last year I was nominated on the same category but Willy M Tuva won the award. I have never qouted myself as the “Social Media Influencer” but people are the ones calling me that because of the content I share on social media especially on twitter and i have worked with several corporates/ brands here in Kenya

What does social media influencing entail?

Social media influencing is a marketing term that describes an individual’s ability to affect other people’s thinking in a social online community. The more influence a person has, the more appeal that individual has to companies or other individuals who want to promote an idea or sell a product. At its most basic level, influence can be estimated by examining a person LinkedIn connections or Twitter followers or Facebook friends, and what content she/he is sharing on social media.

Apart from being a social media influencer, what else do you do?

I’m an artist and I also write articles to people, News articles etc.

Tell us about iSpeakAfrikaChat?

It’s a live twitter chat which happens every Monday at 8pm EAT. The main aim of iSpeakAfricaChat is to educate people on digital marketing/online marketing. On how they can create good content. I have been having very amazing guests from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, England.

Have you ever encountered cyber bullying?

Yes so many times. I remember in 2016 I had a twitter fight with lawyer Ahmed Nassir. But nowdays I dont give a damn about cyber bullying, I’m just minding my own business coz some just want attention and I dont have that time.

What was the secret behind winning the most influential twitter personality in 2017?

The biggest secret is being humble and making sure you create good conversation with your followers and respect them. Also make sure your content is postive to the society.

What should people expect from you in 2019?

They should expect big things from me. This month of January i will be doing my first ever conference here in Mombasa about Social Media Marketing. Any youth who has passion in social media should not miss this event coz big people across the country will be on the panel. I will announce the exact date and venue on my social media platforms.

Advice to anyone who’d want to be influential on social media?

My advise is:

– Be Consistent
– Time Management
– Be authentic
– Be Bold
– Stay in your lane
– Be petient

Last words:

Social media influence is not a one‐time thing. It is almost like growing a plant. Just like how a plant needs constant care and inputs like water, fertiliser, weeding and cutting, social media also needs constant care. It is a long process because social media influence can only be built over time

Click on the social media links below to check him out:

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

LINKEDIN

Email: elvismvoi@gmail.com

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She is a doll, an epitome of what fashion looks like, what style resembles, and what creativity takes after. Here is her trail in fashion.

Tell us briefly about yourself

I’m Fahliya Mazoa a high fashion model based in Mombasa. I do digital marketing and I’m also a makeup and body paint artist.


When did your passion for fashion begin?

It began when I was a kid because of my height. Everyone would tell me I will become a model since I’m tall. I started getting into it and loving it.

How has this pandemic affected you as a model?

Right now there’s no work. All the shows and shoots are either postponed. So right now one has to earn from other hustles.

If you weren’t modelling, what would you be doing?

I would be doing marketing and doing sfx makeup.

Where do you see Kenyan fashion industry in the next 5 years?

We are more United now than before but it’s a working progress…with time, things will change for better.

Which agency do you work with?

I’m a freelance model, I work with different agencies.


Whom do you look upto, and why?

I look upto Deliah Ipupa, she’s done a lot for herself through modelling, I love her walking posture, her fierce face and height.

Stories go round that models pave their modelling success through sex, is that true?

Yes for some. They think they can gain more through that. But most event organizers tend to convince models to sleep with them to be favored to get gigs . It’s so bad.

What are the three secrets that every model should have at their fingertips?

Have confidence like manduli. Know your worth and be creative.

What’s your advice to any aspiring model?

Get yourself out there work hard and your time to shine will come.

Partying shot

Stay safe and check on your friends, neighbors and family.

The post MODELLING TRAIL : FAHLIYA MAZOA appeared first on .

Tell us a bit about yourself

Natalia Mabaso is a 23 year old full-time law student. I have currently held 2 science degrees from Wits University. I’ve always loved music from a young age, I played the saxophone and piano when I was in high school and always loved singing. I am an academic at heart but music is a huge part of who I am.

When did you start writing your own songs?

I’ve been writing my own songs since I was about 8. My mind is always buzzing with ideas.

Which among your songs gave you the hardest time to write?

Probably Uyeke where I’m featured with Heavy K, the pressure of working with such a huge name in the music industry made me very very nervous. Thankfully the song came together so perfectly.

Talking of Uyeke, where did the inspiration come from? How did the idea come about?

Well, I heard the beat at Heavy K’s studio and it reminded me of ‘another day in paradise’ by Brandy so I decided to incorporate the original melody lines into the verse to give people that feeling of nostalgia, I was very intentional about wanting the song to remind people of an old classic. The song is about love, well more specifically a woman asking to be loved, I think the soulfulness of the production needed the subject matter to something of a sweet nature.

How was it like working with Heavy K?

It was amazing, I was star struck at first but he is so humble and made sure I was super comfortable so it felt like I was working with an older brother. One of my best recording experiences so far.

You have 2 degrees on your name, and the third one is doing press ups already, how do you balance music and academics?

It’s actually not as crazy as most people might think, I use any spare time I have to finishing writing songs and then maybe I’ll record on a weekend and it does not take me more than 3 hours to finish a song. It’s really manageable. School gets very hectic sometimes but, that would be the case even if I wasn’t doing music.

Musicians such as Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera to mention but a few, dropped out of school and fully gave their energy to music, have you ever been in a situation where you feel like dumping academics and concentrate on music fulltime?

Absolutely not. I’m actually one of those people that genuinely love school, I love it just as much, if it not more than music. There is nothing more empowering than being educated. There are so many changes I want to make in society, as much as it is possible to do so as an influential musician, I would rather do so from a fully informed position with my degrees to back me up.

Do you sing in the shower?

I wouldn’t be a true musician if I didn’t (laughs), that’s where I give my best performances.

Which musician do you look upto?

In South Africa, probably Lira. She is the epitome of authenticity and grace. Internationally I’d say Beyonce, her work ethic is unmatched.

If you were to change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?

I think there needs to be more respect between artists. I know it’s important to inspire some kind of competition between artists to maintain a high quality output of music but, it needs to always be accompanied by respect and humility. Diversity needs to be better celebrated, it shouldn’t be that everyone has to make the same kind of music in order to gain popularity.

If you were to collaborate with one of South Africa’s hip hop artiste who would it be?

Kwesta definitely. He’s just brilliant, he can turn any song into a hit song.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Make music for yourself, perform for yourself, whatever you do, make sure it pleases you first because if you try pleasing everyone, you’ll fail everytime’

This advice has made me a lot more confident in my musical ability, as long as I love what I’m creating I’ll appreciate the love I receive but most importantly, I won’t care about the negative opinions, those opinions won’t stop me from making music or make me feel like a failure because I know I would have created exactly what I wanted and that’s all that matters.

Lastly, there is a song you did with De Mogul SA called ‘thando lwakho’, tell us a bit about it.

This song is a beautiful wedding type of song. De mogul SA sent me the beat and I had an idea instantly. The song is basically a woman telling a story of how she met the love of her life, and how they arrived at the present moment of becoming one. It is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever written. Women really resonate with it.

The post BEAUTY, BRAINS AND MUSIC; NATALIA MABASO appeared first on .

Who is Wambui Katee?

Wambui Katee is a resilient, honest and hardworking young lady. I take challenges as a driving force to achieve my goals and objectives within the music industry. I consider myself unstoppable and I strongly believe in hard work. Apart from that I am a pretty friendly and fun loving young lady.

When did your musical journey begin?

As far as I can remember, my musical journey began in Primary School; Kerugoya Good Shepherd. This was when I had finally gotten the courage to stand before a large mass of people and sing. Then, I could sing on the parade and other festivals organized in school. However, my mom used to tell me that when I was a child I used to sit on my ‘potty’ and sing while she went shopping and came back to find me still sited and singing!

That’s really awesome Katee. What has been your breakthrough moment ever since you began singing?

Suh different cover by Patoranking was definitely my breakthrough song. I still feel like I haven’t gotten the breakthrough as a Kenyan Original Artist but it’s a process, right?

Of course, it is a process. Which ones came first, covers or recorded songs?

My covers came first no lie! I needed to learn how to write my own music and I began that mainly by rewriting other songs. Currently, I am confident enough and ripe as an original song writer and singer.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

My goals and dreams are beyond imaginable colors! I want the best for myself, my family and my future. The desire to be Great and Financially Free wakes me up every morning.

How has music changed your life in general?

Before my music picked up I was a barista (coffee maker, for those who may not know) in a certain bar in Karen. I loved and enjoyed my job. However, ever since I left the hotel industry and took music full time, I have learned so many things about myself, life, growth and most importantly I have grown a thick skin as a woman.

Has Patoranking reacted on ‘Suh different’ cover done by you, which of course attracted over 2M views on YouTube

To be honest, I have never spoken one on one with Patoranking, yet. But he positively responded to the cover while it was viral.

What else do you do other than singing?

Apart from being a singer, am an amazing actress and business woman.

Talk about your achievements.

First of all, I have achieved immense personal growth through this past year. If you follow me, you may have read about my depression and anxiety. My mental state has improved greatly and that’s one of my biggest achievements… Being happy. My original songs have also been a great achievement. I’d urge us to hold on that because more amazing original music is about to drop!

What are some of the challenges that you face as an artist?

My biggest challenge through my first year was having a management team. I did all the work alone for as long as I can remember. Finding a great team to believe in you and stand by you is definitely blessing from above! I have also had numerous challenges in regard to funding my music and being able to produce quality content both in video and audio. Music is quite costly, especially if you are doing it on your own.

What’s your opinion on the growth of Kenyan Music Industry?

I think 2020 has improved mainstream artists in one way or another. We have artists performing live band shows and showing us their true forms. That’s what it should have always been about, being true to our music and sharing it passionately with our audience. We are getting there.

What should your fans expectations be this year?

I have spent most of my time this year preparing; recording and shooting. I am really sorry for my fans who have missed me but I assure you that my silence has not been in vain. I have many songs that I have not released but towards the end of this year, everyone should expect new, different and amazing music. I am about to unveil a new chapter of my life.

That one thing that people don’t know about you.

One thing people don’t know about me is that, I am not as innocent as I look (laughs). I have an innocent face with a tough personality.

Your social media handles and YouTube link.

Here comes my favorite part! My socials, check me out on all the platforms as Wambui Katee. My Facebook Community goes by my AKA MALKIA.

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Who is Laura Tich

I am Laura Tich, a cyber security professional, passionate about community building and creating spaces for women in the technology field, especially in information security. I am also an advocate for internet freedom and I have worked with civil societies across Africa to provide knowledge and skills in digital security.

How did you get to join the cyber security industry?

I majored in Applied Computer Science in college. We mostly did coding but I wasn’t sure that was the path I wanted to take. In my 3rd year of college, I started researching more on cyber security and tried to build a foundation for myself in the field. I was lucky enough to have found mentors who guided me through the process as I was trying to gain foundational skills. Once I got the foundation, I decided that this is the career I want to pursue and started building my skills more.

What’s your experience in cyber security in Kenya

It has definitely been a journey for me. Cyber security is still a very young field in Kenya and in the continent in general. So far there are only 2 colleges in Kenya, both of which are private, offering certified courses around cyber security. This shows how inaccessible cyber security resources and training are in the region. Thankfully there are a number of communities which have been created to encourage members by sharing knowledge and skills for the betterment of the industry. We also have conferences that have been created to encourage and nurture more talent across the region.

What would you term as your notable successes?

I have been lucky to take part in a number of successful projects and events. I’ve attended the DefCon conference in Las Vegas which is the biggest cyber security event and undoubtedly one of the most coveted ones. I have also just recently been nominated as one for the top 50 women in cyber security in Africa which is a great feat. This year, my colleague and I will be the first Kenyans (and I think the first East Africans) to speak at the Black Hat USA conference which is held in Las Vegas annually but will be fully virtual this year thanks to Covid19. I have also built one of the biggest communities of women hackers in Africa.

Tell us what Shehacks_KE entails

Shehacks_KE is a community of women in cyber security in Kenya. The community brings together learners and experts from different backgrounds and counties across the country. I founded it alongside Eve Kilel in 2016 as a third year student. This was just months after I became an active member in the cyber security scene in Kenya.
The inspiration behind Shehacks was the lack of women representation in the field. We did have a number of women who were already working in cyber security but they were always sidelined from major events and conversations. We saw the need to create a platform where women would have a voice.
We have different programs meant to upskill our members and encourage knowledge sharing. The programs include; bootcamps, campus outreach, webinars and fireside hacks. We also have a bigger event which we started last year called HackFest. We plan to make HackFest an annual event.

How Covid 19 impacted Shehacks activities?

I believe covid19 has been a blessing in disguise. Normally, we’d hold month bootcamps but since the pandemic, we’ve been able to hold weekly ‘e-Bootcamps’ which are online training. Thanks to technology, we are able to do most of our work and activities virtually which is great for us!

Your advice to anyone interested in a career in cyber security

Don’t be afraid to venture into this new horizon. Join a community, find a mentor and keep an open mind. You can do it!

The post CYBER SECURITY: ONE ON ONE WITH FOUNDER OF SHEHACKS, LAURA TICH appeared first on .

Tell us a bit about yourself
Jonewa is a 23-year old passionate lover of art who aspires to take art industry to a whole different level in the country.

When did you discover your passion for art?
My passion came to light ever since I was a kid. I used to chora on books while in class. It was my my concentration gear. I’ve been growing with this vibe since then.

Who inspires your artwork?
My artwork is inspired by a couple of artists, among them is Arinze from Nigeria; he’s an a artist working in a genre of art known as Hyper-realism (Art that is extremely realistic in details.)

Which artwork that you’ve ever done is your favourite?
According to me, the “next one” is always the best.

How many celebrities have you drawn so far?
I’ve drawn a couple of celebrities. I wouldn’t be able to say how many of them but among the ones I haven’t worked with yet are members of Sauti Sol. Watch this space!

What is the most important tool that every artist should have?
A Pencil. Because in 99% of all genres of Art Pencil is used.

Tell us about your brand, JONEWART
JONEWART is a full-service Management Art label which is yet to be launched. The way Music has Record Labels so I thought in Art industry we should also have that but how it’s gonna be managed and run is different from Music.Under JONEWART we are going to have more different artists. It’s a way of creating employment opportunities in the country. Not only Artists are going to get a chance in it but also other talents will be considered. I wouldn’t want to talk more about it since it hasn’t yet been launched.

Apart from art, what else do you do?
I’m a student of Architecture.

What’s your next project?
I’m working on a portrait of one member of Sauti Sol and also a Major project which I’ll reveal soon on my Instagram page (@jonewa__)

Which advice can you give an aspiring artist?
Just start where you are, use the available material to do what you can, and make sure you do it to the best of your ability.

The post One on One With Jonewa, the African Artist appeared first on .

Tell us briefly about yourself
I am Nagunwa Juma born and raised in Nyamira county.

When did you realize you could do poetry and what’s your inspiration?
I realized that poetry was me and me being poetry, in standard four I wrote an insha that made my head teacher take it to the candidates to read.

What made you choose to do your songs in your local language?
What made me brand the kisii Swahili version is to bring out my own composed style.

Among your songs which is your favorite?
I do love them all but if I am to choose I will go with my story.

What is your worst reaction you’ve ever gotten from your fans?
Never had one, I appreciate my fans for that.

Which Kenyan artist would you wish to do a collabo with?
Any artist as long as has lines that can bring out something.

How has Covid-19 affected you as an artiste?
No more shows always being indoors.

What do you do apart from singing?
I am a journalist and also I do acting.

What advice would you like to give upcoming artists and poets?
Don’t ignore, walk up to be you and everything will be in line.

Parting shot
Don’t overwork,work smart and determination will make you to be who you want to be.

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Who is Fatuma Ramadhan?

A 22nd year old journalism student turned crochet designer based in kilifi. I run the fashion label I KNIT KENYA.

How did the idea of I Knit Kenya come about?

I’m passionate for handmade creations and I have a drive for world domination and I Knit Kenya is how I want to pursue my version of success.

What does fashion mean to you?

To me fashion is a way of introducing yourself to people without having to say a word. You can tell the whole world about your personality by just the type of clothes you wear.

Which clothing brand inspires you?

I have never had a particular set style but I appreciate so many different looks and that’s how I make my pieces.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in this grind?

Keeping up with stock! You know right now I’m in college so I have attend school and deliver crochet pieces to my clients on time. It’s really hectic sometimes.


I Knit Kenya has a unique essence, where do you see it in the next 5 years?

I’m brainstorming on how to do things differently in order to prevent overworking myself. With the personal issues I face right now I might not be able to predict the future but it’s heavily interlinked with the direction my life goes in but the end goal is to create a HOUSE OF I KNIT KENYA.

Do you do men’s wear?

I do but my main focus is making women feel more beautiful in my pieces so I put all the energy in creating pieces for women.

Apart from I Knit Kenya, what else keeps you busy?

I attend college. I’m pursuing a bachelors degree in journalism at the technical university of Mombasa. So when I’m not working, I’m in school.

How has Covid-19 affected I knit Kenya?

Even before this pandemic had started I had stopped taking orders to work on collections. This period will give me time to concentrate and work on projects that I was procrastinating.

Which advice keeps you going?

That branding is so important when you’re starting your own business and working out your unique selling point is the biggest factor for success.

Parting shot

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt

The post JUGGLING SCHOOL AND BUSINESS: FATUMA RAMADHAN, FOUNDER OF I KNIT KENYA appeared first on .

Who is Remy Lucious?

Remy Lucious is a futuristic, motivation-niched content creator who seeks to use my YouTube channel as a tool that inspires, motivates, helps people escalate their craft and also materialize their brilliance while shining their light on a volatile world. I seek to bring absolute productivity, performance and prosperity. My passion is to inspire every individual to achieve their dreams, ambitions and purpose in life.

What inspired you to start a Motivational YouTube channel?

The desire to create content that will act as a source of motivation to people who feel like giving up or doubting their potential in life.

Someone asked us to ask if you also do motivational speaking as a side hustle?

Yes, I do, mostly in high schools. Looking forward to future days when I will be giving motivational talks in seminars and conferences and inspire people to become the best version of themselves.

How do you choose your content?

Basically through situations I have been in the past or situations my friends have been in the past that needed some motivation to get through. I take such situations and create content that will inspire someone else who will find themselves in such a similar situation in life in the future.

Apart from YouTube, what else keeps you busy?

My job and my side hustles.

Which skills are you learning during this pandemic?

Learning how to use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro software. During this pandemic I have also had lots of time to discover much about me that I had not done before.

Would you advice someone to quit his/her job and focus on his/her passion?

My answer would be a no and a yes. This is what I mean. You probably should not quit your job and pursue your passion full-time without a solid plan. However, what I recommend is trying to build up your business on the side (while working full-time at your job). Then with enough hard work, skill and luck- you can make your passion into your living.

What is the future of your YouTube Channel?

The future of my YouTube channel and RLM as a brand is an avenue where people would turn to when things feel hard and they feel like what they are facing in life has not been faced by other people in life.  A place where people will find stories they can relate to easily and get motivated. In future I will have talk shows where people share their stories and how they pulled through tough situations in order to motivate others who are undergoing similar situations in their lives.

Which is the worst feedback you’ve ever received from your fan?

Not worst but funny. On my YouTube channel I haven’t received any yet, but someone once told me to send them data in order for them to subscribe to my channel after sharing my channel’s link to a WhatsApp group (Laughs)

What’s the secret of growing subscribers on YouTube?

Create quality content that viewers will be glued to come back to your channel and watch more. Promote your channel to your maximum abilities. Share with your friends and on social media platforms and ask them to subscribe to your channel (if they are interested, don’t pester anyone). Above all, understand how YouTube features work since they will help a lot in growing and giving insights about your channel.

1. Do your parents support what you are doing?

Yes, they do, through encouraging me to follow my passion.

What’s the best advice you can give to someone who is thinking of starting a YouTube channel?

Choose a specific niche, don’t be everywhere. Start now, don’t hesitate. Create quality content. Be consistent.

Parting short

 I believe that what you do today will determine what your tomorrows will bring. You are molding your tomorrow based on what you do today. You can determine what your future holds based on how much time and energy you spend working on yourself now. Find out what it is you want, and go after it as if your life depends on it. Why? Because it does.

Social media links: YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/c/RemyLuciousMotivation

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