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Sauti Sol’s Sol Generation Label invites new artists for auditions

Defunct Sauti Sol's Sol Generation Records has announced a new opening for artists between the ages of 18 and 35  to join the labels' program dubbed Press Play 2.0, a comprehensive artist development program aimed at empowering and upskilling youth from marginalized peri-urban areas across Kenya. Announcing the opportunity Sol Generation CEO, William Nanjero revealed the auditions for the program have already begun. "We invite young creatives from Kakamega, Nairobi, and Mombasa to be part of this transformative journey. The callout phase has already begun. The program will focus on inclusivity and provide comprehensive support to 250 aspiring creatives in Kakamega, Nairobi, and Mombasa." Nanjero says. He goes on to add, "The Press Play 2.0 journey will begin in Kakamega, where we will engage with local youth through auditions and preparatory activities. We will then move to Mombasa to provide the same opportunities to aspiring creatives in the coastal region. The final stop for the first phase will be Nairobi, where we will complete the audition process." Press Play 2.0 is an evolution of the original Press Play program, which previously focused on empowering female artists from East Africa. According to Nanjero, Press Play 2.0 is the second phase of the program which has expanded its impact by targeting a diverse group of participants, with a focus on 70 percent female and 30 percent male creatives. "In addition to nurturing musical talent, the program aims to empower young people from marginalized communities by providing pathways to financial independence and cultural impact," he adds. Successful candidates from each region will then move on to the masterclass and mentorship phase, where they will receive intensive training and support to hone their skills. Whereas the Press Play program focused on empowering female artists across East Africa, culminating in the production of 2 EPs that showcased the artistry and growth of six female artists, Press Play 2.0 will expand its scoop to include music production, songwriting, instrumental and vocal performances. The program will run for one year featuring workshops and mentorship sessions, writing camps, and music creation activities.

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Phil Karanja talks about his visit to Hollywood and his experiences

Top filmmakers Phil Karanja of Phil-it Productions and Kenneth Ambani are in the United States as part of the American Film Showcase Fellow 2024 cohort.  The two Kenyans are among other notable African filmmakers and film industry leaders invited to the US for an exchange program with their Hollywood counterparts. "We are learning a lot, networking, getting a picture of what the future looks like while also getting tremendous validation that our film in Kenya is heading in the right direction. We are not there yet but we are on track. " Phil says. The team has so far visited the Universal Studios ahead of attending the Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia. This initiative is part of a broader U.S. State Department effort to support the creative economy in Africa and facilitate collaborative exchanges between the U.S. and African film industries. Excited about his latest milestone, Karanja took to social media to share clips from his tour with the caption, "Hollywood, it's been a long time coming. The American Film Showcase (AFS), in partnership with U.S. embassies, continues to promote cultural exchange through cinema by showcasing American films internationally and organizing filmmaker exchanges. These initiatives are designed to foster deeper connections between American and international filmmakers, providing opportunities for creative collaboration and professional growth. AFS has also expanded its program to include opportunities for international filmmakers to visit the U.S. and participate in residencies, film festivals, and workshops, providing them with valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals, including producers, mentors, and distributors. Recently, AFS hosted a week-long professional training program in Los Angeles for key figures in the African animation industry. The 14 participants were directors of the Disney+ animated sci-fi anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, a series that gained significant popularity after being screened in four African countries in partnership with U.S. embassies. The success of the anthology has already resulted in two of its directors being nominated for the prestigious Annie Awards, further spotlighting African talent on the global stage. Phil Director, as he is popularly known, has made a name for himself in the murky waters of the African film industry, co-directing TV shows like The Real House Helps of Kawangware, Mother in Law, Tahidi High, before delving into high-profile Netflix movies like Click Click Bang. On the other hand, Ken Ambani rose to fame with the TV show Tausi in the early noughties followed by other shows like Maisha, Noose of Gold, Block D, Wingu la Moto, Cobra Squad, Mali, Tusker Milli na Marafiki game show, Makutano Junction, Nairobi Law, Siri, Shuga ll, Jacob's Cross, Sumu, Twisted, Nuru among others.

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