Paris, France | AFP | US filmmaker Oliver Stone warned Monday that his country’s desire to “control the world” by eavesdropping on the entire planet would end in disaster. The outspoken director of “JFK” and “Platoon” claimed Washington’s war on terror was being used as cover to “dominate the world”. …
Read More »Drake sets new record for American Music Award nods
New York, United States | AFP | Rap chart-topper Drake on Monday earned a record 13 nominations for the American Music Awards, topping the mark set by late king of pop Michael Jackson. The Toronto rapper, whose “Views” has been the top-selling album released this year in the United States, …
Read More »Queen of Katwe’ shows power of dreams
Phiona Mutesi, the Ugandan girl who became a chess sensation at the age of 10 stands out for something else. She was raised in the slum of Katwe, on the edges of a city, Kampala, but quietly worked her way up. Her journey to fame crested when it was documented …
Read More »Beats, not batons: Uganda’s singing cop makes waves
Kampala, Uganda | AFP | Michael O’HAGAN A Ugandan policeman has turned to rap and breakdancing to win over a sceptical public in a popular music video extolling the virtues of the police service. Inspector Samuel Ojobira, known as “O.J”, is making waves with his hit song “Physically Fit”, although some …
Read More »Ugandan family’s life in movie on a rare talent for chess
Kampala, Uganda | AFP | Michael O’HAGAN | Standing on a drab side-street next to an open sewer in the Ugandan capital Kampala, Brian Mugabi points to the site of his former family home and reflects on how much the game of chess has changed their lives. Ten years ago Mugabi …
Read More »Big dreams for Bayimba
Can the international festival push more creativity into Kampala? For cities, especially those aspiring for global recognition, to thrive in the 21st century; they need a culture of creativity – the capacity to think afresh. The creative city is a city that has a brand and reflects a personality. This attitude …
Read More »How Kim Kardashian was robbed in Paris, millions stolen
Paris, France | AFP | US reality television star Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint at a Paris hotel by assailants disguised as police who made off with millions, mainly in jewellery, French authorities and her representative said Monday. Paris police said the loss amounted to “several million euros, mostly …
Read More »Do you speak fashion?
Paris, France | AFP | FASHION: If the idea of an “It girl influencer” sitting in a “frow” watching a “gender fluid” collection available in “see now, buy now” has you scratching your head, then you need our essential guide to fashion jargon. Here are a few basic terms …
Read More »Ugandan premiere of girl’s slum-to-chess-champ story
Kampala, Uganda | AFP |Michael O’ Hagan | Phiona Mutesi used to forage for food in the impoverished slums of Kampala. On Saturday she attended a Disney movie premiere about her life in the Ugandan capital. What happened in between is that Mutesi became a chess champion and the resulting film …
Read More »One big party – The Kampala City Festival is here
PICTORIAL: Kampala Capital City Authority Sunday hosts a fifth Kampala City Festival, considered the biggest street party in East Africa, as the city and country celebrate their culture, innovation, unity and social life. To spice the annual event are the Kampala City festival rally, that on Saturday set the stage for the festival, cycling and …
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