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Nicole Murphy’s First Visit to Kenya: A Cultural and Tourism Ambassador

By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER

Nicole Murphy, an American model and actress, recently made her first trip to Kenya, a journey rich in both personal and professional significance. Her visit, facilitated by Kenyan-born filmmaker Lovince Mckenzie, was aimed at exploring Kenya’s culture, tourism potential, and business opportunities.

During her stay, Nicole expressed her enthusiasm to fully immerse herself in Kenya’s rich culture, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. From sampling local cuisines to visiting historical and cultural sites, her itinerary was a comprehensive dive into what makes Kenya a standout travel destination. She embraced the Maasai culture, engaging in traditional dances and receiving a heartfelt welcome with flowers and Maasai cultural attire upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport​.

Promoting Kenyan Tourism

Nicole’s visit goes beyond personal exploration; it aims to enhance Kenya’s global appeal as a premier tourist destination. She met with Rebecca Miano, the Kenyan Tourism Cabinet Secretary, to discuss potential collaborations with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). Nicole is set to use her platform to market Kenya to an international audience, particularly in the U.S. This partnership is expected to showcase Kenya’s beauty, from its wildlife safaris to its pristine beaches.

A Documentary to Shift Perceptions

As part of her visit, Nicole, along with filmmaker Lovince Mckenzie, will work on a documentary capturing her Kenyan experience. The film aims to challenge misconceptions about Africa and Kenya, offering a new perspective on the country’s attractions and its welcoming culture​.

Nicole’s trip is not just about tourism; she hinted at possible business ventures in Kenya, exploring opportunities that align with her growing interest in global travel and cultural engagement. Her visit also fostered collaborations with local creatives, including Bien Aime from the band Sauti Sol​.

The response to Nicole’s visit has been overwhelmingly positive. Her involvement in promoting Kenyan tourism is seen as a significant boost, potentially attracting more international visitors and sparking interest among celebrities looking for unique destinations. Her genuine engagement with Kenyan culture further adds to her credibility as a global ambassador for the country​.

‘Iron Man’ Robert Downey Jr Announces Shock Marvel Return at Comic-Con

Oscar-winner Robert Downey Jr. announced his return to the Marvel superhero films during a blockbuster Disney presentation at Comic-Con Saturday, as the company attempts to reinvigorate its all-time record-grossing movie franchise.

Harrison Ford and Pedro Pascal were also officially unveiled among a batch of new stars joining the movie franchise, which has grossed an unprecedented $30 billion at the box office, but in recent years has suffered a number of high-profile flops.

Marvel film president Kevin Feige unveiled new details about multiple upcoming superhero movies in front of a crowd of screaming devotees at the San Diego, California gathering on Saturday — but nobody drew a louder reaction than the returning Downey Jr.

The actor, who launched the entire Marvel movie universe with 2008’s “Iron Man,” will return as a totally different character — Doctor Doom, a prominent villain in the Marvel comic books — it was revealed.

He appeared anonymously on stage among a group of hooded and masked figures, before stepping forward and revealing his much-rumored return.

“New mask. Same task. What’d I tell you? I like playing complicated characters,” said Downey Jr., to the delight of the assembled Marvel obsessives. 

Downey Jr. won an Oscar this year for his role in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” and had seemingly retired from the Marvel films in 2019.

‘Doomsday’

The presentation was the hottest ticket of the four-day pop culture extravaganza, with fans lining up for hours to get a coveted seat.

Marvel fans have complained in recent years about over-complicated plotlines and the departure of beloved characters, including Downey Jr’s Iron Man, with some calling for a wholesale reboot of the movies.

The franchise was also rocked by domestic violence revelations about actor Jonathan Majors, who had been set to become the major new supervillain across multiple films.

Majors, who was convicted for assaulting and harassing his then-girlfriend, was dropped by Marvel.

The answer to who will fill that role was seemingly answered by Downey Jr.’s return as a villain.

Joe and Anthony Russo — the brothers who previously oversaw 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” which briefly became the highest-grossing film of all time at more than $2.79 billion — will also return.

They will direct “Avengers: Doomsday,” in May 2026, and “Avengers: Secret Wars” in May 2027.

‘Piece of the action’

The Marvel event opened with dozens of singers and dancers dressed in the red and yellow of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the new R-rated superhero movie that is enjoying a record breaking opening this weekend.

“But Hall H doesn’t just look back… Hall H looks forward,” said Feige, referring to the Comic-Con event’s famous venue, before setting out Marvel’s plans for the next three years.

Next year will see three films including February’s “Captain America: Brave New World,” with Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross, a US president who turns into a Red Hulk.

“I wanted a piece of the action,” said Ford, on joining the Marvel franchise.

Also due in 2025 are “Thunderbolts” in May starring Florence Pugh, and July’s “The Fantastic 4: First Steps,” starring Pedro Pascal and set in 1960s New York.

Earlier on Saturday at Comic-Con, Disney’s rival studio Warner, which runs the DC superhero movies, offered a glimpse at “The Penguin,” starring Colin Farrell.

Spun off from the 2022 film “The Batman,” which starred Robert Pattinson as a grungy, noirish incarnation of the beloved superhero, “The Penguin” will hit HBO on September 19.

Reggae Maestro Burning Spears Irks Fans With Plans to Cancel Tour

Three days ago, the Marcus Garvey artist took to Facebook to tell his 1.7 million followers that while he supports his Kenyan “brothers and sisters,” he has misgivings about traveling to the East African country, which has been in the throes of protests against its president, William Ruto, since the beginning of June.

“Greetings Kenya. I man Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear stands with my brothers and sisters from Kenya. I man love is unconditional. That being said I man do not want i man presence to add or make things worst. I want Kenya to be safe,” the 79-year-old shared.

“This is an official announcement I man will cancel or postpone the upcoming show that was scheduled for October 12th. I cannot describe how I feel at this time. We will talk soon,” the African Teacher singer added.

But his fans in Kenya, where he was set to perform for the first time in 17 years, expressed displeasure at his pronouncements, for various reasons, some labeling it premature.

Others claimed that the protests are temporary and everything will be back to normal long before October, and that taking such drastic action, was unnecessary.

“Greetings to you too our African granny father and a teacher….let’s pray everything will be okay by the grace of the highest Almighty God before October…don’t cancel we are longing for you to come and gives us so more vybz….e.g not stupid, the people of the world we are one and to this new experience…we love you Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear,” Princess Aqua said.

“This feels so sad. Too early to postpone. Kenya is a peaceful country until provoked,” another follower added.

Some made it clear that they would not accept a cancellation from the Reggae at such a critical time.

“You cannot cancel a show for Oct this early. Reggae cannot stop and that is the fight we are on right now. See you in October,” Don Ragman stated, while Victor Obech added: “How do you cancel a show that was scheduled for October in July just because Kenyans were protesting against the government? (Which has since ended bytheway)?”

Another follower, Rhino K’Ogalo said that Kenya was already returning to a state of peace, and that Spear’s presence is needed to soothe the people with his music.

“Mama Land Kenya is calling one more time. October is way to far,so no need to cancel the show after all peace is prevailing bigtime in Kenya. Having said so the memories of that Sunday afternoon 3 June 2007 in kasarani are still fresh in our minds. Kenya Awaits!! Nairobi Awaits!!” he declared.

“We are good pple the are being solved come and consolidate us with raggae music that rejuvenates heart and soul..we love each other,” Lumush Yule said.

Others said that Spear ought not to be scared to travel to Kenya as the country’s nationals issues were not with each other but with a tyrannical government.

“Don’t be cowed by our audacity to handle the bull by the horns..the ruling elite is what is riling the Kenyan people , otherwise we look forward to some positive vibes African Teacher. Jah Love,” one man advised.

Another follower, Nister Verb, prophesied that Ruto would soon be ejected from office, so Burning Spear should not fret.

“Greetings African teacher. I man expressed my desire to see you performing. I man wish to confirm to you that , the ongoing protests here are expressed by kenyans who’re expressing their frustrations from the shortman in power. I man wish to assure you that the Shoŕtman in power will soon be removed and things shall go well before the planned show date. I man stand tall and logging to see you on stage soonest. Bless up,” he noted.

One fan seemingly vented his frustration at the Kenyan president, noting, “Ruto, have you seen now what you’ve caused?”

A few like Muthee, however, upbraided Burning Spear for being inconsiderate.

“This is perpetuating the trope that Africa is not safe. Cancelling an event that is months away without pausing to assess the situation for even a couple of weeks says a lot about the attitude of people outside the continent. All the same your show, your rules Mr I man ,” he said sarcastically.

“Postpone or not or even you don’t come Reggae can’t stop. It’s you who’ll stop. And what makes you think demos will continue up to October?” another added.

Burning Spear’s last appearance Kenya was in 2007 at a free concert in Nairobi, on June 3 that year. According to reports, more than 80,000 Kenyans were in attendance, some of whom had walked more than 200 kilometers to get to the venue.

The St. Ann native, who took his name from a military award given by Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of independent Kenya, came out of retirement from live shows in 2022, returning to the stage after a decade-old absence.

Burning Spear began his recording career in 1969, penning songs about Marcus Garvey and the repatriation, and the oppression of the black race.

The six-time Grammy nominee has released more than 25 albums throughout his music career, copping the Grammy Award twice for Best Reggae Album for his 2000 release Calling Rastafari and again in 2009 for Jah Is Real.

He was also awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government in 2007 for his contribution to the music industry.

Burning Spear achieved breakthrough success with his classic album, Marcus Garvey, which was released by Island Records. His other albums include Dry and Heavy (1977) and Social Living (1978). He has also had several live albums due mainly to his extensive touring over the decades.

Source: dancehallmag.com