Versi Scores Grammy Album Consideration with ‘P.V.O Portland’s Very Own)’; ‘Outlandish’ Featuring Valiant Takes Over the Charts

 Since its release on August 29, the album has maintained a strong presence on the US iTunes Reggae Albums Chart, peaking at number one several times and holding steady in the top ten for weeks. It has been sitting at number 3 since the start of the day on Monday, October 6th. With the announcement of its Grammy consideration, the focus has now shifted to standout singles from the project, including the current promotional highlight, ‘Outlandish’.

Partial list comprising of Reggae 

albums up for Grammy consideration

‘Outlandish’ features the brilliance of renowned dancehall artist Valiant and comes with vibrant visuals to match. The official music video itself has already peaked at number 3 on the US iTunes Reggae Music Videos Chart and has racked up almost 232,000 views and over 11,000 likes to date on YouTube since its release, which coincided with the album’s launch.

'P.V.O Portland's Very Own' back at number 3 

after staying on the iTunes Reggae Albums 

Chart for more than 5 weeks.

'Outlandish' performance on YouTube

The collaboration came about through a mutual connection, JDon, who introduced both artists. Their chemistry was instant, making a collaboration the natural next step.

“The recording process was very easy because from I sent Valiant the riddim, he liked it and started sending ideas for the chorus to me,” Versi shared. “So I did my verses and got it mixed.”

Produced by Versi himself under his Cawvinz Entertainment label, the track was brought to life visually by director King Cam, with scenes shot across various locations in New York. The video radiates color, energy and style with both artists delivering on their promise to go fully “Outlandish”.

As Versi celebrates the success of ‘P.V.O Portland’s Very Own’ and its Grammy consideration, plans are underway for an official album listening event on Thursday, October 16th at the Liquid Lounge in Queens, New York. The venue, owned by high-profile chef and Kkrytical’s manager Mr. Chin, will host industry professionals, featured artists and specially invited guests. The event will be hosted by A’Legends CEO Jenelle Alexia, also known as Lexi Bankx, who continues to play a key role in the project’s strategic rollout.

'P.V.O Portland's Very Own' Album Listening Party in Queens, NY on October 16th.

Following the listening event and continued album promotion across major radio platforms in the tri-state area, Versi is gearing up to push the next single from ‘P.V.O’, ‘Level Up’, featuring Rygin King.

@versicawva

@alegends_musicproduction

Source: @lesleyodyssey

Purchase: https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/outlandish/1835965895

Watch: https://youtu.be/j7_VEeAoUhQ 

‘Outlandish’ by Versi & Valiant - https://music.apple.com/us/album/outlandish/1835954689?i=1835954827 

Purchase ‘P.V.O Portland’s Very Own’ by Versi - https://music.apple.com/us/album/p-v-o-portlands-very-own/1835954689 

Style Wednesdays; Meet Precious Muthoni: A Rising Star in Fashion and Philanthropy

Precious Muthoni is a name quickly gaining recognition in Kenya’s fashion and community development spaces. As the CEO and founder of Noni Mavazi, she is not just designing clothes—she’s crafting a brand that speaks to authenticity, creativity, and African identity. Based in Nakuru, her designs reflect a bold fusion of modern fashion with deep cultural roots, appealing to a new generation that values both style and meaning.

Her journey into fashion began with a vision: to create a clothing brand that gives people confidence through unique, expressive designs. That vision became Noni Mavazi—a brand that now serves as a beacon of originality in Kenya’s fashion industry. Her work has not gone unnoticed; Precious was recently recognized as the Best Up-and-Coming Model in Nakuru, a testament to her talent not only behind the scenes but also in front of the camera.

Beyond fashion, Precious is deeply committed to giving back. She is the founder of Friends of_the_Community, a charity group that focuses on supporting vulnerable communities through donations, mentorship programs, and youth empowerment initiatives. Her dual passions—for style and service—are a powerful combination, showing that business success and social impact can go hand in hand.

As she continues to grow her brand and expand her influence, Precious Muthoni remains grounded in her mission: to inspire others, uplift communities, and redefine fashion in Kenya. Whether on the runway or in the streets of Nakuru, her presence is making a lasting mark.

Meet Gertrude Muthoni: Rising Star of Kenya’s Runway Scene

In the heart of Nairobi's vibrant fashion scene, one name is steadily making waves; Gertrude Muthoni. A determined and passionate runway model, Gertrude embodies the elegance, grit, and expressive spirit of modern Kenyan fashion. With every stride down the catwalk, she tells a story — not just of clothes, but of confidence, culture, and creativity.

Currently based in Nairobi, Gertrude is more than just a model; she is a true artist at heart. Her hobbies include fashion styling, acting, dramatic performance, and dancing — all outlets that allow her to explore the rich layers of self-expression. Whether she’s styling an edgy streetwear look, delivering a powerful stage performance, or flowing to the rhythm of a dance beat, Gertrude brings intensity and purpose to every move she makes.

Her love for fashion is deeply rooted in her belief that style is a powerful form of expression. For Gertrude, fashion isn't just about looking good — it’s about telling a story, owning your identity, and inspiring others to do the same.

With a dream to grace both local and international runways, Gertrude is on a mission to represent Kenyan talent on a global scale. She envisions herself walking for major designers, collaborating with fellow creatives, and using her platform to uplift the art of fashion across Africa.

Gertrude Muthoni is not just walking the runway — she’s paving one for the next generation of expressive, fearless, and passionate Kenyan models.

Stay Hydrated: Why Drinking Water Matters Every Day

Water is life — literally. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and staying hydrated is essential for nearly every function, from brain activity to digestion. Yet, many people overlook the importance of simply drinking enough water each day.

When you're properly hydrated, your body can regulate temperature, flush out toxins, and deliver nutrients to your cells more efficiently. Dehydration, even at mild levels, can lead to headaches, fatigue, dry skin, and poor concentration. In the long term, it may affect kidney health, digestion, and joint function.

Drinking enough water also supports a healthy metabolism, helps with weight management, and can improve skin clarity. For those who are active or live in hot climates, the need for hydration increases even more due to fluid loss from sweat.

So how much water should you drink? While the "8 glasses a day" rule is a good start, it varies depending on age, activity level, and environment. Listen to your body — if you're thirsty, drink. And try to choose water over sugary or caffeinated drinks when possible.

Carrying a reusable water bottle, setting reminders, or infusing your water with fruit can make staying hydrated easier and more enjoyable.

In short: water fuels your body, sharpens your mind, and keeps you feeling your best. Don’t wait — drink up!

Portlander Versi scores and maintains first number 1 hit album on the US iTunes Chart

  'Portland’s Very Own' dancehall artist Versi, originally known as Versatile, is making major moves on the US iTunes Reggae Albums Chart with his first official album aptly titled ‘P.V.O Portland’s Very Own’. The album, which was released on August 29th, 2025, debuted at number 2 and peaked at number 1.

For the next 2 weeks that followed, Versi’s album stayed in the top 10, dropping to 8th before making its way back up to 5th, then 4th, the and sitting pretty once again at number 1 by September 19. Versi is very satisfied with how his album is performing and is gearing up for an album listening party in New York soon. 

An excited Versi expressed, “I feel blessed and accomplished but still humble knowing that this is just the start of the journey with this new project!” 

“I definitely appreciate the fact that people are receiving the album well and they’re not only streaming but are buying also,” continued Versi. 

Produced by his Cawvinz Entertainment record label, ‘P.V.O’ shows why he is called Versi in the first place, and proud to be from the parish. The album includes collaborations with dancehall superstars Rygin King, Valiant and Chronic Law, as well as legendary reggae artists Ginjah and Louie Culture, further cementing his stance as a truly versatile artist. Versi also teamed up with top notch producers on various tracks including JayCrazie, CJ TheChemist and Din Din, just to name a few.

Now based in the US, Versi is focusing on building his fan base, promoting ‘P.V.O’ in the streets and on several mainstream media houses such as Get With The Fix Radio with MichelleG, with the intent to visit stations such as One Love Radio in Connecticut, JaIrie Radio, Sound Chat Radio, The Beat FM in Rochester, NY and much more. The talented artist will also be doing a media run in Florida soon and get featured in major US publications.

Meet Barbie Njambi: A Nairobi Fashion Model Embracing Style and Authenticity

Barbie Njambi is a rising star in Nairobi’s fashion scene, admired for her unique sense of style and passion for inspiring others. As a fashion model and style enthusiast, Barbie believes fashion is more than just wearing clothes — it is a statement of identity and confidence. Her presence on and off the runway exudes elegance and charisma, making her a standout in Kenya’s growing fashion industry.

Barbie has always been drawn to fashion, and her journey as a model has allowed her to explore different styles and trends while expressing her creativity. Whether she is participating in photoshoots, collaborating with designers, or sharing style inspiration online, she remains committed to showcasing authenticity and originality.

Beyond modeling, Barbie is a firm believer that looking good is an esteem booster. She uses her platform to motivate young women to embrace their individuality, take pride in their appearance, and pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her work reflects her dedication to empowering others, proving that fashion can be both beautiful and meaningful.

As Barbie continues to grow her personal brand, she aspires to work with major fashion houses and become a household name in Kenya’s fashion and beauty industry. With her determination and love for style, the future looks bright for this Nairobi fashionista.

Kenyan Students Studying Abroad: Merits and Demerits You Should Know

For many Kenyan students, studying abroad is a dream — an opportunity to experience new cultures, access world-class education, and expand career opportunities. While it comes with undeniable advantages, there are also challenges that students and their families must consider before making the decision.

One of the major merits of studying abroad is exposure to global education systems. Students gain access to advanced facilities, diverse courses, and expert faculty that may not be available locally. This exposure sharpens their academic skills and equips them with competitive knowledge for the global job market. Additionally, living in a foreign country offers cultural immersion, teaching students independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills. Networking opportunities are another key benefit, as students connect with peers and professionals from around the world, creating valuable future collaborations.

However, studying abroad also has demerits. The financial burden is often the biggest challenge. Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses in foreign countries can be significantly higher than in Kenya, making it a costly investment for many families. Students may also face culture shock, homesickness, and the difficulty of adjusting to new social norms, weather, or language barriers. In some cases, foreign-trained graduates may struggle to find jobs back home due to mismatched skills or lack of recognition for certain qualifications.

Despite the challenges, studying abroad remains a transformative experience. For Kenyan students, the key is thorough planning — understanding costs, preparing emotionally, and ensuring the chosen program aligns with long-term goals. Done right, it can open doors to endless opportunities while shaping confident, well-rounded global citizens.

Meet Merci Wanjiru: Nairobi’s Fashion and Pageant Star on a Mission to Inspire

Merci Wanjiru is a name steadily rising in Nairobi’s fashion and pageant circles. A passionate model and fashion enthusiast, Merci is the true definition of a fashion freak — someone who lives, breathes, and celebrates style in its purest form. Her love for fashion has fueled her journey, helping her carve out a space for herself in Kenya’s growing beauty and modeling industry.

Merci’s ambition is clear: she aspires to become a household name and a recognized brand in the beauty and fashion sector. Her participation in events such as the Miss Kasarani pageant has given her exposure and experience, allowing her to refine her skills and grow her confidence as a professional model.

But Merci’s vision goes beyond personal success. She is deeply committed to empowering young girls and women, using her platform to inspire them to embrace confidence, self-worth, and ambition. “I want to be a voice and an example,” she says, “to show young women that they can follow their dreams and make a mark in any industry.”

Her professionalism and determination set her apart. Whether she’s walking the runway, collaborating with designers, or participating in photo shoots, Merci brings her A-game, driven by the belief that consistency and passion are the keys to success.

Looking ahead, Merci plans to work with more fashion brands, grow her personal brand, and expand her influence across Kenya and beyond. She is not just modeling clothes — she is modeling courage, ambition, and the power of dreaming big.