Illicit online platforms offering cut-rate access to films and TV series are often fundraising channels for syndicates involved in everything from child porn to sex-trafficking, drugs, and terrorism. Law enforcement teams across Africa now take an aggressive approach to prosecuting the criminals involved in pirating and using content.

A 2009 study found extensive links between film piracy, organised crime and terrorist groups. The purchase of any kind of counterfeit goods can be traced to organised crime. Stolen content may be entertaining, but it is being used to fund the most harmful, grotesque crimes on the planet, including human trafficking, terrorism, gambling, drug dealing and child pornography. 

These principles apply irrespective of the brand or product being counterfeited – everything from a fake fragrance to a pirated TV series can be part of a fundraising campaign for an international terror network.  

From a moral point of view, users of pirated products are financial sponsors of criminal activities, all of which are interlinked in the global criminal underworld – drugs, terror and sex trafficking included. 

After years of information campaigns on the evils that are funded by content piracy, it’s “no more Mr Nice Guy” from police and prosecutors across Africa. Law enforcement is clamping down, and users of pirated content are squarely in the crosshairs. The message is now clear: engage in piracy, and face severe consequences. 

The use of illegally pirated content films, series, music, etc opens online users to very real personal risks, such as malware, identify theft, fraud and financial ruin. However, the most critical risk is that it makes them complicit in international crimes destroying millions of lives. 

While streaming a series from a dodgy site may seem harmless at first blush, it opens users up to arrest, prosecution and even jail. 

Suspects have been arrested in Cape Town for selling pirated content. In Tanzania, two were convicted for running an illegal content streaming website, and in Kenya, two men were arrested recently for providing illegal internet services. Raids are now being conducted all over Africa almost daily, as law enforcement takes its work to a new level. 

Other destructive impacts of content piracy are that the creative industry suffers from lost jobs and income; audiences suffer due to reduced choice; and industry and entire economy suffers through discouraged investment. Culturally, content piracy also robs African creatives of the opportunity to tell their own stories. 

Complicating the challenge of fighting piracy is that pirate streaming websites are cheaper than legitimate content platforms. This is because authentic content businesses actually pay the artists who create the music, the film workers who produce the shows, and all the professionals who put entertainment content together. 

Pirate operations, on the other hand, simply steal the finished product and profit from it, with no investment or support for the development of the industry. 

“The days of gently informing citizens of the risks of piracy are over,” says Frikkie Jonker, Director of Broadcasting Piracy and Cybersecurity at Irdeto. “People need to understand the severity of what they are doing when they support piracy, and they must know the consequences they will face.”

Supporting the new content piracy clampdown is an increasingly firm, continent-wide set of copyright and anti-piracy laws. Police services and the courts are committed to aggressively prosecuting piracy across the continent. 

They also have digital surveillance and monitoring systems to support their work and gather evidence for their investigations. 

These capabilities are supported by clear government commitments across African territories. A recent cooperation agreement between South Africa’s justice department and pan-African advocacy group Partners Against Piracy (PAP) is a case in point. 

“This kind of cooperation will ensure that lawbreakers are arrested, prosecuted and jailed quickly and effectively,” says Jonker. “Law enforcement has always been committed to prosecutions across Africa and they are constantly making arrests and winning convictions.”

Enforcement agencies on the continent also undergo regular training to inform them of the latest piracy trends, and to give them the tools and equipment to execute their job as professionally as possible.  

Jonker lists recent breakthrough arrests in Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe and Botswana for crimes such as rebroadcasting, selling decoders illegally, domain piracy, breach of copyright, accessing pirated content, and being complicit in organised criminal syndicates. 

There have also been arrests outside Africa, thanks to collaboration between local and international law-enforcement agencies such as the US Department of Homeland Security, Interpol and Europol.

Ultimately, the war against content piracy has entered a new era of more ruthless enforcement. In a globalised criminal environment, even a seemingly non-violent crime like content-piracy has a devasting human impact. Law enforcement has adapted to respond accordingly.  

In the quest for the perfect night’s sleep and the most rejuvenating mornings, many have turned to unconventional yet promising combinations. Among these, the pairing of silk bed sheets and kratom has emerged as a particularly intriguing avenue. 

This article explores the synergy between these two elements and how they contribute to creating an environment conducive to serene nights and restful mornings.

Silk Bed Sheets: The Epitome of Luxury and Comfort

Silk bed sheets have long been associated with luxury, elegance, and indulgence. Made from the delicate fibers spun by silkworms, silk boasts a smooth, lustrous texture that feels exquisite against the skin. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, silk offers a range of benefits that contribute to a more comfortable and restorative sleep experience.

One of the most notable advantages of silk bed sheets is their ability to regulate temperature. Silk possesses natural thermal properties that help to keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. This temperature-regulating feature ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the night, minimizing disruptions to your sleep caused by overheating or chilliness.

Furthermore, silk is renowned for its hypoallergenic properties, making it an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. The tightly-woven fibers of silk create a barrier that repels dust mites, mold, and other common allergens, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritations.In addition to its hypoallergenic qualities, silk is also gentle on the skin and hair. Unlike cotton or other rougher fabrics, silk glides smoothly across the skin, reducing friction and preventing the formation of sleep lines and creases. This minimizes the risk of premature aging and helps to maintain the youthful appearance of your skin.

Moreover, silk’s smooth surface is beneficial for hair health as well. By reducing friction and static electricity, silk bed sheets help to prevent hair breakage, tangles, and frizz. This is particularly advantageous for individuals with long hair or delicate hair textures, as it allows them to wake up with smooth, manageable hair that requires minimal styling.

In summary, silk bed sheets offer a combination of comfort, luxury, and practical benefits that contribute to a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience. From temperature regulation to hypoallergenic properties to skin and hair health benefits, silk bed sheets are a wise investment for anyone seeking to enhance their quality of sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Kratom: Nature’s Gift for Relaxation and Well-Being

In recent years, kratom has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic properties and its role in promoting relaxation and well-being. Derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, kratom has been used for centuries by indigenous communities for its medicinal properties.

One of the primary reasons why kratom has gained popularity is its ability to promote relaxation and alleviate stress and anxiety. Kratom contains alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce a calming effect. This can help individuals unwind after a long day, ease tension, and achieve a state of mental and physical relaxation conducive to restful sleep.

Furthermore, kratom is prized for its potential analgesic properties, which can provide relief from discomfort and promote greater comfort during sleep. Whether you suffer from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia or experience occasional aches and pains, kratom may offer a natural alternative to traditional pain medications.

Moreover, kratom is renowned for its energizing effects at lower doses, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking a natural boost in energy and alertness during the day. By enhancing focus, concentration, and productivity, kratom can help you tackle your daily tasks with renewed vigor and vitality, setting the stage for a more satisfying and fulfilling day.

In addition to its relaxation and energy-boosting properties, kratom has been touted for its potential mood-enhancing effects. Many users report feeling a sense of euphoria, contentment, and well-being after consuming kratom, which can contribute to a more positive outlook on life and greater emotional resilience in the face of challenges.

However, it’s essential to approach kratom use responsibly and with caution, as it can be habit-forming and may pose risks if used improperly or excessively. It’s advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed, while also being mindful of potential interactions with other medications or substances.

In summary, kratom offers a range of potential benefits for promoting relaxation, relieving pain, boosting energy, and enhancing mood. You can find various kind of kratom products on Hypnokratom as well. Whether taken in the evening to unwind and prepare for sleep or in the morning to start the day on a positive note, kratom can be a valuable tool for improving overall well-being and quality of life.

The Synergy of Silk Bed Sheets and Kratom: Creating an Oasis of Tranquility

When combined, silk bed sheets and kratom form a potent duo that can elevate your sleep experience to new heights of comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The luxurious feel of silk against your skin, coupled with its temperature-regulating and hypoallergenic properties, sets the stage for a restful and restorative night’s sleep. Meanwhile, the calming and mood-enhancing effects of kratom help to quiet the mind, ease tension, and promote a sense of serenity conducive to falling asleep easily and waking up feeling refreshed.

By incorporating silk bed sheets and kratom into your nightly routine, you can create an oasis of tranquility where stress melts away, and sleep becomes a sanctuary for renewal and revitalization. Whether you struggle with insomnia, anxiety, or chronic pain, this powerful combination offers a holistic approach to promoting better sleep and overall well-being.

Moreover, the benefits of silk bed sheets and kratom extend beyond the realm of sleep, influencing how you feel and function throughout the day. With silk’s gentle care for your skin and hair and kratom’s ability to enhance energy, mood, and productivity, you can greet each morning with a sense of vitality and enthusiasm, ready to seize the day with confidence and optimism.

In conclusion, silk bed sheets and kratom hold the keys to unlocking the secrets to serene nights and restful mornings. By embracing the synergy between these two elements, you can transform your sleep experience and enhance your overall quality of life. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, pain, or insomnia or simply striving to optimize your well-being, silk bed sheets and kratom offer a natural and effective solution for achieving the peaceful and rejuvenating sleep you deserve.

Versatile Ghanaian Rapper and Producer, Amos K has officially released a new Hip-Hop project titled “Archives.” Listen Here

The latest project from the rapper comprises five unheard songs locked deep inside his vault. Amos K gets back into his rappity-rap era to unleash this all Hip-Hop project after experimenting with different sounds in his previous releases.

On the introductory track, he indeed shows why he’s an “OG” rapper with impeccable skill and mastery of the Hip-Hop sound. The self-produced record sees the versatile rapper show-off his rap prowess in two heavy-bar-filled verses sandwiched by a super catchy hook that holds his day one “OG” fans in high regard.

Not only is QuaD’s vocals heavy on “Heavyweight,” in fact the entire track is a very heavy record. Amos K switches the tone after his signature laughter, drops a heavy 16 and walks away majestically out of the song. The stage is set for Cyril Shey on the Endwd Dj produced song, and his striking verse emulates the heavy tone.

The middle song “No Peace” features Xela 6ix and produced by Dab Beatz.

“Violence, violence, everyday” as the song’s refrain basically apprises the listener of the lethal bars about to be dropped and sends warning shots to any other emcee who dares to contest.

All three songs were mixed by Amos K and mastered by Nedjoh.

Perhaps the most melodious of the project, the last two songs; “This Side” featuring k.Blac and YRDM$N, and “Memory” has shades of Amos K’s recent genre-bending releases.

The former was produced and mixed by Bxndit with Nedjoh doing the mastering. While the latter was co-produced by Amos K and k.Blac, with mixing and mastering done by JBYSS.

The project, according to Amos K, “is a compilation of songs I’ve recorded over the years, and even though mentally I’m over that phase in life I feel the message is still relevant and resonates with my audience.”

He also disclosed to Amplify Ghana that “there’s likely to be a second installment of the “Archives” project.”

Amos K says he’s rapping more this year and this is just the teaser.

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The renowned Ghanaian Business Executive, Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh continues to make waves internationally as she becomes the first Ghanaian juror for the Cannes Lions International Festival of creativity.

Angela has been invited to join the Awarding Jury on the Creative Business Transformation category. Work across the globe will be judged, awarded, and celebrated during this prestigious international festival.

The Awarding Jury represents the global industry’s leading talent from diverse range of disciplines, from across 54 markets, and strictly by invitation.

Announcing this year’s festival, Marian Brannelly, the Global Director of Awards for LIONS, stated: “It’s exciting to see representation from four new markets this year – Armenia, Ghana, Pakistan and Panama – as well as the highest-ever representation from the Middle East and Africa. Our Jurors play a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the Lions, and we thank them for everything they bring to the important task ahead.”

Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, added: “We’re delighted to have a balance and breadth of expertise and global representation across our Juries. The Awarding Juries represent the global industry’s leading talent from a diverse range of disciplines, and we welcome the unique perspectives they bring. We thank them for their time, dedication and care in setting the global creative benchmark for our industry.”

Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh stated: “I can’t wait to bring my voice to the jury room to assess the groundbreaking creativity that will set the creative benchmark for another year. I am particularly thrilled that Ghana has a seat at the table for this world class festival and looking forward to making my country proud.”

Ms. Kyerematen-Jimoh is currently the National Digital Transformation Lead for Africa, at Microsoft where she works with governments and corporate institutions on their digital transformation initiatives. Prior to joining Microsoft, she spent a decade at IBM and ended her career with IBM as the CEO of IBM North East and West Africa (NEWA) overseeing IBM’s business in 35 countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Kenya and Senegal. She is a board member of Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF), headquartered in Zurich, and Bank of Ghana. Angela is an alumna of Harvard Business School.

Author: Prince Akpah

Dubai’s rental market is evolving and most people worldwide are interested in staying in Dubai on rent because renting a house is the most favorable, appropriate, and inexpensive opportunity in the current scenario. If you are going to live in Dubai, it is important to know the legal rights declared by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. 

There are proper laws, rules, and rights for both landlords and tenants and it is obliged for both parties to follow the law otherwise they have to face legal action.  

Rental amount calculation is also a matter to discuss in the rental contract. The rental amount depends on many factors including the location and size of the property, type and quality of housing, and availability of the property. To know about the exact amount and calculations, the calculator by the Dubai Land Department will be a convenient companion for you to resolve your ambiguities related to rental amount calculation.

In this post, we will discuss tenant’s rights in rental contracts between landlords and tenants. 

Tenants’ Rights In Dubai

Over the past few years, the population in Dubai has been increasing. People from all over the world settle in Dubai and look for houses, apartments, flats, villas, or any other type of property that suits them according to their preferences on rent. Undoubtedly, Dubai as a real estate hub provides multiple opportunities to find their desired home on rent. 

With the increasing number of tenants in Dubai, disputes related to tenants’ and landlords’ relationships also increase. To settle these disputes and regulate the laws, rules, and regulations regarding tenants’ rights, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency with the Dubai Land Department regulates the rental laws in Dubai and this department is the best source of information about property, rental contracts, rental amount, rental laws, tenants’ and landlords’ relationship and their rights, or any other query related to the tenant’s law. 

In rental contracts, the query, “Can a landlord increase your rent” is common enough. In this section, we will discuss the laws in Dubai regarding this general query. What are the terms and conditions to increase the rental amount? How much rent can increase in a specific time duration? are also included in this discussion. 

Can A Landlord Increase Your Rent In Dubai? 

According to the Real Estate Regulatory Agency – RERA, a landlord can increase your rent but there are rules and regulations to follow. As per law, a landlord has to provide 90 days’ notification before any changes in the rental contract, breaking the contract, or increasing the amount. A landlord can increase your rent but he has to inform or notify you 90 days before the completion of the tenure period or renewal of the contract. Tenants must securitize the contract in writing as proof. 

If the landlord does not inform you before 90 days, then as a tenant you have legal rights to refuse an increment in rental amount and new tenure will start on the same previous amount. You can even register a case with the Rent Disputes Settlement Case at the Dubai Land Department if the landlord does not follow the rules and forces you to increase the rental amount without any written notification. 

If the landlord properly follows the rules and notifies the tenants before 90 days then the tenant is legally obliged to sign the renewal agreement, before signing the renewal contract make sure all the conditions in the agreement are legally acceptable.

How Much Rent Landlords Can Increase In Dubai? 

To reduce the arguments between landlords and tenants about rental amount increment and to solve the query of how much rent landlords can increase, the Dubai Land Department released Decree 43 in December 2013. 

According to the Land Department Decree 43, a landlord is obliged to follow these rules:

• 0% rent permitted, if the rental is below 10% of the average rental rate in the market.

• 5% rent permitted, if the rental is below 11% to 20% of the average rental rate in the market.

• 10% rent permitted, if the rent is below 21% to 30% of the average rental rate in the market.

• 15% rent permitted, if the rent is below 30% to 40% of the average rental rate in the market.

• 20% rent permitted, if the rent is below 41% of the average rental rate in the market 

RERA Rent Calculator 

To predict the possibility of increasing rent, it is important to be aware of the real estate market conditions in Dubai. Dubai Land Department introduced the rental increase calculator, this calculator is an amazing source for calculating the increasing rental amount. Based on the same properties in the same area, the landlord can increase your rent and it is legally justified, so as a tenant, it is wise to be well aware of the properties and their market values and use the RERA rent calculator for the confirmation of increasing amount. 

Variables That Affect The Amount Of Rent Increase In Dubai

The following are the variables that affect the amount of rent increase in Dubai:

• Property type, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or staff accommodation. 
• Property location, in which area or community the desired property is located, moreover it is freehold property or lease property. 

• Type of property, villa, apartment, penthouse, flat, or townhouse

• Size of the property, number of bedrooms 

• Tenancy contract expiry date 

• Current annual rental amount 

• Real estate market condition in the region 

Source = https://erehomes.ae/

Frequently Asked Questions

As A Tenant What Should I Do If The Landlord Asks To Evacuate The Property Before The Tenancy Contract’s Expiration? 

According to Dubai Tenancy Law, the landlord can ask to evacuate the property before the tenancy contract’s expiration in the following cases: 

• Rent has not been paid for more than 30 days after the tenant was notified.

• The tenant gives the property to a third party without written consent or permission from the landlord.

• The renter uses the property for different illegal activities.

• When a tenant makes unnecessary changes to the property, restoring it to its original state is difficult.

• If urgent maintenance is required on the property.

In all the above cases, the landlord should notify the tenant, 90 days before the contract ends. If the landlord does not inform the tenant before 90 days, the tenant can register a case with Rent Disputes Settlement Case at the Dubai Land Department.

Is The Landlord Allowed To Enter The Property In The Tenant’s Absence?

According to tenants’ rights in Dubai, the landlord is not allowed to enter the property in the tenant’s absence or without his permission. 

The Future of the Springbok Captaincy

The captaincy of the Springboks is currently at a crossroads, with significant attention focused on Siya Kolisi’s tenure as the leader. Kolisi’s recent move to Racing 92 in France has ignited discussions on whether the Springboks should continue with an overseas-based captain. Coach Rassie Erasmus has shown a preference for a captain based within South Africa, which brings Kolisi’s role into question, despite his impressive form and commitment to the national team​​​​.

The Criteria

The future captain will inherit not just a role within the games, but also the responsibility of being a global ambassador for South African rugby. This selection will reflect SA Rugby’s strategic vision and its emphasis on maintaining a cohesive and competitive national squad in preparation for a busy schedule, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup​​​​.

The criteria for the next captain will extend beyond their on-field skills to include their ability to inspire and unify the team, especially during challenging times. The new leader must balance exceptional performance with the responsibility of being a role model.

Candidates

Looking beyond Kolisi, the debate around his successor is intensifying. The top candidates for the role include Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am, and Bongi Mbonambi. 

Eben Etzebeth is known for his formidable presence and vast experience, including previous stints as a leader with the Boks. Renown for his formidable work rate, Etzebeth leads from the front​​ and is well-respected by all.

Lukhanyo Am offers a strategic and calm approach, crucial for high-pressure games. His experience as captain of the Sharks highlights his ability to lead effectively. However, he is criticised for not being outspoken and his starting position is contested​​.

Rumoured as frontrunner, Bongi Mbonambi is massively respected within the squad. As hooker, he is central to the forward pack, where his motivational presence and tactical acumen come to the forefront, especially in set pieces and defence.

Each candidate presents a unique leadership style, which will be crucial as Rassie Erasmus aligns the team’s strategic direction towards future challenges, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This decision will influence not only the on-field tactics but also the overall team cohesion and resilience.

The Road Ahead

As the Springboks prepare for their upcoming fixtures and the ongoing evolution of their game plan, the choice of captain will undoubtedly be a cornerstone in their strategy. The anticipation around this decision reflects the profound impact a captain has, not just in leading the team in matches, but in steering the team’s cultural and strategic direction forward.