Unguja. Bryan Singer, the acclaimed director of the hit film Bohemian Rhapsody, has on Friday January 3, 2025, visited the Freddie Mercury Museum in Shangani, Zanzibar, marking his first visit to the island.
The museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, is located in the historic Shangani area, where Mercury was born and spent his early years.
During his visit, Singer had the opportunity to explore the exhibits that chronicle Mercury’s formative years in Zanzibar before he went on to achieve global stardom.
The museum houses a range of rare photographs, personal artifacts, and insightful stories that offer a glimpse into the life of one of rock music’s most iconic figures.
The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM, welcoming fans and visitors from around the world to celebrate Mercury’s extraordinary life.
Bohemian Rhapsody, the biographical drama directed by Singer and released in 2018, captivated audiences worldwide.
The film tells the story of Queen and its unforgettable frontman, Freddie Mercury, whose powerful voice and unique persona redefined rock music
The film earned widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for Rami Malek, who portrayed Mercury in an unforgettable performance.
As one of the most successful films of 2018, Bohemian Rhapsody reignited interest in Mercury’s life and career, making the Freddie Mercury Museum an even more significant cultural landmark.
Singer’s visit to the museum not only highlights the importance of Mercury’s roots in Zanzibar but also underscores the global impact of the film, which continues to inspire new generations of fans.
The museum remains a must-visit destination for music lovers and those who wish to learn more about the man who changed the course of rock history.
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The rise in half-year net profit from Sh1.64 billion posted in a similar period last year came on the back of net investment income rising 2.5 times to Sh13.27 billion from Sh5.3 billion.
“We are confident in the growth and performance trend that Britam has achieved, supported by its subsidiaries in Kenya and the region. Our business is expanding its revenue base while effectively managing costs,” Britam Chief Executive Officer Tom Gitogo said.
“Our customer-centric approach is fueling growth in our customer base and product uptake, particularly through micro-insurance, partnerships, and digital channels.”
The investment income growth was fueled by interest and dividend income rising 34 percent to Sh9.1 billion, which the insurer attributed to growth in revenue and the gains from the realignment of the group’s investment portfolio.
Britam also booked a Sh3.79 billion gain on financial assets at a fair value, compared with a Sh1.8 billion loss posted in a similar period last year.
The increased investment income helped offset the 12.7 percent decline in net insurance service result to Sh2.13 billion in the wake of claims paid out rising at a faster pace than that of premiums received.
Britam said insurance revenue, which is money from written premiums, increased to Sh17.8 billion from Sh16.6 billion, primarily driven by growth in the Kenya insurance business and regional general insurance businesses, which contributed 30 percent of the revenue.
The group has a presence in seven countries in Africa namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Malawi.
Britam’s insurance service expense hit Sh13.6 billion from Sh11.3 billion, while net insurance finance expenses rose 2.6 times to Sh12.3 billion during the same period.
“Net insurance finance expenses increased mainly due to growth in interest cost for the deposit administration business driven by better investment performance. This has also been impacted by a decline in the yield curve, which has led to an increase in the insurance contract liabilities. The increase has been offset by a matching increase in fair value gain on assets,” said Britam.
Britam’s growth in profit is in line with that of other Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed insurers, which have seen a rise in profits.
Jubilee Holdings net profit in the six months increased by 22.7 percent to Sh2.5 billion on increased income from insurance, helping the insurer maintain Sh2 per share interim dividend.
CIC Insurance Group posted a 0.64 percent rise in net profit to Sh709.99 million in the same period as net earnings of Liberty Kenya nearly tripled to Sh632 million from Sh213 million, while Sanlam Kenya emerged from a loss to post a Sh282.2 million net profit.
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