Hey music junkie,

What do you do when it's cold in Nairobi? Do you stay under a duvet all day as you work and play? Or do you face it head on with someone by your side?

Remember Mwomboko - the Kikuyu music genre I mentioned which we explored during the previous Hadithi Hangout. Well last Friday, I came across a karing'aring'a player in Ngara Market. It was just him, his portable speaker playing Kikuyu songs, and his metal car bearing in hand playing a captivating rhythm.

Talk about synchronicity!

Later that evening, I attended the 7 years of Open Mic celebration at The Mall parking lot. Even though I was late, I was lucky to catch Emmanuela on guitar and one of my favourite Kenyan bands Kikosi. Ugandan DJs Maganda Shakul and iamRonny then closed Zahabu Sundowner with their Bakisimbatronics and Afrohouse sets respectively.

And before leaving The Mall, I designed another makanga with Adam Yawe. It is called panAfrikanga because it's inspired by panAfricanism. Coming soon to a wall near you.

On Saturday , I visited a sistar in Jericho estate - have you been there? Unlike most neighbourhoods in Eastlands, it still has old identical houses built during colonial times. You can really feel the peaceful and community vibes there 🌿

The night took us to KODA presents Hyenah event in Westlands. The masked Berlin DJ blew me away with his rare Afrohouse selections and house songs with uplifting messages. Meanwhile in Room 2, I enjoyed Breathrenn, Ng’at Maler and Rheina’s techno sets. And I left with a goofy TCHNO button in hand.

Sunday was fo(rest) and relaxation. I sat next to a stream near a forest in Kiambu, slipped my feet inside while balancing on the slippery rocks, and washed my face with the icy water. Felt like I was born anew - aka free nature therapy.

Tuesday was literally the coldest day in Nairobi - there was so much fog you'd think you were in Limuru. Still I attended a full-day safeguarding training at work. We discussed how being Kenyan affects how we work and talk to our colleagues, and how to become a creative professional through your actions. We even received a simple script for solving conflict.

Have you ever done a safeguarding workshop at your office? I’m curious to know if this is a common thing.

As you tell me, here’s some entertainment for you 🎶

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK

Music of the month - July 2025

I know we're August, but it's so cold you'd think we're still in July. So here are some faya Afrohouse hits by DJ Mura, Liboi and Tina Ardor. Plus some Kikuyu amapiano all the way from Nyahururu.

Dancehall/ gengetone is making a major comeback in the Kenyan airwaves, just check out Nameless, Iyanii and Iddi Singer. And for the song of the month - All my enemies are suffering - because they can't steal your shine ✨

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Waridi3 Tour finale at Alliance Francaise Nairobi

What happens when hiphop meets orchestra music? You get Waridi3, Checkmate Mido’s hiphop symphony concert orchestrated by the legendary Levi Wataka.

After performing in Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu, Waridi3 tour makes its final stop this Wednesday night at Alliance Francaise Nairobi. Come experience this final free concert supported by the Creation Africa program by HiiStage grant. And hear the magic Kenyan hiphop and orchestra music can create together 🎻

Kenyan Karaoke Night at Santuri Salon

After taking a 2 year break, Kenyan Karaoke Night is back! Yes, I'm super excited to host another night where we sing our favourite Kenyan songs, karaoke style. Everything is on the menu, from golden oldies to 2000s throwbacks to current hits.

If you love to sing, watch people sing, or both, then this is for you. No pressure to perform, just express and be yourself with other music junkies 🙌🏾

Mekatilili wa Menza Cultural Festival in Malindi

If you're at the coast, this is where you need to be Wednesday to Friday. The 22nd annual edition of Mekatilili wa Menza Cultural Festival is happening again in Malindi (yes, I said 22!). Three days of community building where people will eat, dance, and celebrate life together.

The festival includes community healing, a street carnival and intergenerational dialogue between the youth and the elders. Come ready to enjoy traditional food, cultural music and ecstatic dance, Mijikenda style 💃🏾

Don't let the cold put you down. Get out, show up and share the heat with someone. Also, hot herbal tea is your best friend 🙂

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha