Hey music junkie,

Hope you've recovered from the madness that was last week. And you're covering your bases now that Kenyan winter is finally here. *Pulls duvet even closer*

Post maandamano, last weekend was quite eventful. Starting on Thursday evening with Hadithi Hangout Chapter 9. Even though the turnout was smaller than usual, we had such a fantastic time reading about the controversial Swahili love song Malaika and listening to the various versions ever made. Plus with music journalist Megamuia, MC Hamster and musician Kiria in the cozy Salon, the reading session turned into a whole podcast about collecting music, creating with a community, and overcoming jealousy of other “successful” creatives.

I know you can relate. 

Friday night was a crazy one. After catching a panel discussion of Africa is a Country magazine launch at The Mist (and free food), my friends went to the rooftop for a breather. Zahabu Sundowner was in full swing featuring sounds and skates on pride month.

My second time catching her set, there's a reason she's called Problematic Black Hottie. When I grow up, I want to make people dance like she does. And also when I grow up, I wanna learn how to skate. Because skateboarding is a superpower - of overcoming your fear of falling and taking risks over and over again. Kinda like life.

But the main party was the Africa is A Country afterparty. At 9:30pm, I took over from 7headcØ for my one hour set. The theme was revolutionary music, and that's exactly what I served. Check out what I mean here.

There was more party to come with DJ sets by Gatthoni, Just A Band (yes!), Kampire, Boima, Raph and a live set by Nabalayo. In between, I networked with the AIAC team inside the artist green room. We discussed the differences and similarities between Nairobi, Joburg and New York. And learnt that jaba in Kenya has a similar effect to coca leaves in Brazil.

Talk about a South to South connection 🌿

After leaving The Mall at 6am on Saturday, I was back at 6pm for more. Congolese artist Freed Mushaga and his band serenaded us at the Je Suis Live Experience show at Santuri Salon. And Hasira Hasara wowed us with her soulful Afrofusion DJ set.

Meanwhile, I led an engaging conversation on what our faces (Sura) means to us. The conclusion? We should learn to look at people not only with our eyes but also our hearts 😌

Next door at the SEMA classroom, Mia Nane collective hosted another freestyle hiphop session that was for lack of a better world - lit. My only issue was that the best rapper didn't win because more people voted for gender over quality. I guess elections are always the same.

And after resting on Sunday, I passed by The Mall on Monday. And was lucky to find that the Munyu exhibition which I mentioned I had missed was still open. So I took this lucky opportunity to check out Swift9’s first gallery exhibition which celebrated African bodies and their beauty. I was amazed at how the graffiti artist could spray paint on old gunias, makuti mats, even recycled spray cans.

I later asked him some questions, took a photo with him and even bought a piece of his art to take home. Because everybody deserves beautiful art in their lives.

The extended exhibition is now closed, for real. In case you missed it, don't worry. There's another one opening at Nairobi National Museum this Saturday. And more cool events happening this week, deets below!

PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH

The Revolutionary Kenyan playlist

If there's one thing I learnt last Friday, it's preparation is key. My Africa is a Country DJ set was meticulously curated from start to finish, and maybe that's why so many people loved it.

In case you missed it, I played a plethora of revolutionary Kenyan songs - from pop to Afrofusion to old school hiphop by Kalamashaka. Then I made a playlist to take you on that epic journey of liberation and celebration through our very own music. Also as an apology for not sharing the event here 🙏🏾

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Doucoura and Akoth Jumadi live at Alliance Francaise

Guess what, Bamako is coming to Nairobi this week! Malian trio Doucoura will be performing their traditional meets contemporary West African music complete with their talking drums. And they'll be joined on the Alliance stage by Kenyan Afrofusion singer Jumadi.

In case you can't make it this Wednesday, they'll also play their thrilling music live at Dagoz Big Nite on Friday at Carnivore. And at Dance Life Festival on Saturday at Kenya National Theatre (aka no excuse to miss them while they're on Nairobi) 🙌🏾

MAD Music Shuffle Club Edition at Santuri Salon

What happens when singers and rappers collaborate with DJs on stage without rehearsing? You get MAD Music Shuffle Club Edition.

In the first edition, MMS paired vocalists with a band to create fresh music on stage. This Friday, each musician will pick a random genre card, the DJ will play the beat, and the artist has to freestyle on it. If you love random magic or would like to challenge yourself, then this gig is for you 🎤

Conscious Kenya Social at Our Wonderhouse

This Saturday, the conscious community in Kenya reunites for another wholesome day in nature. Expect yoga, potluck picnic, kalimba circle (my favourite), games and ecstatic dance (another favourite). Plus an opportunity to shape the future of Kenya's wellness community.

If you're a conscious vendor or therapist, here's your chance to showcase what you offer. And if not, simply come enjoy the spirit of music, food, and ubuntu 😊

Okay, I have a little confession to make. Every time we meet and you tell me how much you enjoy this newsletter, it truly warms my heart - especially in this chilly weather.

So, I have a small favour to ask:

How would you describe this newsletter to someone who’s never read it?

Yes, this is me shamelessly asking for a review so that others can know about it and be as cool as you. Think of this as a chance to put someone on something you love. Also, one sentence is more than enough 🙂

Can't wait to read what you send me!

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha