Hey music junkie,

I have NEVER seen anything like this before. I bet your haven't either. Unless you were part of Kenya’s first fight for independence in the 1950s.

And you know what, it really feels like Mau Mau is back. I felt their spirit in the air as allies gave comrades free drinking water in the foggy and messy streets. I heard it as tear gas canisters exploded in the distance, like bombs dropping in the middle of Mt Kirinyaga forest. I saw it as young people applied toothpaste on their faces like war lines.

Funny but true.

Protesting on the Nairobi streets last Thursday was something out of an action movie. Marching among thousands of young fiery Kenyans, including our own musicians such as Juliani, H_art The Band and Billy Black. It was intense, thrilling and liberating!

And to end the revolutionary weekend, my friends and I attended the last show of Daiverse. Ngartia made us shout REJECT and sing “Ametuzoea ametuzoea, Zakayo ametuzoea”. And one powerful piece reminded us that a greedy government which exploits its people will eventually destroy itself.

As we continue to reject overtaxation, opression and neocolonialization, let's also remember what we're fighting for. What we want to see in a new and improved Kenya. Truth, Love, and Justice.

That's why in today’s newsletter, I share music that will give you a hope and a future for a better nation. And events where we can experience love, healing and community.

Are you ready comrade?

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK

Za Mapambano

I wish I came up with this playlist because it's GENIUS. Fellow Kenyan music curator Kophen created a collaborative playlist of all the revolutionary songs we know. And so far it has over 300 songs!

Play this timely soundtrack as you prepare to go out to the streets for an extra boost of bravery. Or as you tweet and retweet furiously you keyboard warrior #everyrolecounts ✊🏾

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

TCHNO Takeover at The Mist

I know I mentioned this event during the previous newsletter. However, it was rescheduled to this Friday which is probably a good thing.

Techno is one healing genre of music, just ask any techno head. And TCHNO Takeover will introduce you to the underground sound through a music making circle, a live production set and Daiverse DJ sets. Expect to walk out of The Mist feeling like a brand new person 🙌🏾

Nairobi Dub Club is back

Did you know July 1st is International Reggae Day? To celebrate this African liberation holiday, Umojah Sound System is throwing a special reggae and dub party at The Mall!

After their film screening last Friday at Santuri, come experience sound system culture live with MC Empress Kare, international selectors and the baddest sound system in Kenya. We'll be skanking all our troubles away 🕺🏾

Continue being the brave citizen you are, wherever you are. And remember People Power is our greatest strength. Bado mapambano 🎶

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha

(P.S. If you tried to email me, apologies for the delivery error message. I cleaned out my inbox just for you. Let's talk :)