Hey music junkie,

Wow. What a long interesting weekend it has been full of many firsts. Sit back cause I have lots of stories to share with you.

Did you know Thursday 5th June was World Environment Day? To commemorate, I attended the first ever Nairobi Climate Film Festival at Creatives Garage where we watched short films about Mother Earth. From Plastic Fantastic to a Waste Picker’s Story in Dandora dumpsite, the main takeaway was plastic not only destroys the environment but also human’s health too. As you use a plastic straw or buy a drink in a plastic bottle, please ask yourself which river or dumpsite it will end up in.

Yup, it's that serious.

Friday was Kenyan Reggae Night at The Mist. During my opening DJ Raha set, I debuted Zikki's new album Angaza. People loved his Sina Makosa reggae remix. And Gikuyu reggae tunes kutoka murima.

As for me, I loved Lucy Lugano latest song Grateful. Plus she's a fantastic performer with a gorgeous voice!

On Saturday, I attended my first Monateng event in Nairobi (the other one was in Kilifi back in 2021). Since June is pride month, cool kids showed up in all rainbow colours at Two Grapes Kilimani. And colourful visuals by Flower and Sayankah made the stage even more appealing.

DJ Miss Ray made us dance to 3 step and Afrohouse bangers, while Mashok sampled Sumbua, the hottest Kenyan house song right now. On the dancefloor, I connected with Patrobas Masika, a fellow upcoming Kenyan DJ with whom we exchanged deejaying notes and dance moves.

And finally, DJ Miss Ray, Avocado.theDJ together with the baddest band in town performed live Afrohouse, infused with keys, guitar and drums. It was the first time I had ever heard anything like that. One hour long, I only wish it was longer.

Also I can definitely see myself playing at Monateng one day. Pure Kenyan house music 💃🏾

Before leaving, I had my first experience of rapé. That's sacred tobacco from Amazon in case you're wondering. Blown directly into the nostrils with a pipe unlike normal snuff, it was so intense I thought I wouldn't make it. But deep breaths plus soulful house plus moral support from Long Exhales grounded me. And eventually, my heart flung open and I could speak my truth.

Sunday welcomed more wellness at Kisima Festival's second community day at Our Wonderhouse. Though I missed the meditation session, I caught half of somatic yoga. Talk about an event being on time.

After kombucha, bananas and homemade jaba juice, I attended the card reading workshop with Neha. The lesson? Anyone can read cards as long as you connect to your intuition.

Afterwards we had a singing circle with Narissa leading on vocals and Kiria on guitar. Improv contact with Shayur was even more fun than the first time at Kisima Festival 2024. I was smiling like a child throughout the whole dance session.

And finally, I played a short and sweet DJ set in the green garden. It featured mostly coastal tunes from Juma Tutu to Afrosimba that made us shake our waists and shoulders. Must be the dera.

On Monday, I was invited to the Ukombozi library event in Kabete. Together with members of various liberation groups in Kenya, we discussed alternative economic systems, saccos and cooperatives to unite Africans. Viva comrade viva ✊🏾

June is heating up especially as we remember the historic protests from 2024. And this album is the soundtrack of the season.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH

crldsncs vol ii by mrnayed

The hearts of most people in the world are heavy, and so is mrnayed’s. That's why the Kenyan multidisciplinary artist released his sophmore EP (read colored sonics volume two) on June 1st aka Madaraka Day. This 7-track EP is a reflection of the current state of Kenya and the world because msanii ni kioo cha jamii.

He laments about social injustices, poor governance, and relentless poverty on top of hiphop, rock and experimental beats. But at the end gives us hope with the message “liberation inakam na mayout wanang’am” ✊🏾

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Ala Zetu by Liboi at Goethe Institut

How many Kenyan musical instruments do you know? In April, Afrofusion musician Liboi held a residency in Nanyuki with nyatiti legend Makadem and adeudeu player Mukabwa. They not only co-created but also recorded music together.

This Thursday 6pm, they're bringing ala zetu (our instruments) to Goethe Institut Nairobi. If you'd love to connect the sounds of Africa and our ancestors, this free show is for you 🎶

June 25th album launch at Kenya National Theatre

We met during Nem R's magical live acoustic show at Santuri Salon in May. After a pleasant conversation, he gifted me a physical(!) copy of his latest album June 25th. Made in honour of the unforgettable day when Kenyans occupied Parliament.

This Kenyan hiphop album is as conscious as it gets, featuring maandamano skits and traditional instruments such as wandindi aka orutu and Chuka drums. Monaja is launching it live this Saturday alongside his friends, and GenZ-ote are welcome 🙌🏾

Afrohouse x Techno at KODA Nairobi

After reigniting our Mau Mau fire, we let go of the angst on the dancefloor - because rebels also gotta heal. This is where KODA x TCHNO event comes in, bringing Afrohouse and techno together at KODA Nairobi.

Room 1 is for the soulful uplifting grooves of Afrohouse while Room 2 invites you to the dark depths of techno music. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed to heal on the dancefloor ✨ 

As you can tell, we're about to have one revolutionary weekend ahead. Tap into the full moon energy in the air, uplift your soul with conscious music, and let go of what no longer serves you. And remember, liberation Inakam!

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha