Hey music junkie,

I hope you're well and have been enjoying the full moon energy. Honestly, I haven’t connected with the full moon like this before. Probably the side effect of being in Kilifi.

Speaking of Kilifi, we've had quite a couple of interesting days here. It all started on Thursday night where I watched the Kenyan documentary Our Land Our Freedom at The Terrace.

Spoiler alert, it's about Mukami and her lifelong quest to find Kimathi’s remains in order to give her husband a proper burial. And her daughter’s quest to resettle Mau Mau veterans by giving them land the government never did. Definitely worth watching while it's still screening in Nairobi.

Then on Friday, we kicked off Baitu Series 3.0 with sunrise yoga overlooking the African ocean (yes I said it). And then we set up LaBendera's parking lot with plants, mats, palm leaves, purple clothes, dream catchers and everything we had. After lunch (read fruits and madafu), we had deep conversations about creativity, architecture and colonization. And finished with a music circle where we played kalimbas, percussions and the didgeridoo.

On Saturday, we started with a smudging ceremony where we cleansed ourselves with smoke from certain herbs. After an energizing yoga session (and jaba juice), we got to know our vendors and their stories better. Our surprise guest Wanje educated us on Giriama culture and history. And we made unique art using organic dyes and actual charcoal.

The highlight for me was getting these coconut shell earrings. All I had to do was exchange my mandala neckpiece which Ras Pato the vendor loved. Talk about barter trade!

After setting down for the final time, we set up a bonfire at our campsite. And danced to beautiful folk music from different parts of Africa, thanks to Agose. And when we woke up, Breathren blissed with a healing sunrise set.

Here's what Baitu Series 3.0 looked like ✨

My biggest takeaway from this alter-native event is the wonderful conscious community I met. Who I've been staying with ever since. Now as we prepare to heal some more at Kisima Wellness Festival, here's where you can connect with your own community.

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

It's time to elevate

• Attend Press Play 2.0 artist development workshop at Beneath The Baobabs Kilifi - 25th to 28th November

• Contribute an art piece to Qwani 3.0 about Maandamano and get paid for it - by 30th November

• Get funded by Africalia to carry out a cultural project in Nairobi - by 8th December

• Experience an all-expense paid writers residency in Munich Germany - by 13th December

• Elevate your photography practice with NEWF Reimagining African Narratives 6-month fellowship - by 15th December

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Kisima Wellness Festival 2024

When was the last time you attended a wellness festival in Kenya? I remember attending Kisima when it was still part of Kilifi New Years Festival in December 2019. Now we get 4 full days of healing and transformation Beneath the Baobabs.

I'm excited to experience the sacred kaya ceremony, Afrikan yoga, thai yoga massage, music nights and ecstatic dance. Plus some of our favourite musicians will be there including Zaituni Wambui, Lavosti and Nazizi!

TCHNO Takeover at The Mist

Meanwhile in Nairobi, a different kind of healing will be happening at The Mist. This one is powered by the dark bass-heavy sound called techno thanks to TCHNO Takeover.

This Friday, come early to catch a screening on the black history of techno music. Followed by a live production set and DJ sets that will get you dancing till sunrise. And all of this healing for free.

The Natural Beauty Soirée in Kitisuru

This Sunday event is for the ladies, and the ladies in your life. For the second edition of Ketel’s Beauty Soirée, come pamper yourself with natural beauty products from Africa. Have you tried qasil soap and kibe hair butter?

Beyond beauty, you'll also enjoy Ethiopian food, coffee and honey wine alongside other sistars. Talk about Sunday self care.

May these events and opportunities help you heal, reflect and win in life. And if you see me in Kilifi, do say hi. I'm not shy 🙂

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha