Hey music junkie,

If there's one thing I've learnt these past few days, it's don't overplan your days. Luckily, i learnt it in the most pleasant way.

You see, after spending most of last week at home, I was ready to go out and make moves on Friday. And I'm not talking about dance moves. I mean work moves.

Since I don't have a working laptop, my plan was simple. Go to the office, edit my website, make Canva posters and record my next DJ mix. Because DJ Raha gotta stay sharp yoh.

But here's what happened instead.

After hugging all my colleagues and dodging their “happy new years”, I peeped into the studio. There I found Sam Mbugua aka Yah Listen, Revamp of XPRSO, Santuri’s SnSe and Kimina making a track. We need help on vocals, Yah Listen said. Can you help?

Of course, I answered.

And that is how I ended up spending the whole evening in Santuri's music studio. I watched how music producers make beats, how songwriters write hooks, and how they record on the mic. And I got the chance to help Yah Listen do the last two. In the end, we had two demo tracks which everybody liked. And I gave everyone a green banana as a thank you gift for inviting me into their creative space.

So did I do what I wanted to eventually? Well, as I was about to record my DJ mix, I met a newbie in the Salon. Turns out he was Jiwe Studios’ operations guy aka their perfect. And this was his first week at his new job.

Because he was super interesting, we spent the next couple of hours bantering and making fun of each other. And he actually helped me edit my website by sharing critical feedback on my bio.

Even though it was kinda harsh, I needed to hear it.

As for the DJ mix, I never did it. But something cooler happened. While at The Mist during the reopening night, I offered to take over from Raph who was too tired. And that's how I ended up playing on Saturday 4AM to 4 people on the dancefloor, lol. While I had fun (as always), that experience showed me where I need to improve.

Moral of the story? Even though you have great plans in mind, sometimes the universe has better ones. So go with the flow and see how much fun you can have.

Speaking of flow, lately I've been thinking about our Tala trip in December. Remember it? Well I got some tasty photos for you to experience those 4 days in the countryside where we ate soft mûthokoi, hiked an insane hill and held a fashion show in the forest. The above photo is proof.

Check out all of them here ✨

This is super timely as we have another Tala getaway this weekend! But first, some music for you.

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK

98’s Top 50 Kenyan songs of 2024

Have you been looking for new music to take you through January? Well as we wait for our Kenyan musicians to drop bangers hotter than the sun, here's something to keep you company.

Welcome to Patrobas’s popular playlist of his Top 50 Kenyan songs of 2024. You'll be surprised to discover gems you haven't heard of before, like I was. You'll recognize many favourites, which are also in my upcoming DJ mix.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

MathewMatix Unplugged 2025 at Geco Cafe

Lovers of live Kenyan music, please stand up! This Wednesday we have a special treat as celebrated Kenyan drummer Mathew has curated a one-of-a-kind show featuring more than 10 Kenyan queens!

I'm excited to watch Koko Koseso live whose debut album is absolute Afrofusion heaven. Also on the lineup are legends such as June Gachui, Mayonde, Sanaipei, Amileena and more. Can you believe all this for free?

Keep Hush Nairobi at The Mist

This Friday, London party Keep Hush is coming to Nairobi for the very first time. And on the lineup are Mistfits Gatthoni, BBYY on the Island, Coco Kahi, SnSe and Sayari Sikhupi. Fun fact: 2 of them played at the recent Beneath The Baobabs Festival in Kilifi.

For this free event, expect bass and electronic music vibes at Nairobi's coolest club. All you have to do is RSVP to be part of this underground party.

Creatives kwa Village in Tala

And what are you upto this weekend? If you're craving something different from your usual routine, join us in Tala Kangundo. Because creatives also belong kwa Village.

Thanks to artist collective Mashariki Vibes, we'll enjoy DJ music, film, fashion and climate action fun in the heart of Ukambani. And like last time, they'll be plenty of muratina too!

Surprise yourself and do something new this week. And remember to go with the flow, magic awaits you ahead. See you soon 🙂

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha