Hey music junkie,

Happy new moon. If society follows the solar calendar, I'm also allowed to follow the lunar calendar. Sindio? 😁

Last week I unfortunately caught a stomach bug - fancy name for a stomach infection. The only way to survive one is to eat bananas and plain rice until you feel better. No fatty, spicy or lactose-y foods - they'll come out faster than they came in.

Friday's plan was to attend Industry Talks then Funk & Disco Night at Chronos. Instead, I spent my whole evening at The Mall. Zahabu Sundowner felt like a high school reunion, or back to school moment. Yaani everyone and their children were there!

While dodging happy new years left right and center, I met a few people who were willing to talk about the year starting in March hehe. Afterwards, we played fun adult games that Muthoni and Neema from Calotropis had set up on the rooftop. Including hopskotch.

During this Calotropis Takeover, 7headc0 played Afrofunk, while Burugu and naniwho played chill sundowner music with a sprinkle of Kenyan music. Moige was the open format DK, jumping from Kenyan gengetone to American funk to Jamaican dancehall and reggae. And it got the people going!

It was also their birthday, and I loved how they emceed and sang as they deejayed. Kinda like what DJ Raha does.

My favourite moment was when Moige played two Dipa Konnection songs back to back. Those African drums ignited a spiritual moment which felt like we were dancing around a bonfire. If any Dipa Konnection member is reading this, please come back 🙏🏾

On Saturday, the plan was to attend Nick Wambugu's tribute at Unseen Nairobi. While waiting for my friends at the bus stop, a wild blue-and-white crowd landed from Moi Avenue to Kencom. They occupied the whole stage with the blaring sound of vuvuzelas, drums, and whistles in the air. And it wasn't just a men’s affair, I spotted some baddies too celebrating AFC Leopards’ win against APS Bomet. And you couldn't help but dance to that signature metal ring.

Now that's what you call a proper street sherehe 🕺🏾

After witnessing this spectacle, we finally arrived at 7:30. Since we had missed the tribute, we talked to his filmmaker friends, admired his giant picture and wrote him a message in a book.

We also got a chance to catch the 9pm screening of The People Shall which took us back to the GenZote maandamano in 60 minutes. And engaged in post-movie discussions about the next elections and how to change our country. Because #Rutomustgo, but who will replace him? 🤔

Before we left, we received buttons to always remember Nick aka Rambo ama DJ Msosi.

While looking for midnight food in Kilimani, we found an Ethiopian restaurant near where Moov Cafe used to be (RIP). This was my chance to practise Amharic, introduce my friends to Injera, and drink bunna which is the strongest coffee I've ever had. One cup hit like a Petiole jaba shot 🔌

Urban music later drew us upstairs to this mature club called Drinksapp. The selection was great but the DJ kept changing the song just when it was getting good. Frustrated, we went to investigate - it was someone playing music on YouTube. DJ Raha offered to take over, and ended up playing music from 3 till 6am. We started with urban R&B and Afro pop, and ended with Congolese rumba and Kenyan benga.

Si you know me 😏

Sunday was recovery mode at home. And on Tuesday, I started a new 30 day video challenge reviewing 30 faya Kenyan albums. The first two videos are out, check them out here. And let me know which Kenyan album or EP you’d love me to review next.

ARTICLE OF THE MONTH

Top 10 Kenyan albums and EPs of 2025

And speaking of albums, we just published our Top 10 list of Kenyan albums and EPs of the year. To be honest, I haven't listened to many 2025 projects (ahem Njerae) but for the ones I have, these 10 are worth it. Because they are big on African culture, collaboration, and main character energy.

Expect favourites by familiar artists like Okello Max and Zaituni. But also some underrated Afrofusion gems that deserve your ears this year 😎 

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Matatu Musical at Kenya National Theatre

There's a new musical in town! Blending singing, acting, and dancing, Matatu Musical is bringing Kenya's messy history to stage. Showing us how we got here politically and socially, while weaving in the chaotic world of matatu culture.

I love that master musicians such as Ambasa Mandela and Chris Adwar are part of this powerful production. And you can treat yourself to the magic they've created anyday between Thursday and Sunday 🙌🏾

Social Friday at Landmark Hotel Westlands

Would you like to make new friends in Nairobi? That's the premise of Social Friday which helps you make new connections over curated conversations, board games, and delicious drinks. Basically removing all the awkwardness of talking to strangers.

I personally love how each venue is a classy restaurant in Nairobi, like the Landmark Hotel near Westgate Mall. And you can play all the board games you like, even Kenya @ 50 🇰🇪

Leo Mkanyia live at Geco Cafe

As part of his East African tour promoting The Muzika project, Leo Mkanyia is coming to Nairobi! In case you're wondering, The Muzika is a live project dedicated to preserving and reimagining Tanzania’s diverse musical heritage. While Leo Mkanyia is a singer songwriter, prolific guitarist, and founder of Swahili blues music.

If you've ever wondered what Tanzanian music sounds beyond bongo, taarab or the crazy singeli, come experience Leo on Saturday for free. You might just end up falling in love with Swahili more.

P.S. I'll be part of a team building a cob house aka eco-friendly mud house this coming Moonday somewhere in Kikuyu. If you'd like to join us as a volunteer, reply to this email asap. Otherwise, wait to read about our mud adventures on the next newsletter 😉

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha