Hey music junkie,

It's good to be back home. And by home I don't mean Nairobi. But my mother’s house.

Since coming back to the city, it has been one emotional rollercoaster of tired days and sleepless nights. Of course it's impossible to sleep a good 8 or even 6 hours from Malindi to Nairobi, even if you're travelling in a shuttle van. All thanks to that midnight stop at Mtito Andei, but whyyy?

And then my Friday Kenyan Reggae Night experience was cut short by a family emergency. Which led me to sleep in a hospital bed for the next 3 nights. And sleep is an overstatement really.

I mean, how can you sleep when medics enter your room every 2 hours? When the cleaner checks in at 2 am to mop your already sanitized floor? Or when your son doesn't want to sleep cause he woke up from his nap at 8pm?

Talk about a proper night shift with the nurses.

But anyway, as Jimmy Gait once said kuteseka ni kwa muda. Whether that's operating on almost zero sleep, being broke for a whole month, or being overwhelmed by life’s responsibilities, we all go through tough times. Question is: how do you stay strong and move through them?

I guess you just do.

SONG OF THE WEEK

Rahama by Kaestrings

Ever since I listened to this song on my Music of the Month playlist, it's been playing constantly in my brain. Probably because of the powerful and emotional message behind it.

Even though it's a worship song, you don't have to be Christian or even religious to feel this deep in your soul. You can tell our Naija broda Kaestrings is channeling Spirit as he croons oooh and strings his guitar while the choir sing their heavenly harmonies. If you end up shedding a tear, #metoo.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Geng Geng

And now on a lighter note, Geng Geng is back once again at The Mist. Which was recently recognized as #ClubofTheWeek by the global platform Resident Advisor. Major deal by the way.

With Ng'at Maler, SnSe, Karl, Shikkiey on the decks and Rafikii and Sitonik (of Dipa Konnection) on the mic, expect a full-blown sherehe this Friday. With freestyle dance and rap battle to add spice to the party mix.

Shifting Tides 2 

When is the last time you got out of the house and went to an art gallery? And studied abstract as well as realistic paintings by not one but many visual artists?

That's what Shifting Tides II is about, a group exhibition featuring various talented artists including my soul sister Tizzita. While the launch is on Saturday, the exhibition will go on till 5th October.

P.S. Opening day is always a fantastic date idea, even with yourself.

No matter what you're going through, remember to take a healthy break through music, dance or visual art. Because you deserve it.

And hug someone today, you never know how much they (and you) need it.

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha

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