Hey music junkie,

What an intense couple of days it has been. The internet has been ablaze with activism like we've never seen before. #RejectFinanceBill2024 is the new motto.

Watching videos by brave Kenyans has continuously set our hearts on fire. I'm extremely proud of everyone who's been supporting the cause and standing up for our rights whether online and offline. Including the Gen Z baddies who showed up to protest on Tuesday 😁

Meanwhile, my little corner has been full of events - as always. Last Thursday I got to host Waithaka's album listening session + Q&A at Santuri Salon. What an intimate and lively session that was. But it was only the prelude.

The main event was Waithaka’s 20th year music anniversary on Saturday at Kuona Artists Collective. And let me tell you Maina, I was so nervous before going up on stage to introduce the performing artists. I hadn’t emceed to a crowd that big before since 2018!

But after a couple of rounds I eased into the role. I engaged the crowd, asked questions and cracked super dry jokes (as always).

And after a super successful show, I visited one of the artist workshops before going home. Met a super talkative Kenyan artist whose work also speaks volume. And she let me take photos with her gorgeous art (after I said please).

Here's what she told me about her art 

Before I tell you about this week’s events, I got some artist opportunities for you. Aka opportunities for you to get paid in this economy. Are you ready?

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

Let's Make That Money

If you're a writer, filmmaker or photographer, this is for you 🙂

• Apply for the Sandbox Film Fund for independent filmmakers working on feature-length documentary projects - apply by June 24th

• Submit a short story for the Imagine 2200 climate fiction contest and win a cash award - June 24th

• Win the NewComma Creative Fund £100 microgrant with no strings attached - 30th June

• Apply to win at The Eiger Foundation African Photobook of the Year Awards with your published photographic publication - 1st July

• Submit your documentary, animation film or XR work to be screened at DOK Leipzig 2024 autumn festival - 1st July

EVENT OF THE WEEK

Dai Verse Rerun

Did you miss the first Dai Verse show in April 2024? Me too. That's why we cannot afford miss the rerun happening this weekend.

After reading the most spectacular review on Sanaa kwa Sana and some tweets too (or is it Xs), Ngartia’s comeback poetry show promises to be deep, musical and healing. I honestly curious to see how songstress Chemutai Sage fares as an actor 😌

As we continue to fight for our rights and our dignity, remember to take time to breathe. And dance too, it shakes the stress away. Oh, and support a Kenyan artist, mkay?

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha