Hey music junkie,

What crazy times we're living in, right? Still we have to find ways to ground ourselves, stay sane and feel alive. That's what I've been doing this last week.

On Wednesday, my podcaster friend invited me to iHub Nairobi, at the swanky Jahazi Building on James Gichuru Road. We went on a tour through their state of the art podcasting studios which … get this… are free to use! All you have to do is complete this 2-day gender equitable storytelling workshop to gain access to both their podcasting rooms and editing suites.

Later, we attended the first concert in Nairobi by Doucoura band all the way from Mali. Dressed in attire that resembled mudcloth, they played their traditional instruments - tamani akai talking drums, n’goni a West African harp which when plugged in sounded like an electric guitar, a gourd and giant drums. Interestingly, Kake Wakake and Akoth Jumadi also joined them on nyatiti and guitar respectively. Talk about an East to West African music connection.

On Thursday, I started the Audio Girl Africa Summer Program for African women in music. One of the opportunities I shared 2 weeks ago here, and I got in. To be honest, it's kicking my ass because where’s the time to attend all those online classes. I'll update you as time goes …

On Friday, South African-based DJ iamsiwas and Selekta V (Valerie Muthoni’s new DJ alias) took over Zahabu Sundowner. Meanwhile at The Mall basement, MAD Music Shuffle Club Edition was maaad! With Wendy Kay, Ryte and I on decks, bold musicians took the mic and freestyled on our beats. The stars of the night were Kitticai and his Bidhaa, and Munyaka King aka Anko 😎

Saturday was nice, cold and easy at Our Wonderhouse. Conscious Kenya Social started with yoga and breathwork which left me zen and relaxed. Thanks to the community potluck, I ate fresh fruits all day. We then had a conversation about what it means to be conscious and awake. Games with Sham that brought the kids and adults together to play, while the Kalimba discussion with the ALTernatives was pure meditation.

But the highlight of the night: Ecstatic Dance! With silent disco headphones on, we danced barefoot on the ground under the half moon - call it an Earthdance. Then the banana forest called me. In Kilifi, I always hug baobab trees - but banana trees need love too. Plus have you ever danced to Afrohouse on top of a banana, or any tree for that matter?

Try it before you transition.

The way you can get high on marijuana or love, I was extremely high on music. Conscious music. There's a reason it's called ecstatic dance.

After that soul liberating session, we sat around the bonfire beating stories as we normally do at Tupone, another community wellness event. The next edition is coming this July 26th, you can RSVP for free here.

On Sunday, my dancing partner and I attended the last day of the Dance Life Festival. This 6th annual edition at Kenya National Theatre featured dance performances by acclaimed artists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the DRC, and Switzerland, as well as dance films from South Africa and Germany, and musical acts from Kenya, Uganda, and Mali (aka Doucoura). And the festival spanned 3 days

From the beginning it was all so emotive, from the contemporary dance moves to the soulful soundtracks. Who knew watching dance could move you on the inside and make you feel things. Strano by a Swiss choreographer featured dancers with one leg, challenging ableism and encouraging interdependence. Dancing Feet from Kisumu tackled the societal obstacles girls face in their pursuit to education.

But our favourite was Hata Dakika by Tanzanian dancers Rabia and Ivan. What happens when we don't listen to each other? Throughout the duet, their bodies kept screaming to each other “niiskize”. And when they did, it was so beautiful I almost shed a year.

It was also beautiful to see Ach13ng back on stage alongside her brothers in music Baraza and Duara. They made us sing along to all their four songs about love and friendship. After 2 songs I was crying, literally.

After the final dance, we watched a flash mob outside, networked and sipped muratina. And I couldn't help but think how blissed we are to experience art as human beings. I honestly can't wait for the next Dance Life Festival - invite me for more dance performances too.

The biggest lesson of the weekend: we don't know how long we've got so LIVE NOW. Follow your heart. Be daring. Get out of your comfort zone. Do something different. And drink jaba 🍹

EP OF THE WEEK

Thatched House by Küribã

My favourite Kilifi DJ producer just dropped his second EP in of the year. This is new old music, made between 2015 and 2020. However, the 5-track EP sounds fresh and futuristic, blending house and Afrotech with nature sounds and folkloric samples.

From Maasai chants to mwomboko beats, you never know what to expect with this Kenyan EP. If you love house music, now welcome to the Thatched House 🎶

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Mgeni Experience Play at Kali Works, Ngara

Have you ever felt like a visitor in a strange place? Welcome to The Mgeni Experience, a thought-provoking play about the exchange between the visitor and the host navigating cultural contrasts, unspoken expectations, and the dance of hospitality. Expect humor, conflict, and heart.

Directed by Esther Kamba, the Kenyan play unfolds right inside an art exhibition of stunning works by TK Theresia Kyalo, curated by Musa of Made With Love Company. Plus Kali Works is where craft, art & community meet ✨

Thaat Bhairavi and Kwa Ishara Taarab band at Alliance Francaise

In celebration of World Kiswahili Day on Saba Saba, Alliance Francaise is hosting a whole week of events around Coastal culture. This Friday, experience spiritual music by Indian Sufi band Thaat Bhairavi based in Nairobi alongside Kwa Ishara Taarab band all the way from Malindi.

If you attended Hadithi Hangout or listened to the Soundcloud recording, you know Swahili taarab music has Indian and Arabic influences. This unique concert will bring two worlds of the East African Coast together on one stage. And you can admire the art exhibition on The Timeless Dhows afterwards ⛵

Iamsiwas at The Mist Westlands

And if you're in the mood for dancing and letting loose, this is the plan. Iamsiwas who's visiting Kenya and who played at Zahabu Sundowner last Friday is now descending to the basement. Bringing healing music vibes from Kenya, Africa and the world.

Also on the decks are our favourite Mistfits Gatthoni and Sayari Sikhupi. See you on the dancefloor maybe? 💃🏾

With everything going on around us, remember to stay safe, grounded, and happy. And if you need a weekend pick-me-up, listen to this short and sweet DJ mix I made for you. It's the perfect heat for this cold July.

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha