Hey music junkie,

How are you flowing (or swimming) through March? Honestly, I don't know why we Kenyans love to make jokes about tragic incidents. Maybe humour is how we survive sometimes.

Anyway, I've been enjoying the downtime post-Kilele. While preparing to release my first ever single this month (bites finger nails). More on that soon 😁

On Thursday, I attended the AI x Podcasting masterclass at Creatives Garage on your behalf. I caught the presentation by Chief Mechanic Thayû halfway done. But theory was just the half of it.

After being treated to fruit juice and even (free?) lunch from Tamu Tamu Dishes, we were challenged to make a podcast using the AI tools we learnt about. My group of 3 made a 5-minute scripted audio drama about post-maandamano manenos. After coming up with the podcast idea, ChatGPT helped us write the script and the prompt for the soundtrack. Now I'm not a fan of AI music, but is it wrong to make a podcast soundtrack using Suno? 🤔

Before leaving the Mall, I peeped into Munyu Space where Njogu Kuria was setting up his Watchdogs exhibition. And oh it was so inviting - shiny metal artistic sculptures everywhere, colourful paintings made of broken vinyl pieces decorating the walls. We definitely must visit this month.

I then took a boda boda ride to Weal House in Upperhill, holding the back of the umbrella so it's not blown off by the wind. Labdi Live started 30 minutes late because Nairobi rain. And what a show!

At 7pm, Labdi's bassist Don Tambo serenaded us with his love songs. Luo benga artist Jose Langa reminded me of Brian Sigu with his deep voice and guitar playing. And when Labdi played her first set, myself and other brave ladies occupied the dancefloor at the front.

Ach13ng’s gorgeous voice filled the whole hall as she performed her new EP YOU, and mahn we love her. Virtuoso guitarist Henry Ngugi sang! The other surprise guest was Mozambican artist Muhamago played the mbira while his partner Labdi did what she does best.

As they performed my favourite love song Tikni, they blended it with Beyonce’s All Night Long. And when Labdi and Ach13ng harmonized their voices, we all went to heaven and back. Still have goosebumps thinking about it ✨

Another major highlight of the night was when Labdi did a run and Ach13ng copied it. Call and response. Hearing their unique and dynamic voices side by side was literal music to our ears!

Let's not forget the incredible instrumentalists of the night. Erico aka Mwagangi played djembe, congas and ohangla drums because #playKE. Don on bass, Kidum on drums and cowbell, and Henry on lead guitar held down the fort too.

When they played a chakacha rhythm, I started a duara (just like at Kilele Summit lol) and over 20 ladies danced in a circle for 5 minutes straight. Maybe even more.

Bi Jawar ignited us with African drums so spiritual you could feel ancestors dancing with us. And Labdi and her fly whisk from her Mizizi Ensemble performance blissed us with it. Because even though we're in the city, we're proudly keeping our culture alive through music 🙌🏾

At the end of the 3-hour concert, everyone commented how beautiful it was. Spectacular lineup and curation. Well done sound, barely any hitches. And the MC, weh!

Sprinkled fun facts about Labdi during the show, through fun trivias. Dropped mum jokes along the way, as I always do. And reminded people why Benga is the Kenyan sound.

By the sheer amount of positive affirmations I received, I'm definitely doing opening and closing meditations at more events - not just at Hadithi Hangout. Labdi said she made the right decision, and strangers told me I was an amazing host. Gives me confidence to emcee some more.

The next day was Social Friday (and not the event). I met Santurians post Kilele Summit who are thankfully still alive. Posted a video review of Maia and The Big Sky, a Kenyan album so faya it made me cry that day. I also shared a recap reel of my most recent Zahabu Sundowner where I played Flava za Pwani including Swahili RnB - or as I like to call it #TaaRnB.

Instead of attending Zahabu, I downloaded more Kenyan R&B songs in order to record a DJ set. And in between engaged in controversial conversations about polyamory. Because we decided to stay in The Mall all night long instead of swimming home.

At 3am, I checked out The Mist simply out of curiosity - wasn’t in the mood to party. Deejay Annxious was playing dirty dancehall which got me asking - why can't we have conscious dancehall too? I started this conversation with a familiar face who agreed with me that music is food for the mind so be careful what you feed it. And then it flowed to story za jaba juice - and tea.

Even as The Mist closed and our friends left the Mall, we stayed back watching videos of this cool contemporary Maasai dancer, Gikuyu women throat singing, and two murima episodes of Uli and Tata. And only left after catching the Saturday sunrise at the rooftop.

In short, it was a divine connection that only happened because we both went to The Mist that night. Shout out to the deejay for inspiring our deep discussions too 🙌🏾

After resting over the weekend, I finally finished the 30 day challenge! The final review was Heavy Combination, the 2025 compilation album of Joseph Kamarû's greatest hits. And to celebrate together, here's a playlist featuring our favourite songs from the 30 faya Kenyan albums and EPs 🎶

And now, more to look forward to…

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

Say it with me…

• Book free workspace or event space in CC Hub Lavington

• Get a mobility grant to travel to an African or European country - 15th March

• Write a short story about non-romantic love and win a cash prize - 16th March

• Apply to be a highly-paid editor of African news magazine The Continent - 23rd March

• Join this intimate music incubator for young female singers and songwriters - 31st March

• Create an innovative audio work on Trash or Treasure and win $750 - 6th April

• Experience Kisima Festival 2026 as a visual artist or live performer - 20th April

• Perform 100% live African music at the next Sauti za Busara Festival - 30th June

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

KE Takeover at Masshouse Ngong Racecourse

If you love Kenyan music like me, then you will love this party. KE Takeover by Kenyan Pick is back - this time at Masshouse. And local legends Yah Listen, Kayrop, Monzo, GI Selects and Ojizzo will be playing 100% Kenyan music all night long (there we go again, lol)

Dress code? Your favourite Kenyan brands and thrift fits. Come let's get down to all the bangers this Furahiday 🕺🏾

Culture Shock listening party at Snowball Studios

Does this face look familiar? It's the new look of Afrofusion king Ambasa Mandela who has been preaching love through his conscious music and powerful voice since his Sarabi band days in the 2000s.

This Saturday evening, he's teasing his brand new (and should I say solo debut) album Culture Shock. Come be the first to listen, discover and maybe get a little shocked by his evolving sound at Snowball Studios. Then tell us all about it 😉

LaSauce party at Chronos Lounge

After a faya African party in February, La Sauce is back this Saturday night. Ghanaian-based French DJ BBrave is also back with more classics from West Africa. And will get the party going alongside Kenyan selektas Shishi and Afriikhun (not to be confused with Afrikan).

Tbh, it's a dream to play at LaSauce - can only imagine the benga bangers I’d drop on that dancefloor. But for now, enjoy all the ndombolo you might not get in another classy lounge like Chronos 😏

See you on the dancefloor real soon. And tell your MP we’re tired of walking on on water like Yeshua, or Sofiya Nzau. We just want to swim in the ocean please 🌊

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha