Hey music junkie,

The big day finally happened. Where were you on June 25th? What did you see and feel? Did you inhale copious amounts of teargas?

Before I tell you about mine, here's what the lead up looked like…

Friday was one intense day. I arrived at Santuri Salon at 2pm for the SEMA Graduation ceremony, where 40 graduates each gave a sweet speech about their 4-week experience. After snacks and juice, the new DJs and music producers performed at the Salon, before taking the party upstairs to Zahabu Sundowner.

In the midst of all the chaos, I caught a bit of the Artist Talk at Munyu Space. Too bad I missed the art exhibition by graffiti artist Swift9 which closed on Tuesday. There's always a next time, right?

Luckily, I caught the Problematic Black Hottie at The Mist (yes, that's an artist name). From the moment I stepped into the dancefloor, the bass and beats took over my body until I was jumping around like everybody else. Her set was so faya you need to catch the Detroit-based DJ this Friday evening at Zahabu Sundowner.

Saturday was another busy day. I uploaded the previous Chapter of Hadithi Hangout on Soundcloud, and probably my hottest DJ mix ever on Mixcloud. Before leaving the Mall, I caught a glimpse of PAWA254 Maandamano exhibition which honoured our shujaas from Mekatilili to GenZ.

And because 21st June is International Yoga Day, I attended an Afrikan yoga class by Zaka Haki which was so refreshing just like the Kisima Festival one (P.S. Early bird tix for Kisima 2025 are ending next week!) Followed by a sound healing journey which reconnected us to our ancestral names.

To crown the summer solstice night, a bunch of us yogis shared dinner at an Ethiopian kibandaski in Kilimani. While Habesha has privacy and ambience, Tesfa delivers mouthwatering flavour at a super friendly price.

Oh, and did you know there's a ChinaTown in Kilimani? Complete with Chinese Karaoke on the street, you feel like you're walking in Shanghai.

The weekend didn't want to stop. On Sunday, I travelled all the way to Sparrows Creek Ecocamp in Nkoroi (that's after Rongai town). Thankfully, my friend and I were welcomed with food, muratina, and a warm bonfire.

In case you're wondering, Sparrows is where my friends and I host Tupone, and practice living in an intentional community. And on Monday while washing almost 1000 dishes by myself, I learnt a couple of hard lessons about community living…

1. It’s okay to work while others rest - they were also working while you rested

2. It's also okay to ask for help, especially when someone else is stronger than you

3. When a stranger invites you to a meal by saying “karibu”, they actually mean it. So go and meet them as you eat.

Back in Nairobi, Tuesday was all work.work.work.work. On Wednesday, the streets weren’t calling my name so I decided to stay home. That's how I spent the day sleeping, drawing, and watching A Nu live concert by Karun on YouTube. Highly recommend it when you need chill relaxing music at home.

Someone once said Rest is a revolutionary act. And that's exactly what is needed. I salute all the brave revolutionaries who occupied the streets in the name of freedom ✊🏾

Now as we continue our fight for justice, here are some opportunities and events you deserve to experience.

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

For musicians, visual artists, and visionaries

• Get your drawing featured on FUKT Magazine for Drawing: The Sound Issue - 27th June

• Enrol in the Summer Music Business Mentorship Programme for women in music - 28th June

• Submit your short film to be screened at Creatives Garage’s Frame by Frame event - 30th June

• Win a fully-funded residency for sound artists in Palestine - 1st July

• Upskill through the Kenya Creator Economy Incubator for content creators and podcasters - 2nd July

• Become an Empowered Musician with this free hybrid program for young and upcoming musicians - 5th July

• Remix Major Lazer’s “Powerful” song and stand to win $9000 in studio prizes - 10th July

• Apply to perform at Babel Music XP 2026 in France - 19th July

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Hadithi Hangout Chapter 9 at Santuri Salon

After streaming Chapter 8 on Calotropis Radio, our community book club Hadithi Hangout is back this Thursday. This time, we're uncovering a decades-long mystery in Kenyan music history: who really wrote the famous Swahili love song Malaika?

While some people say it was written by Fadhili William, others claim it came from Adam Salim of Tanzania. Our big book Shades of Benga has a different story. Come find out the truth with us while listening to all the different shades of Malaika 🎶

After 4:30 book launch + play at Sarakasi Dome

51 years ago, literary giant David Maillu published After 4:30 capturing the pain, struggle and oppression of African women. Once banned, now the Kenyan book is back bigger and better with a brand new look!

This Saturday, we'll experience the first-ever live adaptation of the book on stage featuring famous Kenyan actors like Nice Githinji and Kigondu Martin. Plus powerful performances by Kenyan poets Willie Oeba and Musir Speaks, and reggae band Cheif and The Marshalls. Oh, and the first first 20 people to arrive at Sarakasi Dome get a free drink on the house 🙌🏾

Je Suis Live Experience: Sura at Santuri Salon

Have you ever watched Freed Mushaga live? If you said no, then you seriously need to. The Congolese Afrosoul musician launched his debut EP JE SUIS live in April, and has been touring East Africa ever since.

This Saturday, Freed is launching a brand new event series at the cozy Santuri Salon. The first theme is Sura, where we'll explore how our faces reflect who we are. Come explore identity through soulful African music, complete with a live band 🎸

As you can tell, the art revolution does not stop. Come listen, lend your voice, and be part of something unique. The world needs you 😌

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha