Hey music junkie,

How's Dezemba treating you? Are you still wrapping up work or have you already settled into the holiday/ sherehe season? Whichever it is, I'm here for it 🙌🏾

Since coming back, I've been laying quite low. Well, until Wednesday when I took a shuttle van all the way to Nakuru. After sleeping over at a friend’s, the next day we went to the immigration office to pick up my passport. Which was a suprisingly quick process. I wonder how it goes down at Nyayo House…

Other than avoiding that problematic building, this mini trip was a chance to experience Nakuru town. Which is busy but not as crowded as Nairobi - a relief. On the way back I enjoyed views of gorgeous hills, the Rift Valley, and even antelopes.

I'll admit, it was a tense journey as I had a panel discussion to host at 7pm. When I realized I wouldn't make it to Nairobi by then, I began inside the vehicle - thank heavens it was a quiet shuttle van. And finished at 8:45pm inside Santuri Salon at The Mall.

The panel? It was freaking fantastic. So many wonderful insights about the technicalities of recording traditional music, the challenges these cultural practitioners face, and the opportunities for other artists. I honestly can't wait for you to listen to the recording.

In the meantime, you can listen to these professional field recordings by Singing Wells who co-hosted the panel. Plus fun commentary from myself and Ng’at Maler about the 10 cultural songs from different communities in Kenya. Calotropis Radio heard this first.

Later, while friends partied at Unseen Nairobi during Moonshine fashion pop up event, I stayed back to edit and upload Hadithi Hangout. Yes, the Ohangla Chapter is finally online. If you love traditional drums, the sound of the orutu, or Tony Nyadundo - this one is for you. 

Listen to it while cleaning, cooking or commuting - like I do.

After transnighting to do this cultural preservation work, I decided to stay in and relax on Friday. On Saturday I was back on the Nairobi streets. This time to attend an Evening of Erotic Poetry by female Zimbabwean and Kenyan authors. You read that right. And yes, men came too - lol.

After liberating sexual conversations, I convinced my friends to attend an art event called Kazi ni Kazi. But as soon as we stepped into BN Bar and Grill in Westlands, we went straight to the dancefloor. And danced to soul, funk and rock n roll on vinyl like it was the 70s all over again 🕺🏾

Afterwards I interviewed Pete Slovenly, the funky DJ of the night and founder of We're Loud Fest. We shared a recap of the good, the bad and the unforgettable from Kenya's first punk rock festival. In short, expect a review soon 😎

As you know, Sundays are for chilling and relaxing. I spent mine hanging out at a friend’s house - it felt like a Kisima Festival reunion. We ate from our potluck, shared our 2025 reflections, watched our children play, sang in the garden, and ate some more. Basically our own kind of church.

What does your church look like?

Now as we approach the fake new years, here are some real opportunities for you take advantage of.

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

Take it or leave it

• Join the Nura writing camp in Kilifi for jungle drum & bass producers and DJs - apply by 14th December

• Enrol for Mobile Phone Storytellers Film Lab for female filmmakers - 15th December

• Apply for the DAAD Artist in Berlin residency for film, literature and music artists - 15th December

• A chance to collaborate with coastal artists at Kilele Summit 2026 - 16th December

• Perform/ showcase your art at Alliance Francaise Mombasa in 2026

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Urithi Exhibishop at 34 Heltz House Ngara

Nairobi visual artist/ fashion designer Musa Omusi has just finished his weeks long residency in Ngara. The result is a multi-sensory installation that explores urithi (inheritance) through fabric, metal, wood, and paper. It's also a collaboration project between him and other artists Achari, Milada, No Nation and Zaiba.

Welcome to the exhibition opening this Thursday at 6pm, or catch it anytime until next 20th December. Also fun fact you didn't ask for, Musa is MDQ’s partner 😉

In Protopia Volumetric concert at Aspire Centre Westlands

You’ve heard of utopia and dystopia, but what is Protopia? According to my sources, it's the in between - a realistic vision of the future where today is better than yesterday. And that's the theme for the UK/Kenya 2025 Season grande finale.

This Friday, experience a unique showcase of music, film, gaming, visual art by Kenyan and UK artists. There will also be an interactive AI Lab designed for children to imagine the possible future when art, culture and technology work hand in hand 👩🏾‍💻

End of year backyard party at Kivulini Eco-Park Ngong Road

Are you in the mood to make new friends while having fun? Welcome to The Social Tribe’s end of year party at Kivulini Eco-Park, a lush green garden near Ngong Road with cozy rooms, luxury tents and a swimming pool.

From 5pm, the party will be alive and kicking with DJ sets, acoustic performances, party games, food, drinks and a bonfire. Basically the perfect recipe for a fun night. Whether you come with alone or with a friend, you're sure to leave with one 🙌🏾

Oh, and one last thing - today is the last day of voting for BAKE Awards 2025. And someone nominated LaMusicJunkie as the Best Entertainment Creator. If you love this newsletter, then your vote here will mean the world to me 🙂 (only takes a minute or two)

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha