Hey music junkie,

It's been a while since we last spoke. How was your holiday season? Was it busy , relaxed, or a bit of both?

Mine was full of rest, forced rest you could say. On the week of the 25th, I caught the worst case of tonsillitis. I couldn't speak or eat solid food for 3 days straight. Even sleeping was a painful problem. I thought I would never get better.

But after chewing a lot of garlic and gargling lots of salt water, my voice finally came back. I could finally swallow saliva and my favourite food without wincing. It's truly the little things that count.

Because of this, I didn't travel to Kilifi or even upcountry. Instead, I stayed home, baby sat and binge watched Sky Girls KE and ZED (Zambia) on YouTube. Did you know the flowery song True to Me by Karun is actually the soundtrack of this teen girl series? I actually recommend watching it, you'll learn so much about being true to yourself.

The highlight of my holiday? Roadtripping on December 31st to a remote town in the middle of Ongata Rongai called Tuala. There, my friends and I cooked together, ate together and slept by the bonfire till sunrise.

Now we're back, rejuvenated and back to business. But if you tell me “happy new year” and I don't respond, don't take it personally. I just don't think the new year starts in January. And I'm not the only one. Some of us believe the new year starts in March/April during spring which represents new beginnings. While Ethiopians celebrate the new year in September.

Did you know they're currently in 2017? Tafakari hayo.

Anyway, 2025 looks promising already, with the second edition of Kilele Summit coming up this February. But before we dive in, do you remember your favourite events of 2024? Here are mine, maybe we share some in common.

Now here are some opportunities for you to make art and money this season.

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

Grab something, anything

• Apply for a scholarship to learn film production and photography - by 14th January

• Set new goals during this 2025 Vision Boarding Session made for creatives - 18th January

• Join this free training programme for Augmented Reality by BlackRhino VR - 19th January

• Get funded by Creation Africa project to develop your digital product (animation, game, music) - 24th January

• Experience an artist residency in Frankfurt Germany for performing artists (dancers, actors, musicians) - 26th January

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Sarabi live at Ankole Grill

Did you miss Kenya's most electrifying band live at Bush Baby Disco Kilifi on 1st January? Don't worry, me too. Thankfully, they're performing this Wednesday in Nairobi.

If you love live Afrofusion conscious music, then Sarabi is your band. Led by the fiery singer Mandela, you'll be glad you experienced them at this intimate venue.

Friday Night at The Mist

If you know, you know Friday nights are for The Mist. After celebrating 3 ground-breaking years in December, our favourite underground club is back!

For this first Friday, expect experimental music vibes by Mist residents aka Mistfits 7HeadCØ and RPH, Kenyan rocker Slammy and Ugandan techno DJ Itsmdnyt. Basically the true misty essence and artist community you cannot find anywhere else in Nairobi. And as always, entry is free.

Yup, we start off this January nice and easy. If you know of any cool events happening soon, hit reply and let me know. And happy new season ✨

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha