Hey music junkie,

I never thought I would recover from Kilele. Not after being out alnost the whole of last week, with no day off. And then something magical happened.

After dodging events left right and centre, I saved my energy for only one. Probably because I had never attended it. Yet I've always wanted to.

On Saturday, I packed up my little family and we travelled light to Kilimani. We were among the first to arrive at AfroGoodness Cafe, which was a good thing. Because it meant we hadn't missed.a thing.

At around one pm, we sat in a circle under the trees, smudged ourselves with Palo Santo, then lay on our backs. And Nathan played his African Trance Music for about half an hour. That took me out like one sound healing journey at Kisima Wellness Festival 2024.

After that grounding breathwork, I walked towards to the other side of the garden. Even though it was called a kiddies puppet show, it made the adults laugh louder than the children #truestory

After our picnic lunch, it was time for music. Udulele took the stage, accompanied by Nathan on flute, another Nathan on mbira and guitar, and Rashid on conga and percussion. They serenaded us with soulful benga tunes which got some people dancing towards the end. And then Freed Mushaga sang passionately in French and lingala.

Insight Sound also took us on a wild world music journey from 90s soul and hiphop to 2000s kapuka and bongo. His closing DJ set had rhumba, bengatronics and Afrohouse all tied up in one fun bow. It got us dancing barefoot on the green grass till 8pm.

That whole day, my friends kept saying the same thing. It felt like Blankets and Wine in the early days. A chill outdoor family event where the children could play and the adults could dance. Minus the wine, though the honesty bar was pretty cool. Take a beer from a cooler box and pay using the Mpesa number. If you don't, then no worries. Kama will get you 🙂

I walked away with a baby blue woolen kimono I got from the cloth swap. It was love at first sight. And worth the three items I brought.

Leter, I spent the night watching my favourite episodes of Uli & Tata and listening to Udulele’s soulful songs on YouTube. Reninding me of the beautiful time I had with friends and strangers too. It was healing for the soul.

After a refreshingly relaxed weekend, we're now ready for action. And this week is packed with fun events, especially around women. Because Saturday is International Women's Day, sindio?

Here's how and where to celebrate them.

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

A Song for My Miracle Baby

I fell in love with this album at first listen. Even though it was to be kept under wraps until the official launch, I secretly sent it to one of my friends. His response: Tamu sana!

Luo queen Koko Koseso makes a bold statement with her short and sweet debut album which features benga, rhumba and even West African highlife. My favourite track is number 5, what's yours?

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Kenyan Reggae Night at The Mist

I've said this before, Kenyan Reggae Night is one of the coolest nights at The Mist. That's why I'm so excited to be deejaying this Friday at the first edition of 2025!

This one will feature a special live performance and album listening party by Kenyan reggae artist Stoneface Priest. Expect faya Kenyan reggae vibes all night long. And get ready to feel irie 🔥

Femme Frequencies at Shelter Ke

On Women's Day, something unique is happening. Uganda’s Femme Frequencies and Kenya’s TCHNO are teaming up for one mission: To bring the baddest female techno DJs together on one stage.

This Saturday, experience the badassery of Uganda's Anitraxx and Itsmdnyt, alongside Kenya’s [RHEINA], GODDESS and Leon. It's going to be one night to remember at Shelter Ke 💃🏾

Koko Koseso album launch at The Alchemist

And for the final event of this women's week, look who's finally launching her album. You've probably seen her perform alongside Coster Ojwang’ complete with a commanding stage presence.

Hands down, Koko is the most confident female musician I have ever seen on stage. She also knows how to shake what her mama gave her, as we saw during her Geco Cafe show a few weeks ago. Come experience this rising Afrofusion queen live and watch her incredible album come to life ✨

That gives you enough to choose from, right? Make the most out of this short sweet life. See you at The Mist, Shelter, Alchemist, or all the above 🙂

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha