Hey music junkie

Happy new moon! Our astrology babes say this new moon in Aires is all about new beginnings, especially in your goals and relationships. Can you feel it?

On Thursday, I attended the Taking Care workshop at Santuri. It was a continuation of the Care Team program at Kilele. Together with other creatives who care about mental wealth, we brainstormed practical ways to improve the wellbeing of Kenyan creatives.

At 8pm, I head to Geco Cafe for the Asili Dub show. Because better late than never, right? Their trippy sound hypnotized me from the washroom, and when I stepped into the dancefloor I immediately entered into a trance.

The highlight was their new song Rock Me Baby in which they fused reggae dub with benga. And Kombo killed it on the lead guitar. Experiencing that fusion felt like going to heaven and back ✨

After the crazy live show, we danced to more reggae by Lucky Dube and Bob Marley. Talked about how we can make Kenyan Reggae unique by incorporating more benga. Also discussed Asili Dub‘s new single which dropped on Monday yaani 4/20. Medi featuring taarab queen Nyota Ndogo.

And mahn, this music video is so mystical!

On Friday, I rocked my old school outfit aka kitenge mini dress with ankle-length socks and black school shoes. Deejayed Kenyan rumba for the first hour during sunset at Zahabu Sundowner. At 7pm, I turned the heat up with benga bangers from different parts of the country.

As expected, music junkies danced to Joseph Kamarû, Ogara Boys and even Ken wa Maria. These are the things, these your things, these are my things, these are the fundamentals. And the icing on the gluten-free cake was Hello Hello (Baby), a fun Kalenjin song produced by Bengatronics 💃🏾

Everyone was vibing, from the waiters to the security guys to middle-class Nairobians. A breathe of fresh air if you may. I'm so inspired to play more RnB, that is Rumba and Reggae 😁

Afterwards, Zippy Nyumu took over with gqom, kuduro and angry amapiano, as Sam called it. 7 Dusks continued with the same electronic vibe till midnight. While at The Mist, Kenyan throwbacks, dancehall and gengetone blasted from the dungeon.

On Saturday, the plan was to attend the 7th edition of Record Store Day. But fatigue and the rain said otherwise. So I saved my energy and outfit for the evening.

After helping set up Andika Writing Workshop at Santuri Salon, I went upstairs to the Mall rooftop. The DJ was playing smooth house music, while people drank and chatted. Getting ready for what was coming.

At 7:30, I took the mic to host Culture Shock album launch by Ambasa Mandela. And introduced his Afrofusion friend Fadhilee Itulya to open the stage. He performed Mama, my favourite song from KWETU, and an unapologetic love song called Si Sorry.

Next, Mandela and his 5-man band took the stage. Kenchez aka Chief Muya of H_art The Band joined him to perform their unreleased collabo. Which is part of Muya’s debut album dropping this Friday!

We were here to celebrate Mandela’s debut album. He performed the lead single Culture Shock which blends Tanzanian singeli with Puerto Rican reggaeton. And narrated the story of how he and his wife were almost arrested earlier that day in the most funky musical way, you'd think it was Fela Kuti.

This entertainer performed my favourite song from this new album - Usidharau - and dedicated it to his friends who've supported him throughout his 21-year musical journey. And of course they had to give us 2 Sarabi anthems - the revolutionary Sheria and spiritual Wang’ni.

When I say our ancestors’ spirits took over us, you should have seen us 🔥

At the end of that comeback show, I thanked everyone who was part of this entertaining show. Including Coster Ojwang’ who joined Mandela on stage to sing the Luo song. And Kevo Abbra, the iconic stylist responsible for Mandela looking like the most dapper African.

After taking a mini nap, I joined the final hour at The Mist. 5 people dancing to Burugu’s house set at 5am. Disco called more people to the dancefloor. And when he stopped, the people chanted “DJ we wanna partay”.

Lesson of the weekend? As above so below. And we are all stars. So when it's your time to shine, shine baby girl (or boy) 😉

PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH

Music of the month - March 2026

Before April flies past us, here are the hottest tracks from the previous moon. Steph Kapela (pictured) is BACK na size yake. And Flier is always releasing songs like he's on a payroll.

Expect smooth kompa vibes by Kethan, Bien and Ali Kiba. Smoother R&B from Muthaka, Bridget Blue and Nikita Kering. And Gikuyu vibes from the ever soulful Nyawira Siren 🎶

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Ambasa Mandela at Alliance Francaise

In case you missed the Culture Shock album launch on Saturday, here’s your second chance. Ambasa Mandela is performing his new album live this Wednesday night at Alliance. Alongside his new band which has two Sarabi members.

So don't be surprised to experience Sarabi anthems such as Sheria. Or dance with the Kenyan Entertainer to benga bangers and rumba rhythms 🎸

Kulture Klub at The Mist

After an incredible screening and film discussion in March, Kulture Klub is back. This Thursday, we'll be watching more indie films - starting with the 1963 Senegalese short Borom Sarret. Which is one of the first films made in Africa by Africans.

The main feature is 2006 film Bamako - a political drama set in a Malian courtyard, where citizens hold a trial against the World Bank and IMF for causing Africa’s debt crisis. And then we'll end the night with DJ sets by Kenya’s Kwvmzy and South Sudanese Junubia 🎶

TCHNO 5th Anniversary at The Mist and KODA

After supporting Kenyan techno artists and building the underground scene since 2021, TCHNO is celebrating 5 years this weekend! And what better way than through a double party at our favourite spots - The Mist and KODA Nairobi.

The theme for this 5th anniversary party is the Ultimate Showdown. On both Friday and Saturday, we'll experience fiery B2B sets with our favourite techno DJs going head to head. Each night will have its own vibe, so come ready to dance in the red rooms 💃🏾

Thank you for always reading and telling me how much you enjoy this newsletter. If it makes you think about starting your own newsletter, hit reply and let me know. I'd love to help you in your new beginning 🙂

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha