Hey music junkie,

I'm writing this to you before I head over to The Mall. Kilele Summit 2025 is in full swing. Honestly, I'm already tired and it's only day 2!

I guess probably because it didn't start on Tuesday for us. Last Friday, Nilotika Cultural Ensemble and I went to Kibera to shop for trash. Yes, you read that right. And on the next day, the Ugandan musicians held a recycling workshop at Kibera Creative Arts for the local artists.

Can you make musical instruments from plastic bottles and old pipes? Yes you can. And Nilotika showed us how. By the end of the workshop we had made our own drums, shakers, and even face masks.

Watch all the fun highlights here.

Sunday was our only break. On Monday morning, we were up and active at The Mall setting up decor, tables and chairs for Kilele. After a long day of work, we settled down at the Mall rooftop for the opening sundowner.

Odd Okoddo and Ogoya Nengo did not disappoint. Their enchanting fusion of Luo dodo music and electronic soundscapes made us dance like wild cats as if it was a Friday night. And DJ Selo played the most impressive Afrofusion set from Kenya and the world.

What a perfect way to kick off Kilele!

Since then, we've attended interesting panel discussions, watched musicians make unique instruments, and enjoyed a networking sundowner at the rooftop. The highlight of Day 1 was watching Mizizi Ensemble live for the second time (first time was Kilele 2024). All I can say it was the most experimental music set you could ever experience.

We still have four more magical days to go. If you're wondering which sessions you should attend this week, here's a helpful guide for you.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Sound Communities at Unseen Nairobi

This Wednesday, we're taking a small break from The Mall to visit Nairobi's most independent cinema. Yes, after the day sessions we'll head to Unseen Nairobi Kilimani for an evening sundowner.

The plan is to watch 4 short films about sound communities in Africa and beyond. Discover the gqom South African producer who is blind, up to the underground music scene in Pakistan. Followed by a fun afterparty with Nigerian-American DJ nwao.

TCHNO at The Mist

By now, you probably know I'm a fan of (and part of) TCHNO collective. This Thursday, I'll moderate a roundtable discussion on Deconstructing the Kenyan Techno sound. And we'll even make a Kenyan techno track together using local instruments and samples.

And on Friday night, join us for the TCHNO party featuring live sets by Kenyan queens RHEINA and Taa Muli, and DJ sets by local legends Kichaka and Cheyenne. Also come meet our guest DJ from Berlin Isabelle Beaucamp who'll be showcasing her avant garde fashion line at The Mist.

Kilele Showcase at The Rooftop

And for the Kilele finale, we're closing out in a MAJOR way. Expect dancehall to gengetone vibes by Rafiiki and SnSe, live Afrofusion music by Ngomani duo, Singeli music from Tanzania, and bouncy Afrohouse by DJ collective Afrique Like Me. Can you believe Saint Sinner superstar Elsy Wameyo will be performing?

After all this beautiful music at the rooftop, we'll descend to the underground for the DJ afterparty at The Mist. Basically get ready to dance till sunrise 🕺🏾

As you can tell, Kilele Summit 2025 will be one event extravaganza to remember for the rest of the year. If you can't make it in person, no worries - stream some of the sessions live on calotropis.xyz. But if you can, get your Kilele all-pass ticket and see you at the top!

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha