Hey music junkie,

How's your holiday season so far, chill or busy? Just came back from Addis Ababa with plenty of stories for you. So sit back and hold on to your seat!

Last we talked, I had just landed in the new capital city of Africa. Like seriously, I've never seen a city so organized and clean. Every day, we would admire the manicured parks every 1km, the green art on the street walls, and the water fountains next to the road. And at night, both the roads and buildings would light up - you'd almost think you're in New York.

During the day we would travel to and for the Ethiopian National Library and have our workshops on music archiving and digitization. We discussed the current situations in our respective countries, the pressing challenges and the possible solutions. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, and of course Ethiopia was represented.

And in the evening we were either resting in the hotel or attending a concert in town. On Moonday we visited the Totot Traditional Restaurant, a beautiful building where we not only experienced Ethiopian food but also traditional music and dance. Some of us even went on stage to learn some shoulder-shaking moves 💃🏾

On Thursday night, after taking a long walk through the city, we experienced live Ethiojazz at African Jazz Village. And I almost met Mulatu Astkake, the owner of the club and king of Ethio-jazz who just retired from performing after 60+ years in music!

And on Saturday after making our project presentations, we enjoyed our final lunch in Hanot Kitchen (great spot btw). We then drove all the way to Shiro Menda where we bought traditional cotton dresses and Ethiopian crosses. And further up to Entoto Park which reminded me of Karura Park. Only you can see the whole city from up there, as if you're looking down from Rift Valley view point.

And to crown the last night, we watched a documentary about old school Ethiopian music called Under African Skies. Then enjoyed a DJ set of new school Ethiopian music which got us dancing till the bar closed. Perfect way to say goodbye to Addis.

Throughout my 7 day stay, almost everyone I met said I look like an Ethiopian. So I'd better speak like one, right? I learnt how to greet people at different times of the day and say “the music is beautiful” - muzika konjo nao. It also took me 3 days just to learn how to say amesegnalehu which means thank you. How many syllables are those?

I not only learnt Amharic but also sign language. Which is a universal language just like music. For example how to say, "I like you - as a friend”.

I immersed myself deeper in the local culture by eating sour injera and spicy sauces everyday, which together taste like heaven. Chilli was present in every meal, even raw green peppers in salad. And to be honest, I haven't drank this much coffee in my life!

Here are 3 lessons I learnt about Ethiopia

• They drive on the right side of the road, which is quite confusing

• Their currency Birr is almost as strong as Ksh, which makes conversion easy

• Unemployment is a huge issue, no wonder they're so many street families

Overall it's a beautiful city with beautiful people. I stayed at Bole near the airport, which feels like Kilimani. Wonder what their Umoja or Dandora looks like.

While on the Ethiopian Airlines plane back to Nairobi, we flew into the white clouds and floated above cottony balls suspended in the sky. And I discovered why that phone feature is called flight mode. 1h 30min is too short to watch a full movie especially with the interruptions so I chose to listen to Ethiopian music.

Let me ask, does Kenya Airways have a section of Kenyan music? Or do they also make their announcements in Swahili? I would be disappointed if they didn't.

And speaking of Kenyan music, I got a special treat for you!

PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH

The Best 25 Kenyan Songs of 2025

Because it's supposedly the end of 2025, I made an end of year playlist for you. This one includes your favourite Kenyan hits like Donjo Maber and All My Enemies Are Suffering. But also underrated songs like Mama MIlka and Visanga ni Visu.

Like most LaMusicJunkie playlists, it's a journey through genres, moods and feelings. We take off slowly, peak up to the clouds, then gently land back 😌

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Christmas Eve with Didge at Woodmere Grand Hotel

Do you remember Didge? The Kenyan R&B star of the 2000s who gave us the classic Swahili song “Saa Zingine”? Well after years of hiding from the limelight, he's finally back on stage!

This Wednesday night, catch the living legend live alongside Kenyan guitarist Kiria at Woodmere Grand Hotel Kilimani. Get ready to be serenaded by soulful live music with your complimentary cocktail in hand 🍸

There are many more “Christmas” events happening this week but I'm not in the mood, lol. If you're not cooking at home and crave an all-you-can-eat experience, check these out on my Telegram channel. Wherever you are, enjoy your well-deserved holiday!

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha