Hey music junkie,

How did you spend your Madaraka weekend? Did anything patriotic? Or did you give yourself freedom to sleep?

On Friday, we hosted Hadithi Hangout Chapter 8 at Santuri Salon. Even though it started later than planned, our community book reading session was fantastic. We learnt how Afrocuban rumba landed in Kenya, how highlife influenced Afrobeat, and how the African Entertainment Unit performed to Kenyans in concentration camps during the emergency period.

Yes, you read that right.

On Saturday, I was back at The Mall for Nairobi Dub Club. After recording a fire DJ mix, I was right in time for Zikki’s album release party. A short and sweet performance alongside Grammy award-winning producer and saxophonist Matthieu Bost from France. If you love reggae music, you're going to love their Angaza album.

Afterwards we skanked to vinyl sets by Jahm of Nairobi Hifi, Professor Joosty who host dub sessions every Wednesday night at The Mist, and Selekta Jay of Umojah Sound System. I later checked out Low End Theory at The Mist which welcomed you with an affirmation table. And Hasira Hasara’s high tempo dance set followed by alternative bass and lofi music.

At Sunday 6am, I did a pros and cons list on whether to go for Cinema in Nature. The pros had it. How could I let “not enough sleep” get into the way of a nature adventure?

Even though I arrived at Karura at 10:15, I was actually on time. We started our guided trek at 11am, and I choose to go barefoot because grounding. Plus the cobbler mended my boots too tightly. Talk about walking in the footsteps of our ancestors.

Headphones on, we listened to Episode 2 of Sounds of Freedom audio film. The Oathbreaker followed new Mau Mau recruits on their first mission - raiding a colonizer's house to secure rifles. We met Kirima, Mwaniki and Mukami, who I suspect to be you know who's wife.

Because of the fast pace, I was left behind as I struggled to walk on top of tiny stones. The soft muddy parts comforted my achy ankles and sore soles. I finally caught up with the group during our various stops at the caves and waterfalls.

When the last part of the episode failed, our guide Karani played soothing neosoul by Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill instead. Monrhea would love this, I thought. I certainly did.

People of all ages stared at me as we passed each other in between the tall trees. They must have thought I'm crazy. But when I spotted a white man walking barefoot with shoes in his hand, I realized I'm pretty sane after all.

7km later, we arrived at the lush and packed picnic area. Which meant we could finally sit down and enjoy our bananas, I mean snacks. And do our final activity of painting “what does freedom mean to you”?

Because no one chases you away, I spent the rest of the afternoon in Karura Forest. Taking a nap on the grass, playing my kalimba and hugging a mini mugumo tree. The nature therapy I needed on Madaraka Day.

As we brace ourselves for another long weekend, here's where you could heal yourself. But first, some new music to enjoy from the comfort of your pajamas.

PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH

Music of the month - May 2025

It's been a while since I shared one of these with you. The month of May is over which means brand new music for you.

This playlist features Kenyan queens such as Binti Afrika (who's performing at Kenyan Reggae Night), We are Nubia, Zaituni Wambui, Femi One and Suzanna Owiyo. And not forgetting our kings Bien, Mbithi, Nviiri, Steph Kapela, JIVU Music and more. Update your playlist with these Kenyan bangers which might just become your soundtrack for June 🎶

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

African Trance Music Breathwork at Mageuzi Hub

Long Exhales, who offered the ice bath ceremony I shared with you, is back with more medicine. Don't be alarmed by African trance, it's basically healing music from different parts of our continent.

This Thursday breathwork session is special as it’s hosted in Boniface Mwangi’s art space in Hurlingham. And it's to offer mental health support and trauma release in remembrance of the June 2024 protests a year ago. As someone who's experienced this music centred breathwork twice, I highly recommend it 🙏🏾

Kenyan Reggae Night at The Mist Westlands

On Friday, our favourite reggae party in Nairobi is back! The third session of 2025 features a special performance by soulful singer Lucy Lugano. Plus the reggae magazine army of Binti Afrika, Mic Templar and DJ Zygazaga.

I'm honoured to be playing as DJ Raha for the second time. Get ready to experience a faya selection of reggae tunes by Zikki, Nem R, H_art The Band and many more 🙌🏾

Kisima Community Day at Our Wonderhouse

On Sunday, we relax with family and friends at Our Wonderhouse. Kisima Festival welcomes you for another wholesome day full of wellness, connection and fun.

Together we'll enjoy yoga, meditation, card reading workshop, games for mental health, singing circle and contact improv. A taste of the healing magic that will happen this October in Kilifi. Plus I'll be deejaying at the end so bring your dancing bare feet 💃🏾

As Cheif and The Marshalls said, Music is the medicine. So let's heal together through African trance and reggae music. See you on a dancefloor near you!

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha