Hey music junkie,

You know what's inspiring? What's REALLY inspiring? It's witnessing people you know do inspiring things.

And that's what my weekend was all about.

It all started on Saturday evening, when I attended Blooms in The Dark play by Creatives Garage (thanks Obel). I told you in the previous newsletter it was going to be legendary. It was that and even more!

In the 2 hour show with multiple skits, we laughed, we almost cried, and we sang too. We saw the lives of queer Kenyans play out on stage, from rejection to stigma to heartbreak to acceptance to pride! It was so amazing to see how queerness can be liberating, even in a conservative country like ours.

Best.play.ever!

And then afterwards, some friends and I hopped on a taxi and bolted to The Mall. Two music parties were happening: Anarchy Saturday at The Mist and Metropolis Nairobi at Munyu Space. You could say it was double the fun until 6am 😁

And after sleeping for only a few hours, we went back to The Mall. This time for Tizzita’s Open Studio aka her first solo art exhibition. Munyu Space came alive on a Sunday with DJ music at the entrance, a drum circle in the middle, and an Ethiopian coffee ceremony in the cage.

This was one of the most experiental exhibitions I have ever attended. Reading Tizzita’s vulnerable poems and seeing her menstrual art on the walls was absolutely inspiring. If she can express herself like that, who am I not to?

After experiencing all this amazing art by friends, I feel inspired to invite you to some events for you to experience it too. Hint: one of them is my own 😉

And because I know you're also an artist in your own way, here's are some opportunities for you to create your own beauty and inspire others with it.

Let's get creative!

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

It's time to shine

If you're a writer, musician or visual artist, these opportunities are made for you:

• Submit your unpublished short story to win the K & L Short Story Prize 2024 - 21st July

• Submit an essay to win The E.E. Sule prize award for African Literary Critism 2024 - 21st July

• Join Kisima Wellness Festival in Kilifi this November as a live performer or visual artist - 28th July

• Apply to perform at Sauti za Busara Festival 2025 in Zanzibar - by 31st July

• Apply to perform at Bayimba International Festival of The Arts on Lunkulu Island Uganda - 31st July

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Live Acoustic Wednesday with Kidawa Tutu

The last time I was at Ankole Grill two weeks ago to watch the incredible Njoki Karu, I met another female Kenyan artist I know. She invited me to her own live acoustic session so it’s only fair to invite you!

I first met Kidawa Tutu during Roysambu Culture Fest back in 2023, and did she impress me! Her sweet fusion of R&B and taarab, kinda like Zaituni Wambui, is as refreshing as the Kilifi ocean breeze. Come experience it for yourself this Wednesday at 7:30pm for free!

Book Swap in The Park is back

Yes, nature lover. After a whole year of postponing this book swap event, we're finally bringing the conscious community back together this Saturday!

This comeback edition will be special because I'm partnering with Soul Tribe who’ll bring mental wellness and Afrikan spirituality to the mix. And we'll be chilling and eating together at Sparrow's Creek in Nkoroi, same place we had the life-changing Sankofa Camp back in May. Did I mention we'll be camping too?

May these opportunities and events challenge you to go out there, express yourself and inspire others. Because we all need some inspiration in our life.

And food 🙂

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha