Hey music junkie,

I bet you saw the lunar eclipse on Sunday night, but did you feel it? According to spiritual teachers, it marks the end of an era (error) and beginning of a new year (hey Ethiopia!) How are you experiencing it?

To be honest, I experienced the biggest transformation this past weekend. On Thursday, I was literally in the dumps. Still I attended Tizzita’s artist talk for her solo exhibition Red Link at Munyu Space. It features fabrics from all over Africa, her family portraits, and menstrual blood experiments. And you can check them out before closing day on Saturday 20th September.

Later on at The Alchemist, I was the complete opposite of furaha. You look tired - people commented. Even though I didn't dance like everyone else, I was grateful to see Serro’s album come alive on stage. Songs that touched me the most are the heartwarming Taya, the heart-breaking Kifo, and the empowering Body - which is also Labdi’s favourite song.

This was Serro’s official return to music after giving birth and becoming Taya’s mother. And she looked stunning in both outfits. The theme of the night: SERRO jina kubwa 🙌🏾

On Friday, things started turning around. Through a last-minute invite, I visited Dr Eudorah from Ghana (remember her?) in her house. And I finally got an autographed copy of her book, which is an African fairytale inspired by her own initiation in the village as a starseed. Let me tell you, the spiritual stuff she told us was literally out of this world!

After that High Priestess energy, I attended Kenyan Reggae Night at The Mist. And even played the closing set. Because of this, I missed KE Takeover Vol 2 at KODA which I'm sure was a blast. We'll get them next time 💪🏾

On Saturday, I attended the Dances of Universal Peace intro workshop led by Juan all the way from Spain. Within 2 hours, we sang together, danced in a circle, and even hugged each other. We left with our hearts full of so much love 💚

In the evening, I attended Mia Nane’s Freestyle Friday Session at Santuri’s classroom, which ironically happens on Saturday. I was there to listen to fire freestyles, hype my rapper friend Anko, and I also sang as well. Don't ask me for evidence cause I don't have it please 😁

And it all just kept getting better. That Sunday, I attended the Amazonian Cultural concert after buying fruits for the gathering. Our Brazilian shamans displayed their colourful geometric beadwork made by Amazonian women. And painted our faces using a natural scented red dye made from crushed seeds.

When dusk fell, they sang, played guitar and drums too. Even though we couldn't understand (they speak Portuguese), we clapped, cheered and stood up to dance. This was just a short & sweet taste of the full immersion retreat this weekend.

Afterwards, Kenyan percussion master Mbutch Mjingoma led his own jam session which featured djembe, flute and shakers. I played the gîcandî, the Kikuyu poet’s gourd. Then we watched the blood moon barefoot on the earth with red paint on our faces. And that's when the magic happened ✨

I was also looking like African royalty that day. Inspired by Dr Eudorah and her Ghanaian friends. What do you think?

On Tuesday, we were back at Our Wonderhouse for the full DUP workshop. In the middle of it, the shamans and their English-speaking manager showed up. That's when we realized they're just like us - wearing tank tops, cuddling each other, and taking selfies. The face paint, traditional outfits and feathered headgear are simply for spiritual work.

Back to DUP - Juan taught us more group dances and spiritual songs from different parts of the world. Even though I didn't understand every word, I felt my vibration rise and energy shift within me. And at the end during our closing circle, we were so grateful for the experience that some of us almost cried 🥹

Takeaway of the day: Music + nature + community = healing. And as my friend Nathan likes to say, We is the medicine. My new hobbies now are singing, dancing and healing 🕊️

Before leaving that night, we entered the dry sauna room and sweated our bodies out while singing Kothbiro. Then did an ice cold plunge which was super cold, weh! The refreshing feeling afterward was worth it though.

None of this is random btw. All these magical moments are preparing me for one major event this weekend. But first…

PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH

The Spirit of Kenyan Music

Last time, I mentioned this playlist/mixtape made for Singing Wells. In case you're wondering - Singing Wells was founded by Tabu Osusa and has recorded the largest archive of East African folk music.

After digging through it, I discovered 10 Kenyan tracks that capture the spirit of African Trance through dance, chants, and ululations. This special mixtape spotlights mwanzele from Malindi up to isikuti in Kakamega, and even Meru madness. And have you ever listened to traditional Teso music? 🤔

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Naangwa Muhonja album launch at Alliance Francaise

Speaking of African folk music, meet Muhonja. This Afrofusion queen is super proud of her Luhya roots - she once brought a whole isikuti troupe to Ankole Grill. And this Wednesday, she's finally launching her debut album Naangwa Muhonja at Alliance.

Muhonja will inspire you to return to your African roots with the powerful voice of her ancestors. Come ready to dance, sing, and lift your spirits 🎶

Roots & Culture Night at Shelter Ke

Dig deeper into your roots and culture this Thursday. Two of the most unique Kenyan bands are back together on Shelter stage after 3 years! That's the mighty Asili Dub who play psychedelic dub music, and Afrosimba with their Mijikenda fusion magic.

Hosted by Nairobi Hi-Fi, expect vinyl DJ sets in between the live performances. I'm honestly bummed I'll miss this, so go represent your girl and tell me all about it 🙌🏾

Uchungu na Uhuru at Nairobi Street Kitchen

Kenya has had one painful history, from Mau Mau to Nyayo era to GenZ protests. Drunken Lectures (remember them) are hosting a special edition around this timely topic with lectures by historical writers Ngartia and Ang’ana, and a panel discussion featuring former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga.

To bring light to the heavy conversations, the talented Njoki Karu will share her ethereal music and the entertaining MC Kibunjah will play games with you. Plus a photo exhibition by Pawa Radio, live painting experience and DJ set to add spice to this Kenyan tea. If you care about the state of the nation and how we can attain true freedom, this one is for you ✊🏾

While you experience these rooted and grounded events in Nairobi, I'll be somewhere in Africa with the Amazon shamans. So ready for the 2-night power plant ceremony to usher in this new magical year. Stori za Aya coming soon to a newsletter near you 🙂

(P.S. Shoutout to Wanjau for answering last week's question correctly. The Kenyan artist quoted was Octopizzo in “I’m a Doer”. Your gift is on the way :)

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha