Hey music junkie,

How do you deal with a stressful week full of endless tasks and errands? Well you do what you can. And then you go out and have fun!

And that's exactly what I did last week. After meetings at The Mall, I attended Lost in A Day Dream, the art exhibition I shared last week. Even though my friend and I were early, we found Alliance Francaise buzzing with young eager souls ready to admire art. And our eyes feasted on colourful surreal digital artworks and paintings.

As it was opening night, Gavin Kendo gave a short and sweet speech about how art is for the artists. And Alliance Francaise fed and watered us with snacks and drinks. Plus we networked and connected with some cool creatives. I even got to see Kendo’s female muse in person (P.S. she’s even prettier in person).

This is just to say attending opening nights is always a great idea. If you missed it, you can still catch the exhibition all month long at Alliance Francaise Nairobi.

On Thursday night, after more work, I carried my flash disk and walked to The Mist. Yes, DJ Raha was playing her second set at The Clearing! Titled “Sura za Mapenzi”, I took the audience on a journey through love and heartbreak, Kenyan music style. And let me tell you Maina, we danced together, sang out loud and almost cried. Check out the fun highlights here ✨

On Friday afternoon, my plan was to finish some tasks before the weekend. Instead, The Mist guys asked me to take care of Ogoya Nengo, the 84-year old dodo singer who would perform alongside Odd Okoddo. So I spent the night learning Dholuo, eating Tamu Tamu Dishes, helping her put on her performance outfit, and dancing to their hypnotic sound. At at the end of the night, my friends and I walked Olith and Ogoya to the taxi singing “oriti”.

That means goodbye in Dholuo.

On Saturday, Congolese soul musician Freed Mushaga performed alongside American DJ Unjust at The Mist. But Aduma was calling, as Kenyan DJs and music lovers occupied both rooms at KODA Nairobi. Which is definitely one of the best venues to experience Afrohouse music in Nairobi 🙌🏾

And on Sunday, my friend and I attended Free Yoga in City Park, ate mangoes (when the monkeys were not looking), and visited Joseph Murumbi's Memorial inside the park. Speaking of, when was the last time you practised yoga outside in nature? Highly recommend it.

I don't know about you, but this week's about to get busier thanks to Kilele Summit. What's that you ask? Let me tell you all about it!

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Kilele Summit elevates East African music to the top

In February 2024, Santuri East Africa celebrated their 10th year anniversary in the biggest of ways. They organized East Africa's first and only music tech and innovation summit which ran for 6 days straight!

Truth be told, Kilele was a magical explosion of mind-blowing workshops, engaging discussions, mesmerizing performances, dance parties and so much more! Here's how it all went down in 2024. There's even a fun aftermovie for you to watch.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Liboi live at Ankole Grill Kilimani

This Wednesday, Afrofusion musician and Kalimba queen will be playing at Ankole Grill Kilimani. And in case you didn't know, Liboi’s music is all about healing, culture and social justice.

This is her last gig in Nairobi before she travels to speak and perform in Zanzibar. And who knows, she might just sample her new EP Uhambo, a collaboration between Kenya, South Africa and Colombia. Fun fact: Uhambo is Zulu for journey.

Alpha Bet exhibition closing at Munyu Space

While openings are the best days to experience exhibitions, closing events seem to be the next best thing. This Thursday, catch the art exhibition Alpha bet by Maasai Mbili Artists' Collective one last time. Which is themed around alphabet, portrait and landscape.

We'll meet the various East African artists featured, get a curational walkabout and maybe even have tea. Before Munyu Space transforms into a sound installation space for Kilele Summit next week.

Kilele Summit at The Mall

A LOT is happening at this year's Kilele, so here are specific sessions to look forward to:

• Tuesday - Decolonizing Music Tech and Arts funding in EA talks at Creatives Garage, Mizizi Ensemble performance at Munyu Space

• Wednesday - Indigenous music workshops at Santuri Salon, DJ workshops at The Mist, film screenings at Unseen Nairobi

• Thursday - Advanced DJ techniques and Deconstructing the Kenyan techno sound workshops at The Mist, The Clearing at the basscamp/ Mall rooftop

• Friday - Climate Convos workshop at Creatives Garage, Plant Music & Performance at Santuri Salon, TCHNO live and DJ sets at The Mist

• Saturday - Kilele Closing Ceremony featuring Elsy Wameyo and more, DJ afterparty at The Mist

Take your time going through the Kilele program, schedule the sessions you want to attend, and get that full pass ticket for only 1000 bob! It's going to be a mix of learning , networking and having fun. And who doesn't like those three things 🙂

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha