Hey music junkie,

I hope you’re having a great month so far. And you're keeping warm and dry. Although a little rain never hurt nobody 😉

Kama kawaida, I had an extremely eventful week. From attending the Sirens DJ party at The Mist to deejaying at Jenga Jungle in Westlands to harvesting a (Reishi) mushroom from a tree.

But the highlight of the week was hosting and moderating my first Jadili Session of 2024. That's the panel discussion series about the creative industry we have at Santuri Salon.

In the fun Friday discussion, I interviewed 3 Kenyan creative geniuses: Nabalayo, Labdi and Sam Karugu. And they openly shared their experiences distributing their experimental music online and offline. And even where they make the most money!

It was such a rich and insightful conversation I learnt more than I imagined. I know you're going to get lots of gems from it - whether you're an independent musician, have musician friends or simply love music (like me).

Oh, and lots of jokes too 😁

In case you're in the mood to go out, check out this once-in-a-year event you can't afford to miss this weekend. And a sizzling Kenyan mix to get you through this cold week. Perfect for chilling indoors, hehe.

Let's go!

EVENT OF THE WEEK

Welcome to World Record Store Day!

Hand up if you have a collection of vinyl records. Or wish you had one. Even with 2 or 3 records.

For those of us who don't, we can still experience this vintage culture this Saturday at the Nairobi's Original Record Store Day. Hosted by the Kenyan maestro of Vinyl (Guru), we'll enjoy live performances, DJ sets and of course good food!

Come experience legendary vinly DJs such as DJ Jojo, Samthadigga and DJ Shock (who played at Sirens last Saturday). As well as Fadhilee Itulya and Nywele Ndengu live. I swear that's someone's name.

This once-in-a-year celebration runs from midday to 8pm and is absolutely free. If you have a car, you can get parking for only 100 bob.

See you at Jimmy’s Store in Kenyatta Market and let's vibe to vinyl. On freaking 4/20 😎 

MIX OF THE WEEK

Safari Na Ngoma: Kenyan Throwbacks

Speaking of DJs, one of my favourites is back on YouTube with a new series. It's called Safari Na Ngoma where he takes us on an exclusively Kenyan music journey. Because we gotta take Kenyan music to the world!

In episode 1, he pays homage to the greats. The legends whose music we grew up with in the 2000s, from Nonini to Wyre to Camp Mullah. The music we fondly call Kenyan throwbacks.

Expect to listen to some good old hits and discover Kenyan classics you never heard about. As you watch Mundu the DJ ride his bike to a secret location. Watch to find out where he lands 🏍️

That's it from me. I hope you enjoy this week even more than the last. That's definitely my intention.

See you on a street nearby. Or invite me to yours 😊 

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha