Hey music junkie,

What a rollercoaster weekend it has been, emotionally. I have so much to share with you, especially regarding my first Aya journey. But first, here's what happened before.

On Thursday, my dream came true! I attended the first Roots & Culture Night at Shelter featuring two of the most unique bands in Kenya. Afrosimba from Kilifi brought their Mijikenda fusion and Swahili Ska which put us in ecstatic dance 💃🏾

Meanwhile, Asili Dub came back on stage after 3 long years. Their fiery fusion of rock dub and taarab put me in meditation mode for days. Fun fact, most of the members in Asili Dub are also in Afrosimba 😌

In between their live performances, Nairobi Hi-Fi played their strictly no genre vinyl sets. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Kenyan records by Olith Ratego, Makadem and even Nah eeto. And they're celebrating their one year anniversary this Wednesday from 5pm at Hero Bar Village Market, in case you're a vinyl lover.

Friday was a tough one. My voice was nowhere to be found and it took me 2 and ½ hours to fika Thika from Roysambu. All thanks to a gazzillion stops on the road and a matatu conductor who lied that they were going to Thika 🙄

Eventually, I met my friends in Thika town and we travelled to Muguga in the middle of nowhere. At our mutual friend's place, we had supper, listened to my Kenyan playlist #DJRaha, and played various instruments. We also watched the moon rise from red to orange to silver yellow.

When the fire died, we camped inside a tent that looks like a house. I mean, it had 2 side rooms with foldable beds and one main room with a mega mattress. When I grow up…

The next day, I walked through the farm, picked some leaves and fed a goat. After more zzzs inside the tent, we ate fruits for breakfast and a wholesome lunch around a tree. Because life is supposed to be simple and free.

In the afternoon, I travelled to Firefly Lakehouse off Thika Mangu road for the main event. Nestled in the middle of the jungle, I was welcomed with a warm shower, golden sunset and the most nourishing and filling salad I've ever had. We then enjoyed a sound healing session and a mini nap to prepare us for the exciting journey ahead.

At 9pm, the Amazonian shamans prepared us for what was coming. They then served us the first dose, a brown liquid that tasted slightly like raw cacao. This was followed by singing bowls and bamboo flute to get us into a meditative state.

The second dose is where it was at. Each song took me on a deeper journey where I felt myself rising higher and higher. All while seeing strange things with my eyes closed. When I asked grandmother Aya my questions, she answered me. It was so beautiful I was smiling throughout.

I refused the third dose, because I felt I was high enough. To be honest, I regretted it a bit later because that visual experience was too short and sweet. I also didn't purge like everyone else, that is throwing up or down if you know what I mean.

However after inhaling rapé (sacred tobacco), I cried like a baby. Why? I realized how much the universe loves me by bringing me here. Meanwhile the shamans strummed their acoustic guitar while singing, and some people stood up to dance.

Finally, we all lay down and one shaman served us Sananga - forest eye drops that sting like a bee. Because no pain no gain. Soon after we closed the circle and went to sleep probably at 5am.

On Sunday, I was woken up for the integration circle where we shared our individual experiences. Knowing mine was the most visual made me feel less sad that I didn't go the whole way.

While reflecting with a sistar next to the dam, I saw wonderful patterns I've never seen. The water was also shimmering. Who said stars are only in the sky?

When everyone else left for Nairobi, I swam in the dam sans clothes. All aroun were the three primary colours - white clouds, blue sky and green trees. More than 3 little birds perched on the electric lines above, and 2 white and black birds waddled in the water before flying away. It was like a scene from a movie.

I know what you're thinking, did someone see me? The answer is yes. Even though it was hella uncomfortable, I decided not to care. As a wise man said, we're all naked underneath our clothes. The question is, are you ashamed of yours?

Back in the log cabin, I took one last shower and healthy meal. I then sat in the garden journaling about my journey and listening to the birthday party next door. It was also an all white party, but with a different mission of playing adult games and Afrohouse music. I mean, I heard Unanitosha twice within 24 hours.

After catching one last sunset, I finally left this Thika nature paradise. Definitely have to be back here with my partner #manifesting

Let em tell you, I had huge expectations about this journey. But one thing I learnt is plant medicine does not change you. It’s like a teacher, it only shows you what you need to heal. It's up to you to act on the insights. And that's when your life will change.

My first 2 experiences were like taking baby steps into the psychedelic pool. Next time I'm taking a full plunge. Because if you want the full experience, take the full dose 😌

Would you like your own experience? Two of my co-facilitators at Tupone are guiding a sacred mushroom ceremony this Saturday. If you have the time, money, and intention to heal, RSVP here 🍄

Here's what else to look forward to this September…

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

It's expansion time

• Attend the Pan-African Art Music Virtual Masterclasses for composers, researchers era and performers - 21st September

• Apply for the Gender@Work training for female event production managers in South Africa - 22nd September

• Join the DemocrARtics campaign for creatives and artivists using Augmented Reality - 22nd September

• Join the KitFest@10 festival team - 30th September

• Be part of the Sinema Safari Africa Film Festival starting in November

• Pitch a paid story to Minority Africa for writers, journalists and filmmakers - Rolling

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

A Band Called Death screening at Unseen Nairobi

Do you love punk/ rock music? Meet the first all-black punk band from 1970s American with one crazy name. And guess what, these brothers are coming to Kenya this November to headline We Are Loud Fest.

Come discover their incredible story through their documentary A Band Called Death screening this Thursday. Accompanied by funky vinyl DJ sets by Chegs before and DJ Pete Slovenly after the Q&A, until Unseen tells them to stop 😉

Deejay Annxiouz, DJ Raha and Nile Dawta at The Mist

On Friday, we're back at The Mist for a special femme DJ lineup. Deejay Annxiouz who was touring Europe not too long ago will be headlining the show, supported by reggae dub queen Nile Dawta and yours truly.

You know me, expect a 100% Kenyan music set of your favourite KE bangers, past and present. Come ready to sing along and have fun on the dancefloor 💃🏾

Nairobi Dub Club at The Mall rooftop

Our favourite reggae dub session is back with a special edition. This Saturday, the mighty Umojah Sound System is hosting Jamaican artist Micah Shemaiah and prolific producer Tippy I Grade from St. Croix, Virgin Islands.

Expect conscious music, healing vibrations and the whole rasta community at The Mall rooftop. Plus a fire set by Kenya's own Lavosti and DJ Daudi Dubs 🔥

If you feel called to share this newsletter, please send it to specific people - not to Whatsapp groups, my X, or Facebook (do people still use those)

Which part of this plant medicine journey resonated with the most? I’d love to hear from you 🙂 

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha