Hey music junkie,

Ni katikati ya January. Are you laying low ama unakasirisha kamati, as Bien once advised in Mbwe Mbwe?

Despite the drought (if you know what I mean), we're still finding reasons to have fun and enjoy life. Because we don't need money to be rich. Hehe

On Wednesday night, Geco Cafe was packed with Kenyan music lovers. We were here to celebrate Gravitti’s drummer MathewMatix birthday with an all-female Kenyan lineup. Each performed one cover song by an African queen, from Tshala Mwana to Miriam Makena to Valerie Kimani. My favourite performers of the night were Meryl Paige, Bobo, Nilotic Bliss and June Gachui.

But the queen who brought down the house was none other than Koko Koseso. Blazing hot, she was sexy and she knew it. She warned us that she was about to roga us, and then proceeded to do so with her seductive dance moves and wild African vocals. Watch out for Koko cause you've never seen a more confident musician on stage.

On Thursday, I accidentally attended the opening night of a brand new exhibition at Munyu Space. And met the artist Kavochy who told us what Intertwined was about. Here's a little sneak peek of the ongoing exhibition.

Later we communed at our music listening hangout The Clearing. Where Bizi Bingi serenaded us with taarab tracks from Pwani Tapes’ brand new project. More on that later.

And on Friday night, we returned to our favourite club of all time. Keep Hush was the biggest party I have seen since The Mist's 3rd year celebration in December. Our Kenyan DJs played everything from gengetone to drum and bass to amapiano, Boiler Room style. And we danced till 5 am before catching the Saturday sunrise on the Mall rooftop.

Good times and great hits!

And while our Tala trip was postponed, the weekend was nice and easy. Watching Lana Del Ray’s dreamy music videos, listening to Bob Marley’s albums and watching season 5 of Samurai Jack. P.S. Jack is my new hero!

January is really heating up, not just weather-wise but also in the events scene. Here's what to look forward to this week!

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

Zuhura & Party - Taarab Ya Pwani

Firstly, when was the last time you listened to Kenyan taarab music? On 15th January, the new indie label Pwani Tapes released their first compilation album on Bandcamp featuring the Queen of Taarab!

I had the honour to meet Zuhura Swaleh during Kilele 2024 summit, who recorded her music in the 1970s at Mbwana Radio Service in Mombasa. Now Pwani Tapes, founded by Nassoro and Alina, has digitized this authentic coastal music which was only found in casettes so that we can enjoy it for years to come and support the artists. Also, how cool is that artwork by Nabalayo?

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Meditation workshop for creatives at Santuri Salon

We all know meditation is a great tool for relaxation and even enlightenment. But did you know you can use meditation to unlock your creativity?

On Thursday, my lovely friend and universal soul Kiuri will be sharing his wisdom with us at Santuri Salon - for free. Fun fact: he's not just a meditation facilitator, he's also an architect. Oh, and a DJ like some of us 🙂

African Twist at Alliance Francaise

Kenyan music history is coming back with a bang! This week, Ketebul Music (the guys behind Shades of Benga) have produced a play recreating the Swinging ‘60s. Aka the golden era of African twist!

Come watch how this irresistible sound took over Nairobi dancefloors and became the soundtrack of Kenya's independence. And yes, we'll hear some of these zilizopendwa classics performed live on stage💃🏾

TCHNO Takeover at The Mist

I don't know if you were there, but the previous TCHNO Takeover at The Mist was lit! At least that's what everyone who was there has said. That's why we can't miss this one.

On Friday, TCHNO is back with a community discussion where we'll share our dreams for the Kenyan techno scene. Followed by an immersive live set and techno DJ sets to heal us all through the night ✨

As you work hard and play harder, remember to take time to meditate and relax. And of course listen to Zuhura & Party (that's my soundtrack as I write this).

Speak soon 🙂

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha