Hey music junkie,

Are you feeling the energy shift in the air? We just passed the Spring Equinox on March 21st which means a new year is starting. Is it too late to say happy new year?

As always, it's been an interesting time in this Nairobi. On Thursday, I hosted Jadili Session 12 at Santuri Salon. I played smooth taarab music as people walked in. And when they finally did, we started the panel discussion with stats - how much each music platform pays artists per stream, and how much money the Spotify CEO earns a year.

Hint: it's more than mega stars Taylor Swift and The Weekend 😏

From one of our panelists IMA, we learnt the problem with streaming platforms is they're not made for us Africans. According to Raph, we feed the capitalistic machine with our money and attention which then uses our original content to make AI music. Thank God for alternative platforms like Bandcamp, Hustlesasa and Usanii where artists can earn directly from their music. And as Beth Achitsa pointed out, live shows are still the biggest earners for most musicians.

Here's a little snippet of our rich conversation 

On Friday, I skipped the party to attend my second Play Reading Ke. By the time I arrived, Goethe auditorium was overflowing just like the reading of The Trial of Dedan Kimathi. Luckily this time, I found a giant screen outside and a comfy chair to sit on.

Published in 2017, the play of the day was quite prophetic - mentioning a malicious midnight bill and united protests among the birds. There were funny moments and relatable moments too as the birds in power hooted and looted. But how do you overthrow a greedy government, sorry Parliament of Owls?

Read the revolutionary Kenyan book by Adipo Sidang’ to find out.

On Saturday, I travelled to a home studio in Uthiru to record a project close to my heart. KRWR produced a tantalizing TaaRnB track on which I wrote and recorded a heartbreak song - in Swahili sanifu. The result was so sweet. Tamu kama halua

Then Aming and I recorded separate verses on Dvbliew’s future RnB track - which samples Muhogo wa Jang'ombe by taarab legend Bi Kidude. All I can say is that day, we were in our bag. Tuko Mkobani.

We'll debut these 2 demos at the next Hadithi Hangout (more details below)

Sunday was Kisima Community Day. As we walked through the lush Spring Valley estate past dogs and cycling families, you couldn't help but wonder - is this Nairobi?

Even though I missed partner yoga, I joined a meditation session led by Melina. Kombucha, watermelon and fine dates later, we did Improv Theatre as a group. The rain interrupted our fun and games, so we hid inside the warm Wonderhouse studio, went back to the garden , before the rain chased us again.

I also enjoyed Animal movement with Fela, moving like a chameleon, lion, even a gorilla. You don't realize it's exercise until you finish a round of monkeying around. And on the next day when you feel muscles you haven't worked out in a while.

And my final session was the ice bath ceremony with Heather - my first ice bath was at Kisima Festival 2024. We warmed up with a cold shower and breathing exercise. Then two by two you entered a kiddie pool full of ice cubes.

I'll be honest. Sitting in ice cold water feels like a thousand needles pricking on your skin, your whole body is in excruciating pain. You brave it for a minute, dunk your head in the water then come out like a champ.

The result: you feel energized afterwards. And end the session with wild noises, loud screams, and a group hug.

I'm now curious to experience music-centric breathwork and Ice bath ceremony with Nathan aka Long Exhales. Who played his bamboo flute the whole time he was in the cold water.

Talk about a pro.

And just in case you're wondering what Kisima Festival is all about, I got you!.

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Kisima Wellness Festival 2024 recap

In November 2024, I attended one of the most transformative festivals of my life. Even though it was unplanned, I joined Kisima Wellness Festival as a volunteer and received way more than I gave.

From yoga classes to massage sessions to horse therapy, we experienced the full spectrum of wellness. And every night we enjoyed a music party Beneath the Baobabs. It was all love, healing and community in 4 beautiful days ✨

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Hadithi Hangout Chapter 6 at Santuri Salon

After experiencing a taste of taarab from the coast last month, now we're remembering the rise of rumba in the city. This Thursday, we'll read about how Congolese bands took over Nairobi in the 1970s and 1980s, shaping Kenyan music as we know it today. And listen to their biggest rumba hits.

As a bonus, we'll have a special listening session of the TaaRnB tracks I mentioned earlier. Will you come give us feedback? 😏

TCHNO Takeover at The Mist

After celebrating International Women's Day with Ugandan collective Femme Frequencies, TCHNO Takeover is back! Now with an all-male lineup, because empower the boychild too.

Come learn why techno is important in the underground scene during the panel discussion. Followed by a live set by Santuri's Kimina, and DJ sets by Kilifi-based Lemi, Savi , Davis B and Trent. Another good reason to spend another Friday night at The Mist 🙌🏾

Nairobi Dub Club at The Mall

Fantastic news! Nairobi Dub Club is finally back at The Mall parking lot. The first Umojah Sound System party of the year will feature the incredible Daudi Dubs and Roots Agenda pon di decks.

If you want to vibe to conscious and healing music all night long, Nairobi Dub Club is the perfect place to be. And of course that sound system bass hits all the right spots. Don't be surprised if you walk out at sunrise feeling brand new 🌞 

Before you go, I have a special update to share with you…

Are you tired of trying to spend less and actually want to earn more? Inspired by Rich Dad Poor Dad, my friend Wendi and I started a financial literacy course. Because 2025 is Our Money Year.

So far, we've built a solid foundation by setting clear goals, mastering budgeting, and tackling debt. And now we're about to learn how to Turn your Purpose, Passion, or Proficiency into a Profitable Venture with guidance from our money coach/ successful entrepreneur Juliet Odhiambo.

If you're like me, you DEFINITELY want to earn more money doing what you love. Karibu to our April classes (Mondays 8 PM) for just Ksh 1100 – the price of an event ticket, a fancy meal, or a bottle of jaba juice. The only difference is this investment could double or even triple your income this year.

Invest in your richer self here 💸

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha