Hey music junkie,

I decided not do a reel this time. Which is what I usually do after attending an event as huge as Blankets and Wine. Instead, I decided to get real with you on our little corner of the internet.

Honestly, I don't even know how I survived the weekend. Popping into The Mist on Friday night to watch Nilotic Bliss pop her fundamentals turned into an all nighter. For some strange reason, I just can't seem to leave The Mist before 5 am 👀

Halafu on Saturday, we were back at The Mall. Nairobi Dub Club made its comeback with fresh new dub records from the UK. And a special Ethiopian wine/ coffee ceremony by Tizzita.

This time, I left early (read 4 AM) because Sunday was going to be one looong day.

Miraculously, I had energy to wake up the next day and even carry a child to Blankets and Wine. Thank God for the kids area which was so much fun, even for adults like us. And the two stages kept us moving back and forth.

Being an early bird, I caught almost all the performances on the dome-shaped main stage. My favourites were by Omutibo King Fadhilee Itulya, South African DJ Kmat and Luhya Heat Charisma. Honestly, he was the man of the night 🔥

On the Onja Onja stage, Freesia Flow enticed me with his unique R&B remixes, MC Yallah with her electrifying hiphop and DJ Paps with his Afrohouse bangers. That final set was so hot the popos had to step on stage and stop the party at 2AM 😁

What about Sun El Musician, you ask? The celebrated South African DJ/ producer whose music feels like happiness? I arrived on the dancefloor minutes early just to catch him live for the first time.

And when he finally showed up, it was magic. The visuals behind him took us on a trippy journey while his soulful music lifted your spirit. But this feeling was shortlived.

Simmy showed up a few minutes later in a short tight dress, you couldn’t keep your eyes off her. But when she started singing, you couldn't hear her voice. It was mostly the backing tracks doing the thing. But what is this?

The next 30 minutes went on like this. A little singing, making the crowd sing, moving around the stage and hyping the DJ. And all I could think about was telling Sun El: if I was your vocalist, I would do a proper performance with instrumentals only.

Needless to say, that was the most disappointing performance of the night. Which is ironic considering B&W brought them all the way. But as these concerts always prove to us, Kenyans do it better.

Anyway, I quickly got over it thanks to jaba juice, tasty muratina and these cool glasses from GP Sunnies. Though they couldn't protect my eyes from seeing all the trash we had thrown anywhere and everywhere. We really need to borrow a leaf from Beneath the Baobab’s environmentally friendly approach to waste management.

Speaking of BTB, here's something special happening in Kilifi this month!

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

Mekatilili wa Menza Mashujaa Peace Walk 2024

After celebrating the 21st annual edition at the coast, Mekatilili wa Menza festival is back. This time with a Mashujaa Peace Walk because 20th October is fast approaching.

What makes this walk special is it's a 9-day trek across Kilifi county, starting at Rabai and ending at BTB with a music celebration. The mission is to engage local communities in discussions about protecting their elders who've been chased away from their homes for ages. There will also be plenty of traditional dance and drama performances to immerse you in authentic Mijikenda culture.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Climate Convos at Santuri Salon

And speaking about environmental issues, did you know Thursday is Mazingira Day? To commemorate, DR. OBWAKSS and friends are teaming up to showcase new East African music that touches on climate change.

Expect a panel discussion, Q&A session and live music performances (hosted by yours truly). Get ready to think about mama earth and how we can make our life here better. Entry is free though donations are welcome.

Storytelling workshop for artists

Are you really free in your art? Or are you afraid to fully express your truth?

Let's learn together how to use art for freedom in this engaging storytelling workshop by SK Kinuthia. Last time we discussed Joseph Kamaru's music and life, this Friday the spotlight is on the revolutionary Eric Wainaina. And yes, entry is absolutely free from 6pm.

And those are my top picks of the week. Of course if you're feeling like dancing, check out more sherehes on my Telegram channel.

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha

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