Hey music junkie,

Sometimes I don't know how to start this newsletter. Like today. So I'll start it like this - sorry for the delay 🙂

On Thursday, I visited this castle on Raphta Road I never knew existed. The King Post looked like a Swahili hotel imported straight outta Lamu. The makuti roofs, the wooden louvre windows, and arched rooftop design made me wonder if this is Nairobi…

After that Culture Shock (get it?) I head to The Mall. MDQ and Blinky Bill were having their invite-only listening party of their collaborative album Now it's Experience Talking at Munyu Space.

Meanwhile, I was invited to Kulture Klub's second film screening event at The Mist.

This time, the short film was from Senegal while the feature was Bamako from Mali. Two French films with subtitles to improve mon français. Like last time, we had revolutionary discussions about capitalism - and even got free film stickers.

On Friday after work, my Swahili student and I had our lesson at Haandi Indian restaurant at The Mall. Which still has the best customer service ever. And the hottest meal I have ever had - literally cried tears 😭

Upstairs, Yellow Rastar was playing disco house music at Zahabu Sundowner. At the basement, TCHNO turned The Mist into a black and red dungeon. I caught Wangt3ch & Nick B2B DJ set from 3-5am, before going home.

Saturday was more work, and techno. I finally edited and uploaded Hadithi Hangout Chapter 16 where we read Mathare. Another revolutionary piece of art which sparked thought-provoking conversations like these.

At midnight, I walked to KODA for Night 2 of the TCHNO 5th anniversary party. Budalagi B2B Rathod DJ set electrified our whole bodies in Room 2. While Kenia B2B Heka played psytrance meets techno, and the Kilifi family came all the way to support them.

On Sunday, I visited a sistar who watered me with poetry like a flower. Biggest lesson: Love is the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth (Bell Hooks). How are you actively loving yourself and others? 🤔 

And after resting on Monday I spent most of Tuesday preparing for my Studio CanV set. How, you ask? By looking for and listening to music from different Kenyan communities: Maasai, Kisii, even Borana.

Because for this DJ set I want to take you on a musical journey across the country, playing old-new fusion sounds because that's where the sweet spot is.

Honestly, this is the MOST Kenyan set I've ever played. You'll hear Maasai, Kisii, even Borana music. I bet your community is represented too 🙌

Tap in here!

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

Did someone say revolutionary?

• Apply to perform at ACCES 2026 music conference in Johannesburg - by 30th April

• Attend this creative writing workshop on writing about Africa's future - apply by 30th April

• Learn about contracts and intellectual property in this online Creative IP masterclass - 9th May

• Join this six-month audio documentary residency for African storytellers - 11th May

• Submit your short film to be screened at Frame by Frame film event - 19th May

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Hadithi Hangout at Santuri Salon

It's the last Thursday of the month, so you know what time it is. Hadithi Hangout is back with Mathare, the book that tells the hidden history of Nairobi’s forgotten settlement.

Last month we discovered how it has been a centre for anti-colonial resistance since the 1920s. This Thursday, we'll learn how the first two Kenyan governments betrayed and abandoned Mathare, and how the resilient residents still rose above it. After those deep discussions, we'll cool down with healing music at The Clearing next door 😌

Eco Rave: A Whole Vibe at The Rift Ke

Now this is not your ordinary rave. Eco Rave, which hosted the eco-conscious Touch Grass Festival last year at Ngong Hills is back with something different. This Friday, they've organized a whole day to night experience which is more than just a DJ party.

From noon, you can swap, paint, mend and rework your clothes. Then connect with cool creatives, enjoy a film screening, and end the night dancing to fire DJ sets by Sam 2024, Scarlabane and Njeri wa Babaa. Talk about a wholesome art community event in the city ✨ 

KWOTE anniversary party at The Mall rooftop

And to end the weekend on a high, welcome to another anniversary party. KWOTE who’ve been hosting destination Afrohouse parties across the country are celebrating their one-year anniversary in Nairobi. And yours truly is on the DJ lineup!

I'll be playing soulful Kenyan house music from 3-4pm, followed by DJ sets by Mura, Linstrom, IV, Abby and surprise acts till midnight. Come ready to dance, let loose, and heal with African oontz 🕺🏾

May you have a revolutionary, healing and exhilarating weekend. And see you on a dancefloor, dungeon or Salon near you 😉

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha