Hey music junkie,

I'm not gonna tell you Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays because I'm sure every Tom, Dick and Kamau has already beat me to it. So instead I'll ask, how happy are your holidays?

As always, I'm out here recovering from last weekend. And preparing for a season of rest and reflection. And fresh countryside air.

Speaking of, what a beautiful end of the year it has been. On Thursday, we closed our Santuri book club with a special edition of Hadithi Hangout. We read the Bible of Kenyan music Shades of Benga and were honoured to have the author himself Tabu Osusa share his wisdom with us. Oh, Winyo, Makadem and Olith Ratego, all fantastic Kenyan musicians, were there too.

There was a lot that was asked and said. I could tell you all about it here but I wrote a quick recap for you on Instagram. Here's what we learnt about Benga, THE Kenyan Sound. 

Friday found me next door at Koda Nairobi for Jalgua Festival, Emmanuel Jal's party. My friends and I rocked Shiko Onyango’s beautiful art pieces while dancing on stage behind Juliani, Miishu and Tina Ardor.

Did you know Juliani is also an Afrohouse DJ? Me neither.

Saturday was for rest. And on Sunday, I missed Watendawili’s epic set because of lateness. At least I listened to their album En Route to Blankets & Wine. Get it?

I danced to MGM's Afrohouse/ amapiano set at Onja Onja stage (he even played with a saxophonist). And then checked out the various vendors in the Onja market. Saw some Kenyan fashion brands I definitely wanna rock such as Apar Gadek, Achieng Orwa and Karibu Nairobi. Coming soon

Idd Aziz didn't perform and we don't know why. Coster's set was okay. My favourite part was when the whole Kodongklan Clan joined him on stage to perform their new hit single Disko.

Necessary Noize took us back in time with their dancehall/reggae hits Kenyan Boy, Bless My Room and Tension. Gravitti Band backed them up well. Watching them live for the first time was a magic moment for many of us millenials.

Wakadinali took forever to get on stage but MDQ assured us it was not their fault. The whole rong rende was present, either dancing, rapping, or standing on the edge of the stage. They half sung through some songs as if they didn't know the lyrics. But Scar Mkadinali was a proper performer 🔥

We waited even longer for the final act. The visuals during Nyashinski’s set were mesmerizing. But he denied us a full band experience, all he had was a guitarist and a dancer/ flag bearer.

In the middle of his set he brought cake and drinks; Lucky You to those who were in the front row. And reminded us that Blankets started 16 years ago (that's 2008) with only 120 attendees. Now we were over 10k!

Basically the majority of middle class Nairobi was here.

To be honest, I enjoyed the previous Blankets more than this one. Maybe because I caught all the performances I wanted to. Maybe because Onja Onja stage had live performances and a surprise Geng Geng set. Or maybe because we got free drinking water.

Anyway, that my last sherehe of Nairobi before going upcountry. Where will you be this last week of 2024? Here are a couple of ideas.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

The Top 10 Kenyan albums of 2024

Before we end the year, you deserve to listen to the best Kenyan music projects released in 2024. And trust me they were many. That's why I picked the top 10 for you.

From soulful R&B by Njerae and Cheruu to funky Afropop by Charisma and Watendawili, there's plenty for you to enjoy. What was your favourite Kenyan album/EP of the year?

EVENT OF THE WEEK

TCHNO Takeover at The Mist & Shelter Ke

TCHNO has had a beautiful run in 2024, taking over Nairobi, Diani and releasing Kenya's first ever techno EP. And to celebrate, they're hosting two gatherings this weekend alongside Underground Nairobi to end the year.

On Friday, the focus is on understanding Uganda’s underground techno scene and experiencing 3 live production sets at The Mist. While Saturday is a full blown sherehe at Shelter Ke with 9 explosive techno DJs (one of them is from Uganda). Which night will you pick?

Beneath The Baobabs Festival in Kilifi

When new years approaches, you know it's time to travel to the coast. And experience Kenya's biggest music festival aka Beneath The Baobabs in magical Kilifi!

This year’s mega lineup features mega DJs such as Blinky Bill, Emmanuel Jal, Kampire and more. 7headC0, rPH from The Mist and Geng Geng will represent Nairobi's coolest mall. More than just a DJ extravaganza, you'll also experience sultry R&B, fiery hiphop and traditional Mijikenda music LIVE.

Bush Baby Disco at Distant Relatives Kilifi

Now this is the official BTB afterparty and New year's celebration. Have you ever seen a lineup as beautiful as this? Check this: two of Kenya's most electrifying bands Sarabi and Dipa Konnection, Kilifi’s beloved Küribã and friends, Badman Bantou and Coco Em from Nairobi, HEKA and KENIA based at the Coast, and so much more!

Being Mwanase’s send off party after being Distant Relatives Manager for 7 years makes it even more special. If you'll be at the coast on new years, this is one sherehe you can't afford to miss.

May this holiday season be relaxing, refreshing and unforgettable for you. And yes, this is the last newsletter of the year from me. Go make magical memories then tell me all about it 🙂

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha