Hey music junkie,

How is the new year treating you? Last weekend was quite different from the others. No sherehe or anything, here's what happened instead.

On Thursday, I attended Munyu Space’s anniversary toast at The Mall basement. Which included short speeches from its resident artists, a walk through the displayed art, and free drinks from Rabuko. The night culminated at The Clearing where we reflected on Munyu’s one year journey, listened to music as well as poetry.

The next day, I woke up as early as 7am to travel. By 10am, my family members and I were upcountry for a funeral. Surprisingly, the outdoor church service was quite interesting- singing, walking barefoot, and hearing from different people how exceptional the deceased was.

When we went to the burial site afterwards, the mood completely changed. The air was heavy with sadness. Seeing people in tears was proof that he was loved. It's better to have loved and lost than not loved at all.

It made you think - what will your eulogy read? What will people say about you? Will they put a cross on your grave if you're not a Christian?

This unexpected funeral was a blissing in disguise as it brought together cousins, aunts and uncles who hadn't seen each other in ages. We spent the night sitting round the bonfire (before the rain poured), beating stories, eating together and listening to music. What you'd imagine a family reunion would like.

And on Saturday, before leaving I took a quick walk through our shamba. Looking at the mature macadamia trees, I imagined all the macadamia oil we could make and use at home. And all the fruit trees we could plant on this farm that our late grandparents gave to us. Truly, our land is our wealth 💪🏾

After this trip, I planned to spend Sunday at home chilling as they say. Going out on a cloudy day to do an ice bath when you feel a cold is coming didn’t sound like the best idea. Yet Nathan suggested it could boost my immunity, or make me overcome the flu faster. Plus this was his last ceremony before he travelled.

What would you have done?

I gave in, got ready and travelled all the way to Beyond Body in Kitisuru. Thank the universe it was an indoor yoga studio. About 10 people, we started with a 30-minute breathwork exercise lying on our mats as Nathan guided played African Trance music. A gentle preparation for what was coming ahead.

When the ice finally arrived years later, we helped pour the cubes into the water tub. I watched two ladies brave the ice, then I was ready. Breathing out slowly, I entered the icy water and immersed almost my whole body. And you know what, I don't even remember feeling cold. Maybe it was the breathwork session, maybe it was Nathan’s constant support, maybe it's because I had done an ice bath before. Though in the previous one at Kisima Community Day, the water wasn’t as cold yet my whole body was in pain.

This Sunday, I was so comfortable I could even sing the song which I chose: River by Cheruu. I wanna be free, like a river. And 3 minutes later, I felt like I could stay for another 3. Instead I dunked my whole head inside then got out of the water to an applause like an Olympic champion. Somehow my body felt warm, even hot inside. Maybe that was the thermal shield Nathan talked about.

However it didn't last long as a few minutes later my whole body was covered in goosebumps. And nope, I wasn't scared. I regulated my temperature back to normal using a hot dawa at Artcaffe Westgate. Where I saw Little Aweko’s artwork glowing on the walls. Remember her pretty pointillism painting from Nairobi Design Week which I shared a while ago?

As for the effects of the ice bath ceremony, I slept throughout the night like a baby. And woke up feeling a new person. Another person told me she laughed throughout the night - must be the dopamine release.

As you can tell, you can spend an enjoyable weekend without partying. How did you spend yours?

Now here are those opportunities you've been waiting for!

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

Earn, learn and grow

• Get your story featured on Torch Magazine and get paid for it (for women writers) - rolling

• Sign up for Santuri's SEMA DJ 101 or BMP (beginner music production) courses starting May 23rd

• Apply to perform at Fete De la Musique in Joburg in June - by April 16th

• Submit your short film or documentary to be supported by DocuBox - April 30th

• Apply to be part of Kisima Wellness Festival 2025 - by April 30th

• 🪘Artists and Musical Performers 

• ✨ Healers and Therapists

• 🥙 Vendors 

• 🪷 Workshop Leaders/Practitioners

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Acoustic Wednesday featuring Koko Koseso at Ankole Grill

If there's one person you should watch live in your lifetime, it's Koko Koseso. This Afrofusion queen absolutely blew us away during her album launch at The Alchemist last month. She sings, dances and plays percussion too!

If you missed this epic concert, here's your chance to watch her - for free! See you at Ankole Grill tonight 🙌🏾

TCHNO Anniversary at KODA Nairobi

Saturday is truly a a special day. Why? We're celebrating TCHNO’s Season 2 one-anniversary at the legendary club KODA Nairobi!

Both rooms will be buzzing all night long, the open room 1 with groovy tech house and the closed room 2 with pure techno. And the lineup is super impressive, featuring Kenya's finest techno DJs. It's going to be an unforgettable night of healing on the dancefloor 💃🏾

May this inspire you to try, apply and explore something new. And as always, see you on a dancefloor near you!

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha