Hey music junkie,

Can you feel the effects of climate change? Okay, lemme ask another question. Have you jumped or driven over a giant puddle of rain recently?

Then we're on the same page. Or shall I say same side of the puddle.

That's why Climate Convos on Thursday was so important and timely. Fresh from Kilifi, I hosted the second edition of the event at Santuri Salon. Not only did we listen to conscious Kenyan music by Mashariki Vibes aka dunda with a cause. We also had a long conversation with an environmentalist from Climate Fresk about our individual roles in climate action. Do you claim to care about the environment yet use plastic straws, cups and bottles every day?

Remember the 4Rs - refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle.

And instead of buying crisps and peanuts in plastic bags, our night snacks were sweet potatoes, guacamole and fried cassava with a side of chilli. Actually, that was supper. Not only were we happy and satisfied, so was mother earth.

On Friday night, I missed Blinky Bill’s epic Kashata live concert. Were you there? I hear the Burundi drummers were a major highlight.

Instead, I was at Santuri Salon recording a DJ mix for an studio launch happening in UK. In the one hour, I played some of my favourite benga, rhumba and twist tracks. And even sampled Boss by Blinky for the culture yoh.

Saturday was now sherehe day. With 101 events happening in Nairobi, there was only one I wanted to attend after the CDJ workshop with DJ Shock. And that was Makadem @ 20 Safari concert.

In the 4-hour show at Sarakasi Dome, Makadem introduced us to his 3 personas since he became a musician in the late 90s. Moving from Mombasa to Nairobi to olova the world, he's successfully evolved his sound from dancehall to Afrofusion to Nyatiti jazz and Nyatitronik. Call him His Nyatitiness.

👉🏾 In case you weren’t there, here's what you missed from the Kenyan legend

Now with December season in full swing, we have A LOT to look forward to. From new music to live shows to DJ parties. And yes, The Mist is turning 3 this weekend!

PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH

New music of the month - November 2024

As we approach the end of 2024, we have some sizzling hot tracks from Njerae, Kitticai and Ndovu Kuu. Our favourite mother-son duo of Jabidii and Mama Jabidii also dropped another orutu banger for us, have you heard it?

The fiery Juliani makes a come back with not 1 but 2 new music videos. And so does Eko Dydda complete with new swag and bling. Also, try not to fall in love the video vixen in Hornsphere’s For Lovers.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

The Battle for Laikipia at Unseen Nairobi

Have you watched this powerful Kenyan film that premiered at Sundance Film Festival? As the name suggests, The Battle of Laikipia is about the decades-old conflict between indigenous pastoralists and white settlers. Who really owns this land?

This poignant documentary brings forward important issues like climate change, conservation and neocolonization. Even though deep state refused NTV to screen this film last Saturday, we can still see it at Unseen Nairobi this December.

Afrofeel acoustic event with Shazzy at Santuri Salon

When is the last time you attended a live acoustic show in Nairobi? With all these all-night sherehes, they’re almost going extinct. Come Afrofeel to save the day.

Shazzy is an up-and-coming Afrofusion musician who can comfortably sing Dholuo on a rhumba rhythm. After performing at Tajezo’s sold-out show a couple of months ago, she's the star of this Friday show alongside Kikos! band who are a definite must watch!

Outlook x Umojah Sound System at The Mall

For this Saturday’s sherehe, Outlook Festival from UK has partnered with Umojah Sound System in Kenya thanks to a British Council grant. Together, they're throwing a massive party at The Mall with 2 stages celebrating sound system culture.

One stage will be dedicated to gengetone, drum and bass while the second is for the dub and reggae heads. And the long lineup features heavyweights such as MC Yallah, Coco Em, Dipa Konnection, Basthma, Jungle Culture and more. Which stage will you be at?

You absolutely have no reason to stay at home when all these cool events are happening. Even if you're not in Nairobi, something is cool is happening next door. Just ask your neighbour :)

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha