Hey music junkie,

Sasa umepona? That's what my friends asked when I came back from Tupone. The answer I gave them is not what they expected.

Before Tupone, I sneaked into The Mall for a few hours on Friday. Almost all the ladies I met were in deras, because it was Dera Nights at Zahabu. Since I was also in one (even without planning it), I decided to check out what it was about. And true to the poster, there was a lot of nyash-shaking thanks to dirty dancehall music.

Meanwhile at The Mist, Kenyan Reggae Night was heating up. After meeting spoken word artist Mz Karmali from Uganda, I snuck out before I was sucked in by the reggae. Kumbe the rain outside was not over yet. Yet somehow I travelled from Nairobi to Nkoroi (past Rongai) in less than an hour. Sema record!

On Saturday, we woke up at Sparrows Creek Ecocamp ready for Tupone. Packed our bags then boarded a van to Corner Baridi past Kiserian town. There we did our previously planned last activity first - that is plant trees on our host's compound.

When was the last time you planted one? 🌱

When most people had arrived, we started our hike to Ngong Hills. Our Maasai guide led us through senna, sage, and sodom apple bushes, and we occasionally looked back to breathe in the countryside views. What goes up must come down, and soon we descended all the way down the forest to a little stream which came from a spring. Yes, like a real water spring. And yes, we drank the water 😋

After thunder warnings, we pushed through a thicker forest until we landed in an open ground with houses. And that's when the clouds opened firewater, making us hide under an umbrella tree and the house verandahs. Talk about perfect timing!

But the rain didn't stop us from having fun. We danced and even did yoga in the rain. And when it went away, we made land art around a beautiful tree. Followed by a music circle where we warmed up our voices while exercising, and introduced ourselves through a fun song.

But my favourite part of the day? Trekking back to Corner Baridi in the dark, while slipping on the mud. At some point we could see the whole of Kiserian town, it looked like stars on the earth. If it wasn't for the support of my brothers, I would have arrived all covered in mud 😁

Back at Sparrows, we enjoyed a filling dinner of brown ugali, kienyeji greens and mushroom soup. Around the bonfire, we shared conscious conversations about abundance, crystals, and flat earth theory.

A few days prior I had watched a reel talking about marijuana can be as powerful as mushrooms or ayahuasca. I decided to test this theory by hitting the chalice after making a solid intention. And boy was I surprised.

For one, I saw crystals shining like stars with my eyes closed. And I received so many downloads in such a short time I could not believe it. Mahn, respect the herb 🙌🏾

On Sunday, I felt like being alone. So I lay on the grass, thought about my life, and wrote down new intentions in my Liboi State of Being journal until I felt better. Nature therapy always works.

In the afternoon, I broke my fast with sugarcane juice, followed by jaba juice and then bhajia with chilli sauce. Also taught some girls how to play the kalimba. And finally went home feeling a bit lighter.

On Monday evening, I hosted an IG Live through Kisima Festival. While talking with Aude from Grassroots Economics, I learnt all about community pooling ie. how we can exchange goods and services with each other at Kisima (and beyond) without using money. Interesting stuff I tell you, listen to it in the background like a podcast.

And on Tuesday, I received my DJ Raha mix from Africa is A Country Festival. Recorded in June 2025, it's revolutionary Kenyan music from top to bottom. If you pay attention, you'll hear my voice too singing and emceeing 🙂 

Back to Tupone - it definitely worked out my body through the hike, yoga and voice exercises. But I still feel heavy emotionally, maybe even heavier, due to certain triggers. However, I choose to let them teach me - so class is in session!

Since we were in Maasai land, this next music project is right on track.

EP OF THE MONTH

Future Sounds Vol 1 by Olongo Olosho x 7headC0

In October 2023, I joined Blem Entertainment in Olooloikitosh Kajiado to mark the end of their music residency. The result was a 2-track Kenyan EP blending ancestral chants of the Maasai elders group Olongo Olosho and the lofi-jazz textures of Nairobi-based producer 7headc0 aka Kamwangi. A fine bridge between tradition and experimentation.

After Olongo Olosho performed at a UNEP event, indie label Ginene Records remastered and reissued their project this year. If you haven't listened to the short & sweet EP, this is the perfect time to do so 🎶

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Roots and Culture Night at Shelter Ke

It's the second Thursday of the month which means Roots and Culture Night is back! This is the monthly residency featuring two of the most unique Kenyan bands - Asili Dub with their reggae-dub taarab sound and Afrosimba with their fun Mijikenda fusion.

In between their electrifying performances, Nairobi Hi-Fi’s DJs will play some eclectic vinyl sets. The last show was so mind blowing, I wouldn't want you to miss this one. Why would you when entry is free? 😏

[MONRHEA] presents Confidently Lost at KODA Nairobi

Speaking of mind blowing, Kenyan DJ producer and creative techie [MONRHEA] has been preparing something super special for you. This Saturday, welcome to the [RHEAVERSE], Kenya's first XR universe made by Kenyans for Kenyans - with the help of Black Rhino VR. But what does this mean?

Expect a dancing avatar of [MONRHEA], cool visual effects, and of course the most experimental music. If you love tech, games and music, this is one performance you must experience 😎

Kisima Festival at Beneath the Baobabs Kilifi

And as you already know, Kisima Festival 2025 is finally here! 4 magical days of healing with nature, wellness and music beneath the baobabs. And with UNITY as the theme, there will be lots of activities bringing us together in love, joy and rhythm.

I'm personally looking forward to the Giriama opening ceremony, kalimba circle, contact improv, community pooling, belly dancing class, and my own music dance workshop. Yup, Kisima is more than just yoga and namaste 😁

Let's hope after Kisima I will confidently say “Nimepona”. And whether you'll be in Kilifi or not, check out the Mekatilili wa Menza Mashujaa Peace Walk starting this Saturday. You can join this powerful movement honouring the Giriama legend through your participation or your contribution 🙏🏾

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha