Hey music junkie,

Have you ever been out back to back to back to back? Yes, those 4 backs were intentional. Here's what I mean.

Last Thursday, Hadithi Hangout was back at The Salon. For the July chapter, we explored a Kikuyu music genre that's not benga or mugithi. The lesser known Mwomboko is actually older and is accompanied by a dance style inspired by the waltz.

While reading Shades of Benga, we met the genre’s pioneers and listened to their iconic songs. But beyond the book, we discussed how colonialism changed our culture musically, and why we should accept it.

Deep stuff I tell you.

On Friday, I was back at The Salon - this time for deejay stuff. I applied for Its Her Turn opportunity by Kikuyu Love Sessions who are looking for their next female DJ (wish me luck). While everyone else went out, I stayed back to practise for my Sunday set because nothing sucks like being unprepared for a gig.

By the time I was done, it was 4 am. Even though I found Alte Swing at Shelter Ke was over (sobs), I hang out with my music bros and we had a pretty nice time on Electric Avenue #afterparty

After a few winks of sleep, we were back (third one) on the streets on Saturday afternoon. Hawwi who I met at KODA’s Industry Nite had invited me (and a plus one) to their KWOTE Africa preparty. A warmup for their Machakos roadtrip this Saturday, Abby and Sendz played faya Afrohouse DJ sets at Lava Latte.

In between, we listened to old school records by Real Vinyl Guru - the cool cover arts gave me ideas. And I got a beginner skateboarding lesson on the basketball field. The Mall rooftop, here we come 😁

But the weekend was not over yet. After slightly more winks of sleep, Sunday found me back at The Mall. This time to set up and play at the first Groove and Green in Nairobi (the other three were in Kampala). Despite a late start, I played some of my favourite Kenyan house records and the audience loved them. Dr. Obwakss from Kenya and iamRonny continued the Afrohouse vibe, going deeper and deeper.

Maganda Shakul blew us away with Bakisimbatronics, his unique fusion of dancehall, electronic music, and traditional Buganda music called Bakisimba. UK DJ Elsie expertly blended garage, techno and drum & bass. And finally, Ugandan rapper Fakher performed a few of his original songs.

We left The Mall at 2am, and Westlands at 4am. In short, it was a good night.

If you love Afrohouse, techno, or Ugandan music - you're in luck. There's more of it this weekend in Nairobi. But first…

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK

This is Mwomboko

Remember the theme for last Thursday's Hadithi Hangout? Well I had to curate a music playlist to accompany our lively discussion, featuring songs written as far back as 1922!

From Kikuyu legends HM Kariuki (not JM) and Joseph Kamaru to the new kids on the block Ayrosh and Kamoko, this is what Mwomboko sounds like. There's even one Küribã track that fuses mwomboko with Afrohouse, because that is how you keep culture alive. Watch out for the elegant dance moves too 💃🏾

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Zahabu Sundowner at The Mall rooftop

Friday is no ordinary day. It's the peak of the Lions Gate Portal aka 8/8 which is known to open the doors to spiritual growth and manifestation.

Elevate yourself at Zahabu Sundowner with powerful performances from over 20 artists as The Creatives Pool celebrates 7 years of Open Mic. Followed by unique DJ sets by our Ugandan brothers Maganda Shakul and iamRonny before they leave for Kampala. It's bound to be magical ✨ 

African Entheogens at Our Wonderhouse

Speaking of magic, are you curious about using mushrooms for spiritual healing? My brother Odanga from Tupone is leading an open conversation this Saturday evening on their sacred use across African traditions. Yes, even our ancestors used them?

We'll also explore the current psychedelic renaissance that's happening across the world, because people need healing. And how we can connect to these golden teachers right here and right now 🍄

KODA X TCHNO presents Hyenah at KODA Nairobi

Now this is the dance party of the weekend. The last time I watched Hyenah in Nairobi was back in 2016 or 2017 when Alchemist was still the Alchemist (if you know you know). The masked and mysterious Berlin DJ is back, this time playing at everyone’s favourite Afrohouse club KODA.

While Room 1 will be buzzing with Afrohouse bangers, Room 2 will be home to deep dark techno. Imagine moving across the two rooms throughout the night, getting the best of both worlds in one place 🙌🏾

I don't know about back to back to back to back, but this will help you get back into the events scene in case you've been MIA. How many backs can you handle this weekend? Lemme know 🙂

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha