Hey music junkie,

Last week I attended my first Weaver. What's that you ask? Let me tell you all about it.

Once nameless, this is the open music circle that happens every Wednesday at The Mist. At 6pm, percussionists, instrumentalists and curious people gather together to play African drums, shakers and their own instruments. I played a calabash, kalimba and djembe in one night.

Truth be told, it's not just drumming - it's music therapy. You could hear the energy rising in the dark room as black and white people ululated and danced like their ancestors. Definitely worth experiencing once in your life.

On Friday after work, I attended the weekly Zahabu Sundowner at The Mall rooftop. Cosmic Cuts’ Unjust and later Ethiopian DJ Lady Hash were on the decks, serving soulful hiphop tracks. While talking to the full moon, a perfectly random stranger interrupted my intrusive thoughts. And we ended up having the most perfectly random conversation while seated on the hard rock concrete.

Talk about the magic of the moonlight 🌝

And the next day, I arrived at The Mist at 11:30pm, right in time for Unganisha's vibrant performance. Labdi sang and danced with us, Bernt geeked out on his electronic instruments and even talked to us. Leko and Ochwe were fan favourites, we had to ask for an encore!

Afterwards, Mozambican musician Muha played his first DJ set in Kenya which included South African dance music. SnSe took over with dancehall, reggae and a bit of gengetone. I then took a nap at the Mist dungeon (I know you have too). Which transformed me into a whole new person.

An hour later, I woke up to sweet Kenyan R&B tunes which took me straight to the dance floor. After Karrl’s set, I played a couple of Swahili taarab songs which took everyone back. Talk about TaaRnB.

But the weekend was not over yet. I had one more mission - to attend Nairobi Design Week. Even though Waterfront Mall was more accessible, it wasn't as charming as Opportunity Factory.

Still I caught a panel discussion on the future of design in Africa. Then entered a giant warehouse-like hall full of exhibitors. The theme seemed to be sustainable fashion, from Enda sport shoes to crotchet outfits. My favourite was IGC Fashion from Uganda who made outfits from tree bark, just like our ancestors!

And at the end, we entered [VØI]’s little hut to listen to a guided meditation and reflect on the real theme “we are the ancestors”. What is our sacred responsibility? To our future descendants?

Leaving the mall at 9pm (not that Mall), I was so glad to have caught the last day of NDW and meet incredible African artists and designers. Also this pointillism piece by Ugandan artist Little Aweko stole my heart. Can you believe it's all made from dots?

Now that it's warm and rainy in Nairobi, it's the right time to get cozy indoors and have fun in the sun, when you can. Here are a few interesting ideas for you.

PODCAST OF THE WEEK

Hadithi Hangout: A Taste of Taarab

Speaking of Taarab, that was the theme of our February Hadithi Hangout at Santuri. What an enlightening reading session as we discovered the Swahili, Arabic and even Indian influences on this timeless coastal music. And listened to the legends including Siti Binti Saad, Juma Bhalo, and Zuhura Swaleh.

In case you missed this fun conversation, we recorded the whole session for you! Listen in to hear how invented the new music genre in town TaaRnB 😎

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Jadili Session 12 at Santuri Salon

Almost a whole year later, Jadili Session is back! And for this Thursday’s panel discussion, we're driving deep into a hot topic - the exploitation of mainstream music platforms.

But it's not just about the problems, we'll also explore fairer alternatives we can use. Whether you're a musician or a music fan, this panel discussion will empower you to make smarter choices on streaming platforms. And yes, I'll be your host for the evening 😌

Play Reading of Parliament of Owls at Goethe Institut

Have you read the Kenyan play A Parliament of Owls yet? It's a satirical play by Kenyan writer Adipo Sidang that uses animal characters to critique political systems in Africa.

In it, the owls are in the ruling class - wise, rich, and deeply corrupt. Think of it as Animal Farm, but in a Kenyan context. Also, did you know a group of owls is called a Parliament? 😏

Kisima Festival Community Day at Our Wonderhouse

Wellness and nature lovers, this one's for you. After the wonderful Kisima Wellness Festival 2024 in Kilifi, we're coming back together in Nairobi - community style.

We'll have a fun-filled Sunday with yoga, face painting, tarot card reading, Afrodance, music, food and games. Plus if you've always wanted to try an ice bath ceremony, here's your opportunity. Can you believe all this for free? 🙌🏾

May you have a fun-tastic and productive week(end) ahead. And see you somewhere cool in Nairobi 🙂

Until next time,
Stay high on music
Furaha