Hey music junkie

After reading last week’s newsletter, someone said I might have had the busiest weekend in Nairobi. After reading this one, I don't know what they’ll think 😁

The fun bizness started on Wednesday night. Even though I arrived at Alliance Francaise at 8:00pm, I was only 3 songs late. On stage was Winyo with his full band - and Liboi as a background vocalist!

For the next one and a half hours, they entertained us with tantalizing tunes from his upcoming album BengaXYZ. Plus benga bangers from his previous projects Jawaya Jathum and Sazile EP. Nyoro was the highlight of the night!

Even though the songs were in Dholuo, this benga night was different from last weekend’s. Winyo's songs were slower and fused with other sounds. But interestingly, the lead guitarists from both nights were Congolese - this time the maestro Benjamin Kabaseke 🎸

I spent Thursday working at home because I knew it was gonna be one long interesting weekend. And on Friday evening, I landed at The Mall to teach my Italian friend Swahili.

Did you know Furaha is also a Swahili tutor? 😁

After class, we went upstairs to the rooftop. And danced fearlessly to Sam’s Afropop DJ set till midnight. His mixing skills on those decks was such a wonder to watch.

On Saturday, I was back at The Mall. This time to host DJ Mixanthrope, my fellow benga-loving friend at Santuri Salon. It was his first time playing his Berlin party African Beats and Pieces in Nairobi.

For 3 hours straight, he took us on a panAfrican journey to discover African music we had never heard before. The similarities were so intriguing - how a Maasai sounding-song was from Algeria, or a gengetone song from Reunion. He even played Tokelezea by Chantelle, remember that jam?

Even though we were few, we had SO.MUCH.FUN on the dancefloor. And Mixanthrope aka Boris told me the reason he only plays African music is because he loves it! And can you blame him, our music is LIT 🔥

For the afterparty, we caught Ng’at Maler’s kwaito-house set, SHI’s Afrotech vibe and Ally Fresh’s Afrohouse and gqom remixes. With the underground bassy sounds reverberating through the dungeon, it really felt like The Mist was back. And Shutterdust’s trippy visuals were just the cherry on top.

But hey, the weekend was not over yet #Iwarnedyou. On Sunday, I woke up bright and early for another event. This time, my sisters and I travelled all the way to Gitue Water Spring, on the border between Kiambu and Kajiado counties.

Once in Thogoto Forest, we smudged ourselves thanks to Baibui’s herbs. Practised grounding Afrikan meets Hatha yoga on an open field led by Odanga. And shared conversations and fresh fruits as the sun set beneath the hills behind us.

We couldn't end this BAITU Hang without this one thing. Our scout led us in the darkness down the forest to the famous spring. And someone convinced all of us to enter the cold pool at 8pm. Aka the best time to skinny deep 😁

Thank heavens for the bonfire which waited for us when we got out. We had our final potluck aka dinner, sipped muratina and ended with a gratitude circle. While some went back home, we made this forest our home for the next two days.

I could write a whole article about our experiences - which I will on the BAITU Blog. But what I'll give you now are the highlights of this community gathering that turned into a healing retreat…

On Moonday we

• Hiked the indigenous forest, walking through the trees and crossing the river

• Climbed a giant Mukuyu tree which felt like hugging our grandmother

• Drank fresh spring water straight from the river

• Cooked brown ugali and greens on the firewood

• Slept next to the bonfire before the rain chased us back into the tent

After sleeping on hard rock again instead of my soft bed, I wondered why we stayed another night. But as my friends swam in the spring pool again, I took my notebook and wrote down my experiences while seated under the mugumo tree. And then it all began to make sense.

In short, this was the nature therapy we never knew we needed. Stones massaged our bodies from head to toe, whether sleeping or walking. The constant river sounds relaxed our inner beings. And watching fireflies appear every night felt like the stars had joined us on earth.

Pure magic ✨

If I stayed there for another week, I would become as fit as an orutu. Coming back to Nairobi just exposed how different life is in nature. We're definitely going back, because who else is this for if not us!

SONG OF THE MONTH

Utsai si Nyuwi

Do you remember Mwanzele, the hypnotic sound from the coast which was performed live at Kilele Summit in February? Well Mwanzele king Mzee Tendere whom I met last year Beneath The Baobabs has been recording a lot of original music at the Kilifi off-grid studio. And his first release is this powerful song called Utsai si Nyuwi which means grey hair is not witchcraft.

What makes this track special is it's a collaboration with Kenyan guitarist Michel Ongaro, and has been remixed by Amsterdam duo Umoja, Kenyan producer HEKA and guitarist Sam Mbaluka. This is what happens when the traditional meets the contemporary 🎶

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Asili Dub at Geco Cafe

Speaking of the coast, the last time this band performed live was at We're Loud Festival in Kilifi. The only Kenyan band fusing taarab with reggae-dub is back on stage this Thursday! And they're bringing their big bad sound to Geco Cafe.

If you've never watched Asili Dub live, these guys will seriously blow your mind. And if you have, then come ready for more meditation time 😏

Record Store Day at Kenyatta Market

Every April, music lovers in Nairobi and beyond gather in Kenyatta Market. It's not for the nyama choma or for a hair makeover, but to celebrate World Record Store Day. And this 7th edition is going to be sensational!

This Saturday, expect vinyl DJ sets, discounts on music records, and live performances by Koko Koseso, Les Mangelepa and Matoya Traditional Band. And who knows, you might just win a RealVinylGuru Tshirt, Koko Koseso’s album, or your very own record player! 🤩 

Culture Shock Album Launch at Zahabu

A few weeks ago, I invited you to Ambasa Mandela’s album listening party in Nairobi. This Saturday night, he's finally releasing and performing it live at one of our favourite venues - Zahabu Garden at The Mall rooftop.

Mandela has been making conscious African music for over 20 years, starting with Sarabi band before going solo. And in his debut album Culture Shock, he's still going strong on the message while experimenting with sounds like singeli, soul and reggaeton. As one of Kenya's most charismatic performers, this live show is going to be unforgettable 🔥

Super grateful to be alive and experience all this nature, community and music with you. Also join me on the dancefloor this Friday 6-8pm at Zahabu Sundowner. DJ Raha will playing Kenyan RnB, aka Rumba and Benga 😉 

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha