Hey music junkie

Happy pink full moon. And what a long enthralling weekend it has been. I cannot wait to tell you all about it!

On Wednesday, I attended the third Industry Social at KODA Nairobi. The theme for this edition was community support. What support do you need in the industry?

I walked into a surprise live performance by Chris Barr who sings kitaarab almost as wonderfully as Zaituni. Actually, he blended his own love song with Tamu Sana. And engaged musicians in the audience to sing with him too.

Then came the panel featuring Foozak, Anyiko, Peng, Katush and Chidi. With deep questions from the host Safia, they shared personal stories of how they started their creative careers, the support they wished they had, and what they've learnt in the past 10+ years.

The biggest takeaway for me was a statement Foozak said: Why are Kenyan DJs playing South African music in the club when we already bring SA DJs? Makes Kenyan DJs like us who play Kenyan music even more relevant 🇰🇪

On Thursday, we hosted Hadithi Hangout Chapter 16 at Santuri Salon. We read our new book Mathare alongside the author himself Gathanga Ndung’u. He, Njeri of Mathare Social Justice Centre, and the book gave us an insight on the vertical and horizontal violence that happens there, how women have been part of the anti-oppression struggle for decades, and what they love about their home - which was once a quarry.

Thursday was also special as it marked the return of The Clearing to The Mist. After banter and supper, my friend and I caught the final minutes of the Magic Hour with Moige. We listened to poetry, meditated on the floor, and danced hard like we were shaking off trauma.

Unlike the previous Friday, this one was a beehive of activity at The Mall. A plethora of events starting with a mini graduation of the female DJs who did the 3-day Sanara workshop. And in the evening, Wendy Kay held her cute EP listening party at Santuri Salon.

Fun fact: She released her KARAHA EP the same day I released my debut single Sirudi. Which I reviewed here.

At the rooftop, I caught a bit of Clark Keeng, Zawadi and Zalali’s lovely performance. Yes to more live shows at Zahabu Sundowner 🙌🏾

And back downstairs, I attended Njogu Kuria's exhibition wrap up party by Maiqcheck. Being my last day, I finally visited the explicit content room in Munyu Space. I appreciloved Njogu’s paintings of naked women in different shapes and sizes. But mahn, some scenes were so obscene I had to walk out and wash my eyes.

I later talked to the artist about how traumatizing it was for me. After he explained why he painted them, I went back a second time. And this round wasn't so bad, it was actually kinda erotic.

While checking out his unique vinyl paintings, DJ music by Generali Noni Muthoni reverberated through the dungeon. I asked Njogu more questions and bought 5 stickers of my favourite art pieces. And in return, he gave me a gift of the canvas I fell in love with the first time.

A wise friend once said “Your community is who you spend your money on.” Njogu is part of ours now.

Remember I told you Furahiday was mad? We ended the night at The Mist, dancing to TCHNO sets by Hasira Hasara and more bealing bass by RHEINA in the misty red underground. And left the club at 5AM.

Saturday’s mission was super simple. I went to The Mall rooftop to catch some sunlight, shot this promo video for Sirudi, and talked to an acquaintance about music video ideas. We actually might have a solid one 😏

Sunday was the most mindblowing day. Kenyan publicist Abigail Arunga invited me and other entertainment journalists to The Showman Residency rehearsal. That's the highly anticipated show by Nyashinski.

His event producer Fakii warned us this wasn't a live band concert like Shin City. Rather, it would bring different art disciplines to one stage. Just wait and see, he said.

2 hours later, we finally experienced the groundbreaking theatrical performance. There were dancers, actors, acrobats, skaters and even stilt walkers on stage. And who would have ever thought Nyashinski would sing with a choir? 👀

This whole combination of music and theatre was so thrilling that we sang, danced, and smiled throughout. And the team was so pumped up you'd think it was the real show. They probably understood how life-changing this moment was for them to perform alongside the G.O.A.T.

The 2hr 40 min show felt like a James Cameron movie, worth every single minute. We then sat down with the whole crew for a Q&A session. And learnt they've been rehearsing here for the past 4 weeks, sometimes doing 2 full runs a day!

My perception of Nyash, I mean Shin, also changed that day. He greeted all of us by hand, and knew the name of every single person in the 100-person crew. He was so down to earth while answering our questions - you wouldn't think he’s the same person who dissed two of his producers including Cedo.

Being their final rehearsal at Homeboyz, it felt like closing day. They sang, cut and ate cake like one big happy family. Next time we’ll see them is at Carnivore in their dazzling costumes full of glitz and glam.

But before then, check out these other cool stuff.

SONG OF THE MONTH

Sirudi - KRWR x Furaha

As you might already know by now, my first single is finally out! Sirudi is a Swahili song I wrote and recorded in March 2025 as a way of moving on from a situationship and reclaiming my self worth. Because we all deserve real consistent love.

The best part for me is the instrumental produced by KRWR, where you hear taarab instruments, chakacha beats and 808 bass all in one. It's our introduction of TaaRnB to the world! 🙌🏾

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Jadili Session at Santuri Salon

As a musician or creative, you need to understand intellectual property and copyright in order to protect your work. That's why Jadili Session is back with an interactive workshop breaking down Creative IP in Music.

Moderated by Wairimu Nyoike aka Sisian, we'll learn from Selina Onyando, Immaculate Juma and Emma Chepkemo. Who are experts in intellectual property, entertainment law and public policy. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about these topics, karibu this Thursday from 1PM 😌

Tujenge Album Release Party at The Mist

While last Friday was all about TCHNO, this Friday at The Mist is all about East African music. The main event is the Tujenge album launch by Congolese musicians Chrisman and Lebon, which is about exile and survival amid the ongoing war.

Supporting them are Bakisimbatronics DJ producer Maganda Shakul whom you've probably seen at Kilele Summit. And hiphop DJ Lady Hash from Ethiopia. Talk about a proper East African bash 🔥

The Showman Residency at Carnivore Restaurant

This Easter Saturday, The Showman finally takes over Carnivore with his 7-show residency. The biggest musical ever staged in Kenya that combines fantastic music, relatable storytelling, incredible dancing, impressive acrobatics and hypnotizing visuals.

As the creative director Ian Arunga told me, the best shows to attend are the opening and closing night. There are also PG shows which are friendly for children. And as Nyashinski said, get ready for one of the best nights of your life ✨

Thank you for reading as always, and sharing your love for Sirudi. Special thanks to everyone who's downloaded the track, I bet you're enjoying replaying the song whenever and wherever you want. If you'd like to get it through MPESA, shoot me an email at [email protected] and I'll send it to you 😉

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha