Hey music junkie,

How fast or slow are you taking this new moon? I was recently forced to slow down, sleep in and shut up. But first, here's what happened.

On Thursday, I met my Italian friend for our first Kiswahili lesson (he's the one learning, mostly). Then we caught half of SamisfinallyinAfrica DJ set at Studio CanV Kilimani. It was a fiery mix of South African Afrohouse and gqom that got us ladies dancing ecstatically inside the hot container.

What will DJ Raha play at Studio CanV? I wonder 🤔

On Friday, I also caught half of a Kilele Summit meeting at Santuri. Because the coolest summit in Nairobi is less than a month away! Mark the dates: Feb 23rd - 28th.

After work, I caught a bit of Soulfud’s funky set at Zahabu Sundowner. And watched the silver crescent moon and sparkly stars decorate the night sky. And back in the office, I sent the next Hadithi Hangout invite newsletter. And prepared my DJ setlist of Kenyan Funk from the 70s up to the 2020s.

Because of #teamnosleep, the only way I survived Saturday was through sipping jaba juice and coffee (not Ethiopian though). I helped my friend Shayur design the Ecstatic Dance poster for Feb 7th. Then we enjoyed South Indian cuisine inside a temple in Spring Valley. It was both gluten and lactose free aka my favourite kind of food freedom. After that finger-licking meal, I wanna visit India and experience Indian culture even more 😋

The final stop of the day was Geco Cafe. At 7:30pm, I was right on time for Leo Mkanyia and Swahili Blues Band. They presented The Muzika, a live project preserving traditional music from different Tanzanian communities, which had elements of taarab, rumba, and even isikuti. Chuma Mbili played percussions, Bon Mkanyia played bass guitar and midi keyboard, while Leo had a funky way of playing guitar - think James Brown 🎸

From the third song, Geco turned into a wild African party. We enjoyed ourselves so much on that tiny dancefloor I was like if I die today I'm okay. Because attending events is not about how stylish you look, it's how much unadulterated fun you're having. And you want to be remembered for living a full life, just like Rambo Wambugu.

If you love African music, they're having one more show this Wednesday at Ankole Grill before they go back to Tanzania 😉

Because of this crazy party, I went home with a sore throat. And because of fatigue, I missed Mina’s new crocheting club meeting on Sunday and the mud house building workshop on Moonday. The home rest was worth it though.

Because of losing my voice, I also had to postpone my 30 Days of Kenyan Albums series. 3 days later, it’s finally back so I can continue with the challenge. Which is going great by the way, have you seen it on Instagram or YouTube Shorts?

If not, here you go.

ARTIST FEATURE OF THE MONTH

Meet Gitonga Mukira: The Futuristic African storyteller

When listening to music, what do you care about more - the beat or the message? Well, with this artist you don't have to choose because he gives you both. His name, is Gitonga Mukira.

The French-based Kenyan musician has produced top-notch projects such as Kiswahealing and released conscious EPs such as Jacaranda Propaganda (one of the best of 2025). You'll be amazed not only by his experimental African sound but also his deep lyrics delivered in Swahili sanifu 😌

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Hadithi Hangout presents Kenyan Funk at Santuri Salon

Our book reading community event is back, and funkier! This Thursday, we're going back to the funky 70s when our (grand)parents used to boogie in mini skirts and giant Afros.

Through Shades of Benga, we'll meet the Kenyan Funk legends, read their stories and dissect their fashion. But the best part is we'll also dance together to this music, from Kikuyu funk and disco chakacha. So bring your dancing shoes and let's get down 🕺🏾

Kickz & Barz Celebrating Kitu Sewer at Lava Latte

Who's the best conscious Kenyan lyricist alive? Some may argue it's Kitu Sewer, one half of Mashifta. That's why this Kickz n Barz event on Saturday is all about celebrating the Life and Rhymes of Kitu Sewer.

Expect live hiphop performances, DJ sets, and a producer showcase by the one and only Dillie! As the name suggests, this event is also for sneakerheads and collectors to show off and trade their exclusive kicks 😎 

Karaoke Night “50 Shades of Love” at Marakua Restaurant

Sharing this one early because I know you like early invites. Yup, Karaoke Night with your favourite bubbly host is back! This time, we’re visiting this cosy artsy space in Kilimani called Marakua Restaurant.

The theme for this debut is “50 Shades of Love” which simply means all the different feelings surrounding love, from high-ness to heartbreak. We'll sing, laugh and drown in our feels all in one night 😁 

May you have a funky good time this weekend. Enjoy live African music, conscious hiphop, and some Kiswahealing. Just make sure to take it nice and slow, okay? 🙂

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha