Hey music junkie,

Woah, what an artsy weekend that was. Have you ever attended 4 art exhibitions in one week strong? Let me tell you about them.

On Wednesday, as mentioned in the previous newsletter, I went for the Waridi 3 tour finale by Checkmate Mido. He was accompanied by the harmonious songbird Ach13ng and a small orchestra to create one unique Afro-hiphop sound. And I later met Levi Wataka who brought Mido and the orchestra together to make magic on stage 🎶 

Afterwards, I checked out the Crossed Perspectives of Kenyan society exhibition. It featured metal sculptures and witty paintings by Eshivachi and Peter Bertiers which made you smile, laugh and think. It’s open until 31st August at Alliance Francaise.

On Thursday, I hosted the first Kenyan Karaoke Night at Santuri Salon, and the first one in two years. This comeback was small, intimate and fun as we sang our favourite Kenyan songs - from zilizopendwa to throwbacks to new school hits.

In case you missed it, check out the fun highlights here 🎤

On Friday I was on a mission - to not one but two exhibitions. Maskan at Creatives Garage which documents femicide in Kenya was both chilling and heartbreaking. If you haven't entered the white room yet, check it out before it closes on Thursday - whether you're a man or a woman.

The second exhibition was Caged Bird by Muthoni ni Mimi and friends at Munyu Space. That night, my friend and I Walker into them having conscious conversations about rejecting AI and capitalism. And then we went through the sombre paintings and poems about the pain of grief and overcoming it.

Saturday was for dance-mania. Mo Dance Competition presented super-talented youth dance crews competing for the top prize of Ksh 120k. I was there to support MSJC Creative Hub from Mathare Social Justice Centre. Even though they didn't win, they made it to the top 6 and learnt a lot from that experience.

We ended the day at Cosmic Cuts which was celebrating its 10th year anniversary. Lady Hash, Gatthoni, Unjust, Slick and Midl_East served us a healthy dose of alternative R&B, hiphop and soul from 10AM till sunrise. While we tripped on strange animations projected on top of a wall painting.

Imagine this: it's 6am, you’re standing with a glass of jaba juice in hand as you study unique Kenyan art on the walls. It feels like you're in a cool club meets art gallery meets comfy lounge.

The Shelter is like The Mist, but fancier 🖼️

After sleeping all day on Sunday, I was back to work on Moonday. In the evening, I attended an online Q&A on Plant Dieta and Preparation. In case you're wondering, that's how to prepare yourself for a plant medicine journey, from which foods to eat and which to avoid.

And in case you didn't know, 2 young shamans from Amazon forest are coming to share their sacred medicines with us in Kenya this September. And people have already signed up for the ceremonies, ready to receive them. If you're interested in Ayahuasca and other indigenous plant medicines for healing, explore the upcoming retreats here

Now let's explore other opportunities to expand your mind and consciousness…

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE MONTH

It's time to shine

• Apply to perform as a background vocalist at Solfest 2025 - 22nd September

• Make a short film with the Mobile Phone Storyteller film lab for African female filmmakers - apply by 29th August

• Join the Leading Vibe Initiative program by Tems for emerging female artists, songwriters, and producers - 30th August

• Learn how to produce music or deejay with SEMA courses in Kisumu - 30th August

• Submit your conscious art to the Okoa Uchumi creatives competition - 2nd September

• Learn how to write about culture from experienced journalists - 8th September

• Curate an African music mixtape from the Singing Wells archive 

• Join the creative crew of the socially-conscious short film Hali ya Hewa 

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

African Heritage Fashion Show at Alliance Francaise

This Wednesday, we're back at Alliance Francaise - this time to celebrate African fashion, dance and music. This is in honour of the late Alan Donovan who co-founded African Heritage in 1972 with fellow art collector Joseph Murumbi, which became Africa’s first pan-African gallery and cultural center.

Another fun fact, he organized African Heritage Festivals which travelled the world showcasing authentic African textiles, music, dance, and cuisine for over three decades. And he also formed the African Heritage Band in 1979 with Job Seda, later known as Ayub Ogada 😎 

TCHNO Takeover at The Mist

After an enthralling takeover at KODA Room 2 two weekends ago, TCHNO is back at the Mist. This Friday, the panel discussion will delve into the power of communities, alongside Kenya's first drum & bass collective Jungle Culture Kenya.

As for the music, Rheina will kick off with an experimental live techno set. Followed by DJ sets by Kenia, Mescadi, 7headcØ and guest DJ Nyx. Another reason to stay up all night dancing and vibing 🕺🏾

Ubuntu Fest at Kunoni Gardens, Rongai

I am because we are, do you agree? If you do, then join Ubuntu International for their first Ubuntu Fest in Kenya this Saturday.

In the spirit of African community and spirituality, this day will feature permaculture and herbal medicine talks, taekwondo and yoga classes, African food and drinks, dance performances and live conscious music by reggae artist Pato Banton and his wife Antoinette Rootsdawtah. Plus it's free for children so bring the whole family 🙌🏾

Whether you're in the mood to dance, learn, or just admire art - there's something for you. So make the most out of your strong. You got this 💪🏾

Until next time
Stay high on music
Furaha