The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
The Easter holidays are here, and Pulsers are known for defying convention and catching a beat at the most inopportune moments.
The Nairobi party scene has been booming with concerts pulling multitudes. Starting the year off was the NRG Wave Concert, which saw thousands of revelers turn up to usher in the New Year.
Partygoers thronged the Carnivore grounds in a one of a kind fiesta which saw Jamaica’s dancehall bigwig, Konshens grace the grounds, backed up by the likes of Fena Gitu, Khaligraph Jones and Sol Generation, among others.
The same night, Nigeria’s Omah Lay was in Mombasa, so 2022 started on a high note.
Only a handful of such performances were curated after that, and the business went down again. The industry gradually lost steam. Jamaica’s Popcaan event was postponed. The concert that was slated first to happen on January 8, was pushed to February 26, and later to April 16, which falls on this weekend, although the details remain scanty.
“Niaje Nairobi! It’s official, finally a forward to 254, after many requests from my Kenyan unruly fans, @vibesonly_ke will push the event in Nairobi to 16th April 2022. Forward out and let’s make this one another historic show,” reads the announcement from Popcaan Twitter page.
Stringent measures
The same scenario repeated itself when the highly anticipated concert by Jamaica’s Turbulence was also cancelled. The reggae promoter revealed the singer’s failure to come to Kenya was due to Jamaica’s stringent measures on Covid-19.
Slowly, but surely, a return to normalcy appears to be on the horizon, albeit slow. This is great news for an entertainment and events sector hungry for the high-octane energy of live music.
A fortnight ago, South African dancer and singer Kamo Mphela, treated Kenyans to great music and dance.
Last weekend, probably one of the most talked-about events went down, ‘Fireboy Live’ with Nigeria’s award-winning chart-topping entertainer, Fireboy DML. This was in line with the ongoing Guinness campaign dubbed, ‘Shines Brightest’, a Pan-African campaign.
With Sol Generation’s Nviiri the Storyteller and Bensoul setting the mood, Fireboy set Nairobi ablaze. DJs Grauchi, Shinski, Moh Spice, Kym and K The DJ ensured revellers were on their toes the whole night.
This was a testament that the big concerts are now back and the Easter weekend is no different; not just international stars, but also local artistes are stepping up.
Kenyan rapper and entrepreneur, Nyashinski will be proving his mettle this weekend in a one-of-a-kind concert, Shin City. This concert will have no opening acts as this will be Nyashinski’s own personal concert.
Through the concert, the rapper hopes to offer his fans an opportunity to experience an immersive concert experience much like international artistes do. According to Nyashinski, the event will not just be a normal concert, but an entire musical experience of its own caliber.
“This is a different thing we are trying to bring to the Kenyan entertainment industry. It’s a fusion of many different styles of art and not just me there standing and singing my songs. I can’t wait to share it with you,” Nyashinski said.
On the same day, tomorrow, ‘Beneath the Baobabs Live’ will be happening. This is a team of dedicated creatives who curate music events and immersive art while showcasing East African culture in Kilifi.
The eco-friendly fete, will be held at a 50-acre picturesque venue on the Indian Ocean, and will feature a heavy dose of absorbing traditional music from the North Coast of Kenya as well as a mix of contemporary sounds.
The event will be headlined by musical maverick, Blinky Bill and hip hop godhead Octopizzo, who will be joined by Mijikenda legend Mr Bado and percussion group Simba Wanga, among others.
“Momentum will build through the day with acoustic sets and exciting acts backed by live bands such as Lisa Oduor-Noah and Njoki Karu as well as emerging new wave talent like Ayrosh and Labdi in the afternoon and evening on The Twisted Fig stage,” Beneath the Baobabs creative director Matthew Swallow said.
This season, everyone’s tastes have been catered to, and members of the Christian faith have also been remembered.
On Sunday, the Cheza Gospel Festival will take place at the Nairobi Cinema. Moji Short Baba will perform as the main attraction featuring the likes of Mercy Masika, Jabidii, David Wonder, Guardian Angel, Ben Cyco, Laura Karwirwa, Manolo, Muhanji, Shani, Josh Xtra, Shira Soreal, Garvey Royal and Desito.
“Cheza Gospel Festival is an event that celebrates the Kenyan gospel culture, come and let’s praise the Lord with song and dance,” says Moji Short Baba.
For the petrolheads, Carchella Festival Masaku TT Edition will be happening tomorrow in Machakos while Wyre will be headlining Easter Fest n Irie Vibes in Kitui.
And legendary Jamaican artiste, Eric Donaldson is set to perform in Kenya as the headliner of the Umoja Splash Peace Tour slated for June 5 to July 30.
Donaldson, famed for hits like Traffic Lights and Cherry Oh Baby will also do a two-month countrywide tour alongside top Kenyan acts and DJs. The tour is organised by Umoja Splash Festival and managed by Ngoma Tucheze, famed for bringing top reggae acts into the country.
