AKA to headline Nairobi fest

The picnic-style fete returns with a full African line-up, after the November 2016 edition, which brought American disco group Kool & the Gang, failed to impress as fans lamented the hiked ticket prices and lackluster performance of the band’s ageing members.

However, with last year’s successful performances by American hip hop star Aloe Blacc and British songstress Estelle alongside numerous African artists, the afternoon festival remains a favourite for urban music lovers, who also want to mingle, play games, enjoy a wide array of street food and shop from the pop-up section, which features fashion and accessories by Kenyan designers.

"We’re excited to be back and build on our amazing 2016,” Blankets & Wine founder Muthoni Ndonga said. “In addition to the great festival people have grown to love, we’ve got some new tricks up our sleeves that will make the day even more special. We can’t wait to see you all in April.”

AKA, whose hit songs include ‘Victory Lap’, ‘The World is Yours’ and ‘All Eyes on Me’, will be performing alongside Nigerian singer Nneka, known for soul hits like ‘Heartbeat’, ‘Africans’, and ‘Lucifer’.

Kenya will be represented by the urban soul force of Fena Gitu who is expected to thrill fans with some of her latest tracks such as ‘Kama Kawaida’, and ‘Sema Ng’we’.

Also performing will be Tetu Shani, Ciano Maimba, Kerby, Prisca Ojwang, Janice Iche, MVRoe & Kiwango, Trina Meka, Kahvinya, Ukweli and DJ Suraj, who will wrap up the night with his electronic beats. Nairobi’s latest underground sensation, Nu Nairobi, will open the festival.

For more information and tickets visit the festival’s official website.