Broadcast, Film and Music Africa expo to showcase top Kenyan talent

27 Oct 2015 - 11:19

Broadcast, Film & Music Africa (BFMA), a two-day event that brings together operators in the audio-visual media business, is being held Trinity Centre in Nairobi, Kenya between 28 and 29 October. This year the exbition features a great line-up of musicians, who will provide entertainment during the lunch breaks and evenings.

Kenyan artist Maia Von Lekow. Photo: www.hangout.co.ke

Among those lined up for performances are Maia Von Lekow, whose music combines Afro-jazz, folk and soul with Swahili spice. Growing out of her legendary father's shadow, Maia is a Kenyan musician who has supported artists including James Blunt, Habib Koité, Thandiswa and Mafikizolo, and performed at festivals across Africa, including Zimbabwe's HIFA, Morocco's Visa For Music, Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar and KigaliUp in Rwanda. Maia's debut album Drift was released in 2013. 'Uko Wapi', from her self-titled EP, received two African Academy Awards for Best Soundtrack.

Also on the bill is Zikki Kenya, a new band formed in 2014. The band's music is a fusion of diverse music influences, with its core component being Kenyan urban music. It is made up of four youthful and gifted musicians, namely Bianju Morris (vocals), Evans Macharia (bass), Moses Otieno (guitar) and Kelvin Kamande (drums). During performances, the band incorporates two other musicians to beef up their backup vocals. The band has performed at several clubs in and around Nairobi, eliciting very good audience responses. In March 2015, the band made its maiden TV appearance on the 'Power Breakfast' on one of Kenya's leading TV stations.

Daily music sessions will take place from 1pm - 2:30pm and 5:30pm - 8pm. Other artists lined up to perform are Sage, Grand Master Masese, Mutinda, Michael Ongaro and Makadem, in addition to DJ sets by Taio, Jack Rooster, Kafii and others, who will provide exhibition attendees with diverse musical sounds from Kenya. The onference culminates on Thursday 29 October with a concert, dubbed 'African traditional musical movements'.

The BFMA exhibition showcases the latest trends and products in radio and TV equipment; audio and video studio equipment; terrestrial, cable and satelite TV; multimedia for broadcasters; computer graphics software; telecommunications; online media; video projection; professional sound; show lighting; equipment rental; and media asset management, among others.The BFMA is now in its seventh year and has established itself as one of the most important forums for innovators and professionals working in TV, radio, film, music, mobile tech, telecoms, advertising, animation and gaming. Watch highlights from last year's event in the video below.