Kenya: Inaugural Sailing Music Festival set to kick off 30 August

The three-day event, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the coastal county, will take place in Malindi, Watamu and Kilifi, blending live music performances with other cultural experiences.

The festival will be headlined by legendary coastal artists Mzee Ngala and Juma Tutu and the Swahili Jazz Band, and supported by Osiro Music, MADCA Malindi and Chosen Band from Kivukoni School. Also on the bill are Nairobi-based drummer Amani Baya, guitarist Jack Muguna, and the AfrikaSoulCollective featuring singer Nyawĩra Siren, percussionist Wakake Otieno and nyatiti player Kake Wakake.

The festival will kick off on Friday, 30 August at Saffron Garden in Malindi with an evening entertainment dubbed Sherehe and Jazz. On Saturday, music fans will take in the cool breeze and immerse themselves in hot performances on the beaches of Sudi Island in Watamu Marine Park, followed by an exclusive DJ afterparty on the mainland.

On Sunday, the celebration will culminate at Mnarani Beach Club in Kilifi, where festivalgoers will get to sample a fusion of bango music and jazz with Mzee Ngala and Juma Tutu.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Sailing Music Festival director Otieno Wakake said: “We want to bring you something new, something exciting, something interesting that connects you with the heart and soul of this county. Beyond unforgettable music, the festivalgoers will also experience authentic coastal cuisine, local art markets, and a scenic sailing adventure on the Mekatilili Dhow through Kilifi Creek under the starlit sky.”

The festival was officially launched in Malindi on 23 July with support from the Kilifi County government's Department of Trade and Tourism.

Noni Mbugguss, a public relations professional based in Malindi, said: “Kilifi County is an amazing destination, and music lovers are invited to enjoy its musical heritage and other rich cultural offerings.”

Tickets to the festival can be purchased here.