Kenya: Jamhuri Festival returns with seven Nairobi venues

“Every year carries its own unique goodness, especially the introduction of new acts,” festival founder and curator Tom Olang’o told Music In Africa. “It has felt like three decades but honestly being part of this festival has been the most beautiful journey in my life as I have been challenged mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.”

The festival will host an array of artists whose performances will be spread across the seven venues, including Sauti Sol, Karun, Kaskazini, Ayrosh, Phil, Dempsey, Mankind, Restricted Access, DJ Kafi, Shappa, Wangechi, Shukid, I Made Kenya Challenge, Wanja Wohoro, Njoki Karu, Tetu Shani, Barbara Wangui, Taio, Basthma and the Kenya Association of Musicians and Performers (KEMPA).

Olang’o said the majority of the line-up was made up of emerging artists who had stood out in the Nairobi live scene.

“Most of these artists are young but very passionate about music and live performances. They are building a culture that will live well beyond our years – a culture of art and music appreciation,” he said.

Olang’o said emerging artists who had applied to play at the festival needed to improve the quality of their electronic press kits (EPKs). He said musicians needed to spend more time on creating well-polished EPKs in order to make a lasting first impression on industry players.

“Have an aesthetically pleasing EPK, take photos and videos of your performances. Promoters are always looking for amazing, well-presented art that can be aligned with their event or venue,” he said.

In 2017, Jamhuri Festival featured two venues and Olang’o hopes this year's expansion into more live spaces will bolster the event's scope and bring in sponsorship opportunities.

“At the moment the event has been sponsored by Ghetto Blasters, who are providing sound, and Xpose Limited who are providing a stage, screens and lights. However, we are open to more sponsorships, which will ensure our constant growth,” he said. 

Jamhuri Festival dates and venues:

11.12. Matatu Mix, National Museums of Kenya
11.12. Open Mic Sessions, Dagos Bar
13.12. Hip Hop Hooray, 5One Bar
14.12. IMadeKenyaChallenge, J’s Kitchen and Bar
15.13. Acoustic Garden, Goat Social
15.13. Time Machine, DeJa Vu
16.13. Jamhuri Living Room Sessions (venue to be disclosed after ticket purchase)

Visit the official Jamhuri Festival website to purchase tickets.