The inaugural Nairobi Festival is well underway, with over 50 Nairobi-based artistes set to entertain city residents during the 5-day fiesta.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja kicked off the Nairobi Festival at the revamped Uhuru Park on Monday, December 12.
Sakaja even dropped some bars during the launch, reminiscent of his earlier rap career over 15 years ago when he was a member of the Mission Driven gospel rap group with NTV news anchor Dann Mwangi.
The Nairobi governor said the inaugural festival will provide an opportunity for Kenyans to appreciate the city’s diverse food, culture, music, and art.
In the music section, Sakaja said highly acclaimed rap group Wakadinali will be among the over 50 Nairobi-based artistes lined up to grace the festival.
Veteran Genge rapper Jua Cali is also expected to perform at Nairobi Festival.
“We have decided that from this year going forward, we will always have this event to celebrate Nairobi. Nairobi Festival brings all of us together from our talented youth, the fans, upcoming artistes and also those who are established and everything else that’s in between,” said Sakaja.
“It’s about the vibe, the people, our culture, it’s about the positioning and how to sell to the world. From December 12 to 17, and every year, we are going to be coming together to showcase who we are,” he added.
Tickets will be going for Ksh100 per adult and Ksh50 for children, with the proceeds going towards supporting the vulnerable in Nairobi.
Radio personality Shaffie Weru, who is the lead organiser of the Nairobi festival, said there will also be at least 35 DJs.
“We have three main stages, while other sporting activities will be happening at Central Park. We have over 50 signed artistes who will be on stage across the week. Our main acts will be on stage from Friday, December 16 and also on Saturday.
“We have over 35 DJs, from the city. We have given priority to the people from Nairobi city only, if you spot an artiste and you think they are from a different county it is because they move, and they have relocated in Nairobi,” Shaffie said.
The media personality said a lot has been put in place to attract both local and international fans.
“We assure you this is a first and we expect a lot to happen, we expect big numbers. I can tell everyone in Nairobi to come and enjoy. It is going to be what you see in other big concerts brought to you by the county for absolutely nothing.”
