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Tag: Music festival

  • Matata, Saida Karoli, Ssaru, Serro to perform at Blankets & Wine

    Matata, Saida Karoli, Ssaru, Serro to perform at Blankets & Wine

    Blankets & Wine, a production of GoodTimes Africa, has announced the artist lineup for their first edition of 2025, set to take place June 29th at Laureate Gardens, Moi International Sports Centre.

    The upcoming event will also be a celebration of the festival’s 16th anniversary of showcasing emerging and established artists from Kenya, across the continent and beyond.

    Blankets & Wine June edition will feature two stages that will present a diverse lineup of artists and African sounds.

    Performers on the live main stage will include world-acclaimed South African soulful house music icons Mi Casa best known for hit songs including “Jica” and “Tulale Fofofo” with Sauti Sol.

    A Kenyan cocktail of stars will include Matata and Ssaru, who will deliver an infectious blend of Gengetone, Afrobeats and captivating choreography.

    Serro, the power vocalist who gives a contemporary twist of Kenyan Folk music, alongside rising stars: Shad Mziki who will deliver a soulful pop experience and We are Nubia, afropop R&B sweethearts.

    Tanzanian living legend Saida Karoli will present a mix of Taarab and Bongo Flava rhythms infused with captivating traditional Tanzanian sounds while Uganda’s coolest kid, Joshua Baraka, is expected to bring the show down with his beloved dancehall basement party.

    On the Onja Onja Stage, fans should expect a captivating day into night of edgy, electronic African music, including live performances by Akoth Jumadi & Mr Lu delivering a soulful blend of Afro-fusion and contemporary folk, a seamless blend of hip-hop, electronic, and Afro influences from Coco Kahi, infectious amapiano and afro house beats from DJ IV and Bune, an electrifying b3b set from Ghedi x Hiribae x Paps and a journey to alternative afro house music scene with DJ Ite.

    Ahead of the anticipated event, Founder of Blankets & Wine, Muthoni Drummer Queen said they were excited for the upcoming show.

    “We are incredibly excited to bring such a phenomenal lineup to our loyal Blankets and Wine community to kick start the 2025 season.”

    She also added that their main focus was to deliver something worthy of their audience.

    “Our focus is to curate an experience that truly delivers exceptional value for money with two stages presenting thrilling performances from 17 top-notch African artists. We will also have a fine selection of Kenyan food, craft and experience vendors to enhance our amenities and infrastructure – every element has been meticulously planned to ensure our attendees have the best possible time. This year, we are focusing on bringing Africa to Kenya. And taking Kenya to the world.”

    Blankets and Wine curates a holistic festival experience that caters to every attendee, regardless of age.

    The Family Zone at the festival offers a safe and engaging space for children with activities and minders, allowing parents to enjoy the event.

    The renowned Onja Onja Market elevates the festival’s cultural immersion, transforming it into a bustling marketplace where local artisans, vendors and culinary talents converge.

    The market is a foodie paradise with tons of different eats and cool, handmade Kenyan goods and crafts.

    Blankets & Wine will this year also be hosting its first-ever show in Bradford City, UK, on September 6 2025, at Lister Park, marking a significant milestone in its 16-year journey in partnership with the British Council for the UK/Kenya Season 2025.

  • Emmanuel Jal to perform at Coachella 2025

    Emmanuel Jal to perform at Coachella 2025

    South Sudanese musician, activist, and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal is set to make history as the first artist from South Sudan to perform at the prestigious Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2025.

    Jal will take the stage alongside renowned Haitian DJ Francis Mercier, marking a significant moment for African representation on the global music scene.

    Coachella, one of the world’s most celebrated music festivals, is known for showcasing a diverse range of international talent.

    The 2025 edition, scheduled for April 11–13 and April 18–20 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, promises a lineup featuring top global artists across various genres. Emmanuel Jal’s participation underscores the festival’s continued efforts to spotlight unique and influential voices from around the world.

    Jal’s music, which blends Afrohouse, hip-hop, and traditional South Sudanese sounds, has garnered international acclaim for its powerful messages of resilience, hope, and social justice. His performance at Coachella is expected to introduce a broader audience to his rich musical heritage while amplifying his advocacy for peace and unity.

    Ahead of his historic performance, Jal released a new single, “Bilebile,” featuring South Sudanese artists Shammalee and Nyadollar in March.

    The song, released under Sondela Recordings, celebrates the resilience and determination of hardworking women. The title, which means “shine, shine” in Nuer, embodies an uplifting message encouraging people to glow and thrive despite life’s challenges.

    Jal has praised the vocal contributions of his collaborators, noting their distinct styles that blend traditional and contemporary influences.

    “It comes down to their distinct vocals. Nyadollar has a high-pitched, traditional sound influenced by Nuer culture, while Shamma’s voice is bold and modern in its delivery. They are both South Sudanese and former refugees who grew up in Kenya and I want to share my platform with them to ensure their voices are heard. This is a crucial aspect of my music, helping it retain authenticity and strengthen the messaging behind it,” he said.

    The release of “Bilebile” aligns with Jal’s broader artistic vision, merging authenticity with a contemporary Afrohouse sound. The track’s infectious rhythm and empowering message set the tone for his upcoming projects, including an Afrohouse EP to be released through Diplo’s label, The Higher Ground.

    Jal’s career has seen him collaborate with international stars and produce tracks that blend deep storytelling with danceable beats. With hits like “Kuar” (remixed by Henrik Schwarz & FNX Omar), “Gorah” with Nitefreak, and “Chaak” with Bun Xapa, he continues to make waves in the global music industry.