Some of the best and worst concerts of 2024

Top shelf events

KITFEST’s 9th Edition

The ninth edition Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFEST) saw Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi presiding over the official opening at the Kenya National Theatre on November 5. Thereafter participants thronged the streets of Nairobi filling the atmosphere with pomp and colour. The organisers kicked off with street performances in collaboration with Nairobi County Government, bringing theatre to the heart of the city. The festival featured a record of 46 spectacular shows from 16 countries and concluded on November 17 with performances from the Big Boys of Shibale and KITFEST Monologues Champs.

Oktobafest Regional Events

Moving away from hosting a single event at Racecourse, as was the norm in previous editions, EABL decided to do things differently. They went with regional activations to mark its trademark Tusker Oktobafest celebrations.

The regional activations kicked off on October 19 with simultaneous celebrations Kitengela, Kikuyu and Eldoret, hosting top Kenyan acts in a curated cultural experience.

The climax of the activations took place on November 02 at Mombasa, Nairobi and Karatina with Khaligraph Jones, Ayrosh, Nadia Mukami, Salim Young, Fathermoh, Mejja and Ndovu Kuu as the headliners.

Nviiri and fans at a past Tusker Oktobafest celebrations. [ Edward Kiplimo]

2024 Blankets and Wine Editions

The next edition of Blankets and Wine in December 22 will be a fitting finale to a standout year. It will feature an all-Kenyan lineup of acts, including Necessary Noize, Nyashinski, Wakadinali, Idd Aziz and Njerae

Except the July edition which was rescheduled from July 7 to July 28 following nationwide unrest and security concerns, the social outdoor circuit continues to live up to its billing. It hosts a unique musical and multi-faceted cultural experience on the first Sunday of every quarter.

It features live performances from local, regional and international acts, ample parking and security, smooth crowd coordination and clear sound systems.

There has been online petitions that the organizers should introduce an annual ticket price to cover all the four editions.

Njugush’s Through Thick N Thin (TTNT)

Celebrities and other creatives sent congratulatory messages to Timothy ‘Njugush’ Kimani and Celestine Wakavinye following their fifth edition of their signature comedy standup series Through Thick ‘N’ Thin (TTNT).

TTNT 5 took place on 27 July at Sarit Centre Expo with a more than 6,000 fans in attendance.

Doors opened at 2PM at the Sarit Expo Center for an evening of fun and laughter. Event organizers went to great lengths to ensure its success with free transport available from Nairobi CBD to the event’s venue.

Abel Mutua, Judy Nyawira, Butita, YY, Awinja and Jackie Matubia were among those who graced the star-studded event with many more showing Njugush and Wakavinye love on social media.

Oscar Mbo’s Amapiano Vibes

South Africa’s record producer and podcaster, Oscar Mbongeni Ndlovu alias Oscar Mbo delivered a memorable performance at the Afro Tribez concert at Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi, mid-June.

Known for his innovative house music containing elements of deep house, deep tech, Nu Jazz, broken beat and lounge music, Mbo captivated a massive and mature crowd.

He is best known for his founding and starring roles in the entertainment podcast, The Ashmed Hour show.

Mbo shared the stage with Big Nyagz, Shamiso, One Down, MGM, Sultan and deejay Mikey among others.

Israel Mbonyi’s Electrifying Performance

On August 10th, award-winning Rwandese gospel singer Israel Mbonyi delivered an electrifying performance at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi. He was headlining the Africa Worship Experience Concert. 

The gospel concert delivered incredible music and prayers for Kenya and its people. It was described as one of the biggest gospel concerts in Nairobi at a time of unrest.

The concert was graced by prominent leaders and senior pastors among them Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Israel Mboyi delivered two-hour-plus performance featuring most of his hits. He sang his heart out and interacted with his fans.

Others who shared the stage with Mbonyi included: Karura Voices, Pitson, Timeless Noel, Destiny Voices, K-Krew worship, Adawnage Band and deejay Gee Gee.

 

Concours d’Elegance’s New Record Attendance

It is no mean feat curating and hosting 10 editions of an event, let alone 52 of them. That’s what happened this year as the automobile and showbiz bonanza that is Concours d’Elegance hosted its 52nd edition. The event had more than 6,000 people attending.

Sati Gata-Aura emerged the overall winner of this year’s edition with his superbly prepared 1977 Nissan 160J. His second entry, a 1947 MG TA followed closely..

In the motorcycles category, David Odhuno’s gleaming 1989 Yamaha Super Tenere came from third place last year to emerge top this year.

The oldest car in the event, a rare 1928 Durant entered by Sachit Shah was declared the most Elegant Car in the event. In the motorcycle category, judges voted David Odhuno’s BMW 1200 GS made in 2006 as the most Elegant Bike.

However, this family fun filled event that featured plenty of interactive activities only featured Homeboyz deejays with no live bands as was the norm in previous editions.

The flops

The year has been marked with disappointing and underwhelming events.

Lauryn Hill and Walker Festival

The announcement of American singer Lauryn Hill coming to Kenya was met with doubt because this was not the first time that she was supposed to perform in Kenya.

If that wasn’t a red flag, then the material day was the final nail in the coffin. Lauryn’s September 29 performance at the Walker Town Festival was marred with technical difficulties and heavy downpour.

Her delayed performance plus the sudden cancellation of Nyashinski, a Johnnie Walker brand ambassador, was so disappointing that East African Breweries Limited (EABL) issued an apology and promised fans a 100 per cent refund of their tickets within two weeks.

To add insult injury, the two-day show saw a stampede on Saturday night.

“We sincerely apologise to all our valued festival goers, suppliers, artistes, and stakeholders for the disruptions experienced during day two of the WalkerTown festival. In light of these circumstances, we will be issuing a 100% refund to all ticket holders for Day Two of the WalkerTown 2024 Festival within the next two weeks. This is a reflection of our commitment to fairness and respect for the trust you placed in us,” read EABL’s statement.

Glen Washington’s Reggae Summerfest

Every year, Kenya hosts one or two reggae icons. This year was no exception as Glen Washington who jetted on October 1 for the Summerfest event slated for the Mashujaa holiday.

However, the summerfest, taking place in Nairobi on October 19 and Nakuru on the 20th,was marked by low turnout.

Excuses were many, but whichever the reason, this is one summerfest that turned out to be a bummerfest.

Glen Washington. [Edward Kiplimo]

Burning Spear’s One People Africa Tour - November 02

Another reggae event that sadly makes into this list is Burning Spears November 2nd One People Africa Tour.

For starters, two time Grammy winner, Burning Spear, was hesitant to perform in Kenya following the political unrest resulting to his October 12 concert pushed to a later date.

On the day of the event, at a sunny Uhuru Park, Nairobi video footages showed sparse attendance, surprising fans and music enthusiasts.

alike to the extent that gospel act, , commented on this on his socials. "Event organizers, please put some respect to these legendary artists like Burning Spear and Glen Washington. Do some marketing for your events!...Why plan all that and not market your event well? Sad to see the outcome of those events. I saw the videos; I thought it was just a soundcheck,"  said Daddy Owen.

Uncle Waffles Concert - November 30/December 01

Would you pay over Sh3,000 for a good dose of amapiano vibes and a complimentary whiff of teargas on the side?

Well, that’s what happened last weekend at the A.S.K the Dome in Nairobi, when South Africa’s Uncle Waffles concert turned chaotic. The event, which drew a big crowd descended into chaos as attendees were teargassed out of the venue.

There were allegations of poor event management. Witnesses claimed that issues such as overcrowding, delays, and lack of clear communication contributed to rising tensions throughout the night.