Grill with the beat: 'Choma na Ngoma' to sizzle Nairobi

H-Art The band during the 2nd edition of the Standard Group's Radio Maisha's Choma na Ngoma concert held at the KICC, Nairobi, May 31st,2019. [Elvis Ogina.Standard]

One of the biggest musical extravaganzas in Kenya, the Choma na Ngoma festival is back, bigger and better.

Get your dancing shoes on and put your best foot forward. Work your appetite too - delicious African cuisine awaits you.

Today (Saturday) at the Carnivore grounds, Nairobi, hundreds of revellers will be treated to the best of homegrown music talent by top music stars.

Performers include Khaligraph Jones, Sanaipei Tande, H_Art the Band, Nadia Mukami, Mejja, Exray, Ssaru and Mbuzi Gang as well as surprise acts to be unveiled on the big evening of the show.

It is not just about the musicians but also the thrill of top emcees and radio hosts from Radio Maisha, the Standard Group PLC brand behind the bonanza.

With memorable acts having been witnessed in the past two Choma na Ngoma events where acts like Sauti Sol, Nandi and Willy Paul wowed the crowd, this year's line-up has everyone excited especially due to the dynamic choice of performers.

It will be the first time some will be sharing a stage, this also being the biggest of entertainment events post-Covid times.

"We are ready for this big event. We have always loved to give our fans the best of showbiz treats and this will not be exceptional. Coming after the release of our new album, everyone should expect a fired-up show," said H_Art the Band, who were also part of the previous event held at the KICC (Kenya International Convention Centre).

"Choma Na Ngoma has become one of the biggest concerts on the Kenyan events calendar. We have offered Kenyans a beautiful musical experience commensurate with the African contemporary sound you hear on Radio Maisha," said Tom Japanni, the Standard Group PLC General Manager, Radio Products.

"Apart from the live music, the mouthwatering nyama choma and assorted beverages, we will ensure the highest form of security around the festival. The concert cements Radio Maisha's place as the favourite station in the country. This has been confirmed by listeners who have voted for the station as the People's Choice station at the KUZA Awards, four years in a row," said Japanni.

Slated to last for over 12 hours with non-stop-stage performances, the event is expected to take the audience on a musical journey.

"This concert is an opportunity for us to make merry and interact with Kenyans as we close the year in style. This year we are lining up only Kenyan artistes in line with our corporate support for the local creative industry," said Japanni.

Unlike the previous events, we are now looking at a day-into-night event.

"We have a gaming village, face painting, body art, pool and PlayStation, and lots more throughout the day. This year we are proudly sponsored by Samsung, Uber, Festive, Safaricom and Johnny Walker.

"We are urging revellers to be safe through this festival and we have Uber as our mobility partner. The Uber cars will be parked within the Carnivore area, come have your fun, and get home safe," said Nancy Kihenia, the Standard Group PLC's Head of Events. yashinski will be headlining the show.

Sharing the stage with Nyashiski is Khaligraph Jones, another hard hitter in the rap genre.

Songbirds, Sanaipei Tande and Nadia Mukami's melodious tunes always drive fans crazy. Coupled with Mejja, their performance is expected to be epic.

Gengetone will be represented by Exray, Mbuzi Gang and the SSaru.

Stevens Muendo, the Standard Group PLC Entertainment Editor, said the show confirms the organisation's contribution to keeping the entertainment agenda rolling as the home of entertainment.

"This Choma na Ngoma event, which will be followed by the Pulse Music Videos Awards (PMVAs), is a true show that we as a media house factor in the entertainment industry as key among our media pillars," said Muendo.

"The set of artistes performing at the Choma na Ngoma festival is a representation of the wealth of artistes we have been able to work with in showing that Kenya is the entertainment hub of the region. This is truly Kenyan and it is specially meant to entertain you, our audience," he said.