By Martin K.N Siele (@S_iele)
The holiday season is undoubtedly among the best times to be in Kenya, as it's associated with friends and family, positive vibes and, not least of all, merrymaking. Terms such as 'Drinkscember' have become part of Kenyan parlance thanks to the parties, festivals and events that make the holidays the peak of the country's entertainment experience.
2019 is no different and while your wallet might not agree, some of these upcoming events and festivals might be a great way for you to wrap up the year. Here are the seven most anticipated events in Kenya as we get to the end of a year that seems to have flown by.
Kenyan Juice 2
Date: November 23rd, 2019
Venue: Alchemist Bar, Nairobi
Price: Ksh 1000 - Ksh 1500
Kenyan Juice 2.0 has a line-up of some of the biggest names in Kenyan music at the moment, with gengetone and hip-hop well represented. Artists set to perform at the Alchemist include Ochungulo Family, Sailors, Wakadinali, Boondocks Gang, Breeder LW, Valerie Muthoni and Chris Kaiga. VDJ Jones and DJ Kace will be on the decks.
Tickets are available on mobile by dialing *229*24#.
Blankets & Wine - Kenyan Summer
Date: December 22nd
Venue: Ngong' Racecourse, Nairobi
Price: Ksh 2000 - Ksh 3500
Blankets and Wine features a serious all-star line-up with Jamaican sensation Koffee, South African House artist Sun El and Kenya's Sol Generation which includes Nviiri the Storyteller and Bensoul.
Blankets & Wine promises a proper, unforgettable Kenyan festival experience, something you can probably count on given the years the Muthoni Drummer Queen-brainchild event has in the game.
Kenya Nights - Ten Years of Kenya Nights
Date: December 14th
Venue: Ngong' Racecourse, Nairobi
Price: Ksh 2500 - Ksh12,000
Kenya Nights is celebrating 10 years of some groundbreaking and memorable events in style, with Major Lazer Sound System set to shut down Nairobi on Saturday, December 14th. Other performers for the event include Themba, Blinky Bill, Bey T, Barak Jacuzzi, Suraj, L.A Dave and Lukewarm B2B Riz.
Kilifi New Year 2020 - Bush Beats Bass
Date: December 30th 2019 - January 2nd 2020
Venue: Takaungu Creek, Kilifi
Price: Ksh 5250 - Ksh 9000
Kilifi New Year is an experience like no other, 72 hours of African alternative and electronic music next to the Indian Ocean and under the shade of famous, age-old baobab trees, a truly epic party. Prices are lower for East African citizens compared to non-residents.
The festival is multi-cultural and actively promotes conscious living and sustainability.
Jameson Connect
Date: December 7th, 2019
Venue: Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi
Price: TBC
Jameson Connect has in recent years established itself as an unmissable end-of-year party responsible for bringing a number global stars to Kenya. Past performers include BoB, Tinie Tempah, Desiigner, Stefflon Don and 2 Chainz.
Its organizers have, however, been a bit guarded in 2019 with the headline act not yet confirmed. Rumors of a Cardi B performance were squashed when it was confirmed that she would be performing in West Africa, with shows in Ghana and Nigeria.
Koroga Festival
Date: December 1st
Venue: Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi
Price: Ksh 1000 - Ksh 3000
Capital FM's Koroga Festival has 2 legends of African music headlining their December 1st event; Mbilia Bel and Kanda Bongo Man. A host of other artists including Rico Gang, Nviiri and Boondocks Gang will be performing on the first day of the 2-day event.
Umoja Splash Festival
Date: December 7th
Venue: KICC, Nairobi
Prices: Ksh1500 - Ksh 5000
Dancehall superstar Chris Martin will be the headline act at Umoja Splash Festival which will happen on December 7th at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. Martin has previously performed in Nairobi and is a favorite among Kenyan fans. Expect him to run through some of his numerous hits such as Weekend Love and Paper Lovin'.