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Jazz Symphonic

  • Home
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  • Review
    • Review

      Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

      April 20, 2021

      Review

      Geco Café: Slithering with good vibes in Nairobi

      February 18, 2021

      Review

      How to work with producers in Kenya by…

      February 26, 2020

      Review

      The Love Zone Thrills fans on Valentine’s Day

      February 21, 2020

      Review

      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

      February 6, 2020

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      Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra Love; Liberty…

      May 4, 2022

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      Beneath the Baobabs Live: A Kenyan live music…

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      Down memory lane: An Evening Remembering Whitney Houston

      December 2, 2021

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      Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre

      July 2, 2021

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      An Evening Celebrating Stevie Wonder in Nairobi

      June 10, 2021

  • Artist Spotlight
    • Artist Spotlight

      Ngewa: Kasiva Mutua rhythmical tales on percussion

      April 26, 2022

      Artist Spotlight

      Herbie Tsoaeli Spiritual Dialogues: At This Point in…

      December 10, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      Sage Chemutai: Love is all we need

      April 26, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

      April 20, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      WYNTON MARSALIS interactive session with Kenyan artists: Mythology…

      November 26, 2020

  • Classical Music
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      Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra Love; Liberty…

      May 4, 2022

      Classical Music

      Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre

      July 2, 2021

      Classical Music

      A Kenyan Opera: Nyanga The Runaway Grandmother

      November 17, 2020

      Classical Music

      Beethoven 250 Years on, A Spirited awakening in…

      September 25, 2020

      Classical Music

      David Ralak: A visionary pioneering figure with great…

      June 16, 2020

  • Jazz
    • All Jazz Opinions Jazz Spotlight My Afro Jazz
      Artist Spotlight

      Pilani Bubu: Jazz Breaks Me Open. Songs from…

      April 29, 2020

      Jazz Opinions

      CoronaVirus: Kenyan Artists in a time of a…

      March 19, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      How to work with producers in Kenya by…

      February 26, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

      February 6, 2020

      Jazz Opinions

      CoronaVirus: Kenyan Artists in a time of a…

      March 19, 2020

      Jazz Opinions

      Experience Nairobi Horns Project Debut Album – Black…

      July 18, 2019

      Jazz Opinions

      Artists from the coast revolutionizing Nairobi’s Jazz scene

      April 9, 2019

      Jazz Opinions

      Jazz in Kenya: A beginner’s guide to artists…

      February 26, 2019

      Jazz Spotlight

      Pilani Bubu: Jazz Breaks Me Open. Songs from…

      April 29, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      How to work with producers in Kenya by…

      February 26, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

      February 6, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      ALBUM REVIEW: MAIA AND THE BIG SKY

      September 26, 2019

      My Afro Jazz

      Dan Aceda, Juma Tutu to Grace Ricky na…

      November 17, 2015

      My Afro Jazz

      Eric Wainaina Thrills fans at An Evening of…

      August 31, 2015

      My Afro Jazz

      You can’t Miss An Evening Of Afro Jazz…

      August 20, 2015

EventsReview

Femi Kuti in Kenya: A Kenyan voyage to Afrika Shrine at Koroga Festival.

by Maureen Shelmith July 9, 2019
written by Maureen Shelmith July 9, 2019

Femi Kuti at Koroga Festival

Femi Kuti and the Positive Force brought the house down during the 26th edition of Koroga Festival.

The Sunday event hosted over 4,000 music revelers to an afternoon on great music, mini tours at Tatu City, food and fashion.

Them Mushrooms performance at Koroga

Prior to Femi’s performance, music lovers were appetized with some tantalizing performances by, Them Mushrooms. The group was formed in 1972, initially as a family band Tudor, Mombasa. They are one of the longest surviving bands in Kenya [Ngaira, 2017 – Daily Nation]. The group took us on a nostalgic trip with their distinct blend of taarab and sega folk music, chakacha and hints of benga.

In a bid to remind fans of the popular music of the 60s,70s and 80s they played some ‘Zilizopendwa’ favorites which was an attraction to the older generation. They played ‘Nyambura’, ‘Wazee Wakatike’, Si Nguo, their hit song from 1980, Jambo Bwana.

The band comprised of Billy Sarro, Teddy Kalanda and John Katana, Juma Tutu.

Samidoh and the Mugithi Turn up

One man on guitar

Samidoh.
Credits: Capital Fm Lifestyle

It was great to see koroga pay homage to Kikuyu fans at their home turf. Formidable Kikuyu artist, Samidoh graced the Koroga stage. It was such a beautiful scene to behold, as captivated fans were wooed by his music.

Samuel Muchoki, stage name Samidoh, started off as a backup artist for Mike Rua in 2009. In 2016, he pursued music as a solo artist to become a household name in clubs and popular hangout joints. [Ndung’u Wa Gathua, June, 2019 – Hivisasa]

He played Niwe Ndarathimiirwo, ‘Kairitu Gakwa’, ‘Tuhii Twitu’, ‘Ihoya Ria Samidoh, Wendo Wi Cama, Ndiri na Mutwe Mwega and ending his set with the infamous Mugithi folk tune, which he dubbed, Mugithi wa Samidoh.

Femi Kuti and the Positive Band

three backup dancers

Credits: Capital FM Lifestyle

I have attended many concerts that have a Nigerian musicians but Femi’s show was an unforgettable one.

Femi Kuti and the Positive Force Band brought exuberance and fervor to an already transfixed audience. The positive Force band opened the set with a banging rhythmic percussion set, groovy bass, as the horns set in a smooth calming effect. 3 vivacious dancers jumped on stage, adorned with animated face paint and in ornately beaded traditional costumeswere filled with energy dancing, percussing and singing. It made the set an interactive experience

The politics and music in his blood shone through in his performances, he started off by socioeconomic themes in a short speech, saying how he hopes that the new Tatu City will be a city for everyone and not for the rich and “the only way for Africa is unification!” “Ararararararara!”

Femi’s showmanship was impressive. The discipline and earnestness with which Femi performs was fantastic to watch. “This is Afrobeat not Afrobeats! No S. With Afrobeat songs shouldn’t sound the same.” In between the set Femi told us. In addition, it was great to witness this performance live as it was layered with distinct harmonies in their music.

A particularly special moment in the show was Femi’s saxophone duet with his son. Femi on alto and Made Kuti on tenor, what made it special was the way their embellished each other’s melodies. It was a beautiful chemistry to see.

Femi’s music deals primarily with the current problems of African societies encounter, with a special emphasis on corruption. “Evil People”, Kuti is sang about atrocities like ritual killings, kidnapping, and the destructive consequences of greed for both power and money.

He closed the show with the song Beng Beng Beng (a crowd’s favourite) and a mildly risqué chat about relationships that was more entertaining and original than much of the political protest.

Femi and the Positive Force show was a true masterclass of captivating an audience, the performance allowed us to enjoy dance and let the spell of music overcome us.

Feature Image Credits: Capital Fm

AfrobeatBilly SarroFemi Kuti in KenyaJazz in KenyaJuma TutuLive Music in NairobiMade KutiSamidohTeddy Kalanda and John KatanaThem Mushrooms
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Maureen Shelmith

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About Me

About Me

Maureen Shelmith

My mission here is to take you on a Kenyan musical journey that is exceptional.

Featured Posts

  • Herbie Tsoaeli Spiritual Dialogues: At This Point in Time

    December 10, 2021
  • Sage Chemutai: Love is all we need

    April 26, 2021
  • Geco Café: Slithering with good vibes in Nairobi

    February 18, 2021
  • WYNTON MARSALIS interactive session with Kenyan artists: Mythology of Jazz, improvisation and creativity

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  • A Kenyan Opera: Nyanga The Runaway Grandmother

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