The journey from local talent to global prominence is rarely straightforward, but the "Base To Billboards" campaign is looking to change that trajectory. Driven and run by ACE, Africa Centric Entertainment, and their mission of delivering world class experiences, the campaign operates as a new superstar incubator. Sponsored by Tusker and EABL, this initiative is designed to bridge the gap between our industry's rising stars and the global stage.

Wangu does not argue for a particular way of loving, nor does it pretend to have solved the contradictions at the centre of intimacy. It simply creates space for people to sit with questions that are often easier to avoid than confront. In a moment when emotional detachment is frequently mistaken for self-preservation, that feels like a particularly defiant gesture. Perhaps that is what eL has been making all along. Not films, or clothes, or installations, but invitations. Invitations to look inward, to stay with uncomfortable emotions a little longer, and to imagine and eventually see that vulnerability might be less of a weakness than we've been taught to believe.

Looking at his journey so far, it is clear that KidFromKigali is building something steady. He refuses to sacrifice his heritage, authenticity and artistic integrity on the altar of quick relevance and that is refreshing to see. No matter how far his sound travels, it will always bear the distinct mark of where he’s from, and therein lies his superpower.

The filmmaker admits, “...the preoccupation with the protagonists’ emotions, I think, is a subconscious goal of processing those emotions for myself.” Munuve’s most recent project, Madawa (2024) - a film in which the party set offers plenty of distraction-  is anything but perfunctory about its fixation with how the protagonist feels. Here too, the emotional canvas is a conduit for depicting his true self.

This year Kilele brought together a list of electrifying artists, collectives and innovators under their Sound & Solidarity theme in line with it’s goals of highlighting  the connections and differences in art from around the world.

Launched in 2024 as a collective and studio by a small team led by its creative director, Matt Swallow, the space has opened itself to the expressive, experimental, and eccentric artists and audiences. As a space started by a British artist, it hasn’t gone unnoticed in a country where cultural infrastructure has often arrived with unequal power attached to it. Aware of its complicated and perhaps contradictory origin story, the studio strives to stay true to its vision: to be a home for “Baobab creatives” where community and collaboration are key even across differences.

In a digital world that moves fast and forgets even faster, Arbantone and Future Funk slow things down just enough for us to listen back. To pull something old into the present and let it breathe again. When my cousin hears the same Jua Cali melody, sampled into something new, she's not accessing my memories of moments when I listened to this song. She's building her own. The song becomes hers, attached to her own moments, her own car rides, her own feelings. That's what the ghost in the sample does. It doesn't just haunt, it multiplies. It takes one person's past and turns it into many people's present.

There is a singularity to Maya Amolo that cannot be replicated. She is deliberate in her craft and fearless in building worlds that are entirely her own.  Her fans call her “the sweetest girl,” and it is easy to see why. Her music draws you in. Her visuals mesmerize. Her presence lingers.

Founded by architect, DJ, and designer, Jesse Mwenda, the project sits somewhere between an architectural thesis, a cultural intervention, and the kind of DIY creative audacity Nairobi has slowly, proudly begun to claim as its own.

For an artist who has built an entire world out of sound, symbolism, and self-invention, Flier, whose name is an acronym for For Lovers In Endless Revolution, offers a disarmingly simple description of himself: “I’m an explorer.” Not rebellious. Not contrarian. Just endlessly curious

The Lick Back is as much a statement as it is a sonic exploration. Across five tracks, Nikita channels the frustration of being underestimated, overlooked and taken for granted into an assured declaration of self-worth. Delivered with conviction and a newfound sense of authority, the EP is for anyone who has ever reached the point of being ignored one too many times.

Ultimately, Hekaya stands as a beautiful testament to what happens when community meets creativity. Inspired directly by the testimonies of their fans and brought to life through seamless collaboration, the EP functions as a living, shared experience between the artist and the listener.

Ally Fresh's Swakacha, released in late 2025, marks his debut solo statement and a clear shift towards self-definition. The 7 track project heavily leans into his coastal heritage, folding swahili lyricism and Chakacha inspired textures into contemporary electronic production. He has described himself as a sonic cartographer, and here the idea feels practical rather than abstract. With this EP, he maps legacy onto the pulse of a dance scene that is steadily expanding in Kenya.

Likizo, the latest 7-track project from DJ Mura K.E and Big Nyagz lives up to its name in every sense. Translating to holiday in Swahili, it is a sonic gateway built on the pulse of afrohouse and amapiano.  Between breezy grooves, hypnotic rhythms, and soulful moments of reflection, the project is as suited for the dancefloor as it is for quiet stillness.

There’s something magnetic about Musings, the five-track EP from Clark Keeng, Zawadi, and Chris Barr. The five-track collection feels like an intriguing cinematic odyssey and the soundtrack to an old-school film noir lost to time. Desire, that most human of threads, is the linchpin here, pulling at each track and linking them to form a clearly cohesive body of work.

Njoki Karu’s debut album Mwihoko: Utheri wa Ngoro, Kikuyu for Hope: Light for the Heart, feels like a sacred offering. It is deeply spiritual, deeply human, and deeply healing.

Odes by Queens is more than just an album; it is a defining moment in Kenyan music history. As the first all-female album in the country, it showcases the talent and diversity of Kenyan women in music.

From the celebratory Tuliwano to the sultry Whine Slow V2, Soundlykbb has put together a project that’s made for movement, for feeling good, and for embracing the moment. Whether you’re celebrating a win or simply vibing with the crowd, this EP is the soundtrack for living in the now.

From the sultry exploration of desire in Tangerine, to the haunting reflections of MP4 Player, Turunesh showcases her remarkable ability to articulate the dynamism and complexities of modern relationships

At Odds’ recently released new collection is characterized by calmer, relaxed tones that induce serenity and features shorts, shirts, jackets, crop tops and slides.

Justin Shema is a fashion model based in Kigali, Rwanda. From his voguish style and charming charisma, he is a sight to gaze upon when walking down the runway.

Kennedy is a Kenyan artist and model. Represented by 199x Kennedy is full of creative expression. His creativity is showcased throughout the work of 199x.

Conversation with 199x creative director, Michael Mwangi Maina, highlighting their recent drop, 'Walimbwende Wa Kasri.

Kween Nkatha is a Kenyan fashion model and dynamic individual. A self described ‘country girl in the hood’, she is ever spreading that country girl sunshine! A brand ambassador, creative innovator and love advocate, a queen (Kween).

Adong is a Ugandan model, signed to Ugandan modeling agency, Joram Model Management (JMM).

Mario Bol is a fashion model, an artist and founder of a clothing brand. This multifaceted individual is yet another example of the beauty that erupts, when one is purely and freely themselves. Oh what a beauty to be you!

Metamorphisized by Daudi O’ aims to Emulate the cumulative aspect of one’s personal wardrobe, by pairing precise tailoring with an unwavering devotion to simplicity.

Dawn is a young, bright, bold and beautiful model from Uganda. With her modeling career just taking flight, she hopes to showcase her beauty and passions through her modeling journey.

Bonkerz is a fashion street wear brand created, owned and designed by Mvoo Wanje. The last month has come with fantastic drops one of them being ‘Just Smile’, a concept that birthed TABASAMU.