The Leading Vibe Initiative is about leveling the playing field and building real pathways so that aspiring female artists, producers, and songwriters across the continent have the access, tools, and support to thrive, not just in Africa, but globally. — Tems
It started as a clothing brand. An idea that was struck up between three friends working at KFC, in Kigali, Rwanda, during the pandemic, all with a shared love for skateboarding. Their apparel combines the energy of skate culture, streetwear, and bold designs, inspired by the people around them and the people they look up to. But today, Fragile is much more than just a clothing brand; it is a community.
Kampala’s artists were in isolation, tucked away working from home or personal studios. 32º East brought them together.
Labdi’s Pakruok is a reflection of who she is; bold, proud, and grounded in her heritage. The title comes from the Luo tradition of self-praise, and that spirit flows through every track. With striking vocals, ancient ancestral rhythms, and lyrics that feel like echoes from another time but that ring true to today’s reality, the EP bears an incredible spiritual weight.
Here’s a look at four standout tracks from the first half of 2025 that are making a significant impact.
With soulful melodies, vivid storytelling, and stripped-down instrumentation, Kenyan R&B is capturing the hearts of listeners across the nation
In an era where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, Akala 21 is redefining fashion by turning discarded tires into stylish, durable footwear.
Zowie Kengocha…is a storyteller of love’s complexities, a creator of hauntingly beautiful soundscapes, and a voice unafraid to embrace the messiness of life.creator of hauntingly beautiful soundscapes, and a voice unafraid to embrace the messiness of life.
Drawing inspiration from both traditional Rwandan sounds and global influences, Sema Solé's work is a fusion of past and present, creating something distinct and relatable. His underground status allows him to experiment freely, carving a niche for himself in a scene that increasingly values artistic individuality.
Genre bending and shape-shifting is the name of the game when it comes to these projects.The basis of each of these projects is hip-hop and this is showcased in the rhythmic and percussive elements as well as lyrical flows and vocal cadences. But the artists’ creativity is seen in how each turns the traditions of the genre on its head, and expands with their own musical sensibilities.
R&B is back with the past quarter's latest musical giftings from the likes of Ugandan singer/ producer, MAUIMØON aka La Soülchyld, Kenyan singer-songwriter Maya Amolo and Kenyan-Ugandan artist Xenia Manasseh. We tap into these three artists’ projects, where they shift the idea of what R&B can mean in a world of genreless music.
Xenia Manasseh’s return to Kenya couldn’t have come at a better time. Fresh off the success of her latest album, Love/Hate Pt. 2, which recently topped the Apple Music R&B and Soul charts, she’s back home to give fans a live experience of the project.
In the beginning of 2020 over choppy Whatsapp calls, hours and hours were spent writing lyrics and bouncing ideas off of each other. These Whatsapp sessions were raw and real but marked a tough season of recalibration. Finding their voice after a period of feeling lost wasn’t easy, but they do speak of the time with nostalgia. They saw a lot of growth within themselves and their artistry and the music that came out of that time in something that brings the two pride.
Elsy Wameyo is an artist called to create, manifesting music that is deeply rooted in the state of her soul and a profound yearning to embody the essence of her spirit and culture.
We had the chance to chat with 5 filmmakers based here in Nairobi, Kenya who, each propelled by their love for cinema and art, have been making films and visual projects that have inspired many. With each in varying stages of their film career, we gained an understanding of the scope of what it really looks like trying to make movies in a climate that for very long, was working against you.
In the wake of protests and growing political literacy, Kenyan creatives are harnessing their power of creativity to push for systemic change and document the realities of the nationwide protests.
From Anguka Nayo to Daima, hear how a cross-generation of musicians has added their voices to the growing protests.
Curating a look, pulling a fit, and impressing the masses on the daily with your personal style is a feat not many are capable of taking on. But the artists and fashion folks we spoke to for this piece do it with ridiculous regularity.
From music, to photography, to visual artists, these people are using the power of the collective to share their stories and have impact on their local and even global communities.
The fourth edition of State of Fashion, under the theme “Ties that Bind”, brought together creative practices in fashion, textiles, and contemporary art from across the Global South. Curated by Louise Bennetts and Rachel Dedman in collaboration with Sunny Dolat, Kallol Datta, and Hanayrá Negreiros, this decentralized edition unfolds across Arnhem-Netherlands, Nairobi-Kenya, Bengaluru-India, and São Paulo-Brazil.
