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.

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

The Goethe Institute’s latest installment of The Jam was nothing short of spectacular, providing a vibrant evening that once again celebrated Kenya’s diverse musical talent.

After consciously taking a few steps away from music, Bakhita has signalled their intention of getting back into the scene in a big way this year.

Chuki, which translates to ‘Hate’ in Swahili, is a 6 track EP composed of African contemporary and Afro House music alongside a slew of artists from around the continent. Despite its title, this EP is a body of work with an abundance of love at its core and bliss at its crest.

Having a lineup of producers and artists like NDOVU KUU, Afamefuna, Scar Mkadinali and Buruklyn Boyz on his debut shows how earnest he is about honing his craft beyond what people expect of him. Lil Maina might be able to make us all laugh, but he’s proving that we can also always count on him to keep us dancing and maybe sometimes put us all in our feelings.

Released in September of 2023, “Conversations We Should Have Had” is a project that delves into ideas of vulnerability and openness in romantic relationships.

They became more involved in the music industry in order to escape the violence they had observed growing up; as much as it originated from passion, it also arose from a desire to create music that would elevate the youth and encourage better avenues of release such as music, art and sports.

Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor’s rise to fame within the Kenyan (and African) literature world began after her original story “Weight of whispers” was published in Kwani? - a Kenyan literary magazine in 2003. After this, various pieces of work by Yvonne Adhiambo were published and turned into short films - such as “The Knife Grinder’s Tale” in 2007. Yvonne has not been a stranger to the spotlight, nevertheless, it was her novel “Dust” that catapulted her to fame in 2014.

The journey of a Ugandan creative can be frustrating and isolating. This is tenfold for alternative musicians, who are up against a pop-music landscape that is notoriously hostile towards niche sounds and aesthetics. This is the concrete from which Xpressions UG has sprouted. Founded in February 2021 by Keith Lubega and Shari Mwanika, this collective has pledged to fill this void and be the go-to platform for music discovery and artist support for the new wave scene.

UnKut is an organization championing mental health and Hip Hop as it supports upcoming Hip Hop talent. From Ball4Health to the UnKut sound check series, the organization has been working overtime. Catapulting new voices in the scene, they have been on a forward-leaning momentum culminating into a secure spot at the crescent of the Hip Hop scene

Sharon’s drive and tenacity in the pursuit of her career embody the philosophy of shooting your shot.

Buruburu (or Buruklyn) as known to some nowadays, is leading an outstanding musical movement. Some have called this movement "Buruklyn" or "The East". It is a different flavor of Kenyan Drill that is nothing like British drill in it's outright sound. One Label is leading all of this, and it's Lus Music. Based in Buruburu and working with artists from the same locale, the stable is slowly but surely becoming a tastemaker in the Kenyan music scene.

Kenyan composer Nyokabi Kariuki was named the winner of the SA Recordings’ prestigious ‘Recompose’ competition. We caught up with her regarding her experience entering the competition, her career journey so far and her inspirations.

Ahead of 2020’s UnKut Africa Hip Hop Awards, we caught up with founder Ruby V.

A conversation with fashion stylist, creative director, product designer and co-founder of The Nest Collective, Sunny Dolat.

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.