Concert reviews, artist profiles, and everything in between
The complete archive — every write-up from Nairobi's jazz and classical scene, published from 2015 to today.
Mariah Gichu: a troubadour journeying through time
As you enter the dark auditorium, you navigate using your phone's light. Written by Birte Mensing.
Birte Mensing
Tchaikovsky's Thunder and Kenya's Rhythms: Nairobi Orchestra's Concert Delight
The latest concert by the Nairobi Orchestra offered an entertaining array of music across a two-day showcase.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra: Love, Liberty concert in Nairobi
The Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra showcased an exhilarating concert on the 30th of April.
Maureen Shelmith
Ngewa: Kasiva Mutua's rhythmical tales on percussion
With every tap of the beat on the drum, it is an entrancing rhythmical journey through percussion.
Maureen Shelmith
Beneath the Baobabs Live: a Kenyan live music experience in Kilifi
The magical sandy beaches and majestic weather of the coast beckon. Set your calendars for a weekend of live music.
Maureen Shelmith
Tribute to Zach Amunga: an exceptional stealth jazz pianist in Kenya
As a musician or a creative person, it is very easy to feel defined by what we do.
Maureen Shelmith
Herbie Tsoaeli: Spiritual Dialogues, At This Point in Time
Bra Herbie is a key figure within the South African scene: bassist, composer, and arranger.
Maureen Shelmith
Down memory lane: an evening remembering Whitney Houston
Issa tribute series. We got the Whitney Houston nostalgia, and exciting times await all of Nairobi.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre
Last Sunday, we were treated to a short but sweet concert dubbed Nairobi Orchestra Returns.
Maureen Shelmith
An evening celebrating Stevie Wonder in Nairobi
This June we are celebrating the musical genius that is Stevie Wonder, and Nairobi music fans will be treated.
Maureen Shelmith
Sage Chemutai: love is all we need
As I write this, it is a grueling time around the world, as the Novel Coronavirus has ushered in a new era.
Maureen Shelmith
Jack Muguna: journey of the soul
It all seems quite unfathomable that we are still living through a pandemic, in Kenya and beyond.
Maureen Shelmith
Geco Cafe: slithering with good vibes in Nairobi
Breakfast at Geco Cafe along Mbaazi Avenue feels like the right place to be, on-trend in every way.
Maureen Shelmith
Wynton Marsalis: interactive session with Kenyan artists on jazz, improvisation and creativity
Wynton Marsalis, an American jazz legend, composer, bandleader, trumpeter and nine-time Grammy winner.
Maureen Shelmith
A Kenyan opera: Nyanga, the Runaway Grandmother
Nostalgia of all kinds played a part at the live showcase of Nyanga: Runaway Grandmother in Nairobi.
Maureen Shelmith
Beethoven 250 Years On: a spirited awakening in Kenya
As narrated by Levi Wataka, Ludwig Van Beethoven was one more 'western classical composer' to me for years.
Maureen Shelmith
David Ralak: a visionary pioneering figure with great virtuosity
David Otieno Ralak is a Nairobi man fully conscious of his extraordinary talent.
Maureen Shelmith
Kenyan classical musicians keep the music alive in the wake of COVID-19
As weeks morphed to months following the imposition of economic and cultural lockdown.
Maureen Shelmith
Pilani Bubu: Jazz Breaks Me Open, songs from across Africa for International Jazz Day
The ninth annual International Jazz Day celebrations was slated to take place in Cape Town and beyond.
Maureen Shelmith
Coronavirus: Kenyan artists in a time of a global pandemic
It is Friday the 13th and Gig Dynamics are currently holding their annual open day.
Maureen Shelmith
Live music concerts to check out in March 2020
A guide to the city's best classical, jazz and funk music events all round the month of March.
Maureen Shelmith
How to work with producers in Kenya by Jaaz Odongo
Eh! My people! I have something I need to get off my chest. It's so painful, but here goes.
Maureen Shelmith
The Love Zone thrills fans on Valentine's Day
The 2nd Edition of The Love Zone left us all in the feels this past Valentine's.
Maureen Shelmith
Shamsi Music sophomore album: Afrosynthesis
Shamsi Music, an award-winning jazz and afro-jazz fusion band from Nairobi, Kenya.
Maureen Shelmith