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.
Classical music encounters in Karura: Art of Music celebrates 10 years
The Art of Music celebrated their 10th anniversary with a public concert at the Amani Gardens.
Maureen Shelmith
Safaricom Youth Orchestra: 6 years strong!
The Safaricom Youth Orchestra, now in its 6th year, has been providing music education across Kenya.
Maureen Shelmith
Pictorial: Kabisa Jazz Collective album launch in Nairobi
Matteo Di Leonardo and his Kenyan counterparts celebrated the release of their brand-new CD.
Maureen Shelmith
Album review: Maia and the Big Sky
The one thing I spend considerable time doing is listening to music, maybe a bit too much.
Maureen Shelmith
Tales from Zanzibar: Man Sulei TaraJazz Nights
Zanzibar is famed for its nightlife, centered around the sundowner tradition.
Maureen Shelmith
Thum Biro: a colorful burst of folk music by Labdi Ommes
On Saturday afternoon, Labdi Ommes previewed her forthcoming album at an intimate showcase.
Maureen Shelmith
The Collective Restaurant: intriguing art, enthralling music meets fine dining
The Collective Restaurant and Art Gallery is a contemporary restaurant and creative space.
Maureen Shelmith
Experience Nairobi Horns Project debut album: Black in Gold
Written by Joy Ruguru. Unlike the owner of this blog, I'm not an ardent fan of jazz.
Maureen Shelmith
Femi Kuti in Kenya: a Kenyan voyage to Afrika Shrine at Koroga Festival
Femi Kuti and the Positive Force brought the house down during the 26th edition of Koroga.
Maureen Shelmith
Jack Muguna: a man of nimble fretwork with consummate showmanship
Jack Muguna is clearly well attuned to what his audience wants, and the pace at which to deliver it.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobians enjoy an afternoon of music to celebrate African jazz
There is something spectacularly interesting about Kenyans and their love for public holidays.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobi to tune up for International Jazz Day 2019: celebrating African jazz
Jazz Appreciation Month, fondly known as J.A.M, was officiated under the auspices of the Smithsonian.
Maureen Shelmith
Artists from the coast revolutionizing Nairobi's jazz scene
Juma Tutu prepares for his inaugural set at the local bar Dagoz, a handful of people arriving early.
Maureen Shelmith
Jazz in Kenya: a beginner's guide to artists you need to hear
Interesting jazz artists in Kenya who have stretched and personalized modern jazz conventions.
Maureen Shelmith
Review: Safaricom Jazz Festival 2019
Miller was a killer. His performance was superb, rounding off a stunning Safaricom Jazz Festival.
Maureen Shelmith
Ghetto Classics spreading their wings beyond Nairobi
Making music, making a difference: teach the children the beauty of music and instill discipline.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobi Horns Project debut album: Black in Gold
It is a golden release! Nairobi's funkiest outfit are storming into the music arena this 2019.
Maureen Shelmith
Groove to Marcus Miller at Safaricom Jazz Festival 2019
Safaricom Jazz Festival 2019, Kenya's only international jazz festival, returns.
Maureen Shelmith
Dagoz: an artist's venue
Behind an unassuming door lies Dagoz, a tiny unique space that comes off like a dive bar.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobi Soul Club: keeping the faith of soul music in Kenya
In conversation with crate digger Jimmy Greene: the last couple of years have seen a massive shift.
Maureen Shelmith
Makande: Juma Tutu's ode to his hometown
Music collaborations are usually a spectacular way to meld two genres or two fan bases.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobi's vibrant live music scene: the evolution of 'Thursday Nite Live'
"Form ni gani this Thursday, unaenda kucheki live band itakuwa?" A look at Nairobi's live venues.
Maureen Shelmith
The wait was not in vain: Dianne Reeves rocks at the Safaricom Jazz Lounge 2018
Jazz is seemingly becoming popular in Kenya. Last week, fans thronged the Uhuru Gardens on a weekday.
Maureen Shelmith
Safaricom Jazz Lounge 2018: a double cut for change
Nairobi! The jazz music season is upon us, and those looking forward to some good jazz won't be disappointed.
Maureen Shelmith