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.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival 2018: Nairobi Horns road to Joburg!
Nairobi Horns Project's debut performance at Joy of Jazz. I am a sucker for good music.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobi pays tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin
Last Saturday, Nairobians thronged the intimate Braeburn Theatre along Gitanga Road for a special tribute.
Maureen Shelmith
Chempkemboi Mang'ira: let's own our culture, people!
I had the distinct honor of chatting with one of my close friends, Chepkemboi Mang'ira.
Maureen Shelmith
Are producers music demi-gods?
Jazzsymphonic Podcast Episode 1 with Joe Mutoria. I have always wondered about the role of producers.
Maureen Shelmith
Review: The Soil live in Nairobi concert
I am still thrilled from such an alluring performance by The Soil, live at the J's.
Maureen Shelmith
The Afrosynthesis experience
Award-winning jazz & Afro-jazz fusion band Shamsi Music curated an unforgettable night.
Maureen Shelmith
The Soil live in Nairobi
In this 21st century age we live in, digital disruption has played its part in shaping music.
Maureen Shelmith
#AfroSynthesis: of collaborations and the jazz sub-genre in Nairobi
Written by Mackinlay Mutsembi, exploring collaborations across Nairobi's jazz sub-genre scene.
Maureen Shelmith
Classics at the GoDown fundraising concert
A fundraising concert in support of the GoDown Art Centre transformation, 15 years in the making.
Maureen Shelmith
KWETU album review
Written by Joy Ruguru. We have forgotten who we are as Africans; we need something to connect us.
Maureen Shelmith
A bonafide Uganda: 11th Johnnie Walker Jazz Safari
On the 30th of June, my little musical escapades took me all the way to the pearl of Africa.
Maureen Shelmith
A jazz buff's guide to the Nairobi jazz scene
The Nairobi jazz scene lives not only from its headline festivals, but its smaller, intimate rooms.
Maureen Shelmith
Mustacchi Bros: stellar performance in Kenya
Italians in Kenya celebrate Italian National Day, June 5th 2018 — the 72nd celebration of the Festa.
Maureen Shelmith
Ugandans to be Bonafied at the Johnnie Walker Jazz Safari
The Johnnie Walker Jazz Safari, now in its 11th year, is celebrating the beauty of jazz music.
Maureen Shelmith
Musical collaborations take over at the Safaricom International Jazz Day Celebrations 2018
There is nothing as beautiful as music crafted by musicians in collaboration with one another.
Maureen Shelmith
Safaricom Jazz at 5: a motley of baby steps
Mackinlay Mutsembi of the Nairobi Horns Project reflects on five years of Safaricom Jazz.
Maureen Shelmith
Spinning around vinyl records into artistic pieces: Njogu Kuria
World Record Store Day Kenya: scenes from Nairobi, where music lovers flocked on the 21st of April.
Maureen Shelmith
Celebration of live jazz music and a taste of Mediterranean culture at Karel T Lounge
An intimate evening blending live jazz with the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
Maureen Shelmith
Rich sounds from Africa at the Safaricom International Jazz Day Celebrations 2018
If you know me personally, you know that I absolutely love jazz — straight from the 19th Cape Town festival.
Maureen Shelmith
Matteo Di Leonardo: tapping into new rhythms and grooves!
"Kenya is an inspiring country filled with good vibrations," says guitarist Matteo Di Leonardo.
Maureen Shelmith
19th Cape Town Jazz Festival: 23-24th March 2018
This year, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival returns with another stacked line-up.
Maureen Shelmith
Kenyan musicians to look out for in 2018
In just a span of one month, there has been a beehive of activity as many Kenyan artists have released new work.
Maureen Shelmith
Safaricom Jazz @ 5 gets a splash of electric female energy
Femme Fusion delivers an electrifying performance at Safaricom Jazz @ 5.
Maureen Shelmith
Kavutha Mwanzia Asiyo: I am a proud beneficiary of Safaricom Jazz Festival
Jazz in Kenya today reflects the culture of the beautiful people who make and love it.
Maureen Shelmith