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.
The alluring Safaricom Jazz Festival marks its 5th year
If you have a penchant for jazz and good music, the Safaricom Jazz Festival marks its 5th year.
Maureen Shelmith
Kenyans to pay tribute to Hugh Masekela
Celebrating Hugh Masekela, written by Mackinlay Mutsembi — legacies fascinate me, legends even more.
Maureen Shelmith
Importance of supporting Kenyan music
Let's support our Kenyan music scene — music is one of the few things in Kenya that unites us all.
Maureen Shelmith
In pursuit of discovery: Wamocho's commanding presence with the Ghetto Classics
For a professional conductor, commanding an orchestra takes presence as much as skill.
Maureen Shelmith
Makuti Bar & Grill: home to Kenyan jazz stars
Our little Kenyan 'Birdland': Makuti Bar & Grill at the InterContinental Hotel.
Maureen Shelmith
Tin Pan Band: from New York to Nairobi!
Tin Pan Band brings their captivating sound to Nairobi audiences for the very first time.
Maureen Shelmith
My top 5 Kenyan albums of 2017
There has been fantastic music released over the year — here are five records that stood out.
Maureen Shelmith
The Dar Choral Society and Orchestra classical music concert
On the 26th of November 2017, the Dar Choral Society and Orchestra held their last biannual concert.
Maureen Shelmith
Kali za Pwani: coastal music with flair
News spread fast that the legendary King of Bango was coming to Nairobi for the 3rd edition of the show.
Maureen Shelmith
Ross McHenry's riveting album, The Outsiders
Multi-award-winning Aussie bassist Ross McHenry is set to release his most anticipated album yet.
Maureen Shelmith
Beyond the Sax Tales: Joseph Mokua Rabai
"I will be on this stage next year, best believe," Rabai tells me with an enthusiastic face.
Maureen Shelmith
Alune Wade, Kavita Shah to perk up Safaricom Jazz Lounge
If you're a music fan — especially jazz — you're in for a treat this weekend.
Maureen Shelmith
Review: Mugithi Folk Fusion
"Thank you so much for showing so much love tonight — come on and let's join the mugithi train."
Maureen Shelmith
Ngoma Zetu: wacheza ngoma wetu
Celebrating our eclectic Kenyan drummers — in many parts of Africa, the drum is a popular voice.
Maureen Shelmith
The NyegeNyege urge hit me
"Live less out of habit and more of intent" — this quote echoed in my mind as the rays of the sun set.
Maureen Shelmith
Sing, dance and dine at Nyama Mama, Westlands
Too often, we're accustomed to a band blaring their finest tunes while you delve into dinner alone.
Maureen Shelmith
Marcus Anderson to feature at the 10th Annual Jazz and Soul Safari
The Annual Jazz and Soul Safari turns 10 this year, joining hands with world-class talent.
Maureen Shelmith
Review: Dawn to Dusk, by Peter Nyabuto
The first time I heard Shamsi I thought they were okay. The second time, still just okay. Then...
Maureen Shelmith
Inaugural Ghetto Classics + JIMEK concert wows crowd
On the 13th of July, music fans thronged the Visa Oshwal Auditorium for a magical night.
Maureen Shelmith
Album review: Twenty Years, by June Gachui
June Gachui's lovingly crafted debut album, Twenty Years, is delectable and scrumptious.
Maureen Shelmith
Jazz Attitude Premier event
This past Sunday, fun-loving Nairobians were treated to Jazz Attitude at the Alchemist Bar.
Maureen Shelmith
Review: Nairobi Orchestra June 2017 concert
The Nairobi Orchestra planned a two-day event to mark this concert, held across two venues.
Maureen Shelmith
Tim Riungu: Beyond the Sax Tales
One of the most flamboyant sax sounds in Kenya speaks a bit about his craft.
Maureen Shelmith
The Kenyan classical music culture
Kenya is bustling with music, bopping heads from every corner of the capital — jazz bands and beyond.
Maureen Shelmith