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.
Them Mushrooms to headline An Evening of Afro Jazz: Legends Edition
One of the most revered bands in Kenyan history, Them Mushrooms, are set to headline the Afro Jazz series.
Maureen Shelmith
Album review: So Simple, by Ricky na Marafiki Band
Bassist Ricky Nanjero and his band work to create music that sounds different from traditional jazz.
Maureen Shelmith
KNYO fundraising concert: Canaan Owuor
In early 2016, five members of the orchestra auditioned and were successful in obtaining places to perform.
Maureen Shelmith
Symphony concert etiquette 101
A short, practical guide to knowing what to do, and what not to do, at a classical concert.
Maureen Shelmith
Elizabeth Knott and the art of oboe in Nairobi
The oboe is one of those rare orchestra instruments you will scarcely find played if you looked.
Maureen Shelmith
#KorogaFestival: the special jazz edition
On the 8th of May, Mother's Day, the Koroga Festival organizers gave us quite an experience.
Maureen Shelmith
We Love Vinyl: Prince's commemoration
On the 1st of May, the monthly event 'We Love Vinyl' took place at its usual spot, Soiree.
Maureen Shelmith
Kenya National Youth Orchestra edition of Conduct Us
On Saturday afternoon at the Kenya National Theatre, the National Youth Orchestra set to perform.
Maureen Shelmith
An evening of AfroJazz: 2016 first Diva's Edition
On the first of April, I attended an event named 'An Evening of AfroJazz: Divas Edition'.
Maureen Shelmith
Candid letter to young Kenyan artists, by Ciano Maimba
Dear younger me, and other beginner independent artists: as an independent solo artist, you...
Maureen Shelmith
The legend of the jukebox
Last week, I was cordially invited by the Italian Cultural Institute for an incredible journey.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobi Orchestra's 'Fantastique' concert
Classical music aficionados, listen up! The Nairobi Orchestra is poised to take over the Braeburn.
Maureen Shelmith
My experience at the Safaricom International Jazz Festival 2016, by David 'DJ D-Lite' Muriithi
The festival actually started six days earlier, when the different guest artists began performing.
Maureen Shelmith
Kenya Music Conservatoire: trio recital
Last Thursday evening, Nairobi's oldest music organization, Kenya Music Conservatoire, brought a trio to town.
Maureen Shelmith
The 3rd Safaricom International Jazz Festival, by Kuchio Asonga
The Safaricom International Jazz Festival, held on 21st February 2016, was a treat for the young and old.
Maureen Shelmith
Savouring the Italian jazz flavor: an evening with Giampaolo Nuti and Francesco D'Orazio
This was the precursor to the most anticipated jazz music event of the year, the Safaricom festival.
Maureen Shelmith
Music review: Tetu Shani, Jacaranda Tree, by Peter Nyabuto
The guitar hits you and you feel no pain — typical Tetu Shani. Jacaranda Tree is a striking debut.
Maureen Shelmith
Sons of Kemet to perform at the Safaricom Jazz Festival
Kenyan audiences can experience Sons of Kemet's sound in all its polyrhythmic, tuba-blasting glory.
Maureen Shelmith
An evening with Chris and Jorge
Christopher Coritsidis: the London Times once described him as one of the most compelling performers.
Maureen Shelmith
Nairobi vinyl lovers
There are so many options for how to listen to music today, like mp3s and Spotify. I keep coming back to vinyl.
Maureen Shelmith
Safaricom Jazz Lounge
This will be a night I won't forget — a bevy of jazz and soul fans are going to throng the venue.
Maureen Shelmith
Dan Aceda, Juma Tutu to grace Ricky na Marafiki End of Year party
Nairobi's music scene on the fourth of December will be alive — you simply need to be there.
Maureen Shelmith
Eric Wainaina thrills fans at An Evening of Afro Jazz: Legends Edition
An Evening of Afro Jazz: Legends Edition was a sold-out event at the Wangari Maathai Auditorium.
Maureen Shelmith
You can't miss An Evening of Afro Jazz #LegendsEdition
Prepare yourself to thrust palms skyward in celebration of great legends this Tuesday 25th August.
Maureen Shelmith