Music culture has become the essence of the typical Kenyan lifestyle in terms of escape, release and relaxation. Looking back to 10 years ago, the scene has come a long way and has seen many a great artists pave way into the global scene. More mavericks are being elevated to platforms that are creating more live music and curating experiences that continue to be memorable and life changing for both artists and lovers of music & festivals. This year, Good Times Africa and Red Bull Music have joined forces to curate a first of its kind Blankets & Wine to celebrate the last 10 years and the strides artists have made in the music creation and performance.
Blankets & Wine has been a premier event at the forefront of bringing forward music, fashion, and culture into one accord and has done so for the past 10 years. It has been a platform for great live performances connecting artists and consumers uniquely.
Mark your calendars as we gear up to the 4th of November at the Ngong Racecourse for the epic show to help you relax and escape through amazing stage performances. A chance to celebrate artists who have continued to grow their craft and recognizing the magnitude of this staying power in a tough industry.
Here’s this year’s epic line up:
Suraj presents: Savanna Sessions
A major player and well-loved name in East Africa’s electronic scene, Suraj brings joy and euphoria to every crown he plays his unique blend of EDM, Afrobeats and traditional Kenyan melodies to. For our 10th Birthday edition, he has prepared an exclusive set to put everyone’s dancing shoes to good use!
Elani presents: Colours of Love
These self-proclaimed “Love Ambassadors” and widely acclaimed pop musicians are set to return to the Blankets & Wine stage years after the last played live with us. Be ready for some heat with both old favourites and new releases from their second album, Colours of Love.
Blinky Bill presents: Everyone’s Just Winging it and Other Fly Tales
The first performance in Kenya of the new album from this trailblazing producer, DJ and Red Bull Music Academy Alumnus goes down on our stage in a few short weeks. Prepare for a sonic and visual feast in a style that only Blinky and friends could produce!
Muthoni Drummer Queen presents: SHE
Muthoni Drummer Queen has become as well-known for her high-energy, high-drama performances as for her music itself. Her latest album, She, is a full-on concept album with a different character in their own little movie on each track.
Chris Adwar x Atemi present: Atemi Adwar Affair
Chris Adwar, well-loved for his charisma as an instrumentalist, producer, singer and member of The Villagers Band and Atemi, whose powerhouse vocals and sultry tunes are a favourite of many are set to grace the Blankets stage again. Two of Kenya’s musical greats come together this November for a show that is sure to enchant us all.
Nyashinski Presents: Standard Ya Quality
With his charisma, unique lyricism and style, outspoken rapper Nyashinski is quite the pioneer in the Kenyan music industry. Following a comeback of note to our airwaves and in the lead-up to his upcoming album, Standard Ya Quality will be a live showcase to remember.
Sauti Sol Presents: Sol, Style, Attitude
These trailblazers in music, fashion and all-round African Sauce have over the last 10 years become a fixture in Kenya’s music and creative scenes, representing the country’s unique fun style across the globe. Catch Sol, Style, Attitude at our X10 Years show – a 10-year anniversary for Sauti Sol’s debut album as well!
Speaking about the upcoming event, Blankets & Wine creator Muthoni had this to say, “Our shared values of celebration and investing in music and the arts will come alive at this special event to mark a decade of ‘Made in Kenya’ excellence. Expect a refined experience of music, food, and fashion that will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired and thoroughly entertained!”
Red Bull Music has over 20 years experience in holding one of a kind music events for emerging musicians across the globe. Every year the graduating class goes on to be innovators in music back home, with the institution has honed the skills of artists like Culoe de Song, Aloe Blacc, and our very own Blinky Bill.
This September sees a new cohort join the academy where it all started – Berlin, Germany and includes another Kenyan select, rising producer Samuel Sichangi.
