Out of Town: Kilifi New Year Festival ft. 62 Local and International Acts, Dec. 30 2018 – Jan. 2 2019 @ Beneath the Baobabs – Kilifi


Dates: December 30, 2018 – January 2, 2019
Venue: Beneath the Baobabs – Kilifi
Tickets: Final Advance Tickets at KSh 8,000 for the entire 4-day duration. Tickets at the gate will cost KSh 9,000

Advance tickets available, here

About
Located in Kenya on the East coast of Africa, Kilifi is where we chose to call home. This was not only because of its stunning natural beauty, but because of the future that we envisioned for it. In 2014, the founders decided to host a gathering that would act as a melting pot of global cultures and a haven for freedom of expression. It was going to be a place where they could fiercely advocate what they themselves believed in: conscious living and sustainability.

Our festival – with secret nooks, majestic spaces and art dotted all across the site – is intended to encourage renewal. It culminates with the burning of a large wooden sculpture, symbolising new beginnings and a shared optimism for a brighter future, bringing together the community of Kilifi and all festival goers for a moving spectacle.

The Music
This year’s festival will offer three stages with over 40 artists from different genres: House and Techno Music, Dub Reggae and Bass Music with both Kenyan and international acts

Here’s a sample of all the DJ lineup in store for 2019. First Wave Lineup:

Nickodemus (US), Gato Preto (D/AO/GH), Yaadcore (JM), Cian Finn (IRE), DJ invIZable (SA), Yeti (SA), Jinku (K), Kerby (K), Seth Schwarz (D), Pete on the Corner (UK), Makadem (K), Marcus WI (K), Tash LC (UK), Enchan (K), Chucky (K), Belville (D), Dreadsteppa (K), Umojah Sound System (K), Commoner (UK), Sadhu Sensi (SA), Abaki Simba (K), Brian Kadawa (K), Shishi (K) et al.

Mind, Body, Soul
We are excited to announce a newly created area dedicated to feeding the senses and educating the mind; away from the exciting and intense music and energy of the dance floors beneath the baobabs.

Here, we will hold workshops, talks and have different therapies and therapists on hand to enhance the festivals values of holistic living and conscious education. Our attendees feed both mind & body with yoga and other activities which all have an emphasis on improving quality of life.

Our Ethos
We stand for diversity in race, religion, sex, origin and humanity. The basic principle behind this is that the more diverse we are the richer we are! We judge people by who they are inside, not by the colour of their skin, sex, sexual orientation or anything else skin deep.

We want to act as a platform for growing the wellness and alternative education movement in Kenya. For it to be a bigger part of lives of everyone who comes through our gates.

Kilifi New Year commits to protect and conserve the local environment and as act as an example and inspiration to live consciously on the planet. We focus on ecological awareness, e.g. gardening/ cultivation of land, water harvesting and conservation education.

Creativity: The dream is to showcase and develop talents and potential in music and art from all over Kenya.

The Magic Maker. We want Kilifi New Year acts as a beacon to attract international and homegrown creativity & talent in order to bring in the skills and knowledge which will to amplify all of the above goals.

The Venue: Beneath the Baobabs
This is the unique jungle site populated by ancient trees is set beside the stunning Takaungu Creek on the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by pristine lush plateau, and is home to secret wild orange and lemon orchards, bamboo forests and thousand year-old baobabs that make for a magical setting for any experience.

Over the next 12 months is hosting two main public festivals, Kilifi New Year Beneath the Baobabs, and Kilifi Roots Festival – Beneath the Baobabs.

Opportunity for Musicians: OneBeat 2019 – Applications Open, Until Dec. 21 2018


Application Deadlines: November 19 – December 21, 2018 (5PM EST)
Note: Applicants will be notified by the end of March 2019

Age
Applicants must be between 19 and 35 year old during the program dates.

Eligible Countries & Territories
Albania, Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, China,Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Find more information on their website

Photo Exhibition: Rising Fast: Africa’s Changing Urban Spaces, Nov. 17 2018 @ the Alchemist Bar – Westlands


Date: November 17, 2018
Venue: the Alchemist Bar, Westlands
Time: 5-6.30 pm

About
‘Rising Fast’ explores the changing realities of Nairobi, Kenya, one of the world’s fastest growing urban spaces. Contrary to reductive stereotypes of Africa, Kenya is riding a strong economy, a youth-driven cultural awakening and a dynamic tech scene coined the “Silicon Savannah.” Huge challenges remain however: widespread poverty, poor infrastructure, human rights abuses and political tumult. Does the “Africa Rising” narrative hold up, and how are people’s lives being impacted on the ground?

There will be 12 photographers from across Africa sharing their work as well as a discussion panel led by Nabila Alibhai, founder of Kenya-based cultural lab in COMMONS.

For more information, visit the event Facebook Page.

ACCESS Showcase featuring Djénéba & Fousco (Mali), Sahad & the Nataal (Senegal) and Kidum (Kenya), Nov. 16 2018 @ Alliance Française Gardens


Date: November 16, 2018
Venue: Alliance Française Gardens
Time: from 7 pm
Free Entry

Music in Africa Conference for collaborations, exchange and showcases – ACCES – is an annual pan-African event for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent and create business linkages. Nairobi is the 2018 city of choice.

The Alliance Française will be hosting an ACCESS Showcase featuring a Francophone line up.

Djénéba & Fousco, two of Mali’s finest voices, transform Mandingo timbres inspired by Mali’s griot tradition into melodious songs. Sahad & the Nataal Patchwork from Senegal harvest various musical influences into a kaleidoscope of afrojazz and funk beats. The Kenyan based Burundian musician, Kidum, who continues to hook fans with his infectious tunes.

Live Jam Session with Franck Biyong and the Hilun Band, Nov. 3 2018 @ J’s – Westlands


Date: November 3, 2018
Venue: J’s, Westlands
Location: Muthangari drive off Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, Kenya
Time: 8 pm
Tel / Reservation: 0707612585

J’s LIVE JAM SESSIONS
“Nairobi, let’s come together again for another epic night of entertainment!

Come join us this Saturday, 3rd Nov, from 8 pm at J’s as we present our first ever LIVE Jam Sessions with Franck Biyong and the Hilun Band covering well-known funk and soul artists.

Get ready for a special evening of Funk, Soul, and Groove by some of Nairobi’s finest singers and instrumentalists.”