Les Wanyika performing at the Blankets and Wine held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]
Last Sunday, all roads led to the Laureate Gardens at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, for the Blankets and Wine Festival. The event was back following a three-year hiatus due to Covid disruptions.
The event was all about music and food.
Security was tight at the parking lot and inside the venue.
Fashion being a huge part of the Blankets and Wine experience, the attendees dressed to impress; from modern streetwear to African print.
Some kept it classy and chic, while others wore vibrant neon colours, which they accessorised with bold hair, piercings, sunglasses, hats and jewellery.
The highlight of the event was the all-Kenyan line-up as demanded by fans in an online poll done by the organisers of the event a few months before the event.
“We polled our audience base and the results were undeniable; our people demanded an all-Kenyan line-up. The people spoke and the Blankets and Wine team listened,” said the festival’s founder Muthoni the Drummer Queen (MDQ).
On stage was the impressive Nyashinksi, legendary Les Wanyika, Boutross, Nviiri, OkelloMax, Xenia Manasseh, Lisa Oduor and Kinoti.
The fans could not get enough of their favourite artiste’s performances, with some crying out for more from Overdose, Angela, Afro to Hapo tu.
Out to wow, Kinoti charmed his fans with his vocal ability and dance moves.
Lisa Oduor got people into their ‘feelings’, bringing the RnB back and fusing it with the Kenyan vibe. And Okello Max’s boss voice got the ladies screaming at top of their lungs.
He also had a few surprise guest artistes who helped him perform, from the likes of Charisma to Bensoul. Xenia Manasseh left the crowd in awe.
Les Wanyika’s appearance was met with loud cheers, and the legendary band was shocked to see how well-known their music was.
Young fans sang all their records back-to-back.
Nviiri the storyteller told stories with a backup of an all-female band on the drums, guitar and base.
Boutross showered his fans with lyrical rhymes from some of his greatest hits, with the fans demanding more of Angela.
The final performer, Nyashinksi, had his band entertain the fans before making a grand entrance that sent the crowd wild. He celebrated his upcoming birthday with his fans by sharing a cake and a bottle of whiskey, making a toast.
“The reception from our fans was overwhelming,” said Sijali Zuwa, Band leader Les Wanyika.
“It is amazing that young people today can relate to songs we released over four decades ago.”
Fifteen years after the Blankets and Wine Festival was launched, it has become a cultural institution in Nairobi. Known for its unique blend of music, food, art and fashion, the musical event has given a platform to many Kenyan stars.
MDQ credited the event’s success to an all-female team of organisers who paid attention to detail, ensuring that every person attending the do had a great experience.
She said that every year they aim to improve the experience, and that is why they seek feedback from fans.
MDQ said that the April edition fulfilled her desire to support Kenyan music.
“This edition was a clear indication that Kenyan music has grown and that it has everything required to go global. All it takes is to support our own, which Kenyans have shown that they are ready to do,” she said.
Other editions of the Blankets and Wine will be held on July 2, October 1 and December 17.
Fans have been urged to start booking now since the tickets are available online.
The music festival has a running edition in Uganda, with others being held in Rwanda.
“We have reached a good place as a festival and as an organisation because of the impact we have had. We hope to use our platform to bring attention to the strides that Kenyan artistes have made,” said MDQ.
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