The world of comedy in Kenya is vast, it has many entry points and ways of participating. If you’ve been even a casual follower of the comedy space you’re probably acquainted with the likes of Daniel Ndambuki, frequently known as Churchill, and Eric Omondi. These men have been pioneers in the space and have been the most familiar faces in Comedy in Kenya for decades. Sketch and stand-up comedy are the most popular forms of comedic performance in Kenya, often with an emphasis on slapstick and physical humour. Many Kenyan comedians have grown and gained great popularity in this arena over the last decade. But there’s a new crop of comedians and artists in the space who are changing the way audiences in Kenya think about comedy. 

We explore a few of East Africa’s most interesting and dynamic fashion brands. These are brands that are moving the needle, and experimenting with fashion in big ways right in our backyard. 

Nairobi Design Week is an annual festival that promotes the Kenyan design community, in collaboration with local and international partners. The annual festival gives citizens a chance to explore the scene, and participate in projects and conversations concerning their city by focusing on a theme, year after year. 

Each year, the Ballantine’s True Music Fund awards 10 organizations are granted £10,000 to help sustain and enhance their essential work. The goal of the initiative is to support emerging local music-centric organisations and collectives as they strive for equality in music. Santuri East Africa is one of the recipients of the 2023 cycle of the grant, alongside nine other progressive organisations from across Africa, Brazil, and Spain.

At the tail end of 2020, three film lovers Jesse Mpango, Gertrude Malizana and Darragh Amelia came together to form the audio-visual collective Ajabu Ajabu. At first, the three would meet to watch independent African films on a big screen with friends. Eventually, the purpose was clear: to foster space for the preservation, production and presentation of audio-visual art. 

It was Kalamashaka who together with Hardstone, Poxi Pressure and K-South became the mavericks that made it their own. 

MVNSA is an exceptional talent causing waves in the East African ALTE music scene. Raised between Niger and Tanzania, the rapper and producer is driven by his passion for bridging the musical divide between East and West Africa, hence his dedication to creating music that resonates with audiences from both regions.

Joshua Baraka's highly anticipated remix of his chart-topping hit NANA arrived, bringing together the best talents from both the East and West of the Motherland.  Collaborating with Ghana's King Promise, Nigeria's Joeboy, and Kenya's Bien, Baraka, a rising star from Uganda, showcases his prominence within the East African Alternative R&B scene—fusing it with elements of Afrobeats.

Nabalayo describes herself as a music-maker, illustrator and East African Griot, representing and documenting not only her own culture, but also those of her fellow countrymen. 

The “Mizizi'' collection is an ideological experimentation in brand/consumer relationships. Peni Mbili has made a unisex design that challenges the everyday person to contemplate their own expression. In its construction it mimics the design of the familiar football jersey, but incorporates the collar of the closet staple polo shirt, two shapes that theoretically would be easy for any consumer to adapt to.

Chuki, which translates to ‘Hate’ in Swahili, is a 6 track EP composed of African contemporary and Afro House music alongside a slew of artists from around the continent. Despite its title, this EP is a body of work with an abundance of love at its core and bliss at its crest.

Having a lineup of producers and artists like NDOVU KUU, Afamefuna, Scar Mkadinali and Buruklyn Boyz on his debut shows how earnest he is about honing his craft beyond what people expect of him. Lil Maina might be able to make us all laugh, but he’s proving that we can also always count on him to keep us dancing and maybe sometimes put us all in our feelings.

According to Lil Maina, “Stunna is someone who has overcome different obstacles and challenges to achieve spectacular things. Or one who has the utmost will to be a maverick in all that they do, in any field, task or situation”, and the work definitely speaks for itself.  Everything about this project sounds and feels intentional.

Released in September of 2023, “Conversations We Should Have Had” is a project that delves into ideas of vulnerability and openness in romantic relationships.

Shawn describes his EP as a tender message for black men undergoing romantic hardships, affirming the significance of allowing oneself to weather through difficult emotions because as sure as the sun rises and falls, the tunnel is always followed by the light.

Under a cloudy Nairobi sky, a united drill community gathered at The Alchemist, a renowned bar in the heart of the city’s party district, for rising social media platform New Comma’s “Common Ground” event.

Jodye Faneto is one of Kenya’s burgeoning drill acts. His discography features both solo and collaborative projects including fan favorites such as Postman Pat, Tembea Na Kidungi, Damu, and No Likes. Since launching his career, the MAD Records signee has been keen on hardcore rap. However, earlier in the year, he announced his intention to experiment with dark and eerie music, and his latest EP, Bigger Than Biggie (BTB) lived up to this commitment.

Dope-I-Mean, also known as Shambala Boy, is a versatile vocalist signed to the ADF music label, the home of Boutrous, Jovie Jovv, and Groovy Jo. His ability to rap with a punchy shrap cadence or sing softly has seen him incorporate a number of melodic sounds into his pop-leaning music, as evidenced by his 2018 project Shambala. One of the most consistent ADF musicians with regards to releasing music, Dope-I-Mean teamed up with Boutrouss to produce the club anthem Smash

“You Never Learn” is a concoction of feeling. Written over the period of a couple years, Zowie admits the hurdles she faced whilst putting the project together, often losing sight of what she wanted to communicate in favour of catering to other people’s desires. Nonetheless, time and discernment proved her closest friends, as it soon became clear that she desired a project that showcased her talent and reflected her reality; in essence, a body of work that she could call her own.

Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor’s rise to fame within the Kenyan (and African) literature world began after her original story “Weight of whispers” was published in Kwani? - a Kenyan literary magazine in 2003. After this, various pieces of work by Yvonne Adhiambo were published and turned into short films - such as “The Knife Grinder’s Tale” in 2007. Yvonne has not been a stranger to the spotlight, nevertheless, it was her novel “Dust” that catapulted her to fame in 2014.

The journey of a Ugandan creative can be frustrating and isolating. This is tenfold for alternative musicians, who are up against a pop-music landscape that is notoriously hostile towards niche sounds and aesthetics. This is the concrete from which Xpressions UG has sprouted. Founded in February 2021 by Keith Lubega and Shari Mwanika, this collective has pledged to fill this void and be the go-to platform for music discovery and artist support for the new wave scene.

UnKut is an organization championing mental health and Hip Hop as it supports upcoming Hip Hop talent. From Ball4Health to the UnKut sound check series, the organization has been working overtime. Catapulting new voices in the scene, they have been on a forward-leaning momentum culminating into a secure spot at the crescent of the Hip Hop scene

Sharon’s drive and tenacity in the pursuit of her career embody the philosophy of shooting your shot.

Buruburu (or Buruklyn) as known to some nowadays, is leading an outstanding musical movement. Some have called this movement "Buruklyn" or "The East". It is a different flavor of Kenyan Drill that is nothing like British drill in it's outright sound. One Label is leading all of this, and it's Lus Music. Based in Buruburu and working with artists from the same locale, the stable is slowly but surely becoming a tastemaker in the Kenyan music scene.

Kenyan composer Nyokabi Kariuki was named the winner of the SA Recordings’ prestigious ‘Recompose’ competition. We caught up with her regarding her experience entering the competition, her career journey so far and her inspirations.

Ahead of 2020’s UnKut Africa Hip Hop Awards, we caught up with founder Ruby V.

A conversation with fashion stylist, creative director, product designer and co-founder of The Nest Collective, Sunny Dolat.

Anyango Mpinga is a Kenya luxury brand owner and designer of her self named brand. Having launched in 2016, the brand, Anyango Mpinga aims to shed light on the rich multicultural Luo and Sukuma heritage.

Starting out as a music journalist, Camille Storm has broadened her portfolio significantly in the last four years. From working for several international tastemakers on the scene such as OkayAfrica and Apple Music, to running her own entertainment company, Camille & Co., there is little on the music scene that Storm’s touch hasn’t alchemized

At Odds’ recently released new collection is characterized by calmer, relaxed tones that induce serenity and features shorts, shirts, jackets, crop tops and slides.

Justin Shema is a fashion model based in Kigali, Rwanda. From his voguish style and charming charisma, he is a sight to gaze upon when walking down the runway.

Kennedy is a Kenyan artist and model. Represented by 199x Kennedy is full of creative expression. His creativity is showcased throughout the work of 199x.

Conversation with 199x creative director, Michael Mwangi Maina, highlighting their recent drop, 'Walimbwende Wa Kasri.

Kween Nkatha is a Kenyan fashion model and dynamic individual. A self described ‘country girl in the hood’, she is ever spreading that country girl sunshine! A brand ambassador, creative innovator and love advocate, a queen (Kween).

Adong is a Ugandan model, signed to Ugandan modeling agency, Joram Model Management (JMM).

Mario Bol is a fashion model, an artist and founder of a clothing brand. This multifaceted individual is yet another example of the beauty that erupts, when one is purely and freely themselves. Oh what a beauty to be you!

Metamorphisized by Daudi O’ aims to Emulate the cumulative aspect of one’s personal wardrobe, by pairing precise tailoring with an unwavering devotion to simplicity.

Dawn is a young, bright, bold and beautiful model from Uganda. With her modeling career just taking flight, she hopes to showcase her beauty and passions through her modeling journey.

Bonkerz is a fashion street wear brand created, owned and designed by Mvoo Wanje. The last month has come with fantastic drops one of them being ‘Just Smile’, a concept that birthed TABASAMU.