The city in the sun has witnessed a revolution in the theatre space in the recent past.
From adapted plays to musicals, the scene is not short of action as Gen Zs take the mantle.
It is what TV shows and local films have been for a while. Taking the theatre stage has become trendy, cool. And now enter ‘Dreams of Nairobi’, the new talk-about in town taking place this weekend.
A brutally honest and unexpectedly hilarious act, Dreams of Nairobi is a beautiful musical born from ‘2am briefs’, ghosted pitches, unpaid “exposure,” and the kind of creative burnout only Nairobi can cook up.
You have heard the Nairobi joke of creatives claiming “I was told to show up and act for exposure – not for pay.” That is the vibe, one that no doubt has killed the dreams of many creatives and one that this musical exposes.
This isn’t your typical feel-good musical. It’s a chaotic love letter to every Nairobi creative who’s ever asked, “Why am I like this?”
It is raw, funny and tragic. Nairobi’s creatives, often unheard and undervalued, find their powerful, unifying voice in Dreams of Nairobi, a musical that isn’t just a show, but a revolutionary call to action for the respect and recognition they profoundly deserve.
The much-anticipated musical will be staged at Braeburn Theatre, Gitanga Road, starting tomorrow and going on throughout the weekend.
“This is the roaring anthem Kenya’s creatives have been waiting for. To many, Nairobi is just a city synonymous with relentless ambition, a place where dreams take flight. But for the vibrant, often unsung collective of creatives who call the city home. Nairobi is often a battleground, a demanding arena that expects world-class artistry while offering precious little in the way of consistent support,” says Viyerrah Patrick, the brains behind the project.
Viyerrah has been in the creative space for quite a while now, mostly behind the scenes. A creative force whose 20-year journey spans advertising, media, and the performing arts, the multi-talented star, who also doubles as an award-winning TV host and copywriter sees creativity as a calling, not a career.
In a world redefined by AI and rapid change, Viyerrah believes creatives are no longer just content makers, we are consciousness shapers, truth translators, and bridge-builders.
“Through art, we can heal wounds, restore dignity, and reimagine national identity. Dreams of Nairobi brings in that vibe and because something revolutionary has arrived — and it’s not just flipping the script, this new approach to stage act brings in a fresh demand, and a fundamental shift in how we perceive and value the people who imbue our lives with stories, style, songs, and soul,” says Viyerrah.
The musical has been directed by celebrated director Victor Ber.
From the moment the lights dim, the air crackles with anticipation. With music by Dillie, Saint P, and Viyerrah, and musical direction by Delvease Ojwang, the live band doesn’t just accompany, it breathes. The score is the show’s heartbeat, pulsing with pain, joy, anger, and hope.
Music, poetry, monologues, and movement collide in a theatrical experience that defies easy labels.
Across every creative discipline; acting, animation, poetry, fashion, copywriting, filmmaking, the story is sadly the same in most times.
‘Dreams of Nairobi’ doesn’t sugarcoat it. Expect uproarious musical numbers that spoof tone-deaf pitch meetings, sharp skits exposing clout-chasing clients, and unforgettable characters that embody the industry’s most maddening clichés.