This past weekend, concerts lit up Nairobi and its environs.
Leading the charge was Mordecai Dex, one-third of H_art the Band, who stepped away from his familiar musical brotherhood for DEXCLUSIVES*, his first solo showcase, at The Alchemist on Sunday, October 11.
For an artiste who has spent 14 years in the entertainment industry, the showcase was a statement of longevity, growth and artistic independence.
Dex has continued to build his identity through his work with H_art the Band, his involvement with Kodong Klan and his individual creative pursuits. DEXCLUSIVES* brought those experiences together in one defining moment.
The show was designed around his own music, offering fans a chance to experience songs they already know, tracks he rarely performs and newer material in a live setting.
Early-bird tickets had sold out ahead of the event, and the concert drew an enthusiastic crowd that danced and sang along with the various artists.
Dex, however, was not walking into hostile territory. Members of H_art the Band, the Kodong Klan crew, Njerae and other personalities were among those who turned up for the musical gathering, much to the excitement of fans.
But beyond the familiar faces and the lively crowd, the real significance of DEXCLUSIVES* lay in what it represented for Dex personally.
His journey as a solo artiste has been running alongside his work with H_art the Band and Kodong Klan, giving him room to explore his own creative identity without abandoning the collectives that helped shape his career.
His recent ViBES & LoVE SoNGS EP and wider catalogue have provided more material for that journey. On the other hand, Mustafa, who has spent 25 years in the entertainment industry, marked the milestone on October 10 at Imperial Chambers Lounge, off Kiambu Road.
The event brought together music, nostalgia and a reunion that had fans talking long before the first note was played.
The headline moment was the appearance of singer Marya, Mustafa’s former partner and musical collaborator. The two worked together on the 2009 hit Hey Baby, and their reunion brought a personal dimension to a celebration that was already looking back over decades of music.
“Reunited and it feels so good!” Mustapha announced ahead of the show, capturing the mood around their return to the same stage.
Mustafa’s celebration drew on the history of Kenyan entertainment, with names including Nazizi, Mr Nice, Kenrazy, Kenzo Matata and others associated with the event.
The evening offered a meeting point between generations, celebrating a career that has weathered changing musical tastes and a rapidly evolving industry.
For some revellers, the party travelled to the Coast, where European-based Kenyan artist Idd Aziz was bringing his international musical experience back home. Fresh from European performances, the singer headed to Kilifi for Frequency, held at Kilifi Club.
The line-up included Idd Aziz alongside MGM, Shangatatu, Ella, Teekay, Iko Power and Nina, with a musical palette spanning Afro House, Afro Tech, Deep House, Amapiano and 3-Step.
The concept was as much about atmosphere as it was about individual performers. Kilifi has become an appealing destination for audiences seeking a coastal escape with music at its centre, and Frequency offered precisely that blend of sounds, people and late-night energy.
Then there is Charly Black, whose Jamaican identity has added another international flavour to Kenya’s entertainment circuit. He has been making appearances at different local entertainment hangouts, drawing interest from fans keen to experience his performances.
His Kenyan visit has also attracted attention for a less musical reason: reports that he had misplaced expensive chains and was offering a cash reward for information that could help recover the jewellery.