Concert Review: Koffee Brews A Kenyan Summer Toast For ‘Blankets And Wine’
One of the most anticipated Kenyan musical events took place at the Ngong Race course this past weekend. Reggae superstar Koffee backed her official deejay Rachael Anson on her first Kenyan concert debut which left the crowd feeling lifted. The concert, ‘Blankets and Wine’, has provided the best in live music and fun for more than a decade.
As we entered the Ngong Race course on Sunday afternoon accompanied by my partner and awesome photographer, Kelly Ewing, we were blown away by how the venue was transformed.
On the way to the stage, we made a stop at an art space where two graffiti artistes were painting both Muthoni Drummer Queen, Blankets and Wine founder and the small but mighty, Koffee. The symbolism was quite phenomenal. Both acts, different in age yet united by one thing – their dedication to music.
We made our way to the stage to secure our spaces. The crowd is diverse and it just hits you that this will be another “where were you when” moment in Kenyan live music and event history.
Storming on stage a few minutes past 3pm, fashion blogger turn musician is the Kash Kaaria is the opening act. She throws herself right into the set backed by her amazing band, before breaking into well synchronized routines with her dancers. Commanding the stage with every song and quick wardrobe changes, at some points the dancing and singing seems heavy on her but her resilient vocals remain steadfast.
“Thank you for being a part of this dream come true,” Kaaria humbles before her audience before her stage exit.
The breather after the opening set was enough to re-up on our drink and grab some food. Once Mbithi and his band took the stage, we were once again up on our feet. His set was impressive and his euphoric fans could not contain themselves.
Pop group, Sauti Sol’s keyboardist, Mutoriah and Tha Movement reaffirm something: his good voice and how good he sounds live. With a set like that, creating live music on the spot, it is hard to cancel on this guy.
Rocking a yellow African print jumpsuit, Fena slowly built up her performance with the sing-along tracks for the crowd. She is quick to remind us of her of new album, ‘Unleashed’.
Hyping the crowd with a flowing themed dancehall and reggae dubplates, veteran broadcaster G Money warms up. By this point the venue is ready for the star of the evening. G Money ushers in fellow South Londoner and Koffe’s official deejay and Grime rapper, Rachael Anson.
Koffee started right after 10pm. The teenage sensation delivered her debut Kenya performance. Dressed by Kenyan designer, Avido, in an African print patterned shorts and a matching jacket, her blonde-tipped dreadlocks pulled away from her face, Koffee confidently strode on stage singing ‘Burning’ to resounding applause from the capacity crowd.
To be honest, while we initially were looking forward to hearing her songs with a fleshed out live band, Koffee still killed it; I’m grateful I got to hear the impressive young singer perform in such a raw state, hype other acts Jamaican and UK dancehall songs and call out fans from the crowd to dance on stage with her.
She finished off with “Toast” and the crowd went nuts. Koffee looked overwhelmed and moved by all the support. She had to do ‘Toast’ again. The venue erupted!
Koffee, will make her Ghana debut on December 27, for the third annual Detty Rave.
The 2019 edition of Detty Rave has, appropriately, been branded Detty Rave: The Homecoming, with Mr Eazi extending invites to his favorite artists from across the Diaspora. Detty Rave takes place at the future home of The emPawa Hub, a groundbreaking new facility for Africa’s creative industries, hosting recording studios, editing suites, office and recreational space, conference rooms and a bar and restaurant, in Accra’s Spintex Road area.
Words: Embukane Libosso
Photos: @slumphotography | @erick_forester | @afribuni @The_Mentalyst | @shemobara | @seethrusolomon