Vibe ya Pwani, a one-day cultural showcase, is set for Saturday, September 6, at the Ruiru Sports Club.
Event organisers are promising an authentic coastal Kenyan experience through food, music, fashion, and nostalgia-inducing activities. The theme for the day is black and yellow.
The event is the brainchild of Lillie Wambui, founder of The Ivory Table, an organiser known for curating immersive cultural experiences.
The event’s goal is to create a homecoming atmosphere for Nairobi residents with roots in Mombasa while inviting the wider public to indulge in the region’s rich traditions.
Speaking to KBC Digital about the event, Lillie Wambui said the event was also for anyone who enjoyed Mombasa’s rich culture.
“The event is targeted at those who are originally from Mombasa but are living in Nairobi,” Lillie said. “However, the event is also an opportunity for anyone else who loves Mombasa and its rich culture to come and experience it without buying a plane or SGR ticket.”
Authentic Swahili dishes
Attendees can expect authentic Swahili dishes to be served at the event, from fragrant biryani and pilau to coastal street snacks like vitumbua, mahamri, and viazi karai.
For those who grew up in Mombasa and would like a taste of home, there will be Maji ya Barafu booths, a nod to the ice popsicles sold on the streets of Mombasa and beloved by generations.
There will also be Henna booths offering intricate body art for those who want a reminder to take home for a few days.
These touches are designed to evoke cherished memories for those who grew up in Mombasa, while introducing others to the city’s charm.
Fashion will also play a big role, with guests encouraged to embrace leso, kaftans, and bold coastal prints. The décor will be equally vibrant, transporting attendees to Mombasa’s bustling streets and serene beaches with every detail.
The sounds of Pwani
Ms Wambui also says that music lovers should expect to hear fantastic music.
“Our plan for the event is to showcase the kind of music we listen to in Mombasa, whether for weddings or celebrations,” Ms Wambui says. “So they should expect a blend of Taarab, Bango and even more contemporary songs that we don’t get to listen to in Nairobi.”
This curated mix will ensure that, whether guests are dancing, reminiscing, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the soundtrack will feel unmistakably coastal.
Partners and Sponsors
Beyond attracting attendees, Vibe ya Pwani aims to collaborate with like-minded brands.
“We would like to associate ourselves with brands that value community, especially the ones that originated from Mombasa,” Lillie Wambui said. “My goal is to partner with such companies because they’ve made Mombasa an economically vibrant area.”
The event offers sponsors a unique opportunity to align with a celebration of cultural heritage that resonates deeply with a passionate audience. Over the past years, there have been several successful cultural events which prove a growing appetite for authentic, experience-driven events in Nairobi.
Event Details
- Vibe ya Pwani will run from daytime into the night at the Ruiru Sports Club on September 6, 2025.
- Tickets are available at Vibe Ya Pwani.
