Kenyan music legend Eric Wainaina took to the stage at the National Museums of Kenya for an intimate acoustic performance that reimagined his classic hits in their rawest form.
The event was part of Bare Sessions, a creative platform by JGIP events where established artists collaborate with musical arrangers to strip their songs down to their essential elements, performing their songs without backing tracks, just simple, honest versions that show the real heart of the music.
For Wainaina, whose catalogue spans decades of Kenyan music history, the format provided an opportunity to revisit songs like “Dek Dek,” “Sawa Sawa,” “Selina,” and “Joka” through a fresh lens.
The event came about through a partnership between Bare Sessions and premium gin brand Tanqueray, which sponsored the performance as part of its cultural initiatives in Kenya.
The concept behind Bare Sessions centres on artistic vulnerability and creative reinterpretation, challenging artists to present their work without the usual production layers and rely instead on core musicality and emotional connection with the audience.
“The Bare Sessions platform empowers cultural tastemakers such as Eric Wainaina to prioritize authenticity and push the boundaries on their craft, resulting in masterpieces that resonate with the craftsmanship found in Tanqueray,” remarked Jean Okech Nyawara, Head of Marketing, EABL Spirits Portfolio.
The evening also featured a unique cocktail experience, with drinks designed to complement each song performed.
Wainaina’s participation continues his long standing relationship with Kenya’s evolving music scene, demonstrating how established artists can find new ways to connect with audiences through innovative presentation formats.
