Benga artist and Nyatiti star, Makadem, is set to perform at the Nairobi Street Festival scheduled for May 2 at the Jamuhuri Showgrounds.
Makadem is among a new generation of Kenyan musicians reinterpreting traditional sounds for contemporary listeners.
Rooted in the rhythms of the Luo community, his music is driven by the nyatiti, an eight-stringed lyre historically used by storytellers and praise singers.
Adem has carved out a niche audience that appreciates indigenous sounds and music with modern arrangements, mostly young and urban audiences.
Watendawili is also expected to perform at the event. The duo recently released an EP dubbed ‘Hekaya’ featuring 6 singles.
The new songs will feature in their performance alongside favourites such as “Beba”.
Their new project was born of “stories told to us by our fans; love, loss, celebration and grief, so we compiled those stories into short narratives that we all go through, and we hope it leaves a mark,” they said at the time of its release, explaining its title.
Additionally, celebrated DJ Joe Mfalme will keep the crowd engaged with a dynamic mix throughout the event.
The Nairobi Street Festival is currently in its 10th edition and continues to be a celebration of music, art and urban culture. Tickets are on sale.
