Music is a beautifully universal language that we can all understand and relate to in one way or another. In Kilifi, we are subjected to many different types of music; from traditional Giriama music played off phones in the village, modern Giriama music on the radio, great live talent from Nairobians like The Itch (in just over a weeks time!), coastal bands, internationals like The Petebox (2 weeks away!!!) , expats from all over the world, Tanzanian pop music in the clubs, and just about anything else from blues to dub here at Distant Relatives!
In a search to give guests at the backpackers and Kilifians a platform to perform live music, this past Sunday stumbled upon an incredible amount of fresh talent. We held the first of many future Sunday Sessions, where we saw a collaboration of three glorious young Pwani University students, a Swiss bassist, Kenyan Keyboardist and American guitarist/singer, all who had either met for the first time that day or just a couple times beforehand. They got the Session going with a mixture of African songs, Western pop and incredible harmonies all with the openness to jam with everyone and anyone. Local Kilifians got up and performed too and coupled with a few Bloody Marys, we were on to a winner. We hope to hold the sessions bi-monthly so please keep posted on our Facebook page for updates!
Nautilus Restaurant in Kilifi has a monthly evening Jam session which brings an outlet for locals to play with each other, in a charming setting overlooking the creek. You must get there early in the evening if you want to sample their incredible food as seats fill up fast! The Creek Club at Kivukoni albeit mainly being a leisure and wellness centre, also run great events with live music, DJ’s, food, and fire dancing- not to be missed.
Nightlife in Kilifi is predominately owned by two clubs named Da Coffee Pub and the new, Vogue Lounge. Da Coffee Pub is great for when you want to get super sweaty and dance until the early hours like a madman. Expect drunk men falling around on the floor, lots of gyrating, to get very sweaty, and to have a good giggle. Vogue Lounge is bigger, a bit flashier, but lacks a good dance floor space as it boasts many round tables with high bar stools dotted around the place. Of course you make space when you want to dance so it’s not really a problem. Expect whiskey, good DJ’s, and a nice outside space to cool down.
Music wise, coming up here at the backpackers in the next few weeks we have as mentioned above The Itch on Friday 14th October, a night of awesome afro rock’n’rool supported by Roostahs, dancey-reggae duo with a reputation of dominating a crowd with big tunes!
Friday 21st we have The Petebox (see event here) an otherworldly loop pedal beatboxer extraordinare live from the UK! See below a sample of his insane talent or visit thepetebox.com
Off the topic of music quickly, please remember to sign up to this years Permaculture Design Course held here from 17th October, a wonderful 12 day, 72-hour internationally recognised course that will immerse you in the theory and application of Permaculture knowledge. Permaculture draws from several disciplines including organic farming, agro-forestry, sustainable development, and applied ecology. This year it will be facilitated by Barefoot Soulutions, click here to check it out.
Until next time, stay handsome.
Claudia & the Distant Relatives
