If you live in Nairobi, chances are, you dream of taking a vacation on the Kenyan coast. Whether it’s Watamu, Kilifi, Malindi or the famous Diani, you envision yourself walking along the beach, a drink in hand, and not worrying about emails that hope to find you well. If you are lucky enough, you will get to live this dream. And, if you are even luckier, you will get to attend a music festival in the process.
Introducing the inaugural Sailing Music Festival, a 3-day musical extravaganza that combines the most vital aspects of a good coastal trip – food, music, culture and a scenic sailing adventure. Sailing Music Festival promises a short fun break to anyone needing a reprieve as we enter the final quarter of the year.
The festival, set to happen from 30th August 2024 to 1st September 2024, is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Kenyan coast, blending live music performances with immersive cultural experiences only found in Kilifi County. Just as the event will happen across three days, it will also happen across three locations, namely Kilifi, Malindi and Watamu.
It will kick off on Friday 30th August at Saffron Garden Malindi with a night of Sherehe and Jazz. On Saturday, music fans will dance to a Sunset Groove on the pristine beaches of Sudi Island Watamu, a marine protected area followed by an exclusive DJ afterparty on the mainland. On Sunday, the celebration will culminate in Mnarani Club Kilifi with a rich cultural fusion of bango and jazz music with Mzee Ngala and Juma Tutu live.
Mzee Ngala, a notable Kenyan musician and cultural icon celebrated for pioneering bango music, and Juma Tutu, a prominent Kenyan musician, bandleader and saxophonist known for his vibrant contributions to the Afro-Jazz and Swahili music scenes, are not the only musicians who will perform in the festival.
Alongside them, music lovers will also enjoy live performances by Osiro Music, MADCA Malindi and Chosen Band, a group of young talented musicians from Kivukoni School, Kilifi. Adding spice to the musical mix, Nairobi-based drummer Amani Baya and guitarist Jack Muguna will also bring their unique flavour to the coast as well as Afrika Soul Collective featuring singer Nyawîra Siren, percussionist Wakake Otieno and nyatiti player Kake Wakake.
Beyond unforgettable music, the festival goers will also experience authentic coastal cuisine, local art markets, and a scenic sailing adventure on the Mekatilili Dhow through Kilifi Creek under the starlit sky. To make travel and accommodation easier and more convenient, the Sailing Music Festival has partnered with a range of luxury and affordable options in Kilifi county including shuttle services that will transport the festival goers seamlessly between Watamu, Malindi and Kilifi.
It’s clear that the Sailing Music Festival promises a perfect blend of coastal beauty, vibrant culture and soulful music, making it a must-attend event on the Kenyan cultural calendar. But what impact will it have on the festival goers and the tourism industry in Kenya at large? Why are such events important?
The importance of festivals like Sailing Music Festival
When people set out to attend concerts, festivals and shows, they do not only attend because that’s what everyone around them is doing. Sure, that might be the reason for some people who have a deep fear of missing out (FOMO)) but for the majority of the attendees, what attracts them to these events is the feeling of celebration of culture.
You witness legends like Sauti Sol performing live in Sol Fest, or Nikita Kering' performing live in Oktoberfest, and as you sing alongside fellow fans, you feel a connection, a celebration of the music and the musicians you love. This is what the Sailing Music Festival promises, and more.
For one, the festival is a salute to the Swahili culture through the preservation of musical heritage. Kenya’s coastal region is home to a rich musical heritage that includes genres like taarab, chakacha and benga. These music styles are not just entertainment; they are a repository of history, social values, and community identity.
By featuring performances from legendary musicians as well as emerging artists, the Saling Music Festival ensures that the coastal musical heritage is passed down through generations. It provides a space where traditional music can be performed, appreciated, and taught, safeguarding it from the threat of cultural erosion while encouraging musicians to blend old and new styles, keeping the music appealing to younger audiences.
Apart from advancing the Swahili culture and music, there is no doubt that the Sailing Music Festival will also boost another important factor in the region – tourism. The allure of the coast alone is a tourist magnet, but add a great musical festival to the mix, and you have the perfect vacation.
The appeal of experiencing authentic Swahili culture in a vibrant and celebratory setting will draw visitors from across Kenya and around the world. In turn, this influx of visitors will significantly boost the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses will see increased patronage, and the demand for local crafts and souvenirs surges. This economic activity not only supports the livelihoods of local artisans and vendors but also promotes sustainable tourism practices that benefit the community.
With the festival being held in Kilifi county, this will mean that the county will directly reap the benefits of it. In a press release for the festival, Noni Mbugguss, a PR professional based at the coast, notes:
"Kilifi County is an amazing destination and using music to go around the region is extremely perfect. This festival will bring people together and join hands. And we're inviting cultural lovers to have a unique experience in every region in Kilifi County.”
This sentiment is also not lost on Wakake, the Director of Sailing Music Festival, who, through the same press release, emphasises, "We want to bring you something new, something exciting, something interesting, you know, something captivating. Something that connects you with the heart and soul of this county."
The Sailing Music Festival, which stands as a testament to the power of cultural festivals in fostering community pride, preserving heritage, and driving economic growth, is definitely one for the books. If you are a lover of music, culture and cruising around the beach, get ready, you might need to save some money for this.
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Attend Sailing Music Festival by purchasing tickets at Sailing Music (hustlesasa.shop)
