Nairobi gets new collabo concert series

The organiser of Terminal Music Weekend, Daniel Ebo, says the event will give local artists as much exposure as their international counterparts.

“There will be no such thing as local artists curtain-raising for the foreigners at the Terminal Music Weekend,” he said. “We are doing away with that kind of myth and what we have done is to pair an international to a local artist, who will share the stage. We look forward to bringing in even bigger artists in future editions.”

Ebo said the event would also offer Kenyans opportunities to exchange ideas and seek advice on how to take their music to the global market.

Other international acts who will be part of the collaborative concert are American singers Bobby V (US), Horace Brown (US), WSTRN (UK), Big Tobz (UK) and DJ Joe Grinds (UK).

Local musicians set to feature at the August event are Sage, June Gachui, Khaligraph Jones, Habida, Steph Kapela and Shukid. Kenyan DJs Stylez, Pinye, Adrian, Mixmaster Lenny and G Money will open the event.

Rapper Khaligraph Jones told Music In Africa that the event would provide an opportunity for cross-cultural collaborations and explorations.

“It is a good feeling because this is an opportunity that Kenyan artist rarely get,” he said. “The launch of such an event, which allows us to interact and collaborate with people from different continents, is proof enough that our music industry is progressing. And I am glad to be part of it because I believe that we are going to blow up into the international market."

While in Kenya, Hilson will also take the opportunity to do some work with the Keri Hilson Foundation, which employs art, education, health and fitness to focus on the well-being of women and children around the world.

“I’m coming your way on August 3. I’ll be performing and doing some work there with #TheKeriHilsonFoundation. #Africa,” she tweeted.