OonTztopia Is Transforming Nairobi’s House Music Scene with Vibrant Beats and Community Spirit

Two years ago, Mbugua and his co-founder decided to shake up Kenya’s Afro-House-dominated scene. Their love for EDM and techno gave birth to Oontztopia, a unique platform for electronic music fans. What started as small gatherings with friends has grown into a movement with a loyal fanbase. Today, Oontztopia stands out for its confidence and clarity in curating unforgettable experiences.

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In the vibrant heart of Nairobi’s music scene, Oonztopia is redefining the beats of the night, championing the evolution of House Music and Tech House in East Africa. Born from a shared passion for electronic music, this dynamic community has emerged as a sanctuary for dance music enthusiasts, offering unique experiences that transcend the current Arbantone-dominated scene.


With a mission to amplify the genre and connect fans, Oonztopia is not just an event; it’s a movement. We recently had a conversation with David Mbugua, the young and inspiring co-founder of Oonztopia, delving into their origins, achievements, and impact on the Nairobi music scene.

Music Custodian: I would like to understand who you are as an individual and how Oontztopia
came to being.
David Mbugua: I’m the co-founder of Oontztopia, which was an idea pitched by my friend, who’s now the
founder and CEO. We used to attend Oontz (Afro-house) events in Nairobi, especially Afro-house gatherings, and one day we started thinking—why not try something a bit different? He suggested focusing on EDM (Electronic Dance Music), and he came up with the name “Oontztopia.” The first event was just us trying to talk to our friends, telling them we have this event and that they should bring their friends as well.


Oonztopia isn’t just about music; it’s about community. They’re building a cultural movement by creating a space for EDM lovers and collaborating with platforms like Music Custodian. With every event, the team proves that their vision for Kenya’s EDM scene is more than just a dream—it’s a reality in the making.

MC: Could you share with us what inspired the creation of Oontztopia? And what’s your core mission as an organization?
DM: What really inspired Oontztopia was first of all just us having ideas based on us realizing that there’s this genre of music that exists in the country and under this genre of house there’s so much missing in terms of… everywhere we’d go most events, we’re just Afrohouse and a little bit of techno.

The team at Oontztopia—most of us go way back in high school. We remembered how we used to love EDM back in school, and we were like, “I’m sure there are many people who’d love to have this feeling too,” so that’s how we got that idea of what we’d need to start an event.

Oonztopia’s roots trace back to high school friendships formed a decade ago, which have since evolved into a shared mission to redefine Nairobi’s EDM scene. “That’s how we actually formed it,” the co-founder explains. The bond among the team is reflected in their commitment to building a platform that not only celebrates EDM but also provides opportunities for others to create their own events.

What sets Oonztopia apart is its deep connection with its audience. Through the Oontztopian community on Instagram, attendees actively shape the experience by sharing feedback and voting on the music and artists they want to hear. “At one event, we had DJs dedicate their sets to specific artists like Martin Garrix and Calvin Harris, based entirely on community requests.” Even DJs rooted in Afro House are encouraged to explore EDM when performing at Oonztopia, making each event a unique and dynamic showcase of talent.

MC: For the East African EDM music industry, what do you think can be improved upon?
DM: For East Africa, the scene is very young and is currently growing. We have some Kenyan producers who produce EDM music. I think if we keep this space and continue doing what we’re doing and have more people joining the bandwagon, EDM will grow.
Having this space, keeping up with the space, and having a community where people just celebrate and enjoy the music.

Organizing an event like Oontztopia comes with its fair share of challenges, but the team behind it has demonstrated resilience and creativity in overcoming them. From the outset, they faced the daunting task of actualizing their ambitious ideas. Whether it was securing large venues that seemed beyond their reach or tackling technical issues like sound quality, the team remained committed to finding solutions. By partnering with a trusted sound company and relying on their collective problem-solving abilities, they ensured that Oontztopia would deliver exceptional experiences.

Looking ahead, Oontztopia’s vision for the next five years is as ambitious as ever. The team envisions Kenya becoming a recognized hub for EDM in Africa, with Oontztopia leading the charge as a globally renowned brand. Open-air shows are on the horizon, promising to create spaces for even larger crowds and more unforgettable moments.

Beyond music, Oontztopia is deeply invested in community-building initiatives. One such effort is Uni Uni, a mental health program aimed at supporting university students. Through this platform, individuals can access immediate assistance or schedule sessions with professionals. The team also offers a membership program that grants exclusive benefits like discounted tickets and access to private events, fostering a sense of belonging within the Oontztopia community.

For those looking to support Oontztopia, the message is simple: show up, buy tickets, and spread the word. With age restrictions set at 18 and above, attendees are encouraged to bring friends, dress stylishly, and prioritize safety by avoiding drinking and driving. As for parking and other logistical details, the team promises timely updates to ensure a seamless experience for all.

Oontztopia is more than just an EDM event; it’s a movement that brings people together through music, creativity, and a shared commitment to community well-being. As the interview concluded, the team expressed their gratitude to all supporters and extended an open invitation to join them on this exciting journey. The dream is big, the vision is clear, and the possibilities are endless.