As Sebuleni Collective launches a new season, Nairobi’s creative culture community prepares to gather once again in their favorite “living room” — an underground, intimate soiree where music, art, and culture connect.
On a cool Friday evening in Nairobi’s Westlands, a gentle thump of bass beckons from behind the doors of 33 Woodvale Grove. Inside, the Shelter lounge floor has been transformed: warm lighting casts cozy shadows over minimalist leather furniture, pillows and mats line the corners, and a hint of euphoria mingles with the night air. This isn’t your typical club night. This is Sebuleni – a gathering that feels less like an event and more like a homecoming for the city’s creative souls.
Sebuleni, named after the Swahili word for “living room,” was born from a simple idea: to craft a come together experience rooted in deep house fostering community and creativity. It started quietly, a little underground get-together for friends and fellow artists on Thursday nights, but quickly grew into a beloved tradition. The allure lies in its ethos – a celebration of qualitative music, community, creativity, connectivity, and culture in equal measure.
At Sebuleni, painters chat with poets, DJs grab tea with dancers, and entrepreneurs brainstorm with photographers. The boundaries between art forms blur, and everyone is on a first-name basis. As one regular attendee, Mwaseru, a visual artist, puts it, “Sebuleni really feels like my living room away from home. It’s a space where I can unwind, be inspired by great music, and spark new ideas with people who quickly become friends.”
The environment plays a huge role in cultivating that sense of intimacy. The Sebuleni team and Shelter have meticulously curated an ambiance – think low-key rustic with local artistic flair. The design is minimalist but textured: earthy tones, cafe feel, impressive bar and subtle art pieces by local creatives adorning the walls. It’s an aesthetic of indigenous class – refined yet unpretentious. Most importantly, it’s comfortable. You might sink into a floor cushion or perch at the edge of a vintage sofa, and instantly feel at ease. In this living-room-like setting, there’s no stage separating artists and audience; everyone shares the same space, dissolving barriers and sparking connection.
Then there’s the sound. Sebuleni’s musical curation has positioned it at the forefront of Nairobi’s underground music scene. Each event features DJs who aren’t afraid to take listeners on a journey. The new season premiere is no exception, with a lineup that reads like a who’s who of eclectic Nairobi selectors. Budalagi, known for pushing the boundaries of house and techno with Afro-inspired beats, will be spinning some of his far-ranging, self-curated tracks.
He’s joined by DJ Koolio (Willis Wanjohi), a deep house connoisseur whose soulful mixes have a way of getting even wallflowers onto the dance floor. Adding to the mix is Sebastian, bringing a dose of rhythmic experimentation, and The House Chef (also known as Minwi), who serves up rich grooves flavored with funk and East African rhythms. Together, they promise a genre-blending feast for the ears – from sultry deep house and funky disco edits to the hypnotic pulse of gqom and deep groove.
“We’ve always wanted Sebuleni to break down the usual club walls,” explains one of the organizers. “It’s about creating a community hub where ideas are exchanged as freely as dance moves. Whether you come to jam to the music or just soak in the atmosphere, you leave feeling connected.”
But beyond the beats and ambience, what truly defines Sebuleni is the feeling it evokes. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted like an old friend. Strangers smile at one another; spontaneous conversations ignite at the pop-up bar over Kenyan craft beers or a cup of masala chai. It’s this connectivity – the human element – that turns a night out into something meaningful.
After a brief hiatus, Sebuleni Collective is now poised to write its next chapter. The new season premiere event on April 25th not only marks a return but an evolution – a reaffirmation of the values that built this community. Starting at 8:00 PM and rolling on until the wee hours, the gathering will unfold once again at Shelter’s lounge floor, the site of so many magical nights before. And in keeping with Sebuleni’s inclusive spirit, entry remains free. That’s right: anyone and everyone is welcome to step in, kick off their shoes (literally, if you want to get comfortable), and be part of the experience.
As Nairobi continues to cement its reputation as a cultural and nightlife hub in Africa, collectives like Sebuleni are leading the way by redefining what a night out can be. It’s not just about the music (though the music is undeniably great); it’s about fostering a sense of belonging.
In a city buzzing with energy and ambition, Sebuleni offers a gentle reminder of the power of coming together, face to face, in a shared groove. So on the 25th April Friday night, if you find yourself seeking something a little different – something real – you know where the living room is open and the lights are on.
Karibuni Sebuleni.
Welcome home.
