Sebuleni X Chenza. Deep house X Benga. Vibe X nostalgia. If I had to sum up the night of 5th September 2025 at Muze Nairobi, those are the words I’d reach for. But honestly, they barely scratch the surface of what turned out to be a cultural feast—one that stirred up music, fashion, art, and culture in the same pot and served it hot.
Having two seemingly unrelatable genres—Benga and deep house, playing just one room apart was nothing short of genius. But then again, that’s exactly the level of brilliance you should expect from the organisers. After all, this wasn’t just another night out—it was a gathering cheekily advertised as “for the new age aunties and uncles.” And the magic was made possible by the dream team of Wardrobe Banter and Kilibasi Studio, a creative cohesion supported by Hendrick’s Gin.
This was more than a party—it was an African music journey.
In the main room welcomed guests, that were instantly transported into the world of old-school Benga, carefully handpicked from across the African continent. Some songs had me belting out familiar lyrics at the top of my lungs, others left me standing still in awe, completely speechless. Yet, with every transition, I could feel my roots tugging me deeper into the music. This wasn’t music you’d stumble on on the radio or in your everyday Nairobi club. No—it was rare, raw, and one-of-one. And because of that, I soaked up every single beat.
But the night didn’t stop there. A door away, Room 2 flipped the script completely. The Sebuleni collective had crafted a different kind of universe—one wrapped in deep house grooves, hypnotic rhythms, and that ethereal energy that only Sebuleni can pull off. The contrast between the two rooms was glaring but in the best possible way. Like yin and yang, the experiences balanced each other perfectly, curating one of the most unforgettable musical journeys I’ve ever had as a reveller.
Fashion and culture. Photos by CherryBlack
And let’s talk about the fashion. Because if this was a cultural event, then the people absolutely understood the assignment. Nairobi came dressed for the Benga theme—colourful outfits, funky hats, eccentric glasses, bold prints, and even a full agbada in the mix. Each person’s unique interpretation of Benga-inspired fashion turned Muze into a living, breathing canvas of culture. I walked in not knowing what to expect, but by the time I walked out, I felt more connected, more rooted, and undeniably more cultured.
So now you’re probably wondering—when’s the next edition? When can you taste this experience for yourself? Well, the big reunion of all the players is still in the works, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In the meantime, you can still catch half the experience. At the time of writing, the Sebuleni collective is holding it down for now, every Saturday at Sage Delicacy—the perfect place to get your weekly fix while waiting for the next full-blown edition.
Sebuleni X Chenza wasn’t just a night out. It was a reminder that music isn’t just for dancing, it’s for connecting, remembering, and celebrating who we are. And if that’s the kind of genius we can expect moving forward, Nairobi’s cultural nightlife is in very, very good hands.
Read more about Sebuleni here. See you in these healing spaces through sonic and audio visual experiences of music, fashion, culture, community, creativity and the elevation of humanity and the spread of love through creative works.
