Nairobi’s live music calendar is set to welcome one of contemporary jazz’s most celebrated voices as acclaimed British drummer, composer and producer Yussef Dayes heads to Kenya this September for a special performance presented by Nairobi RnB.
Scheduled for 12 September 2026, the concert promises to bring together some of the most exciting names shaping today’s jazz landscape, with Venna and Elijah Fox joining Dayes for what is expected to be one of the city’s most anticipated live music experiences of the year.
Recognised for redefining modern jazz through an expansive fusion of broken beat, Afro-inspired rhythms, soul, hip-hop and electronic music, Yussef Dayes has emerged as one of the most influential instrumentalists of his generation.
From his early work with the acclaimed duo Yussef Kamaal to his Mercury Prize-nominated solo album Black Classical Music, Dayes has built a reputation for performances that blur musical boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in improvisation and rhythm.
His arrival in Nairobi reflects the city’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most exciting destinations for live music and cultural exchange. In recent years, Nairobi has continued to attract an increasingly diverse range of international artists while nurturing a thriving community of musicians, promoters and audiences eager to engage with contemporary jazz, soul, alternative and experimental sounds.
Joining Dayes on the bill is American pianist, producer and composer Elijah Fox, whose atmospheric blend of jazz, classical music, R&B and electronic production has earned collaborations with artists including Drake, YG and Masego. Also performing is multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Venna, whose distinctive fusion of jazz, neo-soul and global influences has seen him work alongside the likes of Burna Boy, Wizkid, Jorja Smith and Snoh Aalegra.
Together, the trio represents a new generation of musicians redefining jazz for contemporary audiences— expanding the genre beyond tradition while embracing collaboration, improvisation and global musical influences.
Presented by Nairobi RnB, the concert continues the collective’s commitment to curating experiences that introduce Kenyan audiences to some of the world’s most innovative musical voices. Beyond hosting internationally acclaimed artists, such events contribute to Nairobi’s evolving identity as a cultural capital where African audiences can experience globally significant performances without leaving the continent.
As conversations around the future of jazz continue to evolve, Yussef Dayes’ upcoming performance offers more than a concert. It presents an opportunity to witness one of modern music’s most inventive drummers alongside two equally forward-thinking collaborators ?.in a city increasingly becoming synonymous with ambitious live programming.
The performance will take place on 12 September 2026 in Nairobi. Phase One tickets are currently available through Mookh Africa, with General Admission, VIP and VVIP options on sale.
For lovers of jazz, soul and contemporary instrumental music, this promises to be one of the standout live events on Nairobi’s cultural calendar this year.
