With concerts in Kenya you never really know what to expect. But we had a good feeling, especially after attending the Madfun press conference at the Tribe Hotel weeks ago. As you can now see; we were not just yapping when we described it as “a full-blown music spectacle featuring some of the hottest names in the game.
After peeping that the concert was being organized by some of the best in the game, hey Joy!, and the partners on board who included Nairobi Police, we knew this was going to be a hit.
Sure, we were also holding our breaths a little that the man of the hour might not show but once his sound crew started streaming in that week, we knew it was about to go down. Security, venue, sound, and vibes were in check, Saturday was upon us and all roads led to Langata Road.
The brilliant and organised MadFun team had already shared the set times with word that the gates would even close by 9 pm. There was to be no room for Kenyan time. They sure put the business in show business.
This was my first time at the new and improved Uhuru Gardens venue. The entrance was through Langata Road where there seemed to be a queue for the regular entry. After grabbing some coffee at Java Express across the road it was time to head in. The line was manned by GSU and other police officers and moved quickly. As we entered to find parking, everyone was friendly and ready to give information when asked to.
I could hear Charisma performing and I was happy I would at least have caught him after missing Ben Soul but I had missed the memo about the 2 or so KM walk to get to the stage.
My night began with Mista C’s set which I could have watched the whole night too followed by Burna’s official Djs Lambo and Space Ship who took us around the continent and different decades with their music before delivering on the Afrobeats front. I had my phone out Shazaming the whole time.
Here’s the most impressive bit, Burna’s slot which was to start at 10;30 pm started at around 10:50 after a quick instruments warm-up so technically it started right on time.
Phones out and crowd anticipation palpable he rocked up on the stage wearing a designer two-piece Lu’u Dan yellow and black Snake print outfit asking everyone to put their hands up in the air before starting off the show with “Location” segued to “Tested, Approved and Trusted. The African Giant belted out hits from his various albums while switching to freestyles and conversations from time to time. The audience also did its part. As you have probably heard, Burna toured with his full band, dancers, background vocalists, and even managers including his mom and sister. As he mentioned on stage, he missed Kenya and was going to make up for lost time. Speaking of time, the crowd almost lost it when Sauti Sol’s Bien, Savara and Polycarp joined Burna Boy on stage to perform “Time Flies”.
Burna wrapped up his set with It’s Plenty and Last Last as the final songs which led up to an unexpected but massive fireworks display.
It was time for a quick break followed by the after-party where Virgo Deep and Kenya’s very own Sir M entertained the revelers for the rest of the night.
March 1st will go down Kenya’s history books for a concert that has set higher standards. Ultimately, Burna Boy x Madfun delivered more than just a concert; it was an expertly orchestrated experience. From the meticulous logistics and seamless security to the electrifying performances and breathtaking production, every detail resonated. Burna Boy’s dynamic set, the crowd’s infectious energy, and the impressive supporting acts converged to create a night that raised the bar for live events in Kenya. This wasn’t merely a performance; it was a cultural milestone, a testament to the unifying power of music, and a bold statement that Kenya is poised for premier global entertainment.
