Blankets & Wine, a production of GoodTimes Africa, has officially announced an electrifying artist lineup for its first edition of 2025.
The much-anticipated event is slated for June 29th at Laureate Gardens, Moi International Sports Center, promising a memorable celebration of music, culture, and community.
This special edition will mark the festival’s 16th anniversary, continuing its tradition of spotlighting both emerging and established talent from Kenya, across Africa, and beyond.
Over the years, Blankets & Wine has grown into one of East Africa’s most beloved cultural gatherings, offering fans an immersive experience of live music, food, art, and lifestyle.
For the June edition, festival-goers can look forward to two dynamic stages showcasing a diverse range of African sounds.
The main live stage will feature South African soulful house icons Mi Casa, best known for hits like “Jica” and “Tulale Fofofo”, their collaboration with Kenya’s Sauti Sol.
Joining them will be Kenyan music heavyweights Matata and Ssaru, delivering an irresistible mix of Gengetone, Afrobeats, and high-energy choreography.
Also gracing the main stage is powerhouse vocalist Serro, known for her contemporary take on Kenyan folk music, alongside rising stars Shad Mziki, who promises a soulful pop experience, and We Are Nubia, the afropop R&B duo capturing hearts with their smooth sounds.
From Tanzania, legendary performer Saida Karoli will offer a blend of Taarab, Bongo Flava, and traditional Tanzanian rhythms, while Uganda’s breakout star Joshua Baraka is set to turn up the heat with his signature dancehall basement party vibe.
Over at the Onja Onja Stage, audiences can expect an exhilarating journey into edgy, electronic African music.
The lineup features live sets by Akoth Jumadi & Mr Lu, fusing Afro-fusion and contemporary folk, and Coco Kahi, who blends hip-hop, electronic, and Afro influences.
DJs IV and Bune will keep the amapiano and afro house beats rolling, with an electrifying back-to-back-to-back set from Ghedi x Hiribae x Paps, and a sonic trip to the alternative afro house scene with DJ Ite.
Speaking ahead of the event, Blankets & Wine Founder, Muthoni Drummer Queen, shared her excitement.
“We are incredibly excited to bring such a phenomenal lineup to our loyal Blankets and Wine community to kick start the 2025 season. Our focus is to curate an experience that truly delivers exceptional value for money, with two stages presenting thrilling performances from 17 top notch African artists. We will also have a fine selection of Kenyan food, craft and experience vendors to enhance our amenities and infrastructure — every element has been meticulously planned to ensure our attendees have the best possible time.”
Highlighting the festival’s evolving strategy, she added: “This year, we are focusing on bringing Africa to Kenya. And taking Kenya to the world.”
Beyond the music, Blankets & Wine continues to curate a holistic festival experience for audiences of all ages. The popular Family Zone provides a safe, engaging space for children, complete with activities and minders, allowing parents to fully enjoy the festivities.
Meanwhile, the renowned Onja Onja Market transforms the festival grounds into a vibrant cultural bazaar, where local artisans, food vendors, and creatives converge. From culinary delights to handmade Kenyan crafts, it’s a paradise for foodies and culture lovers alike.
In a landmark move, Blankets & Wine is also set to host its first-ever international show in Bradford City, UK, on September 6th, 2025, at Lister Park.
This milestone event, in partnership with the British Council for the UK/Kenya Season 2025, indicates further cements the festival’s 16-year journey of championing African music, culture, and lifestyle on the global stage.
Since its inception in 2008 in Nairobi, Blankets & Wine has evolved into a quarterly celebration of African art and culture, with successful editions held in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
It continues to be a beloved ritual for music lovers, offering a space where African culture thrives through sound, connection, and style.
Tickets for the Blankets & Wine June Edition are now available via Mookh.
