Music lovers in Nairobi are in for a soulful and reflective evening this Thursday, 12th June 2025, as Ala Zetu takes the stage at the Goethe-Institut Nairobi.
More than just a concert, Ala Zetu — which means “Our Instruments” in Swahili — is a celebration of African musical heritage, memory, and the wisdom passed down through generations.
The event will run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM with doors opening at 5:30 PM, and entry is completely free.
At its heart, Ala Zetu is about reconnecting with the instruments of our land and the stories they carry.
The project was conceived by Liboi, a celebrated Kenyan singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has seen the evolution of Kenyan music over the years.
According to Liboi, the project seeks to bridge the gap between younger and older musicians, reviving indigenous African instruments and traditions in the process.
The journey started when Liboi found herself questioning why collaborations between younger and older artists seemed so rare and why the rich knowledge held in traditional instruments often feels out of reach.
These thoughts sparked the creation of Ala Zetu — a movement using sound and culture to bring generations together.
The project began earlier this year with a 10-day residency at the serene Karichota Retreat in the foothills of Mount Kenya. There, Liboi was joined by celebrated musicians Makadem and Ben Mukabwa.
Far from the city’s bustle, the trio shared stories, experimented with sound, and reflected on Kenya’s cultural identity and future.
They were able to take inspiration from the natural surroundings and ponder on what messages they would like to pass on to the future of Kenya. Themes like mental health, non-judgment, the reemergence of traditional celebrations, and cultural pride naturally emerged.
Ala Zetu’s musical focus lies in blending the sounds of African traditional instruments such as the Nyatiti, Kalimba, Mbira, Udu, and Adeudeu — weaving them into harmonious, modern soundscapes.
Also, as the name suggests, the instruments have a big part to play.
After preview performances at Karichota and Dagoz Soul Kitchen, the trio is now ready to present their full public performance at the Goethe-Institut.
What to expect at Ala Zetu
Attendees can anticipate a night of transformative music that bridges past and present.
It has been described as a journey through indigenous African sounds, ancestral memory, and contemporary creativity — inviting reflection, celebration, and cultural connection.
The event isn’t just for music enthusiasts but for anyone interested in African identity, heritage, and artistic collaboration.
Meet the Artists
Liboi
Liboi is a vibrant and versatile musician. She describes herself as a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
She is celebrated for her creative fusion of traditional African sounds with modern elements. Her music often features instruments like the Kalimba and Udu, creating thoughtful, introspective soundscapes.
Liboi’s work is also rooted in mindfulness, cultural connection, and fostering safe spaces for community and emotional reflection.
Makadem
Affectionately known as “His Nyatitiness”, Makadem is a charismatic Afro-fusion artist and master of the Nyatiti, a traditional Luo eight-stringed lyre.
He is known for his energetic stage presence and hypnotic rhythms where he blends the Nyatiti’s ancient sounds with jazz, electronic, and benga influences.
His versatility and dynamism ranges from intimate acoustic sets to electrifying full-band performances which reflects his commitment to preserving African musical traditions while pushing creative boundaries.
Ben Mukabwa
Ben Abantou Mukabwa is a seasoned musician, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist with a deep passion for African traditional music, Rhumba, and related genres.
A skilled arranger and sound engineer, Mukabwa gravitates toward minimal, thoughtful music — a sensibility he traces back to his band days in Kenyatta University. He’s proficient with instruments like the Adeudeu, Litungu, various percussion, and acoustic guitar, and sings in Luhya, Swahili, and English.
His recent collaboration on the album The Loom with Dr. Gameli Tordzro further proves that he is a man dedicated to cultural preservation and innovation.
The Venue: Goethe-Institut Nairobi
Hosting Ala Zetu is the Goethe-Institut Nairobi.
On their website, they have described themselves as a cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, that aims to promote cultural exchange, education and societal discourse in an international context.
Ala Zetu therefore aligns perfectly with the institute’s mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue and creative exchange through the arts.
Event Details
If you’re in Nairobi and keen on reconnecting with authentic African rhythms, don’t miss Ala Zetu this Thursday evening.
Come as you are, bring a friend, and let the sounds of traditional African instruments meet contemporary creativity in a celebration of who we are, where we’ve come from, and the future we’re imagining together.
- – Date: Thursday, 12th June 2025
- – Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
- – Venue: Goethe-Institut Nairobi, No. 3 Monrovia Street, Maendeleo House
- – Entry: Free
For more information, reach out to: [email protected]
