10 Musicians That Need To Come for a Performance in Kenya

When it comes to international musicians coming for a performance in Kenya, we’re not doing that great. This becomes even more apparent when you compare the numbers with other African countries like South Africa, Nigeria and even our neighbour Tanzania. For some reason, (okay, we know what the reasons are but won’t get into them here) Kenya has been overlooked when it comes to big celebrity concerts. This post isn’t about the Kanyes, Beyonces and Chris Browns of the world. This post is about some of the other musicians we can aim for that are pretty good and won’t cost an arm and a leg.

We’ve had James Ingram, Joe among other (sorry to say) low key in the present musicians perform here. I’ve put a list of musicians that I think would be great to see live and are perhaps less ‘troublesome’ to get.

1. Maxwell

I can picture it now. He croons to ‘That Woman’s Work’ as women scream, holler, cry and perhaps even faint. Okay, perhaps I have exaggerated a little bit but the man is talented and sexy. He is also incredibly talented and would put on an amazing show. The organizers just need to make sure there’s enough ventilation in the performance location coz it’s bound to get hot!

2. Michael Bolton

It took me ages to figure out that ‘Said I Loved You (But I Lied) is not a break-up song! Michael Bolton is one of those artistes that everyone and their parents knows. One of his songs starts to play and you find yourself singing along and realize you know every word. This would be a pretty awesome concert. If I get married, ‘Soul Provider’ will feature on my wedding playlist.

3. Brandy

I don’t care if only ten people went for her concert in South Africa. Brandy is a goddess. ‘I Wanna Be Down’ is an anthem. ‘Full Moon’ was an amazing album. Her voice is like honey on chicken. The perfect combination. She can actually really sing so I’m sure her concert would be fire. Smiling just thinking about it.

4. Boyz II Men

These guys are legendary. They defined boy bands for a generation. I can honestly say that I’d probably cry if they sang ‘End of the Road’. That song does things to me. Feeling like crying right now as I think about it. The ladies will definitely be screaming during this concert and the men will be pretending to be cool but deep down inside they’ll be swallowing all the feels. Goosebumps thinking about it.

5. Lionel Richie

This guy has so many amazing songs that I don’t even know where to start. One of my favourite songs is still ‘Penny Lover’. I feel things… ‘All Night Long’ and ‘Stuck On You’ bring back great memories of my childhood dancing in the sitting room with my siblings. This would be a great concert for some wonderful family bonding.

6. Mary J. Blige

Fiery Mary. Her soulful voice and her heartfelt music make for an explosive combination. She’s a queen and I think people would leave that concert feeling like they’ve been reborn. It’s rare to have artistes that leave it all on every song and I really feel she’s that kind of artiste. We’d go from catharsis ‘goodbye to that no good ex’ to ‘let’s get down in here’ to ‘I found my soulmate and I just want to love him forever’ and beg for more! Yes please!

7. Lauryn Hill

She’s an empress. Lauryn was breaking records and barriers before anybody else. Before people knew to stay woke, Lauryn was wide awake. Her talent is something else. Her live performance would be so good, that people would be completely attentive not wanting to miss a beat or a lyric. She’s the type of artiste you respect and admire. That would be a dope concert. The  kind you leave feeling all fired up, ready to change the world and love somebody.

8. Tracy Chapman

Tracy is a jewel of an artiste. There’s simply no replicating her. Her lyrics and soulful voice melt your heart. This would be one of those concerts that would have that intimate unplugged vibe to it. Already feeling super relaxed just thinking about it.

9. Kenny Rogers

Everyone and their folks and perhaps even grand folks would want to attend this concert. For us with a limited knowledge of country music, he is the epitome of it. Everyone knows ‘Coward of the County’ and ‘The Gambler. This would be an epic concert.

10. Dolly Parton

She would kill it! I can see it now. She’s belting hit after hit as she strides across the stage like the goddess she is. Everyone and their folks and basically the whole extended family will be at this concert. Even Jolene will come!

There are so many other awesome artistes that would be great for the Kenyan scene right now. John Legend, Jill Scott, D’angelo and even R Kelly would be great concerts as well. We are heading in the right direction and hopefully a promoter will read this post and consider some of the above candidates. A girl can only dream!