Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Nameless and Fena Thrill Fans at the 6th Koroga Festival

The live music Kenyan scene has seen steady growth over the years and it’s been an undeniably welcome one. One of the live music events that has made its mark since beginning just a little over a year ago, is the Koroga Festival. Koroga Festival is a bi-monthly music and arts festival organized by Capital FM. I attended the 6th edition that was headlined by the Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, with Fena and Nameless as opening acts.

I’m a huge fan of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, having vivid childhood memories of singing and dancing along to her music. I am also a fan of both Fena and Nameless. Fena is the undeniably talented new kid on the block that has worked her way up, while Nameless is the veteran who you haven’t seen on stage in a while and want to see again. It was the perfect afternoon music recipe.

Fena kicked the event off with her soulful sound. She has one of the most beautifully raspy voices I have ever heard. Her style is cool afrosoul. ‘Fenamenal Woman’, ‘Jabulani’ and ‘African King’ were some of the hits she belted out. This young lady is definitely going places.

Nameless came on next backed by Juma Tutu and Band. He had the audience on their feet singing along to his hits. ‘Sinzia’, ‘Furahiday’, ‘Megarider’ and my favourite ‘Deadly’ were crowd pleasers. Nameless is the kind of artiste that holds a special place in the minds and hearts of a generation. He gets on stage and you realize you know every lyric of every song he’s ever released. His energy was through the roof and his performance was helped by the funky choreography of his dancers.

Finally, the princess herself got on stage. Yvonne Chaka Chaka did not disappoint. I literally had goosebumps as she belted out her hits. ‘I’m in Love with a DJ’, ‘Umqombothi’, ‘Motherland’, ‘I Cry for Freedom’ as well as some newer songs. Her performance was electric; she had the crowd hanging onto her every word.

Her performance in Nairobi was the first stop in a tour of Africa in celebration of 30 years in music and of her 50th birthday. Yvonne was surprised with a cake on stage and we got the privilege of singing happy birthday to the Princess of Africa.

It was an amazing concert. Koroga never disappoints. Fantastic live music, delicious affordable food and drinks and a great music loving crowd. Can’t wait for the next one.

(Today is officially Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s birthday. Happy 50th birthday Yvonne! Here’s to many more!)