5 Things to Look Forward to at the Manu Dibango Koroga Festival Edition

I am what you could refer to as a Koroga veteran. Koroga is a bi-monthly festival by Capital FM that celebrates the best of music, food and culture on the African continent. I have attended all but one Koroga which I missed because I was under the weather. After a fantastic 11th edition headlined by the legend that is Koffi Olomide, I can’t wait to experience the 12th edition that will be headlined by African Jazz maestro Manu Dibango. Here are 5 things to look forward to at Koroga on Sunday May 8th.

1.Manu Dibango

When I heard that Manu Dibango was headlining this edition, I had to sit down! If you’re an African jazz/funk lover, then you most likely have come across his repertoire. Aptly nicknamed, ‘the lion of Cameroon’, this maestro has made his mark on music from the continent.  I have fond memories of my dad playing his albums and especially his most famous single, ‘Soul Makossa’ that is known for it’s recognizable ‘ma-mako ma-ma-sa mako-mako ssa’ refrain sampled by various artistes including Michael Jackson and Rihanna.

2. Edward Parseen and the Different Faces Band ft June Gachui

This is a combination made in jazz heaven! I am a huge fan of Edward Parseen and the Different Faces Band having seen them live a few times and still yet to get enough. June Gachui is the definition of a songbird. There are singers you can relegate to background music when at a festival while you catch up with friends; June isn’t one of them. It’s not just that she can really sing but that her voice is arresting in a soul soothing way and seeing her perform is always such a treat.

3. Maurice Kirya

The incredibly talented and might I add really good looking Ugandan musician, Maurice Kirya has been making waves on the East African music scene for a few years with his ‘mwooyo’ (Luganda for soul) style of music. One of my favourite jams from him is the sultry ‘The Blue Dress Song’. Check it out below.

4. The ambiance

Koroga has one of the best ambiances of any festival in Nairobi. I can’t stand events that have you uncomfortbly squeezed and leave you sweaty and with a migraine. Yes, the audience is large at about 3000 people but it doesn’t feel like there are 3000 people at the venue thanks to a well-planned layout. Also, the crowd is mature and there for the music so no unsightly scenes of teenagers blacked out on the grass… Everthing from all the beautiful Nairobi people, food, drink and merchant stalls with the music just works.

5. Delicious food and drinks

There is no way you can be hungry at Koroga Festival. There are so many food stations with a variety of offerings from fastfood to more wholesome meals and snacks. I usually have chicken and roast potatoes though sometimes I opt for a lighter snack like a hotdog. There are usually 2 to 3 drinks sections for soft drinks and alcohol as well as a coffee stand for the coffee lovers. For drinks, I usually have a bottle or two of wine.

Koroga continues to impress and is definitely worth marking on your calendar. It will be going down on Sunday May 8th at the Arboretum Gardens from noon. Wear flats, carry your shuka and your getting down energy. No tickets will be sold at the door so go ahead and buy your advance tickets going for Ksh 2000 here.