The Baobabs Festival returns this December for its annual New Year's Eve celebration, adding a new chapter to over a decade of New Year's celebrations in Kilifi. What began as a small gathering of friends along the Kilifi Creek has grown into a signature celebration that attracts thousands of creatives, music lovers, and explorers from across Kenya, Africa and the world.
Now firmly positioned as Kenya's premier alternative music festival, this year's edition builds on that legacy by introducing new sounds, new friends, and new experiences to carry us into the New Year. The first wave of this year's lineup features a powerful mix of international and regional headliners, all representing the vibrant pulse of the alternative music scene.
Leading the charge is Vigro Deep, one of Amapiano's foremost names, who will be playing a 2hr Live Set off the back of a string of releases redefining the sound and moving it forward with his signature depth. Fellow South African trailblazer DJ LAG, a pioneer of the GQOM movement who is enjoying the excitement around a new generation of the sound, will be pushing the festival sound system to the limit.
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Joining them for her debut in Kenya is Alewya; a British singer-songwriter of Ethiopian & Egyptian heritage, who redefines genre boundaries with her blend of Kwaito, Afrobeats, Alté & Indie music. Also on the vocal tip, the festival is excited to host Muzi, the multi-talented South African Vocalist, Producer, and Songwriter, who will be performing his own take on modern Kwaito, fueled by Kaytranada style beats & catchy vocal hooks. For the true House Heads, the festival is very excited to welcome New Yorkan duo Musclecarsfor their Kenyan debut. The pair of Producer DJs have been bringing House Music back to where it began as Deep Future Soul Music, this is a set not to be missed!
From the Kenyan scene, one of the festival's resident DJs, Ghedi will be helping the Main Stage see in the New Year with his signature blend of Afro House, 3 Step and Gqom. Kenya's own Tina Ardor, one of Afro-House's most sought-after voices, will also join the festival on the morning of the 1st January with her live vocals atop deep Afro cuts. Mura has had an amazing year in the Kenyan scene and is tipped to continue his rise to the top of the Kenyan Afro-House scene following his standout releases this year. For the non-House Heads, the festival continues to offer a diversity of sounds shown by the booking of sensational star Lil Maina, who will bring his Arbantone energy to the coast.
"People can expect a world class festival experience with something for everyone!" Festival Curator Ola Akinyemi says."What sets this year apart is the curation ; we've taken a more holistic approach that captures the full spectrum of sounds and stories shaping music right now. From the emerging local scene to global influences, this edition celebrates the diversity, creativity, and connection that make Beneath the Baobabs what it is, " he mentions.
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In addition, Beneath the Baobabs is excited to partner with their friends at Outlook Festival, who will bring their signature Global Bass sounds and resident DJs to Kilifi, a takeover that includes pioneers of the bass movement here in Kenya and which will draw further ties to the international scene, solidifying the festival as a platform for Kenyan artists to spring from.
And finally, the festival is thrilled to reunite with Umojah Soundsystem, who return to fuel the Valley Stage with their mighty sound system and a takeover from their collective of Dub Reggae Djs & MCs from the region.Beneath the Baobabs remains committed to providing a world-class boutique festival experience that reflects the pulse of the scene today, while championing the emerging sounds shaping the alternative world.
This year's lineup stays true to that vision offering something for everyone across 5 stages: from Afro-House and "oontz" lovers, to Hip-Hop and Arbantone purists, Bassheads, and Amapiano fans, Live & Traditional Music. Beneath the Baobabs continues to embody the culture of inclusivity that has defined the festival for over a decade, where all are truly welcome.
