In Kenya’s Kaloleni Social Hall, Film Finds a Wider Audience With free screenings at the historic venue, the NBO Film Festival is reclaiming public space and expanding access to film for communities often excluded from Nairobi’s cinema culture. film tv Paula Adhis
The End of an Era, the Start of Another: Kenya’s Gen Z Remembers Raila Odinga Once the face of reform and opposition, Raila Odinga’s passing leaves Kenya’s youth considering his leadership and legacy. news
What It’s Like To … Be A Graffiti Artist in Kenya Nairobi-based Phunk Bantu speaks on transforming Nairobi’s walls into open-air galleries and how public art and graffiti transform urban spaces. news
5 Unmissable Highlights to Expect From This Year’s NBO Film Festival The sixth edition of Nairobi’s marquee film festival returns Oct 16–26, 2025, showcasing 26 films, world premieres, and the vibrant talent driving African and diasporic cinema. film tv Paula Adhis
Exclusive: Watch the Trailer for ‘How to Build a Library’ Before Its Kenyan Debut at the NBO Film Festival OkayAfrica debuts the exclusive trailer for the acclaimed documentary by Maia Lekow and Christopher King, ahead of its first-ever screening at home at this year’s NBO Film Festival. film tv Paula Adhis
Laeke’s Lawsuit Against Meedo Records Could Reshape Ethiopia’s Music Industry In a civil arbitration case in Ethiopia, the critically acclaimed Ethiopian artist and producer Laeke has accused his former record label of breach of contract, unpaid royalties, and exploitation. music Paula Adhis
Toxic Lyrikali: The Nairobi Rapper Blending Trap, Dancehall, and Hood Life As one of Kenya’s fastest-rising artists, Toxic Lyrikali is turning lived experience in Nairobi’s Eastlands into viral anthems. music Paula Adhis
Nyashinski’s Sophomore Album, 'Yariasu,' Marks New Chapter With Sony Music Deal The Kenyan music star shares his journey from Kleptomaniax fame to solo stardom and enters a new phase as he signs with Sony Music East Africa for his new album release. music Paula Adhis
The Top East African Songs Right Now: September 2025 Edition OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music to come out of Burundi, Tanzania, and Kenya. Enjoy the best new East African music below, featuring Diamond Platnumz x Ciara, Nyashinski, Kirikou Akili, Abigail Chams x Harmonize, and more. music Paula Adhis
What It’s Like To … Run Kenya’s Most Popular Music Festival Justine Mbugua reflects on her 13-year journey behind the scenes of Blankets & Wine, from selling tickets as an intern to leading production of East Africa’s most influential festival as it expands globally. news Paula Adhis
How Matata Is Taking Kenyan Pop Global Without Losing Its Roots With viral hits like “Mpishi” featuring Bien, and “Tiki Tako,” the Oslo-based Kenyan band is proving that staying authentic is the best strategy to winning a global audience. music Paula Adhis
Meet Omar Degan, the Somali Italian Visionary Convening Africa's First Architecture Biennale Set to debut in Nairobi in September 2026, the biennale marks the first continent-wide platform where African architects and thinkers reclaim authorship over their built environments and their influence on global design. news Paula Adhis
How This Kenyan Chef Battled Nairobi’s Rising Living Costs to Find Her First Place Twenty-six-year-old Geena Gichui’s journey to housing independence reveals how many Gen Z Nairobians navigate rising living costs when moving out. news Paula Adhis
The Best East African Songs Right Now: August 2025 Edition OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music to come out of Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania this August. Enjoy the best new East African music below. music Paula Adhis
