Nairobi’s cultural mix blends traditional tribal art with modern expressions, creating a captivating fusion. Whether you’re enchanted by craftworks or fascinated by contemporary murals and visual arts, the city is an endless canvas of inspiration. We’ve handpicked the finest of Nairobi’s artistic and cultural gems. Explore our articles for an insider’s guide to the heart of Nairobi’s art scene.
The Festive Season is shortly upon us… We’ve rounded up all the best things to do in Nairobi to get into the spirit of the holidays…Starting this weekend! Keep an eye on this post, we’ll be updating it as new events come in…
Sunny Dolat talks with Sue Muraya and Katungulu Mwendwa about the evolution of fashion in Kenya and why there’s a perception that Kenyans don’t have style.
Who says fun is just for the weekend?
Check out what’s on iN Nairobi this week!
Prepare to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself at the 2024 Kisima Festival. Embodying the Kiswahli word for “well”, Kisima Festival invites people to step away from the hustle of everyday life and embrace holistic well-being
It’s the week for you if you’re a theatre or film lover – KITFest is on at the Kenya National Theatre and Unseen Nairobi is hosting a film festival with a number of films you’re unlikely to see otherwise. That’s in addition to the usual offerings this city gives us. check out what’s on iN Nairobi this week!
More art iNcoming at the galleries iN Nairobi, new shows, one off events & last chance to see – this weekend and in the month of November
All the usual arts, culture and music are sizzling this week, including the kickoff of KITFest and a new play at Braeburn Theatre…Check out what’s on in Nairobi this week!
Get ready to journey into the whimsical world of Alice by Heart, a musical adventure that reimagines the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, staged at Braeburn Theatre 7 – 9 November 2024.
Welcome to another installment of Soma Nami’s Books in Review. This time we hear from the other half of Soma Nami, Muthoni Muiruri who reviews Nicole Dennis-Benn’’s novel Patsy.
If you love theatre, it’s your time of year: KITFest kicks off on Wednesday 6 November at the Kenya National Theatre and continues with a varied programme through the following Sunday (17 November).
Check out our full listing of what’s on in the the art world here iN Nairobi, this weekend and in the month of November
Kenyan Fashion Story is more than just a fashion show—it’s a space for talented, underrepresented designers to share their stories and celebrate their craft
Art in Nairobi: The current exhibition at NCAI is a compelling presentation of ideas in progress by three emerging Kenyan artists: Elias Mung’ora, Jared Onyango, and Sandra Wauye.
It’s Halloween week so there are some spooky activities on, plus all the usual arts, culture and music in this buzzing city…Check out what’s on in Nairobi this week!
KAREH B, MUSA JACKADALLA, ELISHA TOTO & AYROSH SET TO PERFORM AT BOOMFEST NAIROBI TOUR (26 0CT 2024)
Art Auction East Africa has become a pivotal event in the art scene of Nairobi, and indeed in the region. The auction offers art collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to view significant works by both established and emerging artists of East Africa. The 2024 event launches Wednesday 24 October at Circle Art Gallery, Riara Rd.
The week is short after the Mashujaa Day holiday but there’s still loads to do in this city…. This week the East African Art Auction Preview is key and as the week begins on Tuesday why not stop by at the Bamba Tuesday Farmers Market? Plus the NBO Film Fest is still on!…Check out what’s else on in Nairobi this week!
Lady Zamar is a South African singer, philanthropist, and businesswoman. who has carved out a space for herself in the world of house music.
Here’s the Monday to Thursday vibes in Nairobi. Check out what’s on in Nairobi!
OwnYourCulture (Kenya) will host a collaborative online experience that chronicles the evolution of ancestral East African fashion over the centuries.
When is the last time you ventured into CBD? Currently there are three thought provoking art exhibitions on that will entice you there. Get out and explore in Nairobi.
Here’s the Monday to Thursday vibes in Nairobi. And with the Mazingira Day holiday on Thursday, make the most of your Wednesday night. Check out what’s on in Nairobi!
Soma Nami’s Books in Review By Wendy Njoroge Wendy Njoroge reviews If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga. If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga Imagine a globally defining event as a setting—Egypt, soon after the revolution. Pair that with a highly experimental yet deeply readable narrative style, and top it
Here’s the Monday to Thursday vibes in Nairobi. We trawl the socials so you don’t have to….This week Wednesday is happening, but there’s something every day of the week…Check out what’s on in Nairobi!
Check out our full listing of what’s on in the the art world here iN Nairobi, this weekend and in the month of October
Here’s the Monday to Thursday vibes in Nairobi. This week we’ve got some great film screenings, trivia nights, live music & more…Check out what’s on in Nairobi!
Kairos Futura’s new exhibition Hakuna Utopia? In Search of Micro-Utopias explores themes of utopia, apocalypse and resilience in response to the changes the artists have observed living in Nairobi, this teeming city of 6 million people.
It’s time for this year’s edition of the Macondo Literary Festival, at the Kenya Cultural Centre 20-22 September 2024
Haven’t had enough of the weekend? We’ve got a new listing to keep you going out all week long in Nairobi, whatever your vibe might be… Check it out!
Guest writer Alpa Shah talks about her journey from chronic back pain into a joyful Trapeze Yoga practice and teaching career.
New play Sanctuary: A couple grapples with the intrusion of AI in their relationship, which is already experiencing difficulties and a new level of incompatibility.
Hosted by Nala & Ferricool, their recent forum at Lava Latte was a masterclass in collaboration, packed with photographers, designers, artists, and cultural visionaries.
Welcome to another installment of Soma Nami’s Books in Review. This time we hear from the other half of Soma Nami, Muthoni Muiruri who reviews Maaza Mengiste’s novel Beneath the Lion’s Gaze.
Guest author Tara Jackson with tools to take care of yourself right now
We spoke to two Nairobi based sound healing practitioners, Cendra Tisun-Lépinoy and Ornella Hutchison, to delve deeper into the practice, weaving together the scientific and the spiritual aspects of sound healing.
It’s always time to prioritize self-care and mental well-being. iN take a look at places and people guiding us through the world of wellness in NBO.
A perennial hit with both critics and audiences worldwide, the classic bedroom farce Boeing Boeing is being brought to the Nairobi stage, adapted by Jazz Moll and the company to be set in Nairobi, “the biggest bedroom south of the Sahara”. iN sat in on a rehearsal for a behind the scenes look at the show.
The August shows are gone and the September ones have begun to open. There are a raft of shows opening this weekend. Have a look at our full listing of the art to see iN Nairobi.
It’s transition time in the Nairobi art world… see our full list for the where and when
J.J. Holt launches his new sci-fi/fantasy title Holy Empire: Twins at Under the Swahili Tree in Karen this Thursday
Tumetoka Very Far, an innovative journey of music, poetry and dance movement is coming to Braeburn Theatre…
Stuart Nash’s “Sarafina!” at the Kenya National Theatre marks a triumphant return of Mbongeni Ngema’s iconic play to the Kenyan stage after a five-year hiatus. Read Linda Were’s review for iN Nairobi.
“Sarafina” the exhilarating and poignant musical that captures the essence of youthful resistance and the fight for human rights against the backdrop of apartheid in South Africa, returns to Nairobi.
In the second installment of our series Wendy Njoroge reviews Irene Muchemi-Ndiritu’s debut novel Lucky Girl, a poignant exploration of identity, culture, and the complexities of family dynamics.
New art shows announced and others you can still catch in August in Nairobi.
Soma Nami Books are repeating their smash hit African Book Fair at the McMillan Memorial Library from 6 – 11 August. Mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the richness of African storytelling.
Ardhi Gallery will be holding a collector’s choice exhibition, starting this weekend, showcasing works from the collection of Wilson Kimunya, an enthusiastic art collector. Find out about the exhibtion here.
Join us as we follow our country’s patriots at the Olympic Games 2024. Kenya’s athletic stars are set to dazzle the world with their speed, endurance, and sheer grit.
Known for their high level of professionalism and quality productions, we are excited to learn that Youth Theatre Kenya (YTK) has a new show coming to the stage this month. YTK is now in its tenth year. As a training ground for young actors, the cast, crew and musicians are all between the ages of
One-off events, last-chance-to-see and newly launching exhibitions – we’ve got everything you should see in the Nairobi art world right now on one page, from the end of July through August.
A retrospective of artist Tabitha Wa Thuku’s work is currently exhibiting at Circle Art Gallery in Nairobi.
It’s the last chance to see some of these exhibitions and some are newly opened. Have a look at what’s on in the Nairobi art world.
Guest writer and curator Mahasin Ismael writes for iN about three artists who have made the difficult decision to leave their lives behind in war torn Sudan and re-settle in Nairobi.
We’ve scoured Nairobi and picked some choice events to attend this weekend. Whatever your vibe, there’s something here for you.
For the first in our series of book reviews by Soma Nami Books , Wendy Njoroge looks at “Travelling While Black – Essays inspired by a life on the move” by Nanjala Nyabola, providing us with her insights.
We’ve scoured Nairobi and picked some choice events to attend this weekend. Whatever your vibe, there’s something here for you.
iN attended the preview of Under Debate’s staging of the play 1984. This chilling drama will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Dance Life Festival is at the Goëthe Institut this weekend
iN talks to Daniel Hird and Lee Crew about their upcoming theatrical production of Orwell’s dystopian classic 1984
We’ve scoured Nairobi and picked some choice events to attend this weekend. Whatever your jam, there’s something here for you.
Kairos Futura is a Nairobi-based arts futurist organization, a group of artists and innovators supporting sustainable change. Read about the power of art in driving environmental and social change.
Our round up of the art to see in Nairobi in June, including exhibitions that are finishing in the coming week, in case you missed them.
Sannad Shreef’s vibrant and provocative art is currently on exhibition at Kamene Space. International curator Larissa-Diana Fuhrmann writes for us about Sannad and his work.
Loud Silence is a mixed ability contemporary dance piece exploring using silence as a form of expression in Kenyan politics, especially regarding taboo political subjects.
Origins Dance Company, based in Karen, Nairobi is part of a a strong, contemporary and neoclassical dance scene in Nairobi, engendering professionalism and technique in dancers who have mostly come from an informal street dance tradition…
We’ve flagged up the shows that you need to rush out and see in the next few days, plus the ones that will be around for a little bit longer.
Celebrating Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to honour and appreciate the incredible mothers in our lives. Whether it’s your own mum, a mother figure, a rainbow mum or a friend who is a mum, it’s a day to show them love and gratitude for everything they do. There are so many ways to celebrate
Art collectors save the date! The 16th Affordable Art Show: Friday 10th – Sunday 12th May at the Nairobi National Museum The Kenya Museum Society Affordable Art Show is a notable event in Nairobi’s cultural calendar. This is the largest art show in East Africa, showcasing the work of both new and established artists with
On this labor day, we send our condolences and graces to the families affected by the heavy downpour and floods in nairobi.
We welcome this new title from historical writer Judy Aldrick. The culmination of over 40 years of research and study, Kenya’s Swahili Coast is a captivating journey into the heart of East Africa’s rich cultural tapestry, where history and tradition converge along the shores of the Indian Ocean.
If you’re into performance poetry & spoken word you’re in luck because there are a few shows on the horizon. iNNairobi gives you the lowdown on the up & coming.
Unseen will be showcasing an incredible selection of Sudanese films. We take a look at what they’re offering this month.
We give you even more art galleries to check out this month of April. We’ve consolidated the new shows about to open and the shows that are up and running into one list for you here. There’s alot to be inspired by iN Nairobi.
We’ve curated a list of the coolest exhibits that had us talking long after the lights dimmed and the crowds dispersed.
We’ve got the top picks in art and culture happening in the city. Here’s our picks for April.
Soma Nami Books was founded by Wendy Njoroge and Muthoni Muiruri in 2021 after meeting at book clubs and other literary events.
As we continue to follow International Women’s Day across the month, we celebrate Nelly Gesare of Green Thing.
We dive into Turkana Sessions, where traditional melodies and innovative rhythms meet against one of Kenya’s most stunning backdrops.
Maasai beadwork in Nairobi has grown into a cultural identifier. We look into Maasai beadwork and its influence on modern fashion.
In Nairobi, art isn’t confined to galleries or museums. It’s out in the open, engaging the public and sparking conversations. Welcome to the world of interactive public art, where sculptures come to life and transform the cityscape into a vibrant, dynamic canvas.
Shazz is a multidimensional performer who juggles her jobs as a math teacher, event organizer, stand-up comedian, and interior designer extraordinaire with ease.
An exploration of the role of art and artist’s communities.
We explore the upcoming festival Nairobi design week 2024. Delve in for more information on iNFEST, our dedicated catalog to festivals iNNAIROBI.
We wrap up black history month 2024 with our focus being the African influence on music and expressive arts. Dive in to this year’s BHM highlights.
Spanning from April 3rd to April 10th, the festival delved deep into the theme ‘Where We Live,’ reflecting on environments that shape us.
Nairobi Design Week 2021 marked a significant milestone as the first fully online festival, featuring stories from over 30 creatives and involving the participation of more than 50 others.
The event, which ran from March 8th to March 14th, featured a diverse array of activities, including an all-female launch on International Women’s Day, a week-long exhibition, community design projects, workshops, movie nights, and more.
At the heart of the week-long celebration was the theme of “Resource & Community,” a motif that resonated deeply with attendees and participants alike.
From November 19th to November 26th, the festival provided a platform for learning, networking, and exploring professional opportunities in the creative industries.
The festival aimed to connect these artisans to a wider market and showcase how artisanry has evolved to complement today’s design culture, experiencing a global renaissance in handmade craftsmanship.
Nairobi Design Week (NDW) 2015 was a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation, focusing on themes that are integral to the development of Kenya and the African continent as a whole.
Experience the beauty of Kenya while making a positive impact through voluntourism.
A tour of Nairobi’s street art culture that has revolutionised the expression of the city.
Nairobi is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a unique lifestyle experience to its residents and visitors.
Nairobi is a city that’s rich in culture, and its art and theatre scene reflects this in many ways.
Nairobi’s markets offer an unforgettable shopping experience for both locals and tourists.
When the sun dips below the horizon, the Kenyan coast comes alive with a nightlife that’s as enchanting as the turquoise waters that kiss its shores.
