From Nairobi to Bradford, UK, Blankets & Wine crosses borders to amplify African creativity on a global stage.
What began as a simple idea in Nairobi — to bring people together around live music, good food, and great company — has grown into a full-fledged cultural institution. Now, over a decade later, Blankets & Wine is making history with its first-ever edition outside of East Africa, taking place in Bradford, United Kingdom, with the vital support of the British Council.
The Birth of a Cultural Staple
Blankets & Wine was founded in 2008 by entrepreneur and creative powerhouse Muthoni Drummer Queen (MDQ). Frustrated by the lack of platforms for contemporary African music and alternative artists, she envisioned a space where people could discover new talent in a relaxed, picnic-style setting. With wine in hand and blankets on the grass, Nairobians flocked to the event — and a movement was born. She says:
Taking Blankets & Wine to the UK is the next step in exporting our music and culture, and is a testament to the power of Blankets in transcending borders and connecting people from all walks of life.”
Over the years, the festival has grown to become East Africa’s leading music and lifestyle experience, known for its impeccable curation, strong community vibe, and its celebration of Kenyan art, food, and fashion. Blankets & Wine has hosted some of the our most respected and emerging talents, from Sauti Sol and Asa to Sho Madjozi and Blinky Bill.
From Nairobi to the World: Why Bradford?
Bradford offers the perfect landing spot for Blankets & Wine’s first international foray. The city has been recognized as the UK City of Culture 2025, making it fertile ground for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
This historic edition in Bradford is more than just a festival — it’s a cultural export, a bold statement that Kenyan creativity belongs on the global stage. It also offers a special moment for the Kenyan and wider African diaspora in the UK to reconnect with homegrown culture, music, and innovation.
The British Council: Bridging Creativity Across Borders
The British Council, an organization known for fostering cultural relations and educational opportunities, has played a pivotal role in making this expansion possible. Through its commitment to supporting African creatives, the British Council has partnered with Blankets & Wine through their UK/Kenya Season 2025 to help bridge artistic communities between Kenya and the UK.
This partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of culture to connect people, spark dialogue, and inspire innovation. The British Council’s involvement has enabled artists, curators, and cultural entrepreneurs to come together in meaningful ways, bringing new audiences into the Blankets & Wine experience.
What to Expect in Bradford
Festival-goers can expect the same signature charm that defines Blankets & Wine in Nairobi — lush picnic settings, incredible music, Kenyan inspired food, fashion pop-ups, art installations, and a strong sense of community. The lineup will be announced in late June and is expected to feature a mix of African and UK-based artists, creating a dynamic cross-cultural soundtrack for the day.
In true Blankets & Wine fashion, the Bradford edition will also feature their curated Onja Onja market spaces showcasing , African food and artisan products, focusing on identity, and heritage.
A Proud Moment for Kenya
For many Nairobians, this international debut is more than just a tour stop — it’s a proud moment of recognition. Blankets & Wine represents a homegrown success story, one that has remained fiercely authentic while growing in influence and scope. As it expands beyond Kenya’s borders, it carries the spirit of Nairobi — bold, vibrant, and unapologetically creative.