Get ready, Nairobi — the volume is about to go way up! This weekend, the iconic We’re Loud Fest is coming to Kenya for the first time, bringing an unapologetic mix of rock, punk, proto-punk, skate culture, and underground energy in a four-day sonic explosion.
What Is We’re Loud Fest?
We’re Loud Fest is an itinerant rock festival organized by Slovenly Recordings, known for its gritty lineup, DIY roots, and unfiltered attitude. The festival is held in a different country every year. Slovenly heads to their favourite places on the planet, especially those where festivals of this type don’t happen often…if ever. After years of running editions in Europe, North America, and Latin America, the festival is making its entrance into Africa via Kenya.
The Kenyan chapter, styled as We’re Loud Africa, will run from 20th to 29th November 2025, with Nairobi hosting the first leg from the 20th to the 23rd, then moving to coast for some dates in Kilifi and Lamu.
We’re Loud Fest operates with the goal of creating stages for artists from Africa to play together with rock and punk bands from around the world, forging connections in the global rock-punk community.
We’re Loud Fest is about non-electronic sound and humans making music. Most modern festivals feature music made with computerized beats. We’re Loud Fest’s stages feature live energy, electrifying guitar work & pounding drums.
We’re Loud Fest embraces the DIY skate-punk ethos by expanding on the trad music festival with skate jams, rooftop skate events and meet ups.
Proto-punk band Death, in the 70s. Image courtesy of We’re Loud Fest
The Line-Up: Global Legends Meet Nairobi’s Scene
We’re Loud Fest features renowned acts from across the world, as well as our own incredible Kenyan talent.
Some of the confirmed international acts include:
- DEATH (Detroit, USA) — Widely regarded as one of the very first groups to play punk, and undoubtedly the first all-Black punk band, it’s very exciting to have these headliners in town at the Saturday main event.
- Sexfaces (Washington, D.C.)
- The Monsters (Switzerland)
- Reverend Beat-Man (Switzerland)
- Twenty One Children (Soweto, South Africa) — making their We’re Loud debut.
- Bloodshot Bill (Canada)
- Blaq Hammer (USA)
- Boom Boom Kid, aka “El Gaucho Loco” (Argentina)
On the Kenyan side, the talent is just as strong: Chovu, Crystal Axis, Powerslide, Irony Destroyed, and DJ Baa are all set to light up the stages.
Image courtesy We’re Loud Fest
Events & Schedule (Nairobi)
- Thursday, Nov 20: Opening Party with Last Year’s Tragedy, the Try Umphs, Hirnschraube, + Sababu at Shelter.
- Friday, Nov 21 (4pm – Midnight): Zahabu Sundowner SkateJam at The Mall Rooftop. Expect skate contests by @radboardshopke, live sets by Powerslide (KE), Twenty One Children, Reverend Beat Man, Kenya’s DJ Baa, & Irony Destroyed.
- Friday, Nov 21 (Late Night): The Afterparty moves to Shelter KE with DJs and a surprise live act slated
- Saturday, Nov 22 (5pm – late): This is the Main festival event! Taking place at K1 Klub House, headliners include Death, The Monsters, Sexfaces, Chovu, Crystal Axis, plus DJ’s and surprise live acts.
- Sunday, Nov 23 (2pm – Midnight): Hangover Lunch at Red Brick Hotel, Karen — raw rhythm & honky tonk punk from Bloodshot Bill, Argentinian hardcore psychobilly Boom Boom Kid, plus DJs, food, beer, and community vibes.
Don’t miss this milestone music event in Nairobi – this festival will be raw, real, and unforgettable. Grab your crew and prepare for a full-throttle sonic adventure.
Tickets & Accessibility
SKIP THE LINES! Get a pass for entry to all Nairobi events. Find out more about Slovenly & We’re Loud Fest on their website & socials.
www.sloven.ly/kenya | Instagram: @wereloudfest
