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The Blankets & Wine festival, held on December 22, 2024, at Laureate Gardens within the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was a vibrant and much-anticipated celebration of Kenyan music and culture.
This iconic event, known for its eclectic lineup and sophisticated vibe, once again drew thousands of attendees eager to soak in the best of local artistry and entertainment.
Fortunately, the event did not witness the recent wave of stampedes at the gates during check-in, organisers were able to conduct the event without any major lapses, amid the best weather Nairobi had experienced this week.
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Blankets & Wine continues to be a cultural mainstay, but this edition highlighted both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Highlights of Blankets and Wine, December edition
Coster Ojwang and the Kodong Klan
The event featured stellar performances from renowned Kenyan artists. Coster Ojwang captivated the audience with his set delivering soulful melodies that resonated with many, making his performance one of the highlights of the day.
As part of the Kodong Klan collective, Ojwang' also brought out Okello Max, Mordecai, Watendawili, Charisma and Bensoul for an on stage performance of the bangers from their debut album, 'Disko'.
Naiboi, a great addition to Nyashinski's set
At the invitation of the night's headliner, Nyashinski, Naiboi energized the crowd with his dynamic hits, engaging festival-goers in lively sing-alongs and dances.
Necessary Noize as good as ever
Wyre and Nazizi from Necessary Noize also became a quick crowd favourite, dealing high-octane performances of their greatest hits.
Other incredible performances included Njerae, Xenia Mannasseh and Watendawili, who many were seeing perform in front of a live audience for the first time.
The incredible community of festivalgoers
Festivalgoers have also commended organisers for a seamless event, with efficient entry processes, well-coordinated stage transitions, and a diverse selection of food and craft vendors that enhanced the overall experience.
Mixed reactions on an all-Kenyan lineup
Despite the event's successes, there were notable setbacks. Reports emerged of three vehicles being stolen from the parking lot, raising concerns about the adequacy of security measures in place.
The festival's "Fully Kenyan" theme was evident in its all-local lineup, reflecting a commitment to showcasing the nation's rich musical heritage. However, music lovers felt that some of the performers did not deliver as good a live performances as their studio tracks.
Wakadinali, with their on-stage crowd of backup hype crowd, delivered a disjointed set that was more dance than rap.
Additionally, Nyashinski's performance, though highly anticipated, faced criticism for the choice of playback over live band and perceived lack of engagement, leaving some attendees disappointed.
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Blankets and Wine, one of Kenya's most loved festivals
Blankets & Wine has established itself as a premier music festival in Kenya, dedicated to promoting local talent and offering a platform for both emerging and established artists.
The December 2024 edition continued this tradition, aligning with the festival's mission to celebrate African culture through music, art, and lifestyle.
While the event was largely successful, the security incidents underscore the need for enhanced measures to ensure attendee safety in future editions. Organisers may need to address these concerns to maintain the festival's reputation and attendee trust.
Overall, the December 2024 Blankets & Wine festival offered a dynamic celebration of Kenyan music and culture, with memorable performances and a well-executed event experience.