Ndumo festival: great vibes, long queues and a hotdog that never came

Over the weekend, fans of Kikuyu music and culture gathered for the first-ever Ndumo Festival, a lively and colourful celebration of music, dance and tradition — and even the rain.

By the time I arrived, a gentle drizzle had already begun, quickly turning the grounds into a muddy mess. I silently thanked the gods for my boots.

Despite the weather, the car park was full and the entrance was adorned with earthy brown and black colours and placards showcasing Kikuyu heritage.

Although the event started later than scheduled, excitement was already in the air. The venue was packed and filled with anticipation.

When Auntie Jemimah finally took to the stage, she lit up the crowd with her energy, assisted by DJ Nitram whose playlist ensured there were no dull moments.

She then introduced Nakuru's MC Hush BK, setting the stage for a memorable evening.

The first performer of the night was Chris W, who delivered a strong opening set. Next up was Wacuka Muchendu, whose electrifying performance coincided with a heavy downpour.

However, the rain didn’t dampen spirits; audience members left the safety of the tents to dance freely in the rain, celebrating the music and the moment.

Next up was gospel artiste Faith Nduhio, who led a rousing kigooco session that got everyone on their feet. Janney Sings, dressed in a vibrant, culturally inspired brown outfit, blended old and new school Kikuyu sounds, charming and gracefully serenading the audience.

While the performers delivered high energy performances, the event was not without hitches. Long breaks between acts disrupted the flow and, while waiting for the headliner, MC Hush BK asked DJ Nitram to play old-school Bongo music.

At around 11.25pm, the much-anticipated Davy Kamoko finally took to the stage in a black shirt and white trousers, guitar in hand. The crowd erupted in cheers.

He captivated the audience for a full hour with sing-alongs, covers and nostalgic nursery rhymes. Later, he swapped his guitar for an accordion and performed timeless Ngogoyo hits, cementing his star power in a memorable performance.

Afterwards, DJ Nitram and DJ Touch took to the decks to keep the party going, while festivalgoers headed out to the after-party at Platinum 7D.

Despite its magic, there is room for improvement for the festival. Long queues for food and delays in preparation tested attendees’ patience.

I personally waited 45 minutes for a hot dog, only to be given a smocha when the buns ran out. Similar issues were experienced at the drinks section, highlighting the need for better food and beverage planning in future.

Nevertheless, for a first-time event, the Ndumo Festival provided a cultural experience that brought people together through rhythm, tradition and shared joy.