From Jazz to Neon: Nakuru comes alive this Jamuhuri weekend

Nakuru steps into the weekend with the warmth that only December can bring: soft lights along Kenyatta Avenue, a gentle hum in the air and a familiar spark hinting that something exciting is about to happen. By Friday night, the city feels lighter and brighter, buzzing with anticipation.

Saturday arrives like an open invitation to experience joy in your own way.

At The Alps Hotel, Swirrl Society Ke transforms the space into an elegant sanctuary filled with the sounds of soft jazz, clinking glasses and the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. Wine catches the light like tiny sunsets as guests glide in, dressed as though they have been waiting all year for this very moment. Saxophones curl around conversations, laughter rises like bubbles and time slows down. This isn't just an event, it's a mood: luxurious, unhurried and deliciously December.

However, Nakuru is a city of contrasts, and just a few kilometres away, the Kunste Grounds come alive with a completely different atmosphere. By 2 pm, the Kikuyu Diaspora Fest 2.0 is in full swing, bursting with colour, culture and rhythm. 

With a stellar lineup featuring Jose Gatutura, Janey Sings, Philis Mbuthia, Tonny Young, Maxine and Gituha Mani, the grounds are pulsating with excitement. Children must weave their way through dancing adults, couples holding hands under the lights and friends posing for selfies against the backdrop of the glittering stage. As evening falls, the music takes centre stage, carrying the crowd with it into the night.

Sunday dawns golden and gentle, but Nakuru isn't slowing down; it's simply shifting gears.

At the Waterbuck Hotel, the Link Up Hub End-of-Year Dinner exudes elegance. Candlelight illuminates the tables, guests arrive in their Sunday best and conversations float through the room like warm air. The atmosphere is calm and reflective, a soft exhale after Saturday’s electric chaos.

But not far away, the city’s youthful pulse starts to throb again.

In Milimani, the Friends of Matagaro (F.O.M.) turn Little Gardens Bistro into a neon-kissed playground for the F.O.M. Vibe. From 2 pm until late, Young Black, Tichi, Carlos Takedown, Simor Music, God's Favourite Fatboy, Andy Percussive and GigGX will be on the decks, getting the crowd into the December groove. Advance tickets cost 500 shillings and 700 shillings at the gate.

A short stroll away, Agora Milimani flips the script with Old Skull Vibes, a throwback session where oversized boomboxes, denim jackets and classic hits will revive pure nostalgia. From 3 pm to 6 pm, the venue will transport you back to the golden years of groove.

Meanwhile, across town in Kaptembwa, the Nashangilia Music Concert Season 11, themed 'Najua Una Nguvu', offers a soulful counterpoint. Drums, saxophones and powerful vocals will fill the afternoon air, stirring hearts and setting the tone for the weekend.

Kijani Café will also be offering a Christmas Special Game Night on Friday. If you love quizzes, this is the place to be from 6 pm to 10 pm.

By Sunday night, as the city finally exhales, one thing is clear: Nakuru has lived this weekend to the full, whether that be loudly, softly, elegantly or wildly. If this is how December weekends feel, then the celebrations have only just begun!

Here at Mtaa Wangu, we welcome you to December. See you next time.