Waithaka wa Jane Steals the show as Nakuru’s Kikuyu Festival marks first anniversary

Nakuru’s Kikuyu Festival marked its first anniversary with a celebration that brought together music lovers across generations

From afternoon sets to late-night performances, the event ran with a sense of order not always guaranteed at large entertainment gatherings. Most artistes took to the stage close to schedule, allowing the programme to flow without long gaps. 

Roy Smiley opened the line-up, followed by John Mbugua, Gasheni and Sammido while DJs and MCs kept the energy moving between performances.

But the night belonged to Waithaka wa Jane. Slotted for a 2am start but started at 1:30 am, the headliner held the stage for about three hours, giving fans a generous dose of his music and keeping them engaged throughout. 

Even as the night wore on, the crowd stayed put, determined not to miss his final performance. It was a clear sign of his connection with the audience.

The heavens, perhaps in a rare show of cooperation, held back the rain. Earlier daytime showers had, however, left sections of the grounds muddy, making movement messy for partygoers. Still, that did not dampen the mood.

Away from the stage, the organization made a difference. 

Vendors were prompt in serving customers, while ticketing and entry were notably easy. There were two ticket categories, and access was verified using wristbands and LED glow-in-the-dark stamp, helping staff identify ticket holders and discourage unauthorized entry. With enough staff on hand, queues moved without much drama.

Perhaps the most interesting takeaway was the crowd itself. Millennials and older revelers made up much of the audience, with Gen Z appearing less dominant than expected at Nakuru’s entertainment events. It was an intriguing shift in a scene usually associated with younger partygoers.

One year in, the Kikuyu Festival’s anniversary was not just about music. It was also a reminder that good timekeeping, efficient service and thoughtful logistics can keep a crowd comfortable and dancing until the last song.