Laureate Gardens at Nairobi’s Kasarani came alive with colour, music, and fashion as the Blankets and Wine international music festival returned for its September edition.
Organised by GoodTimes Africa, the event drew 20,000 eager fans who came to witness a mix of African talent and global artistry.
“For tickets, the Hennessy terrace experience with a group of four people was Sh60,000 while a single ticket went for Sh5,000,” said the organisers.
The festival has built its reputation as one of the most vibrant platforms for live music in East Africa. It has run for over 16 years, growing into more than a concert. It is a lifestyle event where music, style, culture, and community meet in one shared space.
From early afternoon, groups spread their picnic mats and baskets across the grass. The sound system played softly in the background as people took photographs, laughed with friends, and sipped their drinks in anticipation of the performances ahead.
Revelers during the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
People showed up in numbers, in style, and in spirit. Cowboy hats tilted over designer sunglasses. African print bags hung from the shoulders. Retro shades glittered under the sun. Outfits ranged from flowing dresses to tailored, custom-fitted suits. Every look seemed carefully curated, each one a small performance of its own.
The most anticipated artist of the evening was two-time Grammy-winning Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems. This was her first time performing in Kenya, and her debut at Blankets (as popularly referred to by fans) had been talked about for months.
Fans were eager for the chance to experience the “Love Me JeJe” singer’s soulful voice live, and many confessed that her set alone justified the price of the ticket.
Nigerian singer Tems performs during the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
When Tems finally appeared on stage, she delivered an electric performance. She paused at one point and said, “I love you, Nairobi. This is the most enthusiastic welcome I have received anywhere in Africa. Thank you for the love.”
Other artists added depth and variety to the day. Rising star Joshua Baraka gave a smooth and soulful set. His blend of Afropop, rhythm and blues, and funk created a groove that had the crowd dancing from the very first song.
Ugandan musician Joshua Baraka performs during the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
Toxic Lyrikali brought urban grit to the stage. His mix of Swahili lyricism, street slang, and dancehall rhythms set the crowd buzzing with energy. His performance proved that a bold new voice has entered Kenya’s music scene and that he was ready to claim his space.
Chimano, best known as a member of the celebrated band Sauti Sol, made his official Blankets debut as a solo artist. He arrived on stage with confidence and flair, bringing an alternative mix of pop, soul, and electronic sounds. Backed by a live band and strong visuals, his set combined new solo material with Sauti Sol favourites.
The audience cheered loudly as he performed, and his signature vocal runs won applause after applause.
Singer Chimano performs during the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
The fast-rising duo “We Are Nubia” also impressed. Their performance was soulful, filled with harmonies and poetic storytelling. They brought spiritual energy that drew the audience in and reminded people of the power of music to heal and connect.
Another fresh act was Zaituni, who made her Blankets debut with a bold mix of urban taarab and Swahili soul. Her fusion of coastal sounds with modern rhythms created a unique experience, highlighting how the festival gives a stage to both tradition and innovation.
The speakers roared, the cameras flashed, and the vibes were magnetic. However, for all the unforgettable moments, not everything worked as expected. This edition of Blankets and Wine was a cocktail of highs and lows, depending on whom you asked.
Jay Macharia, 31, is what you would call a veteran of the festival. “I have never missed it,” he said with a smile. Since 2022, he has been a familiar face at Blankets, attending regularly while also visiting other concerts such as Shin City and Solfest.
Jay Macharia at the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
For him, the attraction is always live music and fashion. “Live music brings me here first. Then the styling, because this is a place to show up and show out.” His outfit reflected this philosophy. He wore a look that blended cowboy style with Japanese inspiration, completed with a custom Afro-style bag. It was a bold and eye-catching fit, and many people noticed it throughout the day.
For Jay, the festival is more than just music. It is a community. It is where young people express creativity, showcase their looks, and still share love even while competing playfully on social media.
Nigerian singer Tems performs during the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
Nevertheless, he also had his frustrations. Drinks were overpriced, vendors were too few, and getting refreshments felt like a side quest. “But the vibe? Worth it,” he says.
Jay’s standard for live shows is high. He saw Kendrick Lamar perform in Kigali (December 2023) and described it as unforgettable storytelling through music. Compared to that, he admitted, most acts at Blankets and Wine did not quite reach that level.
Still, he believes in the vision of the festival, especially with pioneers Muthoni Drummer Queen shaping its future.
Joy and Joan Igambam, who are sisters, came together, dressed vibrantly and ready to enjoy a day in the sun. For them, Blankets has become a family tradition. “It is our little escape,” Joy said. “We get to dress up, laugh, and enjoy live music together.”
Joy Igamba (left) and Joan Igamba during the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
They enjoyed the vibe, the laughter, and the shared experience. But they were disappointed by the long delays between performances. “Waiting ‘hours’ for artistes was draining,” Joan said. At some points, it felt as though deejay music was replacing live sets altogether.
The sisters had hoped for more intimate, storytelling performances, the kind where you sit on your mat with a glass of wine and let the music sink into you. Instead, there were long intermissions and filler playlists. Still, they sang along, took photos, and made the most of it. “The joy is in the community,” Joan expressed. “But next time, organisers need tighter stage management. That is what we came for.”
At the back was Victor, aged 25, and Larry, aged 27; this was their very first Blankets and Wine. They came with friends, but their true motivation was clear. “We are here for Tems,” Victor declared.
For them, Tems was the only artist who lived up to the hype. “Tems was worth the ticket and worth the wait,” Larry said. The rest of the lineup, however, fell short of their expectations. Too much deejay music took the place of live performances. “We could have stayed at the club for that,” Victor added.
Nigerian singer Tems performs during the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
Their frustrations were loud. There were long gaps before artists appeared on stage. The energy of the crowd dipped during those waiting times. Instead of feeling like one smooth journey through music, the night felt broken up and uneven.
Even though Tems saved the evening for them, some of the concert-goers complained that the ticket prices were high. Larry noted that paying in installments made it manageable, but he still wished the entire lineup had matched the standard of the international act.
