Blankets & Wine hosted an exclusive ‘Kenyan Summer Warm Up Party’ preview at Laureate Gardens, Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday, December 19, 2025, core community members, partners and media to see a part of what goes on behind the scenes while setting up and preparing for a festival of such magnitude.
The attendees were taken on a guided walk-through of the revamped festival layout, giving them an early opportunity to experience key upgrades across the site — including improved signage and lighting, enhanced bar service, refined sound quality at the live stage and an elevated Soft Life / Hennessy Terrace experience. Guests shared real-time feedback, and this information goes straight into the festival’s production team to fine-tune experiences ahead of the main event.
Guests also caught an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of the festival in motion, watching soundchecks from artists set to perform on Sunday, including Elsy Wameyo, Matata, Ssaru, Okello Max and Bridget Blue. The evening then flowed into intimate live performances by urban Taarab singer Zaituni, followed by Sir M on the decks, setting the tone for a high-energy festival tomorrow.
The Kenyan Summer 2025 edition promises a continent-spanning lineup also including Kenya’s very own: Iyanii and Shad Mziki, alongside Donae’o from the UK, Tanzania’s Marioo, South Africa’s Scorpion Kings, Mi Casa and a myriad of the hottest electronic and house music DJs on the Onja Onja stage.
Blankets & Wine team are set to welcome thousands of festival goers this Sunday at Kasarani. The anticipated experience will be complemented by a ‘Made in Kenya’ themed Onja Onja Market, spotlighting Kenyan fashion, food, art, wellness and lifestyle brands.
Creative Director of the festival, Muthoni Drummer Queen reflected on the preview, “This warm up party gave us an incredible opportunity to reconnect with our community, showcase the new festival layout and hear first-hand what our fans are excited about. It’s been an exciting lead-up to Kenyan Summer 2025 and we can’t wait to bring this energy to the main festival. See you on Sunday!”
The evening served as the perfect warm-up to the upcoming full day-to-night celebration of music and culture. Now in its 17th year, Blankets & Wine continues to celebrate African creativity, culture and global connections, inviting you to discover, love and share the experience.
