Kulture Rewind: Reliving Kenya’s 2000s Music Glory at Tusker Oktobafest

From the very first beat, I knew this night would be special. Standing in the crowd at Carnivore Grounds, I could feel the bass vibrating through the air, the kind that doesn’t just hit your ears — it sinks into your chest. The stage lights bathed the audience in gold and green as Nameless and Wahu kicked off their set, their chemistry electric, their vocals as sharp as ever. It was like stepping back into the golden age of Kenyan music — the 2000s had never felt so alive.

One by one, the legends took the stage — Kalamashaka spitting verses that reminded us why they remain the backbone of Kenyan hip-hop; P-Unit bringing that infectious swagger with “Gentleman” and “Kare”; Kleptomaniax making the crowd erupt with “Tuendelee” like it was 2004 again. When Jua Cali’s Genge rhythms hit, everyone moved in unison — sweaty, smiling, shouting lyrics word for word. And just when we thought the nostalgia had peaked, Big Pin, Mr. Lenny, Prezzo, Necessary Noize, and the ever-soulful Sainapei added layers of melody, attitude, and memory. It wasn’t just a concert — it was a cultural time machine.

Behind the decks, DJ Pinye, DJ John Rabar, and DJ Nijo stitched the night together like musical historians, flipping seamlessly between classics and hidden gems. Every transition felt intentional, every drop a reminder of how deeply Kenyan sound runs in our veins. The hosts, Muthoni Bwika and Jimmi Gathu, turned the night into something more than a show — a live radio experience, raw and interactive, like the golden age of FM reborn on stage.

In between sets, I wandered through the grounds, catching the scent of grilled nyama choma mingling with cold beer foam. At the Johnnie Walker Flavour Lounge, guests were sipping curated cocktails, their laughter carrying over the music. You could feel the pride in the air — this was Kenya celebrating Kenya.

When Fakii Liwali from the Kulture team said, “The 2000s defined a uniquely Kenyan sound,” it resonated deeply. He was right — this night proved that the sound, the energy, the identity we built then is still alive today. Tusker’s Senior Brand Manager, Brigid Wambua, captured it perfectly when she said the event wasn’t just a concert, but a cultural reunion.

And that’s exactly what it felt like — a reunion. Of eras, of sounds, of friends, of self.

As the music faded into the night and the crowd slowly thinned, the promise hung in the air: Tusker Oktobafest was just getting started. From Eldoret to Bamburi, Kisumu to Nanyuki, the celebration would keep moving — carrying the spirit of Kenyan music, beer, and pride across the nation.

This wasn’t just a festival kickoff — it was a heartbeat. A reminder that our sound, our culture, our Kulture, is timeless.