For the Kulture: Oktobafest delivers nostalgic night for Nairobi fans

Thousands of music fans flocked to the Carnivore Grounds on Saturday, October 4, for the launch of this year’s Tusker Oktobafest, which began with a nostalgic celebration of Kenya’s 2000s music scene.

The event, themed “Kulture,” brought together some of the biggest names who defined the country’s pop and genge sound two decades ago.

The lineup featured veteran acts including Nameless and Wahu, hip-hop pioneers Kalamashaka, rap trio Kleptomaniax, P-Unit, and genge artist Jua Cali.

Other performers included Big Pin, Lenny, Prezzo, Necessary Noize, and Sanaipei Tande, all of whom drew cheers from a crowd eager to relive the era of classic Kenyan hits.

Behind the decks, DJs Pinye, John Rabar, and Nijo kept the energy flowing with back-to-back throwback mixes.

The evening was hosted by Muthoni Bwika and veteran media personality Jimmi Gathu, who took the crowd through the night in a style reminiscent of a live radio show.

For many in attendance, the event was more than just a concert; it was a chance to reconnect with music that shaped Kenya’s urban culture in the early 2000s.

“The turnout shows how timeless this sound is. These artists were trailblazers, and the love from fans today proves that their music continues to resonate,” said Fakii Liwali, part of the Kulture organizing team.

Tusker’s Senior Brand Manager, Brigid Wambua noted that the performances highlighted the enduring appeal of Kenya’s music heritage.

“Seeing these artists share one stage again was a reminder of how much they contributed to our identity,” she said.

The night also included brand activations, with sponsor Johnnie Walker hosting a lounge where guests sampled cocktails. According to the organizers, such sponsorships highlight the role of corporate partners in sustaining Kenya’s live entertainment and creative economy.

Tusker Oktobafest, now in its sixth year, has grown into one of East Africa’s biggest beer and music festivals. This year’s edition is set to tour different regions in Kenya through November.

The Rift Valley edition will be held on October 11 in Eldoret, followed by the Coast edition in Bamburi on October 18, Kisumu’s Lake edition on October 25, and the Mountain edition in Nanyuki on November 1.

In addition to the main shows, the festival will run more than 200 smaller activations nationwide, with offers and discounts on various Kenya Breweries Limited products.

For Nairobi, the opening night was both a musical reunion and the start of a month-long cultural tour across the country.