Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens came alive on December 20, 2025, as Solfest 2025 brought together some of the biggest names in Kenyan music for a night that many are calling a highlight of the year.
The festival wasn’t just about entertainment—it celebrated the history, talent, and future of the country’s music scene.
Honouring the Legends
This year’s festival paid tribute to Kenyan music veterans. Nameless marked 25 years in the industry, performing a set that reminded fans why he remains a household name.
He was joined by Daddy Owen, celebrating 20 years in music, and Jua Cali, whose performance was a throwback to the era of Genge music that shaped Nairobi’s streets.
For many attendees, seeing these legends on the same stage with younger stars created a sense of continuity—connecting the past, present, and future of Kenyan music.
The Sol Generation and International Flair
At the heart of the festival, Sauti Sol delivered a polished headline set. With full band, dancers, the group kept the energy high throughout their set.
Fans were singing along to hits old and new, enjoying the tight musicianship and visual production.
Other highlights included Bensoul & Nviiri the Storyteller, whose live energy reinforced why they are among Kenya’s most streamed acts, and MiCasa, the South African group whose blend of house, jazz, and soul added a refreshing international touch.
Spotlighting the New Wave
Solfest also showcased the country’s rising stars. The so-called ‘New Wave’ performers—including Lil Maina, Njerae, We Are Nubia, and Toxic Lyrically—brought fresh energy to the stage.
The contemporary lineup also featured Matata, Iyanii, Okello Max, Ssaru, Bridgit Blue, Elsy Wameyo, and Shad Mziki, ensuring that fans experienced a full spectrum of modern Kenyan sounds, from afro-pop to hip hop and R&B.
Organisation and Logistics
The festival was well-organised, thanks in part to KCB Bank’s sponsorship. Ticketing, crowd control, and accessibility measures were handled efficiently, making entry and exit smooth and stress-free.
The sound and visual setup were consistently praised—massive LED screens, clear audio, and professional lighting helped bring the performances to life.
Even when a light rain fell later in the evening, the festival went on without major disruptions, in contrast to the logistical hiccups reported at the Asake concert at Nyayo Stadium, which faced delays and last-minute pullouts.
Fan Reactions
Fans took to social media to share their excitement:
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- @swugisha: “Solfest was well organised, enjoyed most of the sets.”
- @mutunejesse_: “Good value for the ticket price, lineup was solid.”
- @Njoki_Njanja: “Kenyan talent on full display. Solfest 100/10.”
- @SamuelKiongo_: “Sauti Sol’s set was tight, and seeing Nameless celebrate 25 years was legendary.”
- @WhitWanderi: “One thing about #Solfest, tulikula bash moja safi sana! Had a blast with friends.
Even minor inconveniences, like rain or short sets, didn’t take away from the overall experience, with many attendees saying they felt the festival was worth every shilling.
Conclusion
By bringing together Kenyan legends, contemporary stars, and the rising New Wave, SolFest 2025 gave fans a glimpse of the country’s music scene in full spectrum.
From Sauti Sol’s headline performance to the milestone celebrations of Nameless, Daddy Owen, and Jua Cali, the festival offered both nostalgia and fresh energy.
As the night wrapped up just after 2 AM, fans left with memories of a well-run event that balanced talent, production, and fan experience—setting a solid benchmark for local festivals and raising expectations for Solfest 2026.
By Geoffrey mbuthia
