Nairobi is preparing for a sophisticated night of music on Sunday, 31 May 2026. The “One Night Only” series returns to the Sarit Expo Centre, positioning itself as the highlight of the Madaraka Day long weekend.
This year, the event evolves from a single headliner to a cross-continental masterclass featuring four global icons on one stage for the first time.
The Profile of a Soul Icon
Karyn White, born in Los Angeles, is a renowned R&B singer and a definitive voice of the “New Jack Swing” era. She rose to fame in 1988 with her self-titled debut album produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface.
White made history as the first female artist to have three solo releases from a debut album reach No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Her 1991 hit “Romantic” also reached No. 1 on the U.S. Hot 100. Today, she remains a vibrant force in the industry, running a film production company in Atlanta empowering the modern woman and receiving accolades such as the Black Music Honors “Soul Music Icon” Award.
Equity on the Stage: 1 Queen, 3 Kings
The 2026 edition is themed “1 Queen, 3 Kings”. Karyn White takes her place as the sole female headliner alongside three male powerhouses: Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Tanzania’s Ali Kiba, and Kenya’s Bien.
Her presence brings a sense of inclusivity and belonging to the female audience. As the “Original Superwoman,” her music has long served as an anthem for female empowerment.
Standing as the “1 Queen” in this heavyweight lineup ensures female excellence is represented with equity at the highest level of performance.
A Legacy of Excellence
The organizers are building on the massive success of the 2025 “One Night Only” featuring Kenny G. That event served as a proof of concept, completely selling out with over 2,000 attendees.
- 93.75%: The rating given by the 2025 crowd.
- 81%: The percentage of attendees who said they would return.
This is not a typical concert. It is a high-end, black-tie event designed for the urban elite. The production promises a “Grown, Sexy, and Sophisticated” vibe with a strict dress code of elegant gowns and sharp suits.
The gates will open at 3:00 PM, with the main show running from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Attendees can expect a world-class fusion of Afropop, Soul, and Jazz.
Secure Your Spot
If 2025 was any indication, tickets will disappear quickly. There will be NO GATE TICKETS available for this event. Once they are gone, they are gone.
Tickets range from KES 5,000 for Early Bird, KES 7,500 for Gallery category, KES 9,500 for Middle category to KES 12,500 for Front Row seats.
You can secure your place at this historic gathering of icons via the official link: https://ticketyetu.com/r/0gz
