Nairobi is counting down to a major musical experience as Tanzanian superstar Alikiba prepares to perform at the highly anticipated One Night Only concert at the Sarit Expo Centre on May 31.
The event is already creating excitement among fans eager to relive some of the biggest Bongo Flava hits of the past two decades.
Dubbed a premium entertainment experience, One Night Only is expected to bring together lovers of AfroPop, soul and jazz for an evening of nostalgia, glamour and live music.
Organisers have promised a world-class production inspired by the style and sophistication of Las Vegas concerts.
For many Kenyan fans, Alikiba’s return to the Nairobi stage is more than just another performance.
It is expected to be a celebration of timeless music that has shaped East Africa’s entertainment scene for years.
His catalogue carries songs that continue to dominate playlists, weddings, road trips and club nights across the region.
Among the songs fans are eagerly waiting to sing along to is “Cinderella,” the breakout hit that introduced Alikiba to the region in 2007.
Nearly two decades later, the song still enjoys massive popularity and remains one of the singer’s most recognised anthems.
There is also huge anticipation around “Mapenzi Yana Run Dunia,” a track that continues to resonate with many listeners because of its emotional lyrics and relatable message about love and relationships.
The song remains one of the defining records of Alikiba’s career and still receives strong audience reactions whenever he performs live.
Fans are also expected to erupt when the singer performs “Mwana,” the 2015 hit that marked his major comeback after a brief break from music.
The track became one of the most streamed and celebrated songs in East Africa and cemented his reputation as one of the region’s strongest live performers.
His energetic records including “Aje” and “Seduce Me” are also likely to light up the Sarit Expo Centre.
The songs dominated Kenyan airwaves and became fan favourites because of their catchy hooks and signature vocals.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night could come when Alikiba shares the stage with Kenyan music star Bien.
Fans are hoping the two will perform their hit collaboration “Finale,” which recently broke streaming records across East Africa after surpassing 10 million views within weeks of release.
The concert will also feature legendary American performers Kirk Whalum and Karyn White, making the event one of the biggest cross-cultural live music experiences Nairobi has hosted this year.
Organisers say the event will follow a strict black-tie, elegant and sophisticated dress code.
Gates are set to open at 3 pm, with performances expected to run until 10 pm.
The buzz surrounding this year’s edition comes after the success of the 2025 One Night Only concert featuring Kenny G, which sold out and attracted more than 2,000 attendees.
Organisers say audience response from the previous edition has pushed demand even higher this year.
With excitement continuing to build online, organisers have already warned fans that there will be no gate tickets on the day of the event.
Once tickets sell out, there will be no additional entries.
Tickets are available now, with Early Bird starting at KES 5,000 and Front Row seats at KES 12,500. Secure your spot at: https://ticketyetu.com/r/0gz
