Key highlights from Blankets & Wine that went down at Karasani [Photos/Videos]

11 April 2024

• Fena Gitu delivered an ecstatic set joined by Okello Max, Kagwe Mungai, and Muthoni Drummer Queen (MDQ).

• How Blankets &Wine down spiced up by Tusker Cider.

The 1st Edition of Blankets and Wine for the year 2024 went down on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Laureate Garden, at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani and it lived up to the expectations of many partygoers.

Gates at the venue opened as early as 10:00 am allowing vendors to secure a perfect spot for their products and services before the day kicked off officially.

Entertainment kicked off at 2:30 with the talented Vijana Barubaru who had been tasked to set the mood of the day.

“We had not anticipated such a good reception. We thought people would still be shy but they really warmed up for our performance. Sometimes when you are among the first acts it’s hard to predict the crowd but they responded well to our performance. We are glad that we got the chance to set the vibe for this concert. We did an amazing performance,” Vijana Barubaru told Mpasho’s Dennis Milimo.

The Blankets and Wine festival was lit up with a delightful consumer experience by KBL’s Tusker Cider who was the official beer partner at the concert.

The Festival delivered an incredible music and fashion festival, with attendees showing up festival-ready with their shukas and folding chairs and in true Nairobi fashion serving looks and plenty of stop-and-stare moments.

Boyband Vijana Barubaru kicked off the line-up with a set of their fan-favorite hit tracks before passing the mic to Wanavokali who lit up the stage for guest performer, Nigerian RnB artiste Wurld.

Fena Gitu delivered an ecstatic set joined by Okello Max, Kagwe Mungai, and Muthoni Drummer Queen (MDQ).

Blinky Bill’s set left revellers soaked but not enough to dampen their spirits or Chris Kaiga’s electric set.

Legend Eric Wainaina’s set was an absolute crowd favorite and highlight.

Ecstatic revellers enjoyed the music and their favourite cider on tap. Tusker Cider hosted two experiential zones, one with a live DJ set manned by Shi Dj which also hosted headline act South African DJ and record producer Dlala Thukzin, and the main arena complete with a glam station, sip and paint and photo-op areas and a live screen for revellers to enjoy performances from the comfort of their seats at the Tusker Cider lounge.

The Sunday festival was the first of a series of quarterly fetes by Blankets and Wine which is one of the biggest events in Kenya’s entertainment and social calendar offering attendees the opportunity to unwind and connect in a picnic-style showcase of music, fashion, and food.

Speaking at the event, Tusker Cider Brand Manager Brigid Wambua said, “The event has been a resounding success. Our consumers brought their slay and we matched their vibe. We intended to bring a touch of our Tusker Cider sparkle to Blankets and Wine, and we delivered. Our consumers enjoyed the experience. We have absolutely loved partnering with Blankets and we look forward to curating even better experiences for our consumers on the next one.”

Tusker Cider consumers enjoyed free face beats by the Tusker Cider glam team, complimentary merchandize for every purchase of Tusker Cider 6 pack, complimentary blankets for those who wanted to enjoy the festival from the grounds, and a host of other experiences at the Tusker Cider lounge. The brand has been the official beer partner at the Blankets and Wine since 2023.

Backstage Interviews

At the same time, singer Mayonde and Kagwe Mungai who were among the surprise acts during Fena Gitu’s set expressed their joy at having to interact with their fans at the festival.

“Shout out to Fena, she is my sister from another Mr. and I love her so much. It was so good to be there with the whole squad doing “Kama Kawaida” together after almost 5 years since we were on stage together. It felt good and it was a beautiful reunion,” Kagwe Mungai Told Dennis Milimo of Mpasho.