8 events to brighten your weekend

As the last weekend of October approaches and the cool weather persists, fans of music, art, poetry and entertainment have a lot to look forward to.

Here’s a list of some pretty awesome events in Nairobi that could brighten your weekend:

ART AFTER 5

For art enthusiasts, you might want to check out this collective art gallery of local artists.

The monthly showcase will be featuring art from Nadia Wamunyu, Husna Nyathira, Joyce Kuria, Daisy Buyanzi and Mukami Kingoriah under the theme “Faces and Figures” from October 25 at Karen Landmark Shopping Mall starting 6pm.

The gallery's an initiative aims at promoting African culture through art, showcasing artworks by up-and-coming local artists looking to build a name, while also marketing the art to empower the artists. The gallery will run until November 13.

NAIROBI POETRY CAFÉ

If you’re into poetry, then get ready for Nairobi Poetry Café on October 25 at Alliance Française. Raya Wambui, Teardrops and Ivan Irakoze are sure to satiate any poetry-craving souls out here.

Nairobi Poetry Café aims to give a voice to emerging poets and spoken word artists as well as serve as a platform for showcasing works by established artists.

This will be the third “café” this year, after the previously held February and July events.

STORIES FROM NAIROBI 'S MATATU WOMEN

Stories from Nairobi 's Matatu Women explores the experiences and shares the stories of the brave women who put their own safety and reputations on the line to earn a living and provide for their families by working in the matatu industry.

On October 26 and 27, the theatrical story on the work women are doing in Nairobi's public transport industry, by The Flone Initiative (a women-led organisation working towards ending violence against women in public spaces), will be staged at Alliance Française and features stories from women who have been in the transport sector for years.

DJ HYPNOTIQ AT PREMIER TURN UP

DJ Hypnotiq will be hosting an end-of-the-month party dubbed "Premier Turn Up" at Premier Lounge on Magadi Road, Karen.

The television show producer and host will be bringing down the house at Karen’s hype-party and swanky lounge on October 26. Look forward to surprise celebrities and discounted premium drinks.

LIVE AT KAREN OASIS

Are you an old soul, or maybe have just seen a lot more years than Kenya’s youth?

Orchestra Masika Africa will be live at Karen Oasis Restaurant on October 26.

The Kenyan-based 12-man band with members from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo and Angola, seeks to revive and regrow the big band style of African rhumba, pioneered by men such as Franco Makiadi and African Jazz.

It also seeks to revive the spirit of the East African Rumba Orchestras that thrived between the 1950s and 1980s.

The band is led by Shyam Shah, a Kenyan of Indian descent. “Live at Karen Oasis” seeks to capture the best live big band rhumba and zilizopendwa music Kenya has to offer.

O’ZAPFT IS! OKTOBERFEST 2018

It is called Oktoberfest for a reason – it runs throughout the month.

Hosted by The Alchemist Bar and German Business Association Kenya (German Chamber of Commerce), “O’zapft is! Oktoberfest” in Nairobi will once again welcome an authentic Bavarian band, the “Münchner Gaudiblosn’’ which has performed all over the world, to perform at Alchemist Bar on October 26 and 27.

Mixmaster Lenny will also be on hand to entertain the revellers, as they get to sample traditional German meals like pretzels, sausages, nurnberger bratwuerstchen, schnitzel and pizza!! A selection of draft beers, wines and whiskeys will also be on the menu.

CINDERELLA THE MUSICAL

A musical is in the works, for the lovers of acting, song and dance.

“The Prince is throwing a BALL!!” is the tag line for what promises to be a magical production.

Cinderella the Musical, a production by Aperture Africa Productions, will be staging from October 26 to 28 at the Oshwal Centre Auditorium, with some of the proceeds going to aid of The Green Belt Movement.

Watch the show and “Let's help Ella find her Fella!!”

ANKARA FESTIVAL

Avid fashion followers will also get to sign off October’s last weekend in style.

The Ankara Festival EA will take place at City Hall Way on October 27. The festival celebrates the African content and East Africa's creatives and gurus of fashion.

You will be lost at what to get your hands on as they promise unlimited fresh wear, good music, absolutely fantastic decor, networking experience and lots of food and drinks on site.

With the wave of African-fabric-renaissance sweeping across the world, you won’t be at a loss of what or how to design that fabric or outfit you pick out from this coming together of these powerful and beautiful cultural outfits.