KulturE-A night of Nostalgia, Rhythms, and celebration

Nairobi’s Carnivore Grounds pulsed with nostalgia and energy as Tusker Oktobafest’s KulturE edition took centre stage in a vibrant celebration of Kenyan music, culture, and flavour. The event officially kicked off Oktobafest’s nationwide tour with an unforgettable experience, drawing thousands of revellers eager to relive and reimagine the golden era of 2000s Kenyan music. From electrifying performances to immersive brand experiences, KulturE blended nostalgia with innovation, with mastery that proved why Oktobafest remains a cultural highlight of of Kenya’s calendar.

The main stage was a time machine, transporting attendees back to the heyday of Kenyan urban music. Legends like Nameless, Wahu, Kleptomaniax, Kalamashaka, and P-Unit delivered powerhouse performances that had the crowd singing along to every lyric. Nameless and Wahu’s joint set was a standout in artistic chemistry, while Kleptomaniax reminded everyone why they once ruled Kenya’s hip-hop scene. Kalamashaka’s charged performance struck a chord, a powerful reminder of their role in shaping Kenya’s lyrical and social consciousness.

Other acts, including Big Pin, Jua Cali, Necessary Noize, Mr. Lenny, Prezzo, and Sanaipei, kept the energy high with back-to-back classics that defined a generation. The audience, a vibrant mix of millennials reliving their youth and Gen Z fans discovering Kenya’s musical roots, danced, sang and connected across eras. DJs Pinye, John Rabar, and Nijo curated the perfect throwback soundtrack between sets, while hosts Muthoni Bwika and Jimmi Gathu kept the crowd entertained with their dynamic, radio show–style emceeing, bringing an old-school media vibe to complement the theme of the night.

The night wouldn’t have been complete without a tribute to E-Sir, a trailblazer and one of the pioneers of Kenya’s rap industry. All the artists came together to honor the legendary rapper who helped define Kenya’s hip-hop sound and left behind shoes that have been hard to fill. Led by Nameless and E-Sir’s brother, Habib, the performers sang along to his biggest hits, including Moss Moss, Boomba Train, and Leo. It was a heartfelt moment that united the entire crowd in shared memory and admiration.

Amid the musical euphoria, the Johnnie Walker Flavour Lounge offered a refined and soulful escape in a curated space where culture met craft. Tucked within the festival grounds, the lounge was a sensory haven where guests enjoyed an array of signature Johnnie Walker cocktails and interactive tastings led by expert mixologists who shared stories and the craftsmanship behind each blend.

The lounge blended whisky with style, connection and creative expression. Its décor fused Afro-urban aesthetics with modern luxury, creating an inviting atmosphere that quickly became a magnet for selfies, laughter, and meaningful conversations between musical sets. Johnnie Walker’s participation reflected the brand’s commitment to investing in Kenya’s creative economy and supporting platforms that celebrate music, culture, and local talent.

The celebration went on long after the performances, as the space transformed into a melting pot of memories and modern creativity, where festival-goers reminisced about the early 2000s, discovered new favorite acts, and toasted to Kenya’s evolving creative scene. It was the perfect pairing: the bold spirit of Johnnie Walker alongside the bold sounds of Kenyan music.

Tusker Oktobafest is now set to continue its regional journey throughout October and early November, bringing the celebration closer to beer lovers across Kenya, with upcoming editions in the Rift, Coast, Lake, and Central regions.