Kenya

Nairobi

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Coco Em

Emma Nzioka, more commonly known as Coco Em, is a photojournalist-turned-DJ making huge movements in the African music scene. We caught up with her after her set at Beat Hotel festival to discuss the evolving music scene in Nairobi, which you can read about 

. Below are her top tips for visiting the Kenyan capital.

It’s a craft fair market place where you can buy stuff made locally in Kenya and I often DJ there with a couple of my friends. If you’re looking for t-shirts, perfume, cards or books, you can find it there and just chill and listen to us DJ for you. It happens every 2 months.

The name ‘Oliech’ is indigenous of Western areas of Kenya. They’re known for fish because they have Lake Victoria there. She sells a lot of fish and plays a lot of Rumba Lingala music too. It’s a crazy vibe because they have live bands there too. It’s really cool.

WLL is an amazing space in Westlands that’s one of my favourite places to hang out. It was started by a DJ/producer, who was really into book swapping. He’d host these big book swap event with people talking about literature and DJs playing. It really is the world's loudest library.

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Coco Em: Trippin in Nairobi

Labdi

Labdi is a rule-breaker and proud. In her music and in her tact, she continues to challenge the norm; Ladbi even plays the traditional Western Kenyan single-stringed fiddle, called the Orutu, which is widely considered a taboo for women to play. Her daringness and cheek is perhaps the perfect reflection of the cultural scene coming out of Nairobi today. Check out her favourite spots in her hometown, Nairobi, the city she describes as having a BPM of 170.

Mama Oliech

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