The Upstairs Back This April
The UPstairs series is a monthly event introducing the hottest in Kenyan live music set in the coolest pop-up spaces. Tonight (April 16th), UP brings you the April edition which is the most anticipated night of the month featuring three amazing music acts set to blow your minds. The all-girl lineup features Fena, Vereso and the formidable KIU. The concert is dubbed the ‘Parking Garage sessions’ because of the trendy setting of the venue Aqua Blu Club & Lounge Bar, the stunning club in the heart of Westlands. The club aptly named has bewitchingly blue lighting and promises a fresh, exciting and a fun filled night. Have a seat in ambient surroundings and indulge in Aqua Blu’s signature halloumi cheese skewers and their sweet n spicy chicken before you get your dance on. A wide range of tipple and Sheesha is available to start the party.
If you like talented vocalists playing live music, this is no doubt the event for you. Here is a low-down on the exciting acts to rock the stage;
Fena Music is no stranger to the limelight having hits “Africa Massive”, “Dutch” and “Brikicho”, under her belt; she’s a great live act who puts her all in her performances. Her “Urban Soul” sound fuses a variety of musical genres, from neo-soul to afro-soul, reggae, hip-hop and afro-house.
To ignite the stage, two acts who are graduates of the renowned Sauti Academy are Vereso and KIU. The versatile Vereso is not only a singer-songwriter but also a talented pianist and has been described as Kenya’s very own Macy Gray. Her music transports you to days gone by with the rising and falling crescendos. The fierce girl band KIU’s name is derived from the Swahili word for thirst which symbolizes the passion its members; Pauline, Rosa and Tracy have and share for music. Influenced by the great female artists like Miriam Makeba, Asa, Tshala Mwana, and Mbilia Bel, KIU blend their silky harmonies with an edgy fusion of afro pop and R&B. If their first single “the City” is anything to go by KIU is set for the stars!
If the acts’ previous live performances have been anything to go by, guests will be in for a treat tonight evening. UP’s partners in this event Mdundo.com, the fastest and easiest way to download your favorite music in Kenya, will allow you to download Fena Music’s funky beats from their website soon after the performances.
The UPstairs Parking Garage sessions has all the ingredients for the hottest night this month. What are you waiting for, RSVP your attendance here: https://www.facebook.com/events/702664003105974/?ref=22 See you there! Aqua Blu is located on the 1st Floor of the Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, the fun begins at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (April 16th). Tickets are KES 500
By Amal Mohamed
