The Eldoret Oldskul Bongo Fest lived up to its hype this past weekend, bringing together hundreds of music lovers for a night of nostalgia, energy, and heartfelt emotion.
The event, hosted by Dae-Hoe Events and marketed by Brain Yard Marketing Agency, not only celebrated East African music legends but also paid a moving tribute to the late Raila Odinga, who was laid to rest on Sunday.
As the sun set over Eldoret, the crowd grew thicker, buzzing with anticipation for performances by Aslay, Avril, and Matonya—the night’s main headliners.
The festival captured the essence of the early 2000s Bongo Flava era, blending it with Kenya’s vibrant party spirit.
At exactly 8:00 PM, the festivities paused for a solemn moment. Attendees joined in a candle-light vigil in memory of “Baba,” symbolizing unity, love, and respect for a leader who dedicated his life to the struggle for democracy and justice.
The brief eight-minute ceremony, dubbed the Mourning Baba Vigil, filled the air with emotion as flickering candles illuminated faces—young and old—singing along to soulful Bongo tunes.
“We invite all those with tickets to join us as we celebrate Baba’s life and legacy during a special candle-light session from 8:00–8:08 PM, followed by performances and celebrations through the night,” the organizers had announced before the concert.
True to their word, the tribute turned into a powerful reminder of how deeply Odinga’s legacy resonates across generations.
Moments after the vigil, the music picked back up, and the crowd erupted into cheers as Avril took the stage with her signature smooth vocals.
Aslay followed with an electrifying performance that had fans singing every word, before sharing an emotional note with his supporters:
“Thank you, Eldoret ❤️,” Aslay said after the show, clearly moved by the warm reception.
The night also marked a special reunion between Avril and Matonya, who hadn’t performed together in years.
Their chemistry on stage reminded fans why they were once among East Africa’s favorite musical duos.
Matonya later promised his Kenyan fans that he’s been in the studio and new music is on the way soon.
By the time the performances ended, Eldoret’s Millennials and Gen Z had proven they could both honor their heroes and celebrate life in true Kenyan style.
The organizers, Dae-Hoe Events and Brain Yard Marketing Agency, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout and promised more iconic experiences in the future.
“That was just the start of more good things to come as far as entertainment is concerned,” the team said, hinting at even bigger events ahead.
From emotional tributes to electrifying performances, the Eldoret Oldskul Bongo Fest was not just a concert—it was a celebration of music, memory, and unity.
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