Nairobi’s R&B scene gets a soulful rebirth through lifestyle DJs

For years, Nairobi’s nightlife has been dominated by Gengetone and Amapiano, their infectious beats filling clubs, festivals and social spaces.

But a quieter shift is happening—a soulful resurgence of R&B, the soundtrack of Kenya’s millennial upbringing.

At the heart of this revival are two lifestyle DJ collectives, We Outside and Rhythm & Brunch, led by Shema Konditi and Josiah “JT the Drone” Shihuli.

The two curators have positioned themselves as the bridge between Nairobi’s millennials and the music that shaped their youth.

“Gengetone and Amapiano have taken over the scene, but millennials were missing out on the R&B we grew up with,” Shema says.

JT adds, “We created Rhythm & Brunch for Nairobians who were being left out of the entertainment scene. This is their home for soulful music and lifestyle experiences.”

Their events are more than just music—they are immersive experiences. Attendees follow nostalgic dress codes, from denim jackets to baggy jeans and enjoy carefully chosen venues, from the coastal breezes to the greenery of Tigoni and the open air of Uhuru Gardens.

Both DJs note that impressing a mature audience comes with challenges.

“With the older crowd, it’s not easy to impress them. We have to craft a concept that caters to everyone’s tastes,” Shema says.

Beyond curating experiences, the collectives are actively spotlighting homegrown talent. Shema highlights Xenia Manasseh and Njerae, praising their contribution to Kenya’s R&B identity, while both DJs note their role in taking Kenyan R&B to international stages. “Nairobi has the potential to become a continental hub for R&B,” JT says.

The revival also embraces the global R&B scene. Rhythm & Brunch and We Outside are starting off with a Joe Thomas live concert on December 5, 2025, marking the start of a long-term vision to bring iconic international acts to Nairobi.

“Joe Thomas is both sentimental and strategic,” Shema said. “We grew up listening to him and now our audience can experience him live here in Nairobi.”

The concert will cater to an older demographic, emphasising comfort seating and security.

“The crowd for Joe’s show cannot stand for eight hours non-stop, so we are ensuring they are comfortable while fully enjoying the experience,” JT said.

Looking ahead, both collectives envision a future where Nairobi becomes a central hub for R&B in Africa, nurturing local talent while hosting global legends.

“We are taking feedback from previous events to elevate this concert,” Shema said. “Our goal is to give Nairobians the VIP R&B experience they have been waiting for.”

With nostalgia, culture and lifestyle at its core, Nairobi’s R&B revival isn’t just about music—it’s about reconnecting a generation to its roots, celebrating local talent  and building a vibrant, soulful future for the city.