Kenyan musician and cultural entrepreneur Muthoni Drummer Queen has opened up about the journey behind Blankets & Wine, revealing how the festival has grown alongside changing audience tastes and the wider evolution of Kenya's creative industry.
Speaking on The 30 Percent Podcast, Muthoni reflected on nearly two decades of curating live music experiences, sharing insights into the origins of the festival and where she believes the events industry is headed next.
Founded in 2008, Blankets & Wine began as a platform to showcase emerging Kenyan musicians and alternative African talent at a time when such spaces were limited.
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What started as a picnic-style gathering has since grown into one of East Africa's most recognised music festivals, expanding beyond Kenya to countries including Uganda and Rwanda.
A Festival Built for Discovery
During the podcast conversation, Muthoni explained that Blankets & Wine was originally designed for audiences seeking fresh and alternative artistic experiences outside mainstream entertainment.
The festival's focus on discovery, she said, has remained constant even as the event has expanded in scale and influence.
"The idea was always to create space for compelling African artistry and cultural experiences."
Over the years, the platform has helped introduce audiences to emerging musicians, creatives, food vendors, and fashion entrepreneurs, creating a broader ecosystem around live entertainment.
How Kenyan Audiences Have Changed
Reflecting on the festival's 17-year journey, Muthoni noted that Kenyan audiences have become more discerning and open to diverse artistic experiences.
She observed that consumers today are more intentional about the events they attend, placing greater value on quality production, authentic experiences, and cultural relevance.
Industry observers have similarly noted the growth of Kenya's live entertainment scene, with festivals becoming larger, more professionally managed, and increasingly focused on delivering complete lifestyle experiences rather than music alone.
Blankets & Wine itself has evolved into a multi-layered event featuring live performances, food experiences, fashion showcases, and creative markets.
Looking Ahead
Muthoni also discussed the future of live events, expressing optimism about the opportunities available to African creators and event organisers.
She suggested that successful festivals will increasingly focus on community-building and meaningful audience engagement rather than simply attracting large crowds.
Her comments come as Kenya's events industry continues to recover and expand following years of disruption, with organisers exploring new formats, partnerships, and regional growth opportunities.
Building a Cultural Legacy
Beyond her music career, Muthoni has become one of Kenya's most influential cultural entrepreneurs. Through Blankets & Wine and other creative initiatives, she has played a significant role in creating platforms for African artists and creative businesses.
"What used to be small, localised events have grown into multi-layered productions requiring careful planning, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships."
As Blankets & Wine approaches two decades of existence, Muthoni reflections offer a glimpse into how Kenya's cultural landscape has transformed,and the role live experiences may continue to play in shaping the country's creative future.
