Kenyan music collective Kodong Klan delivered a fiery performance at Uhuru Gardens on Saturday night, warming up the crowd ahead of Congolese superstar Fally Ipupa's much-anticipated Nairobi concert.
The seven-member group brought their signature blend of energy and showmanship to the stage, setting the tone for what would become one of the biggest concert nights the city has seen this year.
The group made a dramatic entrance, walking onto the stage as pyrotechnics shot flames into the night sky on either side.
Dressed predominantly in black leather outfits, some studded and others fringed, the performers moved as one unit, backs turned to the roaring crowd before spinning to face their audience in a synchronised reveal.
Thick plumes of orange smoke rose behind them as red and gold stage lighting bathed the entire scene, creating a striking visual spectacle that had phones instantly raised across the audience.
Each member brought their own distinct flair to the performance. One artist stood shirtless beneath a black leather jacket, commanding the stage barefaced with sunglasses and dreadlocks pulled high into a bun.
Another performer, dressed in a black leather cap and jacket accented with silver hardware, addressed the crowd directly beneath a stage banner reading "Welcome to the House of Kodong," working the length of the runway with wide, confident gestures.
Percussion And Passion
Deeper into the set, one member took to a set of congas, his hands a blur against the drum skins as he laid down rhythm beneath the group's vocals, dreadlocks piled high and sunglasses catching the stage lights.
About Kodong Klan
Formed in May 2024, Kodong Klan is a seven-member Kenyan musical collective and brotherhood made up of Bensoul, Okello Max, Mordecai Dex of H_art The Band, Charisma (also known as Luhya Heat), Coster Ojwang', Ywaya Tajiri, and Israel Onyach, also known as Onyach Pala.
The group's Uhuru Gardens set ran for one hour and 40 minutes, according to the event's official lineup, serving as the direct lead-in to Fally Ipupa's headline performance.
Their appearance on the bill alongside international acts such as DJ Maphorisa, Kamo Mphela and Nomfundo Khumalo underscored their growing standing on Kenya's live music scene, barely over a year since the collective's formation.
