In this first Norient City Sounds Online Special, we focus on Nairobi, Kenya, at a time when political and social pressures are rising in tandem with the cost of things and the noise of the approaching elections in Summer 2022. Titled «NairobiConscious», this virtual exhibition began with the curators discussing a perceived increase in «serious» social and political content in the popular songs of the city. The investigation into «conscious» music develops into a portrait of the city taken from interesting and varied perspectives, resulting in a colorful number of articles, podcasts, graphics, photographs, tracks, and more. Curated by Raphael Kariuki and Kamwangi Njue.

Contents: Interactive Map
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Norient City Sounds: Nairobi (Map)

  • Round-Up by Kamwangi Njue
    Kamwangi Njue traces the story of political (i.e. conscious) music in Kenya, drawing on his own biography. He asks: Can conscious music achieve the impact it seeks when it has to play in the same sphere as popular music made purely for entertainment?
  • Quotation by Kamwangi Njue

    «Conscious music – bad for business.»

  • Video by Victor Mutali, Raphael Kariuki, Kamwangi Njue
    Oscar Mizani is a rapper using Nairobi public transport as his stage. We take a ride with him as he spreads his message through the streets.
  • Short Essay by Njeri Wangari
    Conscious Kiswahili rap gave the youth a voice of protest towards the turn of the millennium. Today, more mainstream popular musicians have joined in, making music with direct critical messages.