Nairobi is bracing for a soulful storm as Tems, the Grammy-winning Nigerian singer-songwriter, returns to the city for an anticipated performance at Blankets & Wine on September 28, 2025.
Known for her velvety vocals and globally acclaimed tracks like Free Mind and Essence, Tems will headline this year’s festival at Laureate Gardens, Kasarani, setting the tone for what promises to be a standout edition of East Africa’s most beloved music and lifestyle event.
Now in its 16th year, Blankets & Wine has grown into more than just a cultural movement. This year’s lineup reflects that evolution. Alongside Tems, the main stage will feature Ugandan dancehall star Joshua Baraka and a powerful Kenyan ensemble including We Are Nubia, Zaituni, Flier, Billy Black, Toxic Lyricali, and Chimano, each adding their own flair to an already electrifying bill.
If you’re chasing more experimental sounds, the Onja Onja Stage is the place to be. It will host a mix of Kenya’s vibrant electronic and alt-fusion talent—think Akoth Jumadi, Coco Khai, Mr Lu, Ghedi, Hiribae, DJ Paps, and others—spinning everything from house to soul-infused electronica. It’s a showcase of Nairobi’s sound evolution, set beneath the open skies.
The experience extends far beyond music. Festival-goers can explore the Onja Onja Market, a curated space featuring Kenyan artisan brands, fashion pop-ups, local cuisine, and wellness lounges. A family-friendly zone ensures parents and kids can enjoy a full day out, making the event accessible to a wide range of audiences.
With tickets ranging from KSh 3,000 to 4,500, the event promises a quality production without losing its laid-back, picnic-in-the-park charm. Organizers have emphasized this year’s goal: creating an immersive cultural experience that celebrates both local and international artistry.
2025 marks a turning point for the festival. For the first time ever, Blankets & Wine is going global with a UK debut in Bradford on September 6. That milestone event, part of the UK/Kenya Season, proves the festival’s growing influence beyond the continent.
Previously, the festival followed a quarterly rhythm of four editions each year held on the first Sunday of every quarter, plus a final event before Christmas. For example, in 2023 and 2024, the festival ran in April, July, October, and December.For this however there’ll be three editions only in the country.