AGP Executive Report

Music: DJ Moz marked 18 years of marriage with a tribute to his wife, while Nairobi concerts gave H_art the Band’s Mordecai Dex a showcase for his solo work. Screen & Censorship: KFCB ordered Kamba Benga musician Alex Kasau Katombi to remove his “Wikend” video, saying it contains explicit material and was posted without classification. Film: Afropean Cinema is bringing African diaspora films and filmmakers to Kenya. Visual Art: A Nairobi artist is turning discarded cow skulls into collectible works. Industry: PwC projects Kenya’s entertainment and media market will reach $6 billion by 2030, with streaming and online advertising among the growth drivers.

Kenyan Screen: Swiss-Kenyan filmmaker Damien Hauser’s Memory of Princess Mumbi, set in 2093, puts friendship and everyday life at the heart of its sci-fi story. Afropean Cinema is also bringing African diaspora films and filmmakers to Kenya. Music: Kenyan artist Jay-A’s “Quick7” EP has passed 2.4 million streams, while Kenyan-American musician Lovince is building a global sound rooted in East Africa. Industry Outlook: Kenya’s entertainment and media market is projected to reach Sh776 billion by 2030, with streaming and other digital services part of the growth. Fashion: Earth-toned clothes, flowing skirts and layered jewellery are inspiring a Gen Z style trend spotted at Nairobi cafés, campuses and art markets.

Film: Afropean Cinema is bringing African diaspora films and filmmakers to Kenyan audiences, with screenings and industry events at the Nairobi Film Festival through October 25 and the Kilifi Creek Festival later this month. Music: Kenyan-American artist Lovince Mckenzie has released “Locked In,” a cross-border collaboration with Ugandan singer Joshua Baraka and Nigerian vocalist Ayo Maff, ahead of his upcoming EP. Industry Support: Musician Jaguar donated Sh100,000 to singer Marya for rent and physiotherapy, following her return to the stage at a recent concert. Creative Industry: Kenya’s entertainment sector is projected to reach Sh776 billion by 2030, while streaming and online advertising are drawing growing attention.

Visual Arts: Nairobi designer Sharon Akinyi is turning discarded cow skulls into collectible art, using beadwork, mirrors and gold; her pieces sell for up to Sh120,000. Live Performance: Music and dance featured among tributes as thousands gathered to mark Raila Odinga’s first anniversary. Digital Culture: Spotify has launched audiobooks in Kenya, with a monthly subscription priced at Sh489. Industry Outlook: A new projection says Kenya’s entertainment industry could reach Sh776 billion by 2030. African Film: REFFA 2026 has announced nominees from 36 countries, with 314 entries vying for recognition.

Live & Legacy: Thousands gathered at Migwena for Raila Odinga’s first anniversary, with music, dance and cultural performances. Coster Ojwang, Prince Indah and Gidi Gidi Maji Maji brought songs tied to his legacy to the Bondo commemoration. Industry Watch: PwC sees streaming and online advertising driving Kenya’s entertainment growth; local OTT video revenue is forecast to rise 15.9% annually through 2030. Creative Tools: Kenyan animator Chief Nyamweya says AI can help African stories reach children, but should serve creators—not replace them. His studio, Pungulu Pa Productions, is developing the children’s series Uli and Tata with African culture at its heart.

Music: Ne-Yo is bringing a new country-influenced sound to Nairobi for Mashujaa Day, giving Kenyan fans a fresh twist on the R&B hits they know. Media and Entertainment: Kenya’s entertainment market is forecast to grow from about Sh607 billion in 2025 to Sh776 billion by 2030, with internet advertising among its fastest-growing sectors. A new research partnership will also examine online piracy and its effects on the creative economy in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria. Made in Kenya: Resin artist Faith Wambui is turning a hands-on craft into a small business, while Nairobi tailors are finding customers willing to pay more for bespoke suits and personal design.

Craft & Design: Kiambu-based Ankole Luxury is turning cattle horn, recycled brass and semi-precious stones into African-inspired jewellery and homeware, while expanding its work with rural artisans and overseas retailers. Athletics: World Athletics president Sebastian Coe says hosting the 2029 championships can sharpen Kenya’s anti-doping efforts; more than 140 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned since 2017. Screen Arts: Kenyan actress Nice Githinji has become East Africa’s first certified intimacy coordinator, a growing role in making film and television productions safer. Music: Ne-Yo is set to return to Nairobi for a Mashujaa Day concert, 11 years after his last visit. Creative Economy: PwC warns that creators may struggle to turn online audiences into income, as global platforms control much of content distribution and monetisation.

African Film: Durban FilmMart drew 1,131 film professionals from 56 countries, with Tanzanian, Sudanese and Palestinian projects among the top award-winners. Nairobi Entertainment: KFC is bringing its Kentucky Town festival to Kenya with local food, fashion pop-ups and cultural events; Ne-Yo is also set to return to Nairobi for a Mashujaa Day concert, 11 years after his last visit. Digital Audience: A PwC Africa report says Kenyans spend 76% of their entertainment money on internet connectivity, highlighting how central online access has become to the sector. Live Music: Koffi Olomide walked off stage during Fred Obachi Machoka’s star-studded 50th-anniversary celebration, prompting chatter among fans.

Media Backlash: Lynn Ngugi rejected US presenter Rob Finnerty’s apology after his negative comparison of Nairobi with New York, saying it came only after Kenyans called him out. Kenyan Screen: The REFFA 2026 shortlist brings together 314 entries from 36 countries, while the Nairobi Film Festival is promoting its 2026 programme to local audiences. Media Milestone: Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka celebrated 50 years in the industry; Koffi Olomide’s performance and a tense moment on stage added drama to the festivities. On Air: Former KTN anchor Esther Arunga has formally dropped the Timberlake surname, returning to the name familiar to Kenyan television audiences.

Public Art: Kenya plans graffiti and murals at affordable-housing sites and markets, with monthly stipends proposed for artists producing four works a month; the stipend amount is still undecided. Live Music: Ne-Yo returns to Nairobi on October 20 for a Mashujaa Day concert, with fans getting a preview of his signature dance moves. Film: REFFA 2026 named nominees from 36 countries, while a new Pan-African initiative is urging film festivals to improve women’s representation on and off screen. Fashion and Culture: KFC’s Kenya-inspired “Kentucky Town 254” campaign pairs local-flavour menu items with a collection by Nairobi label home_254 and mall pop-ups from October 23. Radio: Broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka’s 50-year career drew a star-studded celebration, though a tense onstage moment involving Koffi Olomide and a clash over political chants also made headlines.

Actor Welfare: Concern is growing for Afande Yegon, the veteran actor known for Inspekta Mwala, after a video showed him appearing distressed on a Nairobi street. The footage has prompted calls for support and renewed discussion about care for veteran entertainers. Broadcasting Milestone: Fred Obachi Machoka celebrated 50 years in Kenyan media at a star-studded Nairobi event. Koffi Olomide performed, while separate reports described tense moments on stage, including Machoka asking Gloria Orwoba to leave after political chants. Film & Performance: Kenyan actress Nice Githinji has become East Africa’s first certified intimacy coordinator, a role focused on safe, professional filming of intimate scenes. Fashion: Nairobi label KikoRomeo took its Ewala collection to Moscow Fashion Week, bringing Kenyan design to an international runway. Music: Katombi defended his controversial “Wikend” video, saying his music is intended for adults.

Kenyan Sport: Amos Kipruto won the Chicago Marathon in 2:01:09, while Sharon Lokedi and Brigid Kosgei finished second and third in the women’s race. Eliud Kipchoge also returned to the top, winning in Melbourne for his first marathon victory since 2023. Live Entertainment: Koffi Olomide’s walk-off at Fred Obachi Machoka’s 50-year broadcasting celebration stirred online speculation, but the reason remained unclear; Olomide also delivered a high-energy performance at the event. Theatre: The Gĩkũyũ musical Waiyaki wa Hinga returns to the Kenya National Theatre from October 16–18, retelling the resistance leader’s story in Gĩkũyũ, with English and Swahili narration. Music: Kamba singer Katombi defended the provocative “Wikend” video, saying his music is for adults and parents should decide what children watch. AFRIMA has also opened entries for its 10th awards, with submissions due in January.

Kenyan Sport: Eliud Kipchoge ended a three-year marathon victory drought with a course-record win in Melbourne, completing the 42.2km in 2:09:10. Live Music: Congolese star Koffi Olomide headlined broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka’s 50th-anniversary concert in Nairobi, where a clash involving Machoka’s niece briefly shifted attention from the performances. Broadcasting: The Communications Authority gave 22 free-to-air TV stations seven days’ notice of licence revocation, including several faith-based channels. Music Debate: Kamba artist Katombi defended the provocative video for “Wikend,” saying parents should decide what children watch. On Stage: The Gĩkũyũ-language musical Waiyaki wa Hinga returns to the Kenya National Theatre from October 16 to 18, retelling the resistance leader’s story with narration in English and Swahili.

Film & TV: Actress Nice Githinji is East Africa’s first certified intimacy coordinator, bringing a new focus on consent and performers’ boundaries to film and TV sets. Cape Media has named film-industry veteran June Ndinya acting CEO and Keneth Kazungu acting editor-in-chief; Ndinya’s credits include MTV Shuga Mashariki and Selina. Live Music: Jamaican dancehall star Charly Black is in Kenya for a concert series, while fellow artist Demarco says Kenyan fans’ warmth keeps drawing him back. Ne-Yo is also set to return to Nairobi for a Mashujaa Day concert after 11 years. African Music: Entries for the 10th All Africa Music Awards open October 11, with a January 2027 deadline for creatives. Kenyan Creatives: Margaret Nyamumbo’s Kahawa 1893 has become the first Black woman-owned coffee brand sold at Trader Joe’s, with a model that lets customers tip Kenyan coffee farmers directly.

Dancehall in Nairobi: Jamaican stars Charly Black and Demarco are in Kenya for concerts, with Demarco praising local fans and saying the country feels like home. Creative Business: Law graduate Zedd Mukoya has built Wave 360 Africa, an experiential marketing agency operating in Kenya and Uganda. Kenyan Fashion: KikoRomeo took its Ewala collection to Moscow Fashion Week, bringing Kenyan design to an international runway. Live Music: Ne-Yo is set to return to Nairobi after 11 years for a Mashujaa Day concert.

Music & Screen: A new documentary, Bel, is bringing renewed attention to Kenyan-Scottish musician Beldina Odenyo, tracing her artistry and the grief left by her death. AFRIMA entries open October 11, giving African artists a new chance to enter the awards. Kenyan Creative Business: A Kenyan music executive has turned hit songs into a Sh156 million royalties business, while comedian Terence Creative is honouring the late Papa Shirandula with a project recalling their work together. Fashion & Craft: KikoRomeo took its Ewala collection to Moscow Fashion Week, and Kenyan women’s soapstone craft is finding global markets. Visual Arts: A new anthology celebrates African street photographers and their role in shaping how life on the continent is seen and represented.