The Festival
LOVE &
BALLADS FINALE
LOVE &
BALLADS FINALE
- October 26th 2024
We are excited to announce that the Love And Ballads Season Finale takes place on October 26th! We round off a great year with stellar performances from everyone who made an appearance this season; Mackinlay, Lisa Oduor-Noah, Brian Sigu, Noel Nderitu and Ayrosh. Thank you for being part of this beautiful journey; Don’t miss out on the celebration of the amazing artistry that has come to define the #LoveAndBallads Experience this Season! Grab your tickets NOW
Previous Events
PREVIOUS EVENTS
AND WORKS
Love & Ballads III
LOVE
AND BALLADS III
Love & Ballads 3 brought together the artistry of Lisa Oduor-Noah, the folk fusion of Ayrosh and the saxophone magic of Grammy Award-winning Saxophonist Kebbi Williams (Atlanta, US) under the penmanship and arrangement of Mackinlay for a night of absolute bliss at WEAL House. It was an evening of excellent entertainment from Amani Baya (Drums) Jack Muguna (Guitars) Pascal Bill (Keyboards) and Karanja (Bass).
International Jazz Day
INTERNATIONAL
JAZZ DAY NAIROBI
2024.
Afrolect Jazz hosted the IJD2024 Nairobi celebrations in style at Nairobi Street Kitchen; bringing 30+ performers sharing the stage for a special day of music. The African spirit is strong!
International Jazz Day
INTERNATIONAL
JAZZ DAY
IJD 2023 took the music to the Nairobi National Park. As the International Jazz Day celebration in Nairobi, we featured 80 musicians on stage, comprised of acts from Kenya and Italy; in collaboration with Geco Cafe, The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, the Italian Institute of Culture, Air France/KLM and Capital FM.
Love and Ballads II
LOVE
AND BALLADS II.
Love & Ballads 2 was an immersive experience that brought the music to the audience. With the audience sitting right next to the music, the magic produced by Mackinlay unfolded for the evening. Featuring the talents of Lisa Oduor-Noah, Brian Sigu, Gianfranco Menzella, Jo-G, Jack Muguna, Mike Onyie and Pascal Bill.
Mackinlay’s Christmas in Brass
MACKINLAY'S
CHRISTMAS IN BRASS
2023.
Mackinlay’s Christmas in Brass is a live production that unites some of Nairobi’s most exciting performers to reimagine your favorite Christmas repertoire. In 2023, we presented on stage a 15 piece ensemble comprised of a band, a vocal section and a horn section. The show is imagined and produced by Mackinlay.
Love and Ballads I
LOVE
& BALLADS.
Our first intimate edition ”Love & Ballads" featured the artistry of Mackinlay, Noel Nderitu and friends in a cozy space of 50 people. Think of a living room full of talent.
Afrolect II
AFROLECT
JAZZ FESTIVAL
2019.
Laughter mingles with the smooth sounds of saxophone solos, creating an irresistible energy that fills the air. Conversations flow easily between sets, fueled by shared love for the music and the electric atmosphere. As the music swells, the crowd sways in unison, a sea of smiling faces united by the magic of jazz.
Afrolect I
AFROLECT
JAZZ FESTIVAL
2018.
Afrolect Jazz Festival ignites Nairobi's vibrant music scene,with electrifying music performances Nairobi's scene will never be the same again.
AfroJazz Recital
AFROJAZZ
RECITAL.
The air still hums with the magic of that night. Victor Dey ,his talent on the keys, an incredible ensemble produced a performance unlike any other. Originals and classics, infused with jazz and the vibrant soul of Africa, filled the room. A memory etched in sound, a night that whispered promises of future magic.
Moments
CATCH THE
AFROLECT VIBE
MACKINLAY
MUTSEMBI
Mackinlay is a pioneering trumpeter, award-winning bandleader, producer and event curator. He has been influential in bringing to the fore responsible for bringing the horns into the music game on the Kenyan music scene. As founder, composer and Music Director for the award- winning band Nairobi Horns Project, Mackinlay has made many appearances on many musical stages and festivals with all sorts of acts; bands, DJs, solo acts... the works. Mackinlay is also a producer and recording artist. His work has been featured on stages such as The Safaricom International Jazz Festival and Coke Studio Africa among others. His passion for change and his personal story of overcoming adversity and dedication to personal improvement led to the founding of the Afrolect Academy. His experience has put him in the unique position to see the gaps and barriers to entry for young artist pursing their creative passion. Mackinlay would like to give the opportunity that he was never afforded growing up, a clear path to a successful career for young musicians and creatives.
Curator
MEET THE
CURATOR
MACKINLAY
MUTSEMBI
Mackinlay is a pioneering trumpeter, award-winning bandleader, producer and event curator. He has been influential in bringing to the fore responsible for bringing the horns into the music game on the Kenyan music scene. As founder, composer and Music Director for the award- winning band Nairobi Horns Project, Mackinlay has made many appearances on many musical stages and festivals with all sorts of acts; bands, DJs, solo acts... the works. Mackinlay is also a producer and recording artist. His work has been featured on stages such as The Safaricom International Jazz Festival and Coke Studio Africa among others. His passion for change and his personal story of overcoming adversity and dedication to personal improvement led to the founding of the Afrolect Academy. His experience has put him in the unique position to see the gaps and barriers to entry for young artist pursing their creative passion. Mackinlay would like to give the opportunity that he was never afforded growing up, a clear path to a successful career for young musicians and creatives.
AFROLECT ACADEMY
In the heart of creativity, Afrolect Academy stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of its founder, Mackinlay, renowned for steering the Nairobi Horns Project, Afrolect Jazz, Christmas in Brass to acclaim. Mackinlay's journey is a symphony of resilience and ambition. Growing up in some tough neighbourhoods of Mombasa, he shaped his musical path through the soulful notes from his horn.
MUSIC EDUCATION CONTENT
Our aim is to bridge the gap and extend music education impact through developing a curriculum with industry professionals, creating insightful seminars packaged into video content for online distribution.
SCHOOL OUTREACH
Our aim is to foster musical education, inspire creativity, and provide valuable industry exposure to both students and teachers. Afrolect works with high school and tertiary Institutions, as well as young people out of high school and seeking a path to music as a profession. This hands-on experience bridges the gap between education and industry experience.
THE ACADEMY ORCHESTRA
The Afrolect Academy Orchestra will provide deserving students with a structured mentorship program, fostering skill development, performance experience, and professional experience in the music industry. We aim to provide a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional music education.
