Spotify brings Nairobi's listening culture to life through Greasy Tunes Festival

Spotify transformed the way Nairobi experiences music through Greasy Tunes Nairobi, a two-week cultural festival that turned everyday listening habits into real-world experiences spanning food, fashion, podcasts, live performances, faith, sport and nightlife.

Held at Heltz House from July 15 to 26, the event brought together artists, creators and young audiences, reflecting how music influences daily life beyond streaming platforms.

The festival was inspired by Spotify data showing that Nairobi's youth are among the most engaged listeners in Africa. According to the platform's June 2026 figures, listeners aged 18 to 24 accounted for 53.7 percent of music streams in Nairobi, the highest Gen Z share among Nairobi, Lagos and Johannesburg. Listening peaked at 6 p.m., with evening hours accounting for a significant portion of daily streams.

“Greasy Tunes brings the energy people experience on Spotify into a shared physical space,” said Agnes Opondo, Spotify East Africa's Artists and Labels Partnerships Lead. “The programme reflects how music already connects Nairobi’s young listeners, whether through food, conversation, creativity or community.”

The first week, themed Starters, explored the role of music in everyday social rituals. Activities included the Greasy Tunes Café and Hotspot, which served as a community hub, and the Kitchen Opening Party with The BAG, blending food and music culture.

Fashion and music intersected during Karibu Night, hosted by Studio 18 and inspired by Spotify’s Made in Kenya playlist.

The event featured custom-designed Greasy Tunes jerseys and scarves, alongside appearances by artists including the drill and hip-hop group Buruklyn Boyz.

Podcasting and storytelling also took centre stage through recordings featuring Eric Musyoka and The 30% Podcast, highlighting the growing popularity of spoken-word content among young audiences. Live performances such as The Fisherman’s Experience and ADUMA Presents showcased the diversity of Nairobi’s music scene.

The opening week concluded with Smocha Sundays, which combined gospel performances, community discussions and a football watch party, illustrating how music intersects with faith, entertainment and social gatherings.

The second week, dubbed The Mains, expanded the programme's creative scope. Events included the Blueprint Workshop with Kasi Flavour, Gufy’s Room: Poetry, Music & Storytelling, the EQUAL Workshop and Showcase, comedy sessions by The Standup Collective, podcast recordings, live music showcases and a fan engagement event featuring rapper Nyashinski.

The festival closed with the Strictly Soul Closing Party, celebrating Nairobi’s vibrant nightlife and music community.

While Greasy Tunes has ended, Spotify says its mission to spotlight local talent continues through the Made in Kenya playlist, which features Kenyan artists shaping the country's contemporary sound.