MOONSHINE IN NAIROBI

Moonshine is a post-border, multidisciplinary collective creating lunar-aligned events, music, fashion and film inspired by African and afrodiasporic club culture. They host all-night parties after every full moon in ever-shifting, unpredictable locations, usually strictly disclosed via text messages.

On 4th December, San Farafina and Pierre Kwenders of Moonshine, accompanied by Zengirl, a DJ from Lisbon, Portugal, landed in Nairobi, setting the tone with an intimate mixer at Unseen Nairobi where we danced and vibed with some of our local DJs, including Hasirahasara, KJ, and Burugu. The team, in collaboration with Justin (Badman Bantou), curated film screenings in the Unseen cinema, creating a parallel rhythm of music, conversation and films.

Before the mixer ended, we got a Moonshine set teaser from San Farafina and Pierre Kwenders, which was great motivation for the main show. As midnight approached, the beers kept flowing, the films sparking conversation, inspiration and amusement, and the dancefloor was filled with beautiful, creative souls.

On December 5th, Moonshine and other supporting acts - including Zengxrl, Daudi, NowIsGood, Badman Bantou and Avocado.theDJ - gave electrifying sets to say the least. Local favorites like Daudi, Badman Bantou and NowIsGood delivered their great spins. Zengxrl gave a high energy performance, and San Farafina soon stepped behind the decks and took the room to another level; placing a great mix of songs that had us reaching for Shazam.

The music selection and transitions were almost god-level. The second last set was carried by Pierre Kwenders who gave us a set that shifted the club's geography, spiritually I must say, from Nairobi to feverish Zaire. To close we got a B2B2B of Badman Bantou, San Farafina and Pierre, and yes we still had the energy to dance and close it off with a bang. I can confirm that the sets were unique. It's rare to experience such an incredible line up with such selections.

Right before the main show, we got the chance to hear from the Moonshine headliners, and this is what Pierre and San Farafina had to say:

SAN FARAFINA

Moonshine has a global Afro-diasporic sound that mixes many genres. When you’re building a set, how do you decide which genres or vibes to bring out at different points of the night?

It’s a mix of understanding what sounds the crowd might connect with, the story I want to tell in that moment, and what the other DJs have done before me that same night as a way of understanding how I might be able to offer something different to keep the whole night feeling fresh.

How does the history and ethos of Moonshine (its roots in community, diaspora, inclusivity) influence your music selection or how you DJ?

Moonshine is very intentional and definitely has a mission. I carry that consideration and research wherever we play.

PIERRE KWENDERS

When you land in a new city, what’s the first thing that influences your set: the people, the mood, or the soundscape?

To me, it will always be the people. I love to feed off the vibes of the people and from there I’ll cook a set to set them on a journey. That's the mood!

4 What’s a pre-set ritual you never skip?

I don't have much pre-set ritual. I'd like to be ready and focus on sharing a memorable moment with the crowd.

SAN FARAFINA

What’s one African or Afro-diasporic sound that you feel is shaping the future of global music right now?

There are so many sounds coming out of Tanzania, Nigeria and of course there is the Batida movement coming from the Afro-Portuguese.. but I’d say that Amapiano is definitely not dead and still has the world in a chokehold right now. Amapiano, 3-step and Afrotech.

As you’re performing in Nairobi (or capturing this takeover for an African audience), how important is it for you to connect with local rhythms, sounds or energy?

Getting a sense of the sound identity of a city is probably one of the most important variables when DJing abroad, especially on the African continent, but I think bringing a fresh take is just as important. So I suppose the fun part is trying to offer something different but connecting it with the culture of wherever you are playing.

PIERRE KWENDERS

What’s next for you after this show — new collaborations, travel, or experimenting with a different sound?

Working a couple projects right now and hope to share them with you all soon. My sound is always evolving but I stay true to myself. Authenticity is key! I definitely would love to come back to Nairobi next year! Bisous