It was only a week ago that soul and RnB singer Dwele was in the country for a concert courtesy of Blankets and Wine. Today, news of Erykah Badu’s concert in Nairobi lit up twitter for the better part of today.
Many like me simply could not believe it and it took some time and only after confirmations by Tusker Lite on their twitter handle @TuskerLite. Tusker Lite is a beer brand by East African Breweries Limited.
Miss Badu as she likes calling herself will be performing at the Carnivore on 11th December, just a few days before the UK based Jazz group Incognito’s concert at the Bomas of Kenya.
Known as “The Queen of Neo-Soul” Badu’s album Baduizm gave rise New Soul or simply Neo Soul. Although she might not be adorned in her signature head gear, her eccentric musical style continues to be in each album she produces. She has so far released 5 albums with her latest being “New Amerykah part two (return of the Ankh)
Kenya will be the 2nd African Country after South Africa to host Badu. A review of the 2002 North Sea Jazz Festival in which she was the headline act termed her performance as below par despite a $75,000 performance fee her headline performance reportedly commanded. Apparently, she opted for her deep soulful ballads for her 90 minute performance instead of her Nu- jazz/ soul and hip hop hits. Let us hope this does not happen as many will be disappointed.
Tusker Lite brand through the Tusker Lite Experience has previously brought acts such as Joe, Johnny Gill and Donel Jones.
Ticket costs will be Kes 4,000 regular and Kes 7,500 for VIP tickets. Tickets will be available at all Dormans outlets, Nakumatt Westgate, Junction, Mega Village Market and at the Capital FM offices.
As the countdown begins, lets all update our playlist and hope that she will sing our favourites…… like “Bag Lady“, Tyrone, On and On…….