Kenya is preparing to host its most diverse and vibrant New Year’s festival, the renowned Beneath The Baobabs Festival, which will take place from December 31, 2024, through January 1, 2025. Marking a significant milestone, this festival celebrates ten years of growth and community building in Kilifi, a coastal town famed for its beauty and rich cultural heritage. Beneath The Baobabs Festival has evolved into an international destination that melds Kenya’s contemporary music, dance, and art with immersive traditional experiences. This year’s festival promises a transformative journey under the stars, celebrating both the region and the talented performers who bring the festivities to life.
A Decade of New Year’s Magic in Kilifi
The festival began in Kilifi as a smaller-scale New Year’s event but has since flourished, becoming one of the most anticipated cultural celebrations in Kenya. Over the last decade, Beneath The Baobabs has managed to create a powerful cultural space, celebrating Kenyan and East African music while also welcoming international acts. The setting itself, a sprawling 50-acre baobab forest nestled just upstream from Takaungu Creek and close to the Indian Ocean, is one of the festival’s most enchanting elements. This natural environment, combined with immersive music and art, provides a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the essence of coastal Kenya’s beauty.
Each year, the festival has grown in popularity, attracting more visitors from both Kenya and beyond. Its lineup consistently features prominent figures in the Kenyan and African electronic music scene, alongside international artists keen on exploring East Africa’s unique sounds and landscapes. With five stages spread across the baobab forest, the festival provides an unparalleled setting for a diverse range of musical acts, from Amapiano to Afrobeats, House to Techno, and Hip-Hop to Global Bass.
The 2024/5 Festival Lineup: East African and Global Stars
The initial lineup release for the 2024/5 edition hints at an event that will be bigger and better than ever before. Among the international headliners are some of Africa’s most beloved musicians, set to bring their distinct sounds to the festival. South African Amapiano star Vigro Deep will perform, bringing his bass-heavy sound that has taken Africa and the world by storm. Kenya’s own Blinky Bill, often considered the godfather of Kenyan alternative music, will be performing a highly anticipated set to ring in the New Year. Ugandan DJ Kampire, a key figure in East Africa’s electronic scene, will also grace the festival, adding her unique, boundary-pushing sound.
Opening night will see a special Mmino Takeover by South African DJ Desiree, a superstar in her own right. Emmanuel Jal from South Sudan will help usher in the New Year with his Afro-House beats, enhanced by a full live setup with dancers and musicians. This carefully curated selection of artists ensures that the festival will feature sounds for everyone, creating a deeply immersive experience that resonates with both locals and international attendees.
In addition to the headliners, Beneath The Baobabs has committed to featuring emerging Kenyan and East African acts. This year, festival-goers can expect exciting performances from up-and-coming artists across genres, from Global Bass to Hip-Hop, Afrobeat to Techno. The festival is set to unveil an additional 30 acts in the coming weeks, ensuring the most extensive lineup since its inception.
Honoring Kenya’s Cultural Roots
One of the highlights of this year’s Beneath The Baobabs Festival is its dedication to showcasing Mijikenda and Swahili performers, as well as traditional MCs and DJs from the region. This initiative reflects a deep respect for Kenya’s cultural roots and aims to provide a platform for voices that have long been part of coastal Kenya’s musical landscape. By featuring Mijikenda and Swahili bands, the festival fosters a cultural exchange that acknowledges and celebrates Kenya’s ethnic diversity.
This year’s theme is also centered on transformation, encouraging attendees to embark on a personal journey as they cross into the New Year. The festival’s immersive design, coupled with traditional influences, helps to create an atmosphere that feels both magical and introspective. Many attendees describe the experience as a blend of music, art, and spirituality, underscoring the festival’s unique ability to resonate deeply with people.
Art Installations and Forest Stages
The festival’s five stages are carefully integrated into the forest, with each stage embodying a distinct aesthetic and vibe. With top-quality sound systems, lighting installations, and ground performers, each area offers an intimate, immersive setting. The entire forest becomes a playground for creativity, with stunning art installations and decor enhancing the experience.
Art plays a significant role in Beneath The Baobabs, with each year’s festival bringing something new and innovative. Visual artists from across Kenya and East Africa showcase their work, with installations that reflect the festival’s ethos of harmony between nature and culture. The lighting and decor are thoughtfully designed to blend with the forest surroundings, creating a seamless connection between the natural environment and the celebratory elements of the festival.
Wellness and Reflection at KISIMA
Beneath The Baobabs Festival is about more than just music and dance. Its KISIMA initiative, a section dedicated to wellness and personal growth, has become an integral part of the festival experience. The KISIMA area hosts a range of healers, therapists, and activists who offer services and workshops aimed at helping attendees reflect and recharge. From guided meditation to yoga sessions and discussions on mental health and sustainability, KISIMA provides a space for mindful celebration.
In recent years, KISIMA has also incorporated themes around environmental conservation, in line with the festival’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. Many of the workshops and talks encourage festival-goers to consider their impact on the planet, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the environment. This mindfulness, combined with the festival’s celebratory nature, creates a balanced experience that allows people to connect with both themselves and the world around them.
A Global and Local Celebration
Beneath The Baobabs Festival stands out as a uniquely Kenyan event that also has a global appeal. Its commitment to providing a platform for local artists while also bringing in international talent speaks to its vision of creating a multicultural celebration that resonates with a diverse audience. As the festival gears up for its 10th anniversary, it reflects a decade of community-building, cultural exchange, and creative expression.
For Kilifi, hosting the festival has been a boon to the local economy, with an influx of visitors contributing to businesses in the area. Many attendees choose to extend their stay, exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kenya’s coastal region. This economic boost, coupled with the festival’s focus on showcasing Mijikenda and Swahili culture, has established Beneath The Baobabs as an essential part of Kilifi’s identity and a point of pride for the local community.
Looking Forward to Beneath The Baobabs 2024/5
As December 31 approaches, excitement for Beneath The Baobabs Festival continues to build. With a lineup featuring some of Africa’s most exciting artists, immersive art installations, and a commitment to cultural preservation, the festival is set to deliver an unforgettable New Year’s experience. This year’s event will be the biggest yet, a fitting celebration for a festival that has become a cultural landmark.
For those looking to welcome the New Year in an unforgettable way, Beneath The Baobabs offers the perfect setting. With music, art, and spirituality coming together in a transformative environment, the festival invites attendees to embark on a journey of discovery under the stars of Kilifi. Whether you are drawn by the music, the art, or the wellness experiences, Beneath The Baobabs promises a New Year’s celebration that is as enriching as it is exciting.
As Kenya’s most anticipated New Year’s festival reaches this 10-year milestone, the Beneath The Baobabs team is once again poised to deliver a transformative experience that connects people from all walks of life, ensuring that everyone leaves with memories to cherish long after the music fades.
