The iconic Beneath the Baobabs music festival, which has become a celebrated part of the coastal Kenya arts scene, is gearing up for its highly anticipated 10th anniversary this December in Kilifi. As the festival continues to grow in stature, it has also expanded its scope beyond just hosting the annual event. One of the most exciting developments leading up to this milestone is the launch of Baobab Studios, a modern music production hub dedicated to reimagining traditional Mijikenda music and uplifting coastal talent.
This initiative, which was officially launched in March 2024, is not just about providing a platform for local artists but also ensuring the preservation and evolution of coastal music traditions. The studio has already made waves in the community, and its establishment signals a new chapter in the collaboration between modern music technology and Mijikenda heritage.
At a recent pop-up event in Nairobi, KBC Digital spoke with Lemi, the Head of Artistes at Beneath the Baobabs, to learn more about this exciting venture. “We’ve always envisioned having a central hub for our projects,” Lemi shared. “The studio provides a space where we can do much more than host events; it allows us to collaborate with local artists, and more importantly, document the unique sounds of Mijikenda music.”
For many, the idea of combining traditional music with modern production techniques is groundbreaking. The Mijikenda people, who primarily reside in Kenya’s coastal region, have a rich musical heritage, with instruments and sounds that have been passed down through generations. However, many of the older musicians, the last keepers of these traditions, are now in their twilight years. Baobab Studios is on a mission to record and preserve these sounds for future generations.
Mijikenda music is deeply rooted in the community’s culture, but Lemi and his team saw an opportunity to create something that would resonate with younger audiences as well. “We noticed that most people attend the festival just once a year. With the studio, we wanted to create something more permanent that would engage local talent year-round,” Lemi explained. Baobab Studios has especially appealed to the youth, with students from Pwani University and other local institutions showing keen interest in collaborating and exploring these sounds.
In addition to offering a space for recording, the studio has hosted workshops, cultural events, and community celebrations. This has allowed the team to connect more deeply with local communities, some of whom were initially skeptical about the festival and its unconventional setting in the forest. Through the studio’s efforts, the team has demonstrated a commitment to respecting and honoring Mijikenda heritage. For example, in 2024, Beneath the Baobabs organized a Mashujaa Day celebration that featured a walk honoring the Mijikenda heroine Mekatilili wa Menza, a revered figure in Kenyan history. This, along with the presence of Mijikenda bands opening the festival, illustrates the festival’s growth and integration into the local culture.
One of the most touching aspects of the project has been the response from traditional Mijikenda musicians. Many older artists, who never envisioned their music being paired with modern beats, have been deeply moved by the studio’s work. Lemi shared that when these artists heard their traditional tunes blended with electronic elements, it left them in awe. “It has made our studio more than just a recording space. It’s become the heart of our creative community, bridging generations of musicians,” he said.
Looking ahead, the studio has ambitious plans for 2025. A forthcoming project will feature a blend of traditional Mijikenda sounds with contemporary music, showcasing both original tracks and remixes. This compilation is expected to offer a fresh take on the timeless rhythms of the Mijikenda, with the aim of reaching a wider audience beyond the coastal region.
As Beneath the Baobabs marks a decade of celebrating music, it is clear that the festival is more than just an annual event. With Baobab Studios, the team is pioneering a movement to preserve and modernize the sounds of the coast, ensuring that traditional Mijikenda music continues to thrive in an ever-changing musical landscape.
