When the first edition of Ngemi Festival was held in early 2024, you could tell it was not your usual Kikuyu cultural event. Then came the second edition, held at Red Hill towards the end of 2024, and interest soared. There was a lot of talk about how amazing and stylish it was, which whipped up anticipation for the third edition. Come March 8, all roads leading to the venue along Limuru Road were jam-packed. The scene was completely different from the past two editions.
About Ngemi Festival
Ngemi festival is a cultural event celebrating Kikuyu culture through music sung in Kikuyu dialect. ‘Ngemi’ is a Kikuyu word meaning ‘ululation.’ The whole festival is celebratory according to the Kikuyu culture. What started as a small event in early 2024 as an exclusive Kikuyu music event is now a festival for young Kikuyu elites. Gifted singer Muringi, known for her infectious voice and band was a major proponent of the Ngemi’s first edition.
She shared an hour-long live performance on YouTube from a separate performance and her fans challenged her and other artists to organize a bigger event. This was the birth of the widely-spoken-about Ngemi Festival 2025. She put up an amazing performance, hit after hit and revellers just couldn’t have enough of it. The turnout was nothing they expected; festival tickets were sold out as soon as they were released. Entertainment was on another level, Muringi and other Kikuyu Benga artists staged a spirited performance throughout the night.
Fans enjoy live music at Ngemi Festival. The third and latest edition sold out tickets in days. It’s an elite Kikuyu music festival where young, learned and moneyed Kenyan meet to relax and network. Photo/Ngemi
Why is Ngemi Festival 2025 Famous?
The turnout in the third edition of Ngemi Festival held on March 8 was massive and it was attended by Kenyan youth with deep pockets. The audience was largely revellers between the ages of 24 and 35. More benga artists among them Samidoh, Waithaka wa Jane among others entertained fans.
However, it’s the show of opulence that stood out at Ngemi Festival. A section of revellers at the event cruised in sleek guzzlers, with the latest iPhones in hand. City resident and influencer Martoh Muriithi described the festival as a “pilgrimage with people drawn in by music, community, and the promise of a good time.” Muriithi is a loyal Ngemi fan. He has attended all the editions which he describes as ‘well-curated, smooth, and thoughtfully executed.’
Fans enjoy live music at Ngemi Festival. The third and latest edition sold out tickets in days. It’s an elite Kikuyu music festival where young, learned and moneyed Kenyan meet to relax and network. Photo/Ngemi
A unique selling point for him is the connections and meaningful conversations he had with other like-minded people at the festival. “[It’s] the kind of experience where conversations flow easily, connections happen naturally, and every detail feels intentional. That’s what made NGEMI stand out — it wasn’t just a party, it was an experience. A space where people could engage, unwind, and share energy without feeling overwhelmed by numbers,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
The fact that its void of controversy like other music concerts makes it special. A majority of such festivals are dotted by incidences of theft, harassment and insecurity. However, Ngemi’s past three editions remain void of all these vices. Further guest artists kept time and performed to their last ounce of energy. Again, this is unique. Most artists barely perform for two hours during concerts.
When is the Next Edition?
Revellers at Ngemi Festival 3.0 . It’s an exclusive musical event celebrating the Kikuyu culture. Photo/Ngemi
Festival organisers are yet to release the dates for the next edition. Nevertheless, borrowing from the lessons of the recent Ngemi Festival, they could consider hosting the event in a larger space. Despite having tickets for the festival, some fans didn’t make it to the venue due to traffic gridlock and lack of enough parking spaces. Muriithi believes that organizers could raise ticket prices and maintain the venue with the bigger picture of keeping it all curated.
According to him, what matters is how the festival makes people feel and not how many people show up. Actress Nyce Wanjeri said the festival remains the best she has attended so far. She is looking forward to the fourth edition.
