Small in scale yet ambitious in intent, Sukuma Wiki Live returned this past weekend at Alliance Française Nyali, Mombasa. Gates opened at 5:00 PM, and true to schedule, the first act took the stage at 6:30 PM.
Opening the night was Partraw, founder and curator of Sukuma Wiki Live, backed by his own live band. His set was equal parts genuine and genius.
The energy in the room was overwhelming, silencing any doubts about performing to a mostly seated crowd. At one point, Serro, set to perform after Partraw, secured a seat, phone in hand, capturing the performance. That quiet moment highlighted Partraw’s malleability and magnetism. His harmonies, backed by a trio of vocalists, evoked the spirit of Bob Marley and the I-Threes.
Liley, Susie, and Tashie—more than just backup vocalists, each powerful artists in their own right—weren’t there to fade into the background. Their harmonies carried the night, amplifying not only Partraw’s presence but the band’s lush musical chemistry.
Serro took the stage next, accompanied by Sam Mkenya on keys. A force in Afro-fusion, she brought her signature blend of Benga, jazzy Afro-pop, and Kenyan folk. Not even a brief power outage near the end of her set could dull the shine. Tracks like Pressure, Rongai, the soulful Ilomba, and her breakout hit Kasyoki Wa Mitumba became instant singalongs.
Serro remained charming and chatty between songs, commanding the stage in her striking red jumpsuit, soaking in extended applause with joy and grace. Her set was perfectly orchestrated—in every sense.
To close the night, Mordecai Dex took the stage in full bloom—vocals roaring, guitar in hand, dressed in a beautifully coordinated floral two-piece set. His performance drew from his critically acclaimed 2024 acoustic project Journey of 1000 Songs.
The crowd rewarded him with thunderous reception as he dove into a tight but explosive set featuring Mema, Leo Ni Leo, Extra Ordinary, Ring Di Alarm, and Disko (Toka kwa Nyumba). The atmosphere? Utterly electrifying.
Sukuma Wiki Live has tapped into something rare—a free, fearless musical spirit. With little corporate backing, it’s cultivated something authentic, necessary, and bold. Away from the mainstream noise, it dares to prioritize artistry over hype.
The same stage that brought us Serro and Mordecai on their first Mombasa performances this edition, also introduced us to Coster Ojwang in the last. The variety is commendable. This is what makes Sukuma Wiki Live special, and in its second edition, it continues to evolve into one of Kenya’s most honest celebrations of live music.
The third edition is slated for Saturday, November 15th 2025, see you there.