Nairobi recently bore witness to a spectacular fusion of culture and contemporary sound as Coster Ojwang's "Fish Market Live" festival celebrated its third edition at Uhuru Gardens on June 27th. This wasn't just another music festival; it was a meticulously curated experience designed to immerse urbanites in the rich tapestry of Luo heritage, showcasing the very best of contemporary hits from Kenya's Lakeside region.
Coster Ojwang's vision for Fish Market Live is ambitious: to revolutionize how Nairobi residents interact with and appreciate Luo culture. This commitment was evident not only in the musical lineup but also in the vibrant fashion statement made by festival-goers. Attendees enthusiastically embraced the call to showcase Nyanza fashion, adorning themselves in distinctive straw hats, eye-catching kitenge prints, traditional cow tail fly whisks, and the iconic rounded handle canes. The atmosphere was a lively blend of modern urban energy and deep-rooted cultural pride, creating a truly unique spectacle.
The Nairobi show marked the grand culmination of a half-year schedule that beautifully unfolded the "Fish Market Live" experience. The journey began with Coster's "Open Studio Exhibition," a creative prelude held between February 28th and March 2nd. This was closely followed by a deeper dive into the region's musical history with "The Fisherman's Experience," a dedicated discography exploration hosted in Kisumu on March 28th. These preceding events built anticipation, setting the stage for the Nairobi finale.
As the curator of the night's headliners, Coster Ojwang ensured an authentic and captivating experience. The masterful Onyango Riziki, better known as Rizman, delivered a full set with his nyatiti, the traditional Luo eight-stringed lyre. Rizman's performance was a highlight, enchanting the crowd with a mesmerizing blend of traditional tunes and modern compositions, all centered around the distinctive, rhythmic sound of this ancient instrument. Even for those unfamiliar with the language, the universal language of music and the infectious beats encouraged participation.
The festival's stage truly came alive with a stellar lineup of musical performances that thrilled festival-goers. Audiences were treated to familiar hits from acclaimed artists like Brian Sigu, Okello Max, the legendary Suzanna Owiyo, the soulful Winyo, and the crowd-pulling Prince Indah. Each artist brought their unique flair, contributing to a night of continuous energy and musical delight. The ability of the crowd to sing along, even where language barriers might have existed, underscored the power and familiarity of these Lakeside anthems.
Riziki, despite an initially lulled crowd, gradually commanded the stage with his budding multi-hyphenate artistry. For music enthusiasts who appreciate the profound influences of a people's heritage on contemporary sounds, Rizman's act was a clear standout, proving him to be an artist worth seeking out at future editions of the Fish Market Live festival.
