The renowned East African music festival Blankets & Wine is set to make its much-anticipated debut in the United Kingdom, with Bradford hosting the cultural showcase on September 6, 2025.
The event, which has become a staple of live music in Nairobi and across Africa, will headline an impressive lineup of artists including Boutross, Njerae, Coster Ojwang, and Bensoul. Joining them will be Afro-house sensation Tina Ardor, DJ Euggy, Muthoni Thee Drummer Queen (MDQ), Blinky Bill, and Elsa Wameyo, ensuring a vibrant mix of genres ranging from hip hop and Afro-house to soul and contemporary African sounds.
This milestone performance forms part of the ongoing #UKKenyaSeason2025, a cross-cultural programme launched earlier this year to foster collaborations between Kenyan and UK artists, organisations, and institutions. The initiative seeks to highlight the depth and diversity of Kenyan creativity on a global stage, while strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
For Muthoni Ndong’a, popularly known as Muthoni Thee Drummer Queen and the founder of Blankets & Wine, taking the festival international is the realisation of a long-held dream.
“This is a dream come true. Since 2008, we’ve been passionate about showcasing the incredible talent of African musicians, building a real community of fans, vendors and sponsors, and scaling opportunities across the live music value chain. Taking Blankets & Wine to the UK is the next step in exporting our music and culture, and is a testament to the power of Blankets in transcending borders and connecting people from all walks of life,” she said.
Since its inception in Nairobi, Blankets & Wine has evolved into one of Africa’s most beloved live music festivals, known for its unique picnic-style format where audiences enjoy performances while lounging on blankets, sipping wine, and celebrating community.
The UK debut promises not only electrifying performances but also an immersive cultural experience that reflects the festival’s ethos blending music, art, and lifestyle into one vibrant platform. With its Bradford showcase, Blankets & Wine is set to introduce British audiences to a rich tapestry of African creativity while giving Kenyan artists a stage to shine internationally.
