British actor, DJ, and producer Idris Elba is set to bring his dynamic house music imprint, Sound International, to Kenya this weekend, with a spectacular launch event at MUZE Club, Nairobi, on Saturday night.
The highly anticipated event marks the African debut of Elba’s label, which has rapidly gained global attention for promoting diverse and culturally rooted house sounds from around the world. The Nairobi edition promises to be a fusion of African rhythm, electronic innovation, and international artistry, showcasing Kenya’s growing prominence in the global house music scene.
According to organizers, the night will feature a line-up of top-tier DJs and performers, both local and international, headlined by the celebrated Afro-house duo Afrokillerz, known for their electrifying performances and deep African-inspired soundscapes.
The highlight of the evening will be the live debut of “Maithori,” a collaborative track featuring Idris Elba, Zimbabwean producer NITEFREAK, South African electronic duo Frigid Armadillo, and Kenyan vocalist Nes Mburu. The song, which blends soulful vocals with pulsating Afro-tech rhythms, embodies the label’s vision of cultural collaboration and sonic unity.
Speaking ahead of the Nairobi event, Idris Elba expressed his excitement about bringing Sound International to East Africa, emphasizing the continent’s vital role in shaping the evolution of global dance music.
“Africa has always been at the heartbeat of rhythm. Bringing Sound International to Nairobi is more than just a party — it’s a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the global influence of African sound,” Elba said.
Launched in 2024, Sound International draws inspiration from the sound system culture of the 1980s, particularly influenced by Elba’s late uncle, who ran a London-based reggae and soul sound system. The label merges this nostalgic foundation with a modern electronic aesthetic, seeking to bridge cultures through music and connect artists from every corner of the world.
Nairobi has been strategically chosen as one of the label’s major global stops, reflecting the city’s growing reputation as a hub for electronic and Afro-house music. Over the past decade, Kenya’s capital has cultivated a vibrant underground scene, blending traditional African beats with global dance sounds — a fusion that resonates perfectly with Sound International’s mission.
Music enthusiasts, producers, and cultural influencers from across Africa are expected to attend the event, which promises to deliver immersive performances, cutting-edge visuals, and cross-cultural collaborations.
Industry analysts have hailed Elba’s expansion into Africa as a significant boost for the continent’s creative economy, positioning Nairobi alongside other global electronic capitals such as Ibiza, Berlin, and Johannesburg.
As Sound International continues its global rollout, the Nairobi launch underscores the label’s commitment to celebrating music as a universal language — one that connects people, communities, and cultures through rhythm and sound.
The Sound International Nairobi Launch Party kicks off this Saturday at MUZE Club, Westlands, and promises to be a defining moment in Africa’s growing influence on the international house music landscape.
