Africa plus magazine

The vibrant rhythms of Kenya are set to echo through Bradford’s Lister Park on September 6, 2025, as the internationally acclaimed festival Blankets & Wine makes its historic UK debut. This free event, running from 12 pm to 8 pm, marks a significant milestone in the festival’s 16-year journey, expanding its African roots to European shores for the first time . Founded in Nairobi in 2008 by musician and cultural entrepreneur Muthoni Drummer Queen, Blankets & Wine began as a monthly picnic-style gathering to showcase emerging Kenyan talent. Attendees were encouraged to bring blankets, wine, and picnic baskets, creating an intimate atmosphere for enjoying live music and cultural exchange . The festival has since grown into a premier Pan-African event, with editions in Uganda and Rwanda, celebrated for blending music, art, fashion, and food into a uniquely immersive experience .

The Bradford edition, presented in partnership with the British Council as part of the UK/Kenya Season 2025, promises a dynamic lineup of artists spanning genres from Afro-pop to electronic beats . Headliners include Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Bensoul, known for his fusion of Afro-pop, R&B, and reggae, and Boutross, a force in Kenya’s hip-hop and “Shrap” scene . The stage will also feature Njerae (Afro-indie soul), Elsy Wamweyo (soul-infused hip-hop), and Blinky Bill, a pioneer of Kenya’s alternative music scene . Electronic beats will be delivered by DJs like Euggy (Afro-house) and Tina Ardor (Afro-house anthems), while Muthoni Drummer Queen herself will perform her genre-bending mix of hip-hop, reggae, and traditional Kenyan drumming . Local Bradford talent, including DJ Remmy (Afrobeat, Amapiano) and Dipak Mistry (Bollywood fusion), will join the lineup, highlighting the festival’s commitment to cultural exchange .

Blankets & Wine’s journey from Nairobi to Bradford reflects its founder’s vision of creating a platform for African artistry and global connection. Muthoni Drummer Queen initially launched the festival to promote her band but quickly expanded it to spotlight diverse African talents, from underground acts to international stars like South Africa’s Mi Casa and Uganda’s Joshua Baraka . Over the years, the festival has become synonymous with “discovery, love, and sharing,” attracting celebrities, expatriates, and creative minds alike . Its expansion to the UK aligns with Bradford’s status as the 2025 UK City of Culture, aiming to foster artistic collaboration and celebrate the city’s diverse communities . Beyond music, attendees can explore the Onja Onja food market offering authentic African flavors, artisan crafts, and a family-friendly atmosphere true to the festival’s picnic origins .

As anticipation builds, the Bradford event symbolizes a new chapter for Blankets & Wine—one that bridges continents through shared rhythms and cultural dialogue. With tickets already sold out but a final release planned for September 5, 2025, the festival is poised to deliver a joyous celebration of Kenyan and African culture in the heart of the UK . For Muthoni Drummer Queen, this debut is not just a festival but a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries: “We’re excited to bring the festival to Bradford to interact with new audiences and foster lasting relationships between East Africa and the UK” . As blankets are unfurled and wine glasses raised, Lister Park will transform into a tapestry of African heritage, echoing the festival’s enduring spirit of community and creativity.

Building on its Kenyan success, Blankets and Wine branched into Uganda in 2012, introduced by House of DJs, a marketing and experiences company. The Uganda edition, first held at the Uganda Museum and later moving to Lugogo Cricket Oval, mirrored the Kenyan model—showcasing a mix of local and international talent while fostering a picnic-style, family-oriented vibe. It quickly became a staple in Kampala’s event calendar, featuring artists like Lilian Mbabazi, Freshlyground, Shekhinah, Jidenna, and Ayra Starr. However, the Ugandan chapter faced challenges, including a shift from its original grassroots feel to a more commercialized concert-style format, and in 2024, organizers announced the cancellation of upcoming editions. Despite this, the festival’s legacy continued with expansions into Rwanda in 2017 and even an online edition in 2020 during COVID-19. In a significant milestone, 2025 will see the festival’s first international edition in the UK (Bradford), partnering with the British Council, cementing its role as a truly pan-African cultural export.