UP went live in April and we loved seeing the amazing musicians and artist that pride our pages, perform live in an UP setting. In fact we loved it so much that we are now launching The UPStairs, a new venue that is going to be an extension of UP magazine. Each month we will create a diverse roster of great live music, art and photo exhibitions, poetry readings and whatever else we feel like.

Based in the heart of Westlands at the rooftop of Havanas/Crooked Q we want to provide an alternative to the regular club scene. Soul, is the vocal point of the UPStairs, and is what dictates the decór, atmosphere and musical profile, so expect an eclectic mix of Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, Afro, Breaks and Electronica—all with a twist of soul. We are launching on November 16th with soul sensation Dela as the main act.

This mistress of sultry echoes the Ella F. velvety vibe, backed by modern African melodies and beats, and we are proud to have her as the main act for our launch party that will also celebrate the release of November’s “The got Power?” Every other Wednesday, starting this November 21st, Blinky Bill from Just a Band is hosting a night on the decks. “I’m bringing the noise and the funk,” he says. Expect a hint of George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelics, Outkast, Chase & Status, Flying Lotus, Daft Punk and Azealia Banks.

Bill says he’ll play “the best of the best”—with possibly something off JAB’s new album, “Sorry for the Delay”—but all in all, the music that you don’t get to hear a lot in Nairobi. Suits & Mics have established itself as an institution in Nairobi’s hip hop scene and with the all too fitting combination of suave suits and great live hip hop performances, you can’t really miss. Their first event at the UPStairs will be on November 24th. Remember, we are only open on selected nights so make sure to look out for each month’s program on our Facebook page, “The Upstairs Nairobi”. If you know any artists or musicians you would like to see at the UPStairs, then let us know via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . See you next Friday, November 16th at the opening night.