On 20th December 2025, Nairobi found itself caught in a cultural tug-of-war. Two major concerts — Sauti Sol’s Solfest and Asake Live in Nairobi — landed on the same date, forcing fans into an impossible choice. What could have been a season of back-to-back celebrations turned into a lesson in poor planning by event promoters.

A Split Audience, A Diluted Experience

Kenya’s live music scene has grown, but the market is not infinite. Hosting Solfest and Asake on the same night meant fans had to pick sides, with many torn between supporting local legends and witnessing one of Afrobeats’ brightest stars. The result? Neither event reached the electric heights it could have, had the dates been staggered. Instead of unified crowds, Nairobi saw divided turnouts.

Undercutting Local Culture

Solfest is more than a festival — it’s a platform that amplifies Kenyan music, fashion, and identity. For years, Sauti Sol has used it to showcase homegrown talent while cementing Nairobi as a regional hub for world-class performances. By setting Asake’s concert on the same date, promoters inadvertently undercut a local cultural movement. For many fans, the optics felt like Kenyan artistry was being forced into direct competition with Nigerian dominance, when both could have thrived separately.

The Lost Economic and Cultural Momentum

Had the events been spaced out, December could have been a marathon of live experiences, drawing in tourists, media, and sponsors. Imagine Solfest lighting up one weekend and Asake the next — hotels would have filled, content creators would have had weeks of material, and Nairobi would have solidified its reputation as East Africa’s December capital. Instead, sponsors were split, media coverage diluted, and the buzz around each event felt half as strong as it should have been.

A Call for Smarter Planning

This isn’t about choosing between Sauti Sol and Asake — both deserve the spotlight. It’s about promoters thinking long-term. Kenya’s live scene thrives when collaboration, coordination, and respect for flagship events guide decisions. The lesson from December 20th is clear: oversaturating a single night weakens the entire industry.