2020 virtual concerts that made headlines in the country

Piece by: Marion Kageni
Exclusives

If there is a lesson 2020 wants us to learn is to know how to adjust, find alternatives, refocus and go with the flow. Owing to the global pandemic we had to adjust to the new changes like wearing masks for example that is the new norm and it has become part of us.

A major blow was in the music or rather the entertainment industry as a whole. Artists felt the pinch as shows were cancelled but interestingly in every problem, there is always a way out. In this case, the alternative was holding concerts virtually and it worked like magic.

Here are some of the concerts that hit the waves in 2020:

· Nyashinski’s Lucky you concert- Let us start off with one of the biggest and probably still the first concert that comes to your mind when you hear of virtual concerts. Nyashinski is not only the king of comebacks but also a king in his own fashion in entertaining fans whether physically or virtually.

The artist together with his amazing crew blew the internet with the Lucky You album launch concert on YouTube and Instagram.

The half an hour online concert is still one to remember with performances of his old songs and the blend of the latest ones. Super producer Cedo was part of the crew that gave this amazing performance from Nyashinski by performing magic on the keyboard.

At the end of the concert, the Mungu Pekee hit maker announced the date set to release the Lucky You album.

· Sauti Sol Midnight train album launch- Midnight Train album has got to be one of the biggest albums in Africa this year after all when has the boy band ever done us wrong musically?

Sauti Sol charmed fans with a one of a kind experience for their Midnight train album launch. So big was this concert that it surpassed Nyashinski’s record in terms of viewership It wasn’t just Sauti Sol who take the whole credit for making the virtual event a success, the Sol generation artists were also representing, of course, killing with some of that blend of their amazing vocals from the likes of Bensol, Nviiiri the storyteller and artists who have been working the boy band such as Xenia Manasseh, Okello Max and Lisa Oduor.

· 47 Million reasons concert- The 47 million reasons concert was a one of a kind experience, the objective of the concert, to begin with, is still one to remember.

From its name 47 million Reason, the concert was all about appreciation of the 47 million Kenyans and giving them hope to push on in spite of the pandemic that has a great impact on individuals especially at that time when businesses were closed the country stood still.

The concert was all about celebrating the Kenyan spirit, heritage, culture and tradition. There were mad performances from H-art the band who took the stage first then followed Burundian singer Kidum and his band. Later on, there were big performances from Arrow Boy, Nadia Mukami, Masauti, Wyre and Ken Wa Maria.

· Trace Live cultural extravaganza- When you hear the kind of artists who graced this concert you will definitely know without a doubt that it was fire.

The one and a half show saw big artist taking the stage such as Octopizzo, King Kaka, Fena Gitu, Khaligraph Jones, Jua Cali, Femi one, The Kansol, Sailors, Kagwe Mungai and Ochunglo family. A mix of different genres and it was all worth it.

· Madaraka day online live party- Unfortunately, this year’s Madaraka day was different and so was the online live party held in celebration of internal self-rule.

The party was hosted by fast-rising comedian Flaqo with Dj Kym Nickdee and Dj Moh Spice working their magic on the decks. The event was streamed live on both of the DJs Instagram accounts for fans to enjoy.

· Kenya ni Yetu live concert- The goal of the Kenya ni Yetu concert was similar to that of the 47 Million reasons concert and it is amazing when Kenyans come together, drive out their differences to appreciate our own heritage and culture.

The concert was all about celebrating the Kenyan spirit during this time period when the pandemic has impacted at least the majority of Kenyans in one way or the other.

Big artists from the country and even internationally graced the event. The event had the likes of our favorite boy band Sauti Sol, the great Suzanna Owiyo, killer band H-art the band, the legendary Eric Wainana, the charms of Samidoh was felt, Redfourth Chorus also performed their magic and not to mention Jamaica’s household name Gramps Morgan who is part of the internationally recognized reggae group Morgan Heritage.

· We are one Africa concert- Last but not least let us wrap up with the undeniably virtual concert that took over bringing artists from different countries of the continent to come together through this trying times.

Representing Kenya was Bien of Sauti Sol, Khaligraph Jones, Gilad and of course the host of the concert Tanasha Donna. Tanzania was also very much represented by Ali Kiba, Nandy, Queen Darling, Lulu and Frank. Nigeria was covered by Joeboy and Burna Boy with Uganda blessing Africans with Vinka and Jose Chameleone not forgetting Ethiopia which was represented by Betty G.

There were giveaways for fans such as airtime and phones with comedian Churchill being given a chance to give his own views about coronavirus and how to win the battle against the infectious virus.