Sukuma Wiki Live concert 2025 The Result? A momentous performance from Partraw, Lisa Oduor-Noah and Coster Ojwang that blended high-octane energy on and off the stage; and a timeless charisma.
Sherie Margaret Ngigi on an Instagram story post reposted by Coster Ojwang summed it up best: "I felt a little emotional watching Coster performance in Mombasa today; remembering how he came to Mombasa two years ago and the crowd was dead. I was the only one dancing the whole time. And today, an incredible number of people showed up for him! "
And for a good reason. On a night that felt more like a Mombasa homecoming than a concert, Ojwang made his long-awaited return to the Alliance Francaise for the first edition Sukuma Wiki Live Concert this year. But we will get into that later.
A small drag and a few minutes past 6pm, the evening kicked off with the concert visionary and founder Partraw holding court with the band.
With a sequence of anthems, Partraw warmed up the already electric crowd, setting the stage for what felt like a cultural milestone. Not a lot of onstage movement, but every bar hit harder.
His back up trio found a formula engaging the crowd with sing-along anthems like 'Shawarma' and 'Sukuma Love.' He got the crowd up on their feet with some old medley sing alongs as well in between his set.
He soldiered on through, introducing Lisa Oduor-Noah with whom they perform another crowd favourite, 'Nini Nikupe(Mapenzi)' (love), which got a lot of reaction with the ladies in the crowd singing their own rendition dubbed 'Mapesa'(Money over love). Oduor-Noah found a way to end the debate by encouraging both love and money can co-exist in a relationship between two lovers. Lisa and Partraw chemistry—equal parts playful, flirty, and electric—ignited the crowd all over again.\
Known for her silky voice and enchanting presence, Lisa's second return to the Sukuma Wiki Live Concert stage was intimate. She surged on; in between old RnB covers, invoking a profound connection between the concert goers and the music. Her single 'Jahera' finds its place in our hearts and tickles our feet to rise from our seats. Odour-Noah encouraged a few concert goers to join her on stage to lead us in some closing set dance moves.
The high note ending is perfect to usher in The Fisherman. The Fisherman Coster Ojwang, whose powerful narratives and melodies captivate and heal, appears from the audience background, making his way to the stage. His entrance is mystic, gliding to the stage sporting a flowing white sleeveless piece to a roaring applause. His performance is a reverence. Enigmatic. A rousing emotional performance.
A triumphant return! Backed by fellow Mombasa based vocalist, Juliey Mumia, Coster demonstrated both his celebrated intensity, his Luo folk music culture foundation and his infectious passion, plus an ability to constantly switch between different musical styles and moods, sometimes within the same song. From 'Jowi' chants, to introspecting with 'Traveller,' the concert goers get to praise, worship, dance, sing along, and even reflect. Sweat drenched, he closes with 'Manyo Pesa,' his collaboration with Watendawili exploring themes of wealth and ambition.
After five minutes of roaring applause right after exiting the stage, it is a fitting return!
- Sukuma Wiki Live Concert second edition this year is slated for July 5th, 2025!
Photos by Klensed Wedding. You can also reach out to the organisers via their page for more images. @sukumawiki.ke
