Celebration portrayed: International Cowboys and Cowgirls Day in Kenya, illustrated through photography
The African continent saw a unique cultural fusion last Saturday, as Nairobi, Kenya played host to the first International Cowboys and Cowgirls Day. This event, a celebration of country music's growing popularity in Kenya, attracted hundreds of fans dressed in cowboy attire, both longtime enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
The festivities took place at Nairobi's Ngong Racecourse, a setting that added to the electric atmosphere described by attendees. Mechanical bull rides, Western wear shopping, and cowboy-themed games were part of the day's activities, offering a larger-scale experience compared to the small bars around Nairobi that typically host country music performances.
The event was organised by Elijah Manyeki, who runs the Cowboys and Cowgirls clothing and events company. Manyeki has been instrumental in fueling the niche community that has grown into what may be the largest country music scene in Africa since he started organising country music gatherings in 2018.
The appeal of the event was undeniably the country music performances. Kenya's beloved country music ambassador, Sir Elvis, took to the stage, performing hits that resonated with the audience. The performances showcased the vibrant culture of Kenyan country music, a blend of American and Kenyan influences.
Leila Awuor, the event's organiser, expressed her hope that the event will bring art and culture to a larger platform. Awuor believes the event has strong potential for significant momentum and may likely become a regular fixture on Nairobi's social calendar.
Country music's presence in Kenya dates back to the 1920s and '30s, but it was Reja Manyeki's efforts that helped revive and popularise the genre. Kenyan country music leads like Sir Elvis are deeply influenced by American country legends such as Jim Reeves and Alan Jackson, but their music is also connected to Kenyan traditions, particularly the Kikuyu storytelling folk music called Mugithi. This connection emphasises shared themes of everyday life, such as love, heartbreak, forgiveness, and drinking, making country music relatable and meaningful to Kenyan audiences.
Photographer Fredrik Lerneryd documented the event, capturing the love, passion, and joy fans have for country music. Leila Awuor stated that the event has strong potential for significant momentum, and with the growing enthusiasm for the genre in Kenya, it seems the future of country music in the country is electric, just like the atmosphere at the International Cowboys and Cowgirls Day in Nairobi.
The event organizer, Leila Awuor, envisioned the event as a means to elevate art and culture into a larger platform, hoping for its potential to become a regular event in Nairobi's social calendar. In light of this, one could imagine an extension of the event's theme, such as promoting a lifestyle that embraces outdoor-living and home-and-garden elements, showcasing a harmonious blend of American and Kenyan cultures within the setting of a country-inspired home and garden.
