It was all cowboy boots, hats, rhinestones, and country ballads in Nairobi this weekend as thousands of Kenyans gathered to celebrate International Cowboys and Cowgirls Day, a high-spirited festival reflecting Kenya’s deepening love affair with country music.
Held in the Kenyan capital, the event brought together fans from across the country, converging in a large open field that was transformed into a vibrant homage to Americana. From line-dancing and live performances to classic Western-themed outfits, the celebration showcased the surprising but growing popularity of country music in East Africa’s largest economy.
“The party is in Kenya, but the vibe is distinctly American,” said one festivalgoer, soaking in the sounds of steel guitars and heartfelt lyrics about heartbreak, redemption, and rural life.
At the heart of the event was “Sir Elvis” Otieno, widely regarded as the king of Kenya’s country music scene. Backed by a lively band, Sir Elvis captivated the crowd with renditions of timeless hits such as John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads and Jake Owen’s Down to the Honkytonk. His deep baritone and authentic country twang earned cheers from the enthusiastic crowd, many of whom sang along word for word.
Born in 1977 and named after the late Elvis Presley, Sir Elvis credits his parents for nurturing his love for country music. “When I started out it was a very tiny genre here in Kenya,” he told AFP at the festival. “It’s a dream come true to see a crowd like this today.”
Sir Elvis believes Kenya’s own musical traditions help explain the local embrace of country music. “There are links to Kikuyu folk music, particularly Mugithi, which has the same kind of storytelling language,” he said. “It’s really crazy, so many thousands of miles apart, but the messaging is the same.”
Country Roots, Kenyan Soul
For 26-year-old Anne Anene, a Nairobi-based customer service representative, the connection is emotional. She recalls falling in love with country music after hearing Dolly Parton’s Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?
“Her songs always speak to me. They usually tell a story of what I go through,” said Anene, dressed in a denim shirt, cowgirl hat, and boots. “In this world full of confusion and drama, country music is the only thing that makes sense to me. It has made me find peace.”
Like many at the festival, Anene dreams of visiting Nashville or rural Texas to experience firsthand the world that country songs so vividly describe. “I’d like to visit the ranches. I like horse riding and the calm of ranch life,” she added.
The festival was organized by Reja Manyeki, the founder of Cowboys and Cowgirls, a clothing and events company that has been championing the country lifestyle since 2018. What began as a niche venture has now grown into a cultural phenomenon.
“Now people love country music. It touches all corners of society,” said Manyeki. “We organize cowboy-themed birthdays, weddings, even school events. It’s mainstream now.”
Music of the People
Kenya’s sizable farming population and deeply rooted Christian traditions also make the country fertile ground for both gospel and country music. That connection was evident as the festival opened with a performance by gospel country singer Samson Maombe, whose Swahili-language Christian country songs have earned millions of online streams.
For “King George” Gustavo, the festival’s lead MC and a self-proclaimed country music evangelist, the genre’s everyday themes are its greatest strength. “I listen to Alan Jackson every single day,” he said proudly.
The crowd included fans of all ages and backgrounds, united by their passion for the music and its values, life, love, heartbreak, faith, and forgiveness.
As the sun set over Nairobi and the final notes of country ballads rang through the air, one thing was clear: country music in Kenya isn’t just a passing fad. It’s a growing cultural movement with boots planted firmly in both African soil and American spirit.
Written By Rodney Mbua
