When Blankets & Wine announced Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Fave for the June 2026 edition, playlists instantly lit up. Hits like Baby Riddim have been a staple of Nairobi’s soundtrack, and naturally, the assumption across the city was that she would anchor the festival as the ultimate headliner. However, as the performance slots took shape, a massive twist emerged: Fave is taking the stage early, leaving the heavy-hitting closing sets to local powerhouses Mejja, Mutoriah, and Watendawili.

This programming choice has sparked intense debate among music fans. For years, international acts—especially from West Africa—have automatically occupied the late-night peak hours at major Kenyan festivals. Slotted into the sunset hours, Fave’s appearance serves as a luxurious setup rather than the main event.

“By placing local juggernauts in the final slots, the festival is shifting the power dynamic of the live stage, proving that local demand can drive premium festival culture.”

The reality is that Nairobi’s musical palate has grown incredibly protective of its own. Mejja remains the undisputed king of storytelling and high-energy Genge, while Mutoriah is a master live producer who commands massive rooms. Paired with the deep, soulful Afro-roots harmony of Watendawili, this trio represents the absolute cutting edge of the Kenyan live music circuit.

Far from a snub to Fave, the arrangement aligns perfectly with Blankets & Wine’s new “Your Taste Lives Here” campaign. It highlights a massive evolution in the local scene: international names are major draws, but the hometown heroes hold the true crown when it comes to closing out a festival in front of a passionate Nairobi crowd.