Kenyan music icon and theatre virtuoso Eric Wainaina is set to captivate audiences across East Africa as his celebrated musical, Mo Faya!, begins a highly anticipated regional tour. The production, which has enjoyed critical and commercial success in Nairobi for years, will premiere in Kampala, Uganda, this March, followed by stops in Tanzania and Rwanda, marking a significant cultural export for Kenya’s creative industry.
The musical, a vibrant and soulful production set in a typical Nairobi neighbourhood, tells a powerful story of community, resilience, and social justice against the backdrop of a matatu culture. Its unique blend of infectious original music, compelling narrative, and dynamic choreography has earned it a dedicated following. Key to the touring production is the involvement of a full Kenyan cast and crew, ensuring the authentic Nairobi spirit of the show is preserved on international stages. The tour aims to showcase not just Wainaina’s artistry, but the collective talent of Kenya’s theatre scene.
The announcement has been met with excitement from fans and cultural commentators across the region. This is a monumental step for Kenyan theatre, noted a prominent arts critic. We’ve long consumed productions from the West and South Africa. Now, we are exporting our own stories, told in our own rhythm. For attendees in upcoming host cities, the musical offers a chance to experience a piece of contemporary Nairobi life, while the Kenyan participants see it as a proud ambassadorial mission for the nation’s arts.
The future outlook for Kenyan creative exports appears brightened by this initiative. The success of the Mo Faya! tour could pave the way for other Kenyan plays, films, and music productions to find receptive audiences regionally and internationally. This movement not only fosters greater cultural exchange within East Africa but also establishes a viable economic model for the arts, proving that Kenyan stories, told with authenticity and excellence, have a powerful and profitable place on the world stage.