AfroExchange Makes Nairobi Debut, Celebrating Music, Culture and African Creativity
Nairobi, September 02, 2026 – Johnnie Walker brought its AfroExchange experience to Nairobi for the first time on August 29, transforming Capital Noir into a vibrant celebration of African music, culture, fashion and nightlife.
The event brought together music lovers, creatives and culture enthusiasts for an immersive evening that combined live entertainment, DJ performances, curated Johnnie Walker cocktails and an atmosphere centred on creativity, self-expression and cultural connection.
Headline artist Okello Max delivered an electrifying performance, keeping guests engaged with some of his popular tracks, including Taya and Nakufa, and brought his distinctive sound and cultural influences to the Nairobi stage. The energy continued throughout the evening with sets from DJ Festa, Sir M and DJ Mish, while MC Hypegad kept the crowd entertained.
The experience extended beyond music, with guests exploring mural boards inspired by Nairobi’s nightlife and participating in painting activities inspired by the iconic Striding Man. The brand also partnered with 4mtaa Fashion, giving attendees an opportunity to explore and try on a range of artistic fashion pieces.
The celebration continued with mixology masterclasses, where guests learned to prepare their preferred Johnnie Walker cocktails. The session was curated by Kingkline Ojal, a seasoned mixologist and cultural curator.
AfroExchange is built around the belief that music, art and fashion are among Africa’s most powerful cultural connectors. Rooted in Johnnie Walker’s ‘Keep Walking’ philosophy, the platform celebrates creatives who continue to push boundaries, take bold steps and shape the future of African culture, while encouraging them to recognise and celebrate the progress they make along the way.
Speaking to the media during the event, Duncan Mokaya, Shopper Manager at Johnnie Walker, said:
“Johnnie Walker has always stood for progress and the people who keep moving culture forward. These experiences reflect our commitment to championing African creativity by creating spaces where music, culture and self-expression intersect. Through the experience, we celebrate the creators, innovators, and cultural tastemakers who are shaping modern Africa while inspiring consumers to take bold steps in pursuit of their passions. Every major milestone begins with a step, and these spaces allow creatives to encourage each other to keep taking those steps.”
With its signature spirit where “beats drop, cities hop, and creativity pops,” AfroExchange Nairobi demonstrated the growing influence of African music and creative culture in bringing people together.
The Nairobi edition reflects the city’s growing influence as a hub for African music, fashion, art and contemporary culture. Having previously been hosted in Kisumu and Nanyuki, with plans underway for a major concert featuring an international artist line-up, the platform continues to champion African culture and support the continent’s creative economy by creating spaces that inspire progress, encourage self-expression and connect communities through the unifying power of music and shared cultural experiences.