Perfect sound, packed grounds: Luo Festival 2025 draws 16,000 people in style

In a world where big events often feel like a technical nightmare—bad sound, murky lighting, and screens that betray you—it’s nothing short of miraculous when everything actually clicks. Yet this past weekend, Luo Festival 2025 did exactly that.

Under the burning Nairobi sky on August 9, 2025, Uhuru Gardens became more than just a venue—it was a landing pad for dreams. From the first moment attendees streamed through the gates, the vibe was unmistakable: crisp, polished, and effortlessly cultural.

Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix ‘Jalang’o’ Odiwuor—part hype man, part event proprietor—announced a turnout of 16,000 hungry souls, all there to bask in the celebration of Luo heritage. In a cheeky aside, he’d teased that only Mercedes, BMW, Ferrari, and Maserati owners—or “those with choppers”—would get parking, while mere mortals should “Uber.”

Seven artists, six MCs, and two DJs - an ecosystem of sound designed to keep the feet moving and the hearts soaring – took to the stage.

The performers included: Iyanii, Javan MacAjudo, Khaligraph Jones, Okello Max, Coster Ojwang, John Junior, Musa Jakadala, Osito Kale, Odongo Swag, Prince Indah, Tony Nyadundo, Emma Jalamo, and the ever-reliable DJ Joe Mfalme.

Through the afternoon and into the early morning hours, MCs guided the celebratory frenzy, while DJs took over to extend the rhythms of the festival well past sunset.

It wasn’t just the artists who turned heads. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was spotted front and center, reminding everyone that cultural pride and political presence sometimes go hand in hand. Even the President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Faith Odhiambo, graced the grounds with her presence, blending tradition with modern civic cred.

A significant share of credit for the smooth running of Luo Festival 2025 has gone to Homeland Itoya Events, a production firm that began in Kisumu and now operates out of Nairobi, Eldoret, Kericho, Busia and Homa Bay.

The company started as a supplier of tents and other basic event infrastructure before moving into full-scale event management. Over time, it has built a reputation for handling large concerts and festivals, gaining experience with recurring industry problems such as poor crowd control, inadequate sound systems and substandard stage design.

Director Edwine Anayo said the company’s approach is to ensure technical aspects do not distract from the entertainment. “If people are talking about the sound or lighting for the wrong reasons, then we’ve failed,” he said.

Sam Gold of Easy Music Africa (EMA), part of the organisers of Luo Festival, described Homeland Itoya’s work on the event as “professional, well-organized and visually stunning.”

In 2024, Homeland Itoya co-produced The Bürgerfest in Berlin, Germany, becoming the first non-European company to work on the annual Citizens’ Festival. The event, held at the German President’s official residence, draws thousands of guests, including diplomats, artists and civic leaders.

The Luo Festival’s flawless execution comes as Kenya’s live events sector seeks to recover from pandemic disruptions, rising costs and a spate of poorly executed shows that eroded public confidence.

The success of the festival has been cited by industry observers as evidence that large-scale events in Kenya can match international standards when properly planned and resourced. Whether it will mark a turning point for the sector depends on whether other organisers raise their production standards and sponsors regain confidence.

For now, the event has been widely regarded as one of the most smoothly run in recent years, with positive feedback focusing on performances, organisation and audience experience.