Kenyan musician and visual artist Coster Ojwang has launched MBAKA: The Boiling Pot, a new audio-visual podcast aimed at celebrating and critically examining Kenya’s vibrant music and art scene.
Hosted on his official YouTube channel, the podcast positions itself as a creative hub for musicians, producers, and fans eager to explore the evolution of authentic East African sound—particularly Luo-fusion—and the growing power of live band culture.
A Platform for Deep Cultural Dialogue
The title “Mbaka”—loosely translated from Luo as a deep or engaging conversation—reflects the show’s mission: to create meaningful discussions around artistry, production, performance, and cultural identity.
Often co-hosted by Akelo Lolo of Fisher’s Band, the podcast dives into:
The realities of live performance versus studio-only production
The technical craft behind songwriting and stage delivery
The balance between commercial pop and indigenous sounds
The role of digital platforms in shaping modern Kenyan music
Born from a Cultural Turning Point
The podcast’s launch follows the landmark Fisherman’s Dala Experience concert held in Kisumu on December 27, 2025. The event, widely seen as a turning point for Western Kenya’s creative economy, showcased the commercial strength of authentic live music.
Early podcast episodes reflect on that concert’s impact and why instrumental live performances continue to command loyal audiences.
Breaking Down the Art
Unlike standard entertainment coverage, MBAKA dissects the anatomy of artistry. It features in-depth discussions with creatives such as:
SERRO, exploring vocal chemistry and collaboration
Producer ABH, unpacking music production techniques
Lyricist Shad Mziki, discussing authentic storytelling
The show also highlights Ojwang’s dual identity as both painter and musician, revealing how his visual art influences his songwriting and stage expression.
Preserving Kenya’s Creative Legacy
Beyond debate and performance analysis, MBAKA: The Boiling Pot serves as a cultural archive—documenting the oral histories of artists shaping Kenya’s modern identity. By allowing creators to tell their own stories, the podcast strengthens ownership of Kenya’s artistic narrative.
Through raw conversations and emotional reflection, Ojwang emphasizes authenticity:
“I think I just give the songs the emotion that they need, and most of the times they take me back to where I was when I was writing those songs.”
With this bold move, Coster Ojwang not only expands his artistic repertoire but also reinforces his role as a key voice in Kenya’s evolving creative economy.
