It was my first time attending a listening party, and I honestly did not know what to expect. However, from the moment I walked into the venue, there was a sense that this was more than just an album preview. There was a warmth in the room, conversations flowing between guests and an excitement building as we waited to hear Priest the Poet’s latest body of work, MAJIRA, a Swahili word meaning “seasons”.

‎‎The listening party was hosted by MC Meso, who did a great job of keeping the room alive and engaging the audience. Together with DJ Milo on the decks, they created an atmosphere that felt relaxed but energetic. As people settled in, there was already plenty happening around us. Guests were checking in, networking and taking part in a guided artwork painting session at the entrance with artist McCoy Nickson. The early arrival also gave us enough time to meet and interact before the music took centre stage.

Audience members networking during Priest the Poet music album listening party

‎‎Adding to the atmosphere was the dress code, with most guests embracing the requested touch of African Ankara and Kitenge. Red, black, yellow, orange and green stood out across the room, making the gathering feel colourful and distinctly African. It was one of those small details that made the evening feel thoughtfully put together.

‎‎Before Priest the Poet appeared, the audience was treated to a performance by JT Bulinda, who took the stage with Bloom. By then, the crowd was already fully engaged, with some people singing along and others simply taking in the performance. It was a fitting build-up to the main moment of the evening.

‎‎Priest the Poet eventually took the stage to introduce MAJIRA, his first music album after years of exploring other forms of art. The 10-track project felt intimate, personal and deeply intentional. Rather than simply pressing play and letting the album speak for itself, Priest created an experience around the music. We were handed blindfolds, which we wore as each track played. With our eyes covered, we had nothing but our ears to guide us, allowing the music to take centre stage without visual distractions.

Priest the Poet during his music album listening party.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/ MTAA WANGU

‎‎For me, that was one of the most memorable parts of the evening. I found myself paying closer attention to the lyrics, sounds and emotions carried in each track. The experience felt almost like being invited into Priest’s creative process before the rest of the world gets to hear it.

‎‎The album listening was also highly interactive, and the conversations and reactions from the audience made it feel less like a formal event and more like a shared creative experience. Cocktails, mocktails and snacks added to the relaxed atmosphere, while a tip jar provided an opportunity for those who felt moved by the music to voluntarily support the project.

‎‎What surprised me most was how long we stayed. The programme ended up stretching about two extra hours, but nobody seemed in a hurry to leave. The music had sparked conversations, connections and curiosity.

‎‎As I left, I kept thinking about the meaning behind MAJIRA. Seasons change, and so do artists. For Priest the Poet, this album felt like a new season in his creative journey. And for me, attending my first listening party became an opportunity to witness that transition up close.

‎‎MAJIRA is expected to be released by the end of September, opening the next chapter of Priest the Poet’s musical journey to the wider world.

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