ABOUTThe Nairobi Horns Project (NHP) brings together musicians bonded by the love for new music and committed to building a sound around horns in African and contemporary music. Our sound is influenced by our love for Jazz, African rhythms, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Electronic music. What was conceived as a three-member commercial for-hire horn section whose members have worked on music TV shows, concerts, recordings and tours has since grown into a complete live act.

As a concert and festival act, NHP draws inspiration from jazz roots, blending Kenyan folk and pop influences. Since opening for trumpeter Hugh Masekela at the Safaricom International Jazz Festival in 2016, NHP has grown into one of Kenya’s leading instrumental music brands. Beyond jazz, the band has garnered crossover followership, going on to perform on other stages. We are the only instrumental music band to play the Koroga Festival 2017 alongside Eric Wainaina and D’Banj.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR5TkWOlwHQ&t=23shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR5TkWOlwHQ&t=23shttp://safaricomjazzfestival.co.ke/https://www.facebook.com/KorogaFestival/https://www.facebook.com/ericwainainamusic/

RECORDINGSIn December 2016 Nairobi Horns Project released their first self produced body of works, an EP titled Kipepeo (Swahili for butterfly) entirely comprised of original works. Kipepeo is available on our SoundCloud, and as well on iTunes, Spotify and other online platforms.

NHP is set to release their biggest piece of work yet; a double album in November 2018 which will showcase jazz alongside pop, as has grown to be signature of our brand and musical identity. A teaser to this album can be found here. In addition, NHP is still working on a music remake project called Modern Kenyan Classics; our own interpretation of contemporary Kenyan music.

https://soundcloud.com/nairobi-horns-project

THE HORNS

Mackinlay Mutsembi Rabai Mokua Victor Kinama

-Trumpet/Band Leader- -Saxophones- -Trombone-

A versatile brass multi- instrumentalist with a sound in influenced by Jazz, Afro- Cuban, Hip Hop, Brass Band and African music. Mackinlay is a composer, arranger and orchestrator who has lent his trumpet voice to musical projects and tours including Out of Africa Tour, Coke Studio Africa, Safaricom Jazz among others.

His saxophone sound mirrors his personality. Rabai speaks through his music; his unique voice has found a place in many hearts. With in influences from Jazz, Soul and African music. Rabai is one of Nairobi’s most forward saxophonists whose skill has been called upon in many projects including Sax in the City, Motown and Coke Studio Africa.

Victor’s lyricism and mellow playing has established him as a master of melody and emotion. An able trombonist and alumnus of the brass band circuit, he hails from a background of many brass musicians, shaping his sound and technique as a brass band leader and soloist. Victor brings great skill and dexterity on the trombone.

-Drums-- Keyboards- -Guitars-

THE BAND

Amani Baya George Nyoro Jack Muguna

One of Nairobi’s heaviest hitters and a complete artist on drums, Amani is the Total Drummer. With an impressive resume of noteworthy performances and a busy tour schedule, Amani’s skill cannot be overstated.

A exciting pianist and able keyboardist, George covers the entire range of possibilities and colours on keys, and is an exciting addition to the sound of Nairobi Horns

An attention grabbing and nimble performer, Jack has developed a newschool sound that echoes the style and language of the old guitarists. His versatility and lyricism is riveting.

-Bassist-

THE BAND

Moise Basinza

-Percussion-

Kasiva Mutua

Solid groover, a master of African rhythms and agile bassist, Moise’s musical leanings are firmly rooted in the African rythm, his mastery of other genres notwithstanding

A TED fellow 2017 and selected as OkayAfrica’s Top 100 Women , Kasiva is one of Kenya’s most sought after music talents, an engaging performer and an in-demand percussionist, Kasiva’s busy touring schedule is testament to her unique skill and sound, that has graced countless performances in Kenya and around the globe.

CORPORATE WORKWhen not playing festivals or our own-produced concerts, we are an in-demand act for parties, gala nights and all sorts of events and weddings. In 2017 and 2018 NHP has played for among others:

Official Opening – New Bank of Africa HQs | American Chamber of Commerce Thanksgiving Dinner | The Coca-cola Execs End of Year Party

The Stanbic Night of The Stars Awards Ceremony Official opening of the New Village Market Mall

The British Council Next Generation Kenya Report LaunchThe Safaricom International Rugby 7s half time The Safaricom Lewa Marathon 2017 and 2018

FESTIVALS & CONCERTS

MEDIADaily Nation“Down the line, they have shown great promise and are one of the country’s finest jazz bands”

Business Daily“It has been an extraordinary period for the band that was formed just six months ago.”

The Star“Inarguably, the diversity of their catalog is undeniable. Since they came together, they have been on a progressive creative verge, and their compositional range has been tremendous. Their compatibility, too, has been imperative to their ecstatic, horn-blow-ing sound”

https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/buzz/Nairobi-Horns-Project/441236-4054234-1qwpz/index.html

https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/magazines/How-Nairobi-Horns--hit-the-right-keys-in-just-six-months/1248928-3507628-10rup7mz/index.html

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2017/10/28/trendsetter-the-horn-blowing-trio_c1658862

https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/buzz/Nairobi-Horns-Project/441236-4054234-1qwpz/index.htmlhttps://www.businessdailyafrica.com/magazines/How-Nairobi-Horns--hit-the-right-keys-in-just-six-months/1248928-3507628-10rup7mz/index.htmlhttps://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2017/10/28/trendsetter-the-horn-blowing-trio_c1658862

COLLABORATIONS

Nairobi Horns has always reached out and worked with acts beyond Kenya as part of our sharing the music and gift with others, as well as learning new sounds and absorbing new influences. In 2017, we staged a collaborative performance and recording project with UK Jazz Clarinetist Arun Ghosh and Tanzanian Singer/Percussionist Hussein Masimbi under the British Council East African Arts programme for the Safaricom International Jazz Festival.

In 2018, Nairobi Horns was the first Kenyan act to be part of the Africa Unite initiative; collaborating with Africa Plus, a jazz band from South Africa for performances at the MayDay Concert and the International Jazz Day in Nairobi.

CONTACTS

MACKINLAY MUTSEMBI

+254 720 101 388

bookings@nairobihorns.com

www.nairobihorns.com

http://www.nairobihorns.comhttps://web.facebook.com/nairobihorns/https://www.instagram.com/nairobihorns/https://twitter.com/NairobiHornshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTZygus3q0wZZbkhvLqpHLA