Kenyan Music and Art Get Spotlight in New Podcast

Coster Ojwang, a musician and visual artist, has launched ‘MBAKA: The Boiling Pot,’ an audio-visual podcast focusing on Luo-fusion music and Kenya’s live music scene. The platform aims to document and analyze the evolving landscape of East African artistry, exploring music production, visual storytelling, and the entertainment industry.

The Genesis of The Boiling Pot

Hosted on Ojwang’s YouTube channel, the podcast is designed as a creative hub for cultural enthusiasts. Akelo Lolo, a vocalist from Fisher’s Band, frequently hosts the show, facilitating conversations with prominent figures in the industry. The podcast’s title, “Mbaka,” signifies a deep and engaging conversation in the Luo language, reflecting the show’s core purpose.

The launch follows the Fisherman’s Dala Experience, a significant live music event in Kisumu on December 27, 2025. This event is considered a turning point for the creative economy in Western Kenya, demonstrating the commercial viability of indigenous live performances. Early episodes of the podcast often analyze the event and explore the enduring appeal of live, instrumental music.

Decoding the Artistry

‘MBAKA: The Boiling Pot’ distinguishes itself through its detailed examination of artistry. The podcast addresses the debate between studio-only artists and live performers, with discussions featuring figures like Sandra Dacha and Nick Kwach analyzing Ojwang’s vocal abilities and stage presence.

The conversations combine technical musical analysis with personal narratives, providing audiences with insights into the creative processes of established artists. The podcast has already explored themes such as the Luo-Fusion Renaissance, the dynamics of collaboration with vocalists like SERRO, the interplay between Ojwang’s visual art and his music, and production techniques with producers like ABH and lyricists like Shad Mziki.

A Cultural Archive for the Future

Beyond discussions and musical analysis, ‘MBAKA’ serves as a cultural archive, capturing the oral history of a generation of Kenyan artists. By providing a platform for artists to reflect on their careers and producers to explain their creative processes, Ojwang aims to ensure that the narrative of Kenyan music is shaped by its creators.

The podcast also sheds light on the challenges of live band management, highlighting the pressures faced by vocalists and the contributions of backup singers, instrumentalists, and sound engineers. This aims to foster a greater appreciation for the effort involved in delivering a live performance. Ojwang has described his approach to music as providing “the emotion that they need,” emphasizing the raw, unfiltered authenticity of the podcast.