Country music and cowboy culture are often associated with the US, but what was billed as Africa’s first International Cowboys and Cowgirls Day showed just how popular the genre is in Kenya.
The event, held last Saturday at Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi, attracted hundreds of fans wearing boots, cowboy hats and denim. At the heart of the festival was Kenya’s beloved country music ambassador, Sir Elvis. That performance was a major draw for both longtime fans and curious newcomers.
Alongside the performance, participants enjoyed mechanical bull rides, shopped western wear and took part in a cowboy-themed game, bringing a touch of Wild West to Nairobi.
The creator of Elijah Maliki, who runs local clothing and event companies Cowboys and Cowgirls, said the event was a sign of country music’s popularity. East African countries have a connection to this genre, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
“You can listen to country music in small bars around Nairobi, but not on this scale. It was amazing to see the number of fans of the Kenyan genre,” said Fredrik Larnely, a photographer who recorded the event.
Lerneryd described the atmosphere of the day as “absolutely electricity,” adding, “people really all in.”
“I hope that we were able to capture the love, passion and joy that our fans have in country music. It was all love,” he added.
“The event has the potential to bring art and culture to a bigger platform and bring great momentum,” organizer Leila Auer told CNN.
