Ngemi: A Celebration of Kikuyu Culture Through Music, Art, and Food

In the heart of Kenya, the Ngemi Festival thrives as a cultural phenomenon, honoring the Kikuyu people’s traditions. The term ngemi, meaning ululation, has been used for centuries in ceremonies like births, weddings, and rites of passage to express joy and unity. More than just a celebration, this festival serves as a living tribute to identity, blending music, art, and food to showcase Kikuyu heritage.

Over the past year, Ngemi has grown rapidly. Initially a niche gathering, it has now evolved into a national event that attracts Gen Z and Millennials eager to reclaim their roots.

Introduced just ten months ago, Ngemi’s growth has been astonishing. The homecoming edition drew 1,600 guests; however, attendance surged with Ngemi 2.0, reaching 2,500 participants. By Ngemi 3.0, the festival had exceeded expectations, welcoming over 6,000 attendees. Now, only a few months later, Ngemi 4.0 has shattered previous records.

On May 31 and June 1, all roads led to Naivasha, where the latest edition of Ngemi took place. The two-day festival began at The Garden, Moi South Lake Road, and continued at Captain James Camp. Throughout the event, attendees experienced an immersive journey filled with music, storytelling, and art.

Founded by Chira and Njoki, the event aims to preserve Kikuyu traditions while fostering inclusivity. Njoki emphasized, “Ngemi is deeply rooted in Gikuyu customs; nevertheless, everyone is welcome to listen, learn, and celebrate.”

Similarly, Chira added, “This is more than just an event; it’s a movement. We want people to reconnect with their roots and remember the stories, art, and identity that unify us as a community.”

Indeed, Ngemi’s beating heart is music—soulful, rhythmic, and symbolic. Traditional Kikuyu songs tell stories of ancestors, love, and resilience. Additionally, the popular mũgithi style, known for energetic one-man guitar performances, keeps festival-goers engaged in collective dance. Women in colorful shukas, along with men adorned in intricate beadwork, move to drumming and flute melodies, expressing emotions that words alone cannot capture.

Not only does Ngemi highlight music, but it also serves as a gallery of Kikuyu artistry. Festival spaces showcase beadwork, sculpted wood artifacts, and woven baskets, all carrying deep cultural meaning. For example, carved warrior figures represent courage, while vibrant kiondo baskets symbolize resourcefulness. Murals and paintings further enrich the experience by illustrating Kikuyu folklore and historical narratives, ensuring that ancestral wisdom remains alive.

Moreover, no Ngemi celebration is complete without food. Traditional Kikuyu cuisine takes center stage, featuring dishes like mukimo, a rich mix of mashed potatoes, peas, and maize that represents communal harmony. Other delicacies such as roasted bananas, arrowroots, njahi, and githeri add to the feast. At the same time, attendees sip muratina, a fermented brew made from the Kigelia African tree, fostering togetherness.

For those skeptical about njahi, Njoki playfully challenged them, saying, “Come taste the food yourself; njahi is not cement!”

More than a festival, Ngemi serves as a bridge between generations, ensuring younger Kikuyus inherit the wisdom of their ancestors. Elders share proverbs and historical tales, reinforcing the Kikuyu philosophy of unity and resilience. While the festival preserves traditions, it also embraces modern influences, integrating contemporary music and digital art.

Ngemi stands alongside other cultural festivals, such as the Rusinga Cultural Festival, which honors Suba traditions, and the Lamu Cultural Festival, a tribute to Swahili heritage. Ultimately, it is not just a Kikuyu celebration, it is a testament to identity, strength, and creativity.

The next Ngemi Festival is on the horizon, and it’s set to be even bigger and better. While official dates haven’t been announced yet, past editions have taken place around May and June, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for updates.