Welcome to Min-On’s Music Journey! Today we’re traveling to the Republic of Kenya, located on the equator in East Africa, together with the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Japan.
Kenya sits at a generally high altitude and is known for its cool, pleasant climate – often compared to Karuizawa, a Japanese city famous for being a place to escape the summer heat. Its official languages are English and Swahili, and an important Swahili word cherished by the people is Harambee, meaning “pulling together”. Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, adopted it as a national slogan, and it is even inscribed on the national coat of arms – an expression of unity that continues to support the nation.
MAKE IT KENYA PHOTO / STUART PRICE
• Stroll through the modern streets of Nairobi • Experience overwhelming natural beauty in Kenya’s national parks • Listen to the traditional sounds of the nyatiti
Our journey begins with a powerful Maasai dance performed by the The Kenya National Dancers and Drummers invited by Min-On in 1991.
Nairobi: Leading global African city
Located in south-central Kenya, Nairobi is one of Africa’s most advanced cities. With widespread digital services including cashless payments and ride-hailing apps, visitors can enjoy a smooth and comfortable stay here using their smartphone.
Hub of international organizations
Nairobi hosts the headquarters of several international organizations, most notably the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). These institutions position Nairobi as a major global center.
Harmony of nature and city
One of Nairobi’s defining features is the coexistence of urban development and abundant nature. A symbolic example is Karura Forest, an urban forest of more than 1,000 hectares. Thanks to the efforts of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, the forest is preserved and actively protected by local groups.
This year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the meeting between Min-On founder Daisaku Ikeda and Dr. Maathai. Among her many achievements, the Green Belt Movement – responsible for planting more than 50 million trees across Africa – has had a particularly profound impact. It began with just seven seedlings planted in a suburban Nairobi park. Today, Nairobi’s beautiful harmony of greenery and city life reflects her enduring vision and legacy. “The future is in the present. If there is something you want to realize, you must take action now.” –Wangari Maathai
MAKE IT KENYA PHOTO / STUART PRICE
The profound natural beauty behind “The Lion King”
Kenya offers vast landscapes said to have inspired the scenery in “The Lion King.” Here we present a talking drum performance from the 1991 Min-On concert – set against Kenya’s magnificent nature.
The Great Rift Valley
This massive geological formation stretches roughly 7,000 km across Africa and spans 50–60 km in width. The portion in Kenya includes the alkaline lakes Bogoria, Nakuru and Elementaita – collectively registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their unique alkaline waters and soils nurture rare ecosystems, including enormous populations of flamingos. At times, up to 75% of the world’s lesser flamingos gather at Lakes Bogoria and Nakuru, making the area an invaluable habitat.
National parks in Kenya
Kenya is home to many national parks, most of which are accessible from Nairobi.
| Tsavo National Park | ・One of the largest protected areas in the country
・Home to a wide variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, hippos, and caracals |
| Amboseli National Park | ・Observe herds of elephants
・Offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro |
| Maasai Mara National Reserve | ・Witness the Great Migration of wildebeest from summer to autumn |
| Mount Kenya National Park / Forest | ・World Heritage site centered around Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak
・Well-equipped base for climbing and trekking |
Mombasa: Kenya’s second city and historic port
Facing the Indian Ocean, the Port of Mombasa is East Africa’s maritime gateway. Long a key center for trade and regional development, it is home to numerous historical sites.
MAKE IT KENYA PHOTO / STUART PRICE
Fort Jesus – built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century – is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its role in Swahili coastal culture. Nearby, Old Town blends Indian, Arab and European influences, forming a unique heritage district
Here, please enjoy “Malaika,” meaning “angel” in Swahili, performed by the Mungano National Choir in the 1991 Min-On concert.
Kenyan musical culture
With rapid urbanization, Kenya’s music scene has become increasingly modern and international. At the same time, its multiethnic identity sustains a rich variety of traditional musical cultures.
Traditional Kenyan instruments
Kenya has a range of distinctive percussion and string instruments, some of which are preserved in the Min-On Music Museum:
| Adeudeu | A harp-like instrument of the Teso people |
| Nyatiti | An eight-stringed plucked bowl yoke lute of the Luo people |
| Kihembe Ngoma | An animal-skin drum |
Please listen to a solo performance on the nyatiti, an eight-string traditional Luo instrument, from a Min-On concert.
Kenyan music genres
The nyatiti is also used in contemporary music, including the popular genre Benga, which emerged in Nairobi from the 1940s to 1960s. Benga blends traditional folk melodies with African rumba and has shaped Kenya’s popular music scene. One of its legendary musicians known to the public since 1967 is Joseph Kamaru.
Today, Nairobi continues to foster new sounds, including the youth-driven hip-hop styles “Genge” and “Gengetone.”
In closing, please enjoy some performances from musicians recommended by the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Japan.
- Fernando Anuang’a – Maasai Jumping dance – MAASAI Dance – Vertical jumps
- Sauti Sol – Kuliko Jana ft (Red Fourth Chorus)
- Kenyan Boys Choir – Asio
We hope you enjoyed this music journey to Kenya! There are still many more places to go! Please look forward to our next destination.
(Produced in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Japan, who also provided photos.)
Min-On Concert Association
–Music Binds Our Hearts–
