VIP ACCESS

As we wrap up our production and events series this season on VIP ACCESS, today’s episode focuses on safety planning for more inclusive and secure event spaces.
We’re joined by Chris Kirwa, a renowned event organizer and producer with extensive industry experience; Njeri Gitungo, a multi-skilled creative working as a producer, program manager, DJ and member of Nairobi’s Nest Collective and Marianne Wamuyu, Programmes and Events Manager at Book Bunk Trust (the producers of Nairobi Litfest).
From rethinking policies and practices to building a stronger culture of accountability across public spaces, nightlife, and events, our podcast today dives into what needs to change and what’s already working.
I am also bringing back Diane Ywaya of Blankets & Wine, Frankie The Brand of Good Vibes Only and Gathoni Kimuyu, a renowned theatre producer and scriptwriter, to share their tips and final remarks on the issue of event production and promotion.
Hope to see you at one of these cool events soon! :)
NEXT UP: Making Kenyan Stories Bankable - drops next week!
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#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 16

On Part two of Curating Festivals, we are once again joined by Wanjeri Gakuru, Sheba Hirst and Ayrosh, who bring their own perspective, skills and experience on building festivals that resonate beyond lineups. We will go into building community, how to rally support, funding, and how to navigate behind the scenes crisis like cancellations or a no-show from a guest or artist.
From music, literature to film and multidisciplinary arts, this 2-part eps explores how cultural festivals amplify voices, strengthen creative industries and create spaces for exchange. Our conversation also articulated a curator’s role.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
Key Takeaways
Curation is storytelling, it’s about shaping experiences, not just booking acts.

Balance matters, blending mainstream, emerging voices, culture and history keeps festivals fresh and exciting!

Festivals build ecosystems: workshops, pop ups and talks are as vital as performances.

Scale with intention: growth shouldn’t dilute the festival’s core identity.

Impact goes beyond the event: it's great to make money but lasting value is in community and connections.

NEXT UP: Safety planning for more inclusive and safer spaces in the industry, drops next week!
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#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 15

We love Festivals! All sorts of festivals, from music, film to literature. This week on the podcast we are hosting curators behind some of your fave festivals: Wanjeri Gakuru (Nairobi Litfest, Rewind, Remix, Reclaim festival, Jalada Mobile Literary and Arts Festival ), Sheba Hirst (NBO Film Festival) and Ayrosh (Folk Fusion) - all which have announced dates to their upcoming editions.
Curating a festival is more than selecting a stage, theme or lineup, it’s about crafting an experience that lingers long after the lights go down. Behind the scenes lies meticulous work: weaving together genres, narratives, cultures and stories that intersect with current affairs, global issues and entertainment. And that's exactly what today's episode is about ....
NEXT UP: Part two of Curating Festivals drops next week!
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#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 14

Event production, artist bookings and fan experience are not just about logistics, they are shaped by deeper relationships and unseen dynamics, and that’s the focus of Part 2 of our latest VIP ACCESS episode.
This episode features Queen Gathoni (a cultural force and creative producer) under Taji & Co. Production, Frankie Theuri (an accomplished event organizer and promoter) of Vibes Only and Diane Ywaya (Communications Expert /Manager at GoodTimes Africa).
On this episode, we continue to examine how behind-the-scenes decisions like security influence the experience on ground and your audience satisfaction.
Managing expectations can actually elevate or undermine your show, we are also explaining what this means and giving examples.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
Successful events are built on strong coordination between all stakeholders.
Audience experience should be intentionally designed, not left to chance.
Clear communication is essential across production, talent and management.
Every decision counts — from booking to execution — impacts the overall event flow.
Great events go beyond performance to create memorable, lasting experiences.
NEXT UP: Part One of Curating Festivals drops next week!
FOR MORE:
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#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 13

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to make an event successful? We ae diving deeper into Events in this part of season 5 and this week, we are joined by pros in the game: Frankie The Brand, Diane Ywaya from B&W and Gathoni Kimuyu from Too Early For Birds.
We are spotlighting concerts, festivals and theatre productions (big and small). Event production, artist bookings and fan experience remain some of the most critical elements behind successful live events.
Please meet our panelists: Queen Gathoni (a cultural force and creative producer) under Taji & Co. Production, Frankie Theuri (an accomplished event organizer and promoter) of Vibes Only and Diane Ywaya (Communications Expert /Manager at GoodTimes Africa).
This episode unpacks how production teams, artists and audiences interact to create memorable moments. Get to understand the flow of an event, what to look for when booking artists and how every choice you make impacts the final outcome of your event.
NEXT UP: Part Two of Inside Event Production, Artist Bookings & Fan Experience drops next week!
FOR MORE:
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#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 12