June Gachui: Redefining Live Music Through Authenticity and Intimacy
As Nairobi’s creative scene expands, few personalities have shaped its evolution as boldly as June Gachui, advocate, actress, radio host, music curator, and all-around creative force.
With nearly two decades in legal practice and a lifelong love for the arts, June has built a rare bridge between professional excellence and creative innovation.
She describes herself as “an aspiring, happy person, multifaceted, a polymath.”
“Ever since I was young, I’ve always been a performing artist,” she says. “I used to sing in church, act in school… and I never stopped.”
Her parents nurtured that artistic curiosity early on. “My mom put me in music school. They encouraged me to pursue it, as long as I didn’t forget academics.”
Living abroad exposed her to cultures where creativity was fully embraced. “We used to do concerts from the time I was eight. I saw how creativity was encouraged.”
Today, she combines all these identities, but one of her most powerful contributions is Bare Sessions, the intimate live music experience now closing its second season.
Reimagining Live Music in Its Rawest Form
Bare Sessions was born from a simple but bold question: What happens when you strip music back to its essence?
“We can enjoy music differently,” June explains. “What if we stripped bare all those things that confuse the eye? We are left with the artists and the songs.”
The concept delivers raw storytelling, emotion, and vulnerability. Every performance is fully live. Artists share the inspiration behind their music.
They experiment with new arrangements not because the original versions were lacking, but because Bare Sessions encourages freshness and reinvention.
The result? A platform where musicians and audiences reconnect with honest, unfiltered artistry.
Reviving Legends While Inspiring New Audiences
June is passionate about celebrating artists with long careers.
“You can get bored even with the work you do,” she says. “Fans tell you to sing the same four songs. But what about the one I did yesterday?”
Bare Sessions gives icons like Eric Wainaina, Jua Cali, and Dela space to rediscover their craft. It also attracts younger listeners who may not have grown up with these legends but find them relevant through the Sessions.
“Younger audience members come because the trumpeter is their friend,” she says, laughing. “The music is still relevant.”
A Distinct Format in Nairobi’s Creative Landscape
Bare Sessions is unlike any other event in the city. Held at the Nairobi National Museum amphitheatre, it accommodates only 140 people, creating rare intimacy.
“It feels like the artists are in their living room, talking to their friends,” June says.
A ticket includes cocktails, food, and a carefully curated ambience. All instruments are played live, no backing tracks. Audience members ask artists questions directly. The sessions are recorded and shared online, but June keeps some moments exclusive for in-person attendees.
“Nobody else in Nairobi is doing this kind of event,” she says confidently.
Craftsmanship at the Core
For June, craftsmanship is everything.
“Craftsmanship is skill, time, experience, excellence, and a little creativity,” she says.
Her 15 years of experience in production have sharpened her instincts. She knows what audiences crave and how to deliver consistently.
“We have made mistakes and we have gotten it very well,” she admits. “People say, ‘If you’re the one doing the event, I’m coming.’”
That trust reflects her commitment to elevating Kenya’s live music culture.
The Season 2 Finale
With the finale happening this Saturday, June’s anticipation is contagious.
“I expect fire. Fire in every sense of the word,” she says.
Artists initially felt uneasy performing with unfamiliar bands. “You’ve taken away my comfort,” they complained. But the outcome exceeded expectations. “They all did an amazing job. Now they want to celebrate their successes.”
Rehearsals feel like full-on concerts, filled with laughter, dancing, and shared creative energy.
June promises a finale rich with storytelling, memorable performances, and striking visuals styled by Brian Babu.
“I’m not going to say what color we’ll be in on Saturday,” she teases. “Come and watch the show.”
A Partnership That Elevates the Experience
Tanqueray became part of the Bare Sessions journey in February 2024, and the partnership has transformed the show’s feel.
The collaboration began during Sanaipei Tande’s show and immediately elevated hospitality. Guests enjoy world-class cocktails crafted by expert mixologists, not generic drinks, but creations inspired by performing artists.
Dela’s cocktail was named Mafeelings, Eric Wainaina’s was called Sawasawa. Each reflected the mood of the music.
Beyond the drinks, Tanqueray ensures accessibility and comfort. Bottles are available at fair prices, reducing movement and keeping guests immersed in the show.
With Tanqueray, Bare Sessions doesn’t just deliver music; it delivers a refined lifestyle experience.
What June Hopes Audiences Take Away
June wants audiences to appreciate the depth and brilliance of Kenyan musicians.
“I hope they appreciate these artists in a different way,” she says.
She also highlights the world-class arrangers behind the scenes, such as Kato Change and Lisa Oduor-Noah, whose artistry elevates every performance.
“Kenya is where it’s at,” she says proudly. “We have already arrived. It may not be a stage with 20,000 people, but we have arrived.”
A Legacy in the Making
As Bare Sessions closes Season 2, one truth is clear:
June Gachui is not just producing shows; she is building a legacy.
A legacy of authenticity.
A legacy of artistry.
A legacy of truth.
She is reshaping how live music is experienced, heard, and felt in Kenya.
