Spotify’s Greasy Tunes Café Lands in Nairobi
If you’ve been looking for a new spot to discover great music, enjoy comfort food and soak up Nairobi’s creative energy, Spotify has just delivered exactly that.
The streaming platform has brought its Greasy Tunes Café Kitchen to Nairobi, transforming Heltz House into a vibrant pop-up where food, music and culture come together. Running until 26 July, the experience follows successful editions in Johannesburg and Lagos, making Nairobi the third African city to host the concept.
Where good food meets great playlists
Think of Greasy Tunes as more than a café. It’s a social space inspired by a simple idea: every meal has a soundtrack.
Created in partnership with Jikoni Studio Nairobi, the pop-up serves a menu inspired by Kenyan street food, celebrating familiar flavours with a modern twist. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick bite or spending the evening with friends, the atmosphere is designed to feel relaxed, creative and unmistakably Nairobi.
The opening weekend was powered by The BAG, one of Nairobi’s most popular nightlife communities, setting the tone with music, conversation and the city’s signature social vibe.
A celebration of Nairobi’s creative culture
Over 12 days, Greasy Tunes is hosting a packed programme featuring some of Nairobi’s most exciting creative communities.
From live DJ sessions and fashion experiences to comedy shows, podcasts and cultural conversations, every day offers something different. Popular communities including Blueprint, Strictly Soul, Assembly, Studio 18, Bambika TV and the Standup Collective are among those bringing the programme to life.
The event also features live recordings of fan-favourite podcasts, creating opportunities for audiences to engage with some of Kenya’s most recognisable voices.
What Nairobi is listening to at dinner time
Spotify also shared an interesting glimpse into the city’s listening habits.
According to Spotify data, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is the biggest music-listening window for Nairobi’s Gen Z audience. Even more interesting is what’s playing during those hours.
Local stars including Ywaya Tajiri, Wakadinali, Mutoriah, Toxic Lyrikali, Sauti Sol and Njerae dominate playlists, sharing space with global artists such as Drake, Dave and Tems.
The mix perfectly captures Nairobi’s music culture proudly Kenyan while remaining connected to sounds from around the world.
As Agnes Opondo, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Lead for East Africa, explains, the data reflects a generation that isn’t choosing between local and international music.
Instead, young listeners are embracing both, creating playlists where Kenyan artists comfortably sit alongside some of the biggest global names.
Why you should visit
Whether you’re a foodie, music lover or simply looking for something different to do with friends, Greasy Tunes Café Kitchen offers a refreshing break from the usual café experience.
It’s a place where playlists become conversations, street food meets creativity, and Nairobi’s vibrant culture takes centre stage.
If you’re planning your next weekend outing, this pop-up is well worth adding to your list. Just don’t forget to bring your appetite—and your favourite playlist.
