When DJ Akio first began playing RnB and Soul mixes from balconies during lockdown, livestreaming sessions on Instagram, he likely never imagined that the simple hobby would unlock a continent-wide movement for the genre.
Today, DJ Akio Kawahito stands as the driving force behind Strictly Soul, a platform that has taken the African events scene by storm. From Rwanda to Kenya and Tanzania, Akio has built a loyal following by curating nights defined by rich melodies, emotive vocals, accidentals, riffs, and the complex musical textures that define true RnB and Soul.
Last night, Strictly Soul, together with main sponsor Johnnie Walker Blonde, wrapped up its final edition of 2025 at the Mestil Hotel Gardens.
Revellers began streaming into the venue as early as 6pm, setting the tone for an evening driven by anticipation and good energy. From guests dressed for the dance floor to those content to lounge and soak in the music, the crowd reflected the wide appeal that Strictly Soul has come to represent.
Johnnie Walker Blonde helped set the mood early, welcoming guests with cocktails on arrival. Many paused to capture moments against the brand’s signature golden backdrop before easing into the night. The cocktail menu leaned heavily into the spirit of the evening, with drinks named after popular RnB and Soul songs, and a few inspired by DJ Akio himself.
“Strictly Soul allows us to meet our consumers at the intersection of music, memory, and meaningful connection,” said Christine Kyokunda, Brand Manager, Johnnie Walker. “Johnnie Walker Blonde is a whisky designed for moments like these. Vibrant, expressive, and social. It is about sharing experiences, singing along, and creating memories together.”
The night gained momentum as DJs dipped into Soul classics from the 1990s through to the early 2000s. The response was instant. Voices rose, lyrics flowed freely, and the crowd sang without restraint. Some sang along to songs older than themselves, others locked eyes and traded verses like private conversations set to music.
“I come to Strictly Soul because of this,” one reveller said, gesturing toward the crowd singing in unison. “You get to enjoy the music that raised you without being judged.”
From Keri Hilson’s Knock You Down and Drake’s Hotline Bling to Ginuwine’s Differences, the playlist catered to multiple generations. Yet despite age differences, the enthusiasm remained uniform. Every song was received with equal passion.
As the tempo settled and the night found its rhythm, the audience became just as important as the DJs. What unfolded was less a party and more a shared performance. Strangers briefly became choir mates, couples leaned into each other as choruses landed, and phones came out not to film the DJs but to capture moments of collective release. Off-key singing, raised hands, laughter between verses. Nostalgia was not just revisited; it was lived.
In those moments, Strictly Soul revealed its true power. A space where music is not simply played but completed by the crowd. Where memory becomes communal, and soul finds a distinctly African expression.
The event stretched into the early hours of Thursday morning, closing the final Strictly Soul edition of 2025 on a high. Another night where music, memory, and connection met and lingered long after the last song faded.
Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop and Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel
