Artiste Balances Professional Commitments with Personal Distress

NAIROBI – Celebrated Jamaican reggae artist Luciano, born Jepther McClymont, arrived in Kenya on Monday, 17th November 2025, for a series of performances, his visit marked by a somber tone due to a natural disaster in his home country. Addressing the media at the Novotel Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday, 18th November, the singer revealed that his family has been directly impacted by Hurricane Melissa, which has caused widespread devastation in Jamaica. "There are so many things that we need to be doing back in Jamaica. I'd asked my booking agent if it was possible to postpone these shows," Luciano stated, explaining the difficulty of being away. He noted the significant costs already invested in the tour made postponement unfeasible, compelling him to shorten his visit to return home sooner.

Tribute to a Kenyan Statesman

Upon his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Luciano took a moment to pay his respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15th. “May his soul rest in peace. I just want to acknowledge that he was a great man who made big contributions to this nation,” he said during a press briefing. Recognizing the nation's mourning, he offered words of solace: “I know it is a very hard time in the history of the people and country. We lost a great man, gone but not forgotten. Hold strong and keep the faith... I will perform and sing for you to give you some strength and encouragement.” This gesture underscores the artist's long-standing connection with Kenya, a country he has visited on at least three previous occasions, including in 2017, 2018, and 2022.

Musical Engagements and Collaborations

Despite the personal turmoil, Luciano's professional schedule in Kenya is packed. He is the headline act for the Good Vibes Festival at the ASK Dome, Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday, 22nd November 2025. The event, running from 7:00 PM to 5:30 AM EAT, will also feature prominent Kenyan artists like Wyre and Junior Di Boss, backed by the Graffiti Band. Following his Nairobi performance, Luciano is scheduled to appear at the Love Festival in Embu County on Friday, 28th November.

The visit also signals a deepening of his musical ties with the local scene. Luciano confirmed a collaboration with Kenyan reggae and dancehall artist Wyre on a new track titled “Positivity is a Must.” He expressed the possibility of shooting the music video for the song while in Nairobi. This follows a precedent set during his 2022 visit, where he conducted a workshop for up-and-coming Kenyan reggae musicians.

A Message of Conscious Music

Known for his Rastafarian faith and conscious lyrics, Luciano's music often carries messages of upliftment and social commentary. During his media address, he also cautioned young artists against deep involvement in politics, warning it could alienate their fanbase. "Politics always comes with a lot of tricks. That's why I don't try to mix myself with politics. When you get caught in politics, you basically split your fans," he advised. His visit is supported by a consortium of local media and entertainment partners, including Mediamax Network, K24 TV, and Milele FM, highlighting the significant anticipation for his performances among his strong Kenyan following.