Don Carlos Nairobi Concert: Two Reggae Nights in Kenya on 9–10 October
KENYA · MUSIC
Key Facts
- —What Don Carlos & Family, a two-night roots reggae concert with the Kenya Rising Stars competition
- —When Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2026, from 4 p.m. EAT on 9 October to 4 a.m. on 11 October
- —Where Carnivore Grounds, Lang’ata Link Road, Lang’ata, Nairobi, Kenya
- —Tickets SimpleTix only; Phase 1 early bird US$11.64 general (about KSh 1,500), US$22.16 VIP (about KSh 2,870), US$32.68 VVIP (about KSh 4,230)
- —Good to know Also on the bill: his son Geo, Wazi, Jimi D and Kenyan reggae artist Lavosti; the full lineup is still to come
Don Carlos Nairobi dates are set: the Black Uhuru co-founder plays two nights of roots reggae in Kenya in October.
Jamaican reggae singer Don Carlos plays the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2026. The show, billed as Don Carlos & Family, also hosts a Kenya Rising Stars competition for local artists. Phase 1 early-bird tickets on SimpleTix start at US$11.64, about KSh 1,500.
A founding voice of Black Uhuru comes to Nairobi
Don Carlos was born Euvin Spencer in Waterhouse, a working-class district of West Kingston in Jamaica.
In 1973 he became one of the original members of Black Uhuru, with Garth Dennis and Derrick “Ducky” Simpson. His official website says the trio recorded the album Love Crisis in 1977.
He then built a long solo career in roots reggae. This is the slow, bass-heavy style of reggae that carries spiritual and social messages, often shaped by Rastafari faith.
He returned to Black Uhuru from 1990 to 1994 and recorded four albums with the group. Reggae fans know his songs “Harvest Time”, “Suffering” and “Day to Day Living”.
Who else is on the bill
The organiser presents the show as a family affair. Don Carlos performs with his son Geo, a younger roots reggae singer.
Wazi and Jimi D complete the international part of the lineup. Lavosti, a Kenyan reggae artist, leads the local side of the programme.
The ticket page promises “many more Kenyan talents” and says the full lineup is coming soon. The organiser has not published set times or a running order.
The Kenya Rising Stars competition gives emerging Kenyan musicians a stage next to the headliners. The organiser has not published the full competition rules on the ticket page.
Tickets, prices and what they cover
Tickets are sold on SimpleTix, an online ticket platform. The event poster says this is the only place to buy them.
Phase 1 early-bird prices are US$11.64 for general admission, about KSh 1,500. VIP costs US$22.16, about KSh 2,870, and VVIP costs US$32.68, about KSh 4,230.
The page lists a price range up to US$85.27, about KSh 11,040. It does not name the tier at that price.
The organiser has not said whether one ticket covers both nights. Buyers who want both evenings should check the ticket description before paying.
Prices are shown in US dollars, so card payments from Kenyan accounts go through a currency conversion. Conversions here use a rate of about KSh 129 to the dollar.
The Carnivore Grounds: a Nairobi concert landmark
The Carnivore is a restaurant in Lang’ata, a suburb in the south-west of Nairobi. It opened in 1980 and is known for roasted meat served at the table.
Kenya banned the sale of wild game meat in 2004. Since then the restaurant has served farm-raised meats.
The open-air grounds beside the restaurant host many of Nairobi’s larger concerts. The site also has the Simba Saloon, a nightclub, and several bars.
The ticket page promises food and drinks on site. Nairobi evenings in October can feel cool, so a light jacket is useful for a late night outdoors.
Getting there and getting home
Lang’ata lies close to Wilson Airport, Nairobi’s domestic airport, and to the main gate of Nairobi National Park.
Most visitors arrive by car or by ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt. Friday evening traffic out of the city centre is often slow.
On Saturday 10 October, Koffi Olomide headlines the Fred Machoka at 50 concert at Ulinzi Sports Complex, also in Lang’ata. Expect more traffic on nearby roads that evening.
After midnight, book a ride from inside the venue and agree a clear pick-up point. Walking along Lang’ata Road at night is not advisable.
Carry a charged phone and only a little cash. M-Pesa, Kenya‘s mobile-money service, is widely used for payments.
Why reggae travels so well in Kenya
Reggae has a large, loyal audience in Kenya. Clubs, radio shows and sound systems across the country play roots music every week.
Its themes of faith, justice and daily struggle speak to many listeners far from Jamaica. That shared message is one reason Jamaican veterans keep touring East Africa.
Pairing a veteran with local newcomers also follows a wider pattern. International names draw the crowd, and local artists gain an audience they could not reach alone.
For a newcomer, the show is a way into Nairobi’s music culture. Many fans will know every word, and the mood at reggae nights is usually relaxed.
What is still open
The organiser has not announced the full lineup, the daily running order or the time Don Carlos takes the stage.
The competition format and how winners are chosen are not on the ticket page. Updates are likely on the organiser’s social media and the SimpleTix page.
The two nights fit into a busy October for live music in Nairobi. Checking the ticket page close to the date is the simplest way to plan.
More: Expats & Nomads guides, every day from The Rio Times.
FAQ
When and where does Don Carlos play in Nairobi?
He plays on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2026 at the Carnivore Grounds in Lang’ata, Nairobi. The ticket page lists the event from 4 p.m. Nairobi time on 9 October.
How much are tickets for Don Carlos & Family?
Phase 1 early-bird tickets on SimpleTix cost US$11.64 for general admission, US$22.16 for VIP and US$32.68 for VVIP. That is about KSh 1,500, KSh 2,870 and KSh 4,230.
Who else performs with Don Carlos?
His son Geo, Wazi and Jimi D are on the international bill. Kenyan reggae artist Lavosti and other local acts also perform, and the full lineup is still to come.
How do I get to the Carnivore Grounds?
The venue is in Lang’ata, near Wilson Airport, and most people use a car or apps such as Uber and Bolt. Book your ride home from inside the venue late at night.
Sources: SimpleTix – Don Carlos and Family Kenya Rising Stars (tickets) · Don Carlos official website – tour dates and biography · TNX Africa – Don Carlos returns to Kenya for two-night reggae showcase · K24 Digital – 5 major concerts coming to Kenya (11 September 2026) · Wikipedia – Carnivore (restaurant)
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