From global stages to Lusaka’s streets, KILIMANJARO’s first shows in Zambia and Kenya marked a defining homecoming rooted in identity, exchange, and the evolving sound of Afro-electronic music.
For KILIMANJARO, the journey back to Zambia was never just another tour stop – it was a full-circle moment years in the making. The London-based, Zambian-Scottish DJ and producer has built a reputation across global circuits, from underground clubs in Glasgow to high-profile festival stages, but April 2026 marked something deeper: his first performances in Lusaka and Nairobi.
“Having played all over the world, bringing that KILIMANJARO back to Zambia feels special,” he tells Billboard Africa, describing a mix of “nervous excitement and raw emotion.” It’s a sentiment that underscores the significance of this homecoming chapter – one that sits at the core of his artistic evolution.
KILIMANJARO’s sound has always carried the imprint of his heritage. Built on Afro-centric percussion, spiritual undertones, and club-driven energy, his sets translate across borders – but on the continent, they land differently. “Being able to bring that sound back to Zambia just gives it more power,” he explains. “It adds that real energy you might not feel elsewhere.” That energy played out in contrasting ways across the tour. In Lusaka, the experience was intentionally intimate – a first step into reconnecting with the local scene. Nairobi, by contrast, offered a more established ecosystem, allowing him to lean into the high-octane performance style that has defined his global rise. “Two different energies,” he notes, “but I can’t wait for both.”
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Beyond the stage, the trip revealed a quieter, more personal side of the artist. A behind-the-scenes glimpse into his Lusaka visit shows KILIMANJARO (born Josh Kamunu Liandu) immersed in the rhythms of everyday life – sharing meals, saying grace with collaborators, and navigating the vibrant stalls of Mtendere Market. These moments of grounding fed directly into the creative process, including a studio session with Zambian producer El Mukuka, where ideas flowed around themes of “coming home.”
“It’s a two-way street,” KILIMANJARO says of his time on the continent. “I want to bring what I’ve learned globally, but also take something back that ties me to home.” That exchange – between diaspora and continent, between past and present – is central to his vision. It also shapes what comes next. His single, “I Don’t Want to Go,” featuring Nigerian artist Bloody Civilian and South African vocal group The Joy – releasing on Friday, 8 May – reflects this cross-continental dialogue. It’s a continuation of a sound that doesn’t just borrow from African influences, it lives within them.
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From early days drumming in Scotland to launching his KILIMANJARO MUSIC platform supporting underrepresented artists, his journey has been defined by steady, intentional growth. Breakthrough moments, like his 2022 Boiler Room set alongside Fred Again.. and his BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix debut, have amplified his reach, but this return to Africa signals something more foundational.
“This homecoming chapter is essential,” he says. “Zambia and Africa are a massive part of my identity.”
