Canadian Trio Afrique Like Me to Make International Debut at Nairobi’s Kilele Summit 2025
The Toronto-based electronic music collective Afrique Like Me—comprising Razaq El Toro, Martin Ses, and Sonic Griot—is set to headline the Kilele Summit in Nairobi on February 22, 2025. This performance marks a significant milestone for the trio, as it will be their first-ever international headline show, a testament to their growing influence in the global electronic and underground music scene.
A Defining Moment for Afrique Like Me
Since its inception in 2019, Afrique Like Me has been a driving force in Toronto’s underground music landscape, curating experiences that fuse electronic music with African and diasporic influences. Their ability to blend electronic dance music, underground beats, and alternative sounds with rich African rhythms and cultural storytelling has set them apart in an industry that is constantly evolving.
At the core of their musical identity is Eko Electronic, a pioneering genre that merges funk, underground elements, West African sounds, and Afrobeats. This distinct fusion has allowed them to craft immersive, high-energy performances that celebrate African musical heritage while pushing electronic music into new and innovative territories. Over the years, they have become pioneers of the African electronic music movement in Canada, organizing some of Toronto’s largest African Electronic Music events and cultivating a dedicated community of music lovers.
For Razaq El Toro, the group’s founder, performing in Nairobi represents a profound moment in their journey. “This is a full-circle moment for us,” he shared. “To share our music on the continent that inspires everything we do is huge. Nairobi is having a major impact on Afrohouse and Afrotech globally, and we’re beyond excited to bring our sound, energy, and passion to this incredible scene.”
Kilele Summit: A Global Platform for African Innovation in Music and Culture
Now in its second year, Kilele Summit is one of the most important gatherings for African music, culture, and technology. Organized by Santuri East Africa, the summit has established itself as a platform for forward-thinking artists, producers, and creatives who are shaping the future of African music. By bridging the gap between traditional African sounds and cutting-edge digital production, Kilele Summit serves as a crucial space for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and artistic experimentation.
Santuri East Africa’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity within the African music industry makes it the perfect stage for Afrique Like Me’s genre-blending sound. The summit not only showcases established and emerging talent but also provides a space where musicians, DJs, and producers can connect, collaborate, and expand their artistic visions.
Afrique Like Me: Pioneering a New Wave of African Electronic Music
The journey of Afrique Like Me from Toronto’s underground scene to the global stage highlights the growing influence of African electronic music in shaping global club culture. The collective has built a reputation for crafting highly immersive musical experiences, weaving together storytelling, deep basslines, hypnotic melodies, and percussive African rhythms to create sets that are both sonically rich and deeply moving.
As pioneers of Eko Electronic, Afrique Like Me has redefined how African electronic music is perceived and consumed, bridging ancestral traditions with futuristic soundscapes. Their performances are known for their dynamic energy, seamless transitions between genres, and ability to take audiences on a journey through sound.
For Sonic Griot, this performance at Kilele Summit carries an extra layer of significance. Having started as a student within Santuri East Africa’s ecosystem, he has now come full circle—transitioning from a learner and planning team member to a headline performer. This personal evolution underscores the ethos of community, mentorship, and growth that Santuri embodies.
David Tinning, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Santuri East Africa, shared his excitement about the upcoming performance:
“Afrique Like Me’s presence at Kilele Summit marks an exciting moment for African music. They represent the spirit of collaboration and innovation that Santuri is all about. Sonic Griot’s evolution from student to Kilele planning team member and now performer is a testament to the deep relationships and community bonds that drive this movement.”
A Defining Moment for African Electronic Music
The inclusion of Afrique Like Me in Kilele Summit 2025 reflects a broader cultural shift in the way African electronic music is recognized, celebrated, and embraced on a global scale. The performance is not just a debut—it’s a statement about the evolving nature of electronic music and its deep-rooted connection to Africa’s musical legacy.
With artists like Pharrell Williams, Black Coffee, and other international icons championing African-inspired electronic sounds, there has been a renewed interest in how Afrohouse, Afrotech, and underground African electronic music fit into the broader industry landscape. By headlining Kilele Summit, Afrique Like Me is further cementing its role in shaping this movement and expanding the conversation around African electronic music.
What This Means for the Future
As Afrique Like Me prepares to take the stage in Nairobi, their performance serves as a bridge between continents, genres, and musical cultures. Their journey from Toronto’s underground electronic scene to Africa’s cultural epicenter is a testament to the power of music in connecting people, breaking barriers, and creating shared experiences.
Their performance at Kilele Summit 2025 will not only introduce them to a new audience in Africa but also strengthen the ties between African and diasporic electronic music communities. For the collective, this is only the beginning. Their bold, boundary-pushing sound, combined with their passion for storytelling and cultural celebration, ensures that their influence will only continue to grow.
As the electronic music world watches, Afrique Like Me’s journey to Nairobi represents more than just a concert—it’s a cultural moment, a celebration of African creativity, and a glimpse into the future of global music.