Whitney Houston’s legendary saxophonist Kirk Whalum set for Nairobi’s One Night Only concert

Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum is officially headed to Nairobi for the highly anticipated One Night Only concert set for the Madaraka Day weekend.

The globally celebrated musician, famous for playing the unforgettable saxophone solo on Whitney Houston’s iconic hit “I Will Always Love You,” will headline the premium live music event at the Sarit Expo Centre on Sunday, May 31.

Organisers say the concert will deliver a high-end black-tie experience inspired by Las Vegas style productions, bringing together lovers of jazz, soul and Afropop for one unforgettable night.

The event comes after the huge success of the 2025 edition that featured Kenny G and completely sold out, attracting more than 2,000 attendees and earning strong audience reviews.

This year’s edition is themed “1 Queen, 3 Kings” and will feature a star studded lineup led by Kirk Whalum alongside American R&B icon Karyn White, Tanzanian music star Ali Kiba and Kenya’s Bien.

For many music lovers, Kirk Whalum’s performance is expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the night.

Whalum is widely respected across the global music industry for his smooth jazz sound and emotional performances.

Beyond Whitney Houston, his career has seen him work with legendary names including Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, Barbra Streisand and Al Jarreau.

Organisers describe him as one of the most accomplished saxophonists in contemporary music, with a career spanning more than 25 solo recordings and multiple Grammy nominations.

His connection to Kenya also goes beyond music performances.

According to organisers, Whalum has previously mentored young musicians through the Ghetto Classics programme in Nairobi.

The concert is being positioned as more than just a performance.

Organisers say it is a premium cultural experience designed for audiences looking for elegant entertainment, live music and world-class production.

The black-tie dress code remains strict, with guests expected to attend in sophisticated and stylish outfits.

Fans are already expressing excitement online as anticipation continues to build ahead of the event.

The inclusion of Karyn White, known for timeless hits such as “Superwoman,” alongside East African stars Ali Kiba and Bien, has further increased interest around the concert.

Ali Kiba is expected to bring his signature Bongo Flava energy to the stage with fans hoping for performances of some of his biggest songs including “Cinderella,” “Mwana” and “Aje.”

Bien will represent Kenya’s modern Afropop sound as organisers promise a blend of international and regional music excellence on one stage.

The event will take place at the Sarit Expo Centre in Westlands, Nairobi.

Gates are scheduled to open at 3 pm, while the main performances will run from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Organisers have also maintained a strict no gate tickets policy, meaning fans must purchase tickets online before the event day.

Ticket prices currently stand at Sh7,500 for Gallery, Sh9,500 for Middle Row and Sh12,500 for Front Row seats.

Following the rush witnessed during last year’s sold out Kenny G edition, organisers are urging fans to secure tickets early before all categories are fully booked.