Liboi Is Healing The World With Music And Arts
Liboi is often described as an African contemporary musician with soothing tunes to uplift well-being.
While these words paint a picture of her artistry, they fail to convey her true identity—she is, at her core, a healer.
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Liboi’s work spans afro-fusion, conscious music, and sound healing, blending traditional and modern sounds to create culturally inspired, therapeutic art.
Her music is direct and filled with emotional depth as she explores themes of identity, resilience, and social justice. Liboi’s artistry has taken her to diverse stages and residencies worldwide, from Norway and Spain to artist residencies in Tanzania.
Through her many collaborations and projects, she continues to use music as a medium for social change, reinforcing her belief in art’s power to drive healing and growth.
Over the years, Liboi has been committed to mental health advocacy, using her performances to create spaces of introspection and self-discovery.
Her show, Whispers of Power, embodies this philosophy, encouraging audiences to tap into their internal power while confronting self-doubt, mental health issues, and social pressures.
This multidisciplinary show blends music, storytelling, dance, and visual arts to foster introspection, healing, and a sense of community.
Following its successful premiere in 2023, Liboi took Whispers of Power on tour to Kisumu, Nairobi, and Mombasa, bringing the show's message to audiences across these counties.
She integrated contributions from storyteller Wakio Mzenge and choreographer Maulid Owino as well as local artists. Designed to inspire self-reflection and address critical issues such as mental health and community well-being, Whispers of Power provides an immersive experience that merges cultural heritage with contemporary themes.
GQ caught up with Liboi for an in-depth chat on Whispers of Power.
GQ: We're in the last quarter of 2024. Among your many accomplishments, what would you consider the highlight of your year?
Liboi: 2024 was a year of significant artistic and personal milestones. One highlight, aside from Whispers of Power, would be releasing my "Yule" music video. I loved how I could blend my sound with visually compelling storytelling. You should check the video out.
Another key moment was touring internationally in Europe and Tanzania. These experiences allowed me to broaden my horizons and collaborate with artists from different cultures, helping me grow and refine my craft.
GQ: Why did you choose the name "Whispers of Power" for your show?
Liboi: "Whispers of Power" represents the subtle yet profound inner strength that’s often overlooked in our pursuit of external power.
"Whispers" suggests something quiet, reflecting how true power emerges from within, in moments of stillness, self-reflection, and vulnerability.
It’s about reclaiming personal power by confronting internal battles, like self-sabotage and mental health struggles - before looking outward for validation.
GQ: Was there a specific incident or story that inspired Whispers of Power?
Liboi: My focus on mental health and social justice as an artist led me to realize many global crises stem from a lack of inner work. We lose touch with our humanity because we haven’t cultivated self-awareness or inner harmony.
Even if we hold countless conferences on issues like climate change, meaningful change won't happen unless we align with ourselves, others, and the environment.
Whispers of Power was born from this understanding and explores the internal and external battles people face—be it mental health struggles, insecurity, or social injustices.
GQ: What goal were you aiming to achieve with Whispers of Power?
Liboi: I wanted audiences to reflect on what safety and security mean to them personally. The goal was to use art to promote healing and empowerment, transforming viewers into participants in the performance’s journey.
Drawing from my film background, I wanted to tell stories interactively, where audiences felt integral, not just passive viewers.I also sought to challenge fellow artists to push boundaries and embrace unconventional storytelling.
GQ: Was there a moment during the shows where you felt your mission was accomplished?
Liboi: Yes, at the Sarakasi Dome in Nairobi! During a scene that shifted from music to an audience-led expression, people weren’t just watching—they were engaging, singing, and moving with us.
Seeing people immersed in the experience, some visibly emotional, made me realize the power of fusing art forms and audience participation. It wasn’t just a performance, it was a shared experience sparking the introspection I’d hoped for.
GQ: What was the most challenging part of bringing Whispers of Power to life?
Liboi: Coordinating multiple art forms and ensuring they flowed seamlessly was challenging. Fusing music, contemporary dance, visual art, and storytelling into a cohesive performance required a lot of trial and error as well as careful balancing.
Additionally, making sure the audience felt like an integral part of the performance, rather than just spectators, was another layer of complexity.
It involved rethinking how to engage people interactively while staying true to the themes of inner reflection and empowerment.
Logistically, coordinating spaces, teams, and timelines was challenging, but support from HEVA and the French government through their Creation Africa Project under the HII STAGE Program made it possible. It was all worth it in the end.
GQ: What major lesson did you learn through Whispers of Power?
Liboi: I learned the importance of adaptability and collaboration. As much as I had a vision for the performance, I realized that flexibility was key to allowing the different art forms and team members to come together harmoniously.
Each art form brought its own energy, and blending these elements organically was a valuable lesson. Additionally, I learned the power of community and how crucial it is to create a space where everyone, including the audience, feels like an active participant in the storytelling.
I also learned a great deal about the process of applying for funding, managing finances, and preparing financial reports—skills that many creatives struggle with but are crucial to know.
Understanding how to handle funds effectively is just as important as the creative work itself, as it ensures the sustainability of projects and allows artists to focus on their craft without unnecessary financial stress.
GQ: Did any of your co-performers share a testimony of the show being liberating for them?
Liboi: Yes, some performers mentioned how the fusion of art forms and the interactive nature of the performance allowed them to express emotions they had been holding onto for a long time.
Another co-performer shared how being part of the show pushed them out of their comfort zone artistically. It was also beautiful to witness how many collaborations blossomed among us throughout the process.
GQ: You once said Whispers of Power began as a way to heal yourself. Did it work?
Liboi: Yes, Whispers of Power did help me find healing. Creating the show allowed me to confront my own inner battles and express emotions I hadn’t fully processed.
Sharing this journey and seeing its impact on audiences and co-performers created a sense of collective healing. While the journey is ongoing, working on the show has certainly been a significant part of my own healing process, as it has helped me reflect, release, and grow.
GQ: Are you exploring staging the show outside Kenya?
Liboi: Yes, the themes of inner reflection, mental health, and empowerment are universal, and I believe they can resonate globally. However, touring internationally presents challenges, such as securing funding, navigating visa regulations, and adapting the performance to different cultural contexts.
I’m seeking partnerships and opportunities to bring Whispers of Power to a wider audience, and I’m excited about the potential to collaborate with artists and communities in other countries to expand the project’s impact.
With the right support, I’m hopeful that we can overcome these challenges and share the performance beyond Kenya’s borders.
GQ: What's next for you and Whispers of Power?
Liboi: Next for me and Whispers of Power is expanding the project’s reach creatively and geographically.
I plan on using Whispers of Power as a platform for community healing and empowerment, incorporating workshops and conversations around mental health and self-awareness wherever the performance goes.
Long-term, I see it evolving into a movement that inspires change in how we view internal security and well-being, while amplifying African sounds and pushing boundaries in art.
Written by Paatakyi Richardson