Blankets and Wine has announced its line-up for the December 2st edition at Laureate Gardens in Kasarani, featuring Tanzania’s Marioo, South Africa’s Scorpion Kings and UK house star Donae’o among the headliners.

The announcement comes as the festival faces scrutiny over its September edition, which drew widespread complaints about poor sound quality, delayed performances and inadequate services. Attendees complained of distorted audio, long waits for basic services like water and drinks, and chaotic organization that left many questioning whether the event was prepared to handle its crowd size.

The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has since summoned festival creative director Muthoni Ndonga, known as Muthoni Drama Queen, to address the complaints.

In response to the criticism, the organizing team says it is focused on improvement. “For 17 years, we’ve worked steadily to delight our audiences through great artistic line-ups and solid event production,” Muthoni says, adding that the team is now “turning our focus on building operational efficiency to deliver the ambition of the festival.”

Head of Festivals Justine Mbugua acknowledged the concerns, stating “the commitment to a bigger and better future can only be achieved one edition at a time.”

The December edition, themed “Come We Dance,” will feature two stages. The main live stage includes Marioo, whose collaboration with Bien produced the hit song Nairobi, Kenya’s Matata and Iyanii and South Africa’s MiCasa.

The electronic music stage, Onja Onja, will be headlined by Scorpion Kings, the Amapiano duo of Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, alongside Donae’o and local acts including Foozak, Ms. Mika and Hiribae.

The festival will also feature the Onja Onja market showcasing Kenyan fashion, crafts and food vendors.