Nairobi’s entertainment scene is heating up after organisers of the highly anticipated One Night Only concert confirmed that early bird tickets for the 2026 edition are officially sold out.
The announcement added even more excitement around the premium live music event set for May 31, 2026, at the Sarit Expo Centre.
With demand continuing to rise, organisers say the remaining ticket categories are now moving fast as fans race to secure their spots before the concert reaches full capacity.
This year’s edition carries the theme “1 Queen, 3 Kings” and is expected to bring together some of the biggest names in global and African music on one stage.
The lineup features American R&B icon Karyn White, Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Tanzania’s Bongo Flava star Alikiba and Kenyan singer Bien.
The sold-out early bird phase is already being seen as a strong sign of the growing anticipation surrounding the concert.
Early bird tickets had been retailing at Sh5,000 before selling out completely.
Fans now have access only to the remaining ticket tiers, which organisers warn are also selling rapidly.
The strong response comes just months after the success of the 2025 One Night Only concert featuring jazz legend Kenny G.
That edition sold out completely and attracted more than 2,000 attendees, setting a new benchmark for premium live entertainment experiences in Nairobi.
This year, expectations appear even higher since One Night Only has positioned itself as more than just another concert.
The organisers have maintained a strict black-tie, elegant and sophisticated dress code for attendees.
The Madaraka Day long weekend timing has also helped fuel interest around the event.
Many Nairobi fans are already treating the concert as the major entertainment plan for the holiday weekend.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the concert is the expected live performance of “Finale” by Bien and Alikiba.
The collaboration became one of East Africa’s biggest recent hits, and fans are hoping to witness the pair perform it together live for the first time in Nairobi.
Karyn White’s appearance has also generated excitement among R&B fans eager to hear classics like “Superwoman” performed live.
Kirk Whalum, who famously toured with Whitney Houston and played the iconic saxophone solo on “I Will Always Love You,” is also expected to deliver one of the night’s standout performances.
Organisers have already issued a firm warning that there will be no gate tickets sold on the day of the concert and once all available tickets are sold online, no extra entries will be allowed at the venue.
Currently, the remaining ticket categories include Gallery tickets going for Sh7,500, Middle Row tickets at Sh9,500 and Front Row Table tickets at Sh12,500.
Gates will open at 3 pm, while performances are expected to run from 6 pm to 10 pm.
With early bird tickets already gone and demand continuing to grow, One Night Only is quickly shaping up to be one of Nairobi’s biggest and most exclusive entertainment events of the year.