Samgold Ogolla: Meet Entertainment Mogul Behind Return of Luo Festival
- Attendees of the Luo Festival 2025 enjoyed an unforgettable time at the Uhuru Gardens on Saturday, August 9
- TUKO.co.ke caught up with the man behind the Luo Festival 2025's triumphant comeback to Nairobi
- The music executive shared how he has been shaping East Africa's entertainment landscape for over 15 years
On Saturday, August 9, the Luo Festival roared back to Nairobi with record-breaking energy.
Source: Facebook
The event attracted more than 16,000 revellers at Uhuru Gardens, and it has since been topping charts on online conversations thanks to its flawless execution.
While the performances, fashion and cultural showcase dominated the spotlight, one of the driving forces behind its return has not received the attention it deserves.
Who was behind the Luo Festival's return? The answer to this question is Samdave Ogolla, better known as Samgold.
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Who is Samgold Ogolla?
Samgold is a seasoned music executive, artist manager, and event strategist with over 15 years of shaping East Africa’s live music and entertainment landscape.
As Director & Head of Marketing and A&R (Artists and Repertoire) at Easy Music Corporation (EMC), he has built a career on connecting talent, creating experiences, and elevating African music to global standards.
Source: Facebook
Where did Samgold Ogolla begin his career?
His journey began in radio at the now-defunct One FM, where a deep passion for music and artist development was evident.
A major career leap came when he joined Kaka Empire as an artist manager, working closely with long-time friend King Kaka.
Over more than three years, Samgold contributed to the careers of Timmy Tdat, Avril, Arrow Bwoy, Femi One, and other household names.
After branching out into independent artist management, Samgold launched Easy Music Corporation, signing and working with stars from Kenya and Tanzania, including Wyre, Nadia, Darasa, Barnaba, and Prince Indah, while also expanding into Uganda.
Did Samgold Ogolla revive Luo Festival?
The Luo Festival, considered Kenya’s biggest cultural music event, had not been staged for four years.
In 2025, Samgold and his team at EMC decided it was time to bring it back.
“It had been four years since the last one. We felt the time was right to give people something they’d missed and missed dearly,” he told TUKO.co.ke.
The entertainment mogul also knew when to take a step back and let others shine.
“I love the creative process; bringing something amazing to life. The joy is in seeing it unfold, not in standing at the front of it,” he explained.
Under his leadership, the Luo Festival returned bigger than ever.
It combined a stellar music lineup with world-class production backed by Homeland Itoya Events, a top-notch fashion showcase, and a flawless logistical setup that drew industry-wide admiration.
What other projects is Samgold working on?
Beyond the festival, he told TUKO.co.ke that his fingerprints are on some of East Africa’s most high-profile events and music projects, from King Kaka’s Eastlando Royalty concert to Prince Indah’s Malaika Festival to Arrow Bwoy’s live shows.
Internationally, he has served as A&R for Arrow Bwoy’s participation in the COP 2028 anthem recorded in Dubai, collaborating with global artists.
While he has not claimed an industry award, Samgold believes 2025 is a turning point.
Luo Festival’s successful return has cemented his status as a strategic thinker who knows how to merge art, business, and culture into events that resonate.
Karen Nyamu's moment at Luo Festival
As previously reported, Senator Karen Nyamu attended the Luo Festival 2025.
The youthful politician was captured dancing and having fun moments at the event.
She went high-voltage and began shaking her back, mesmerising many.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
