Securing a performance slot at the Blankets & Wine festival is a milestone for many artists. Founder and Creative Director Muthoni Ndonga, also known as Muthoni Drummer Queen, recently explained how the festival selects performers and why timing on the lineup matters less than impact.
Ndonga described the process as highly curated, based on an artist’s career momentum rather than submissions or pitches. Speaking at the Blankets & Wine Stakeholder Breakfast on October 29, 2025, she emphasized the festival operates on a “don’t call us, we’ll call you” basis. Only artists who have reached specific career milestones are considered.
“Blankets is only gonna happen to you as an artist when it’s your time. You never need to pitch Blankets,” she said. Artists are chosen when they have built a community, achieved momentum, and are ready to transition from local recognition to broader discovery. That is why a 2 pm slot can be just as important as a 10 pm headliner set.
Ndonga stressed that the quality and impact of a performance matter more than the time on stage. “It doesn’t matter the time you play, it matters the type of show you play, because you only need one person to see you,” she said. Every slot is designed to create a meaningful experience for both the artist and the audience.
The festival’s lineup is structured around four categories. Discovery slots feature artists gaining traction within their communities and ready to be discovered. Rising stars are more established performers who benefit from additional exposure. Legends are artists with established reputations who add prestige to the event. Headliners are cultural movers with a strong spotlight on them.
Ndonga also explained that the curatorial team listens closely to trusted music community members. They gather insights on emerging talent before making final decisions. “We call members of the community who we’ve found are real music people. They tell us about this artist and that artist, and we put it together,” she said.
Despite community consultation, Ndonga clarified that the final lineup is not a public vote. Curation is not democratic; it is designed to ensure cohesion and a high-quality festival experience. “All the artists put together have to tell the story of that time and build momentum for each other,” she explained.
Blankets & Wine continues to prioritize artistic excellence and thoughtful programming. For Ndonga, the process balances community input, data analysis, and curatorial expertise to deliver performances that leave lasting impressions while elevating the careers of selected artists.
