For no obligation (Free) help and advice please submit an online enquiry for the most suitable artist you’ve found so far, or else call us on 0708115190 and one of our entertainment coordinators will be happy to assist. Our offices are open 9am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday. Once your enquiry has been made, whether by phone or online, the same coordinator will look after you from start to finish so you’ll always deal with the same person and they’ll work with you to understand exactly what you’re looking for.
Your coordinator will be able to make recommendations based on the information you provide and on any artist selections that you’ve already made. If you have found one artist you like, we can answer any questions you have about them and if required, discuss the differences between them and other similar artists so you can compare a range of options and quotes.
The more specific you can be about what you want the more easily we’ll be able to help. Think about what style of entertainment you want, what you want the entertainment to achieve (dancing, mood setting, ice breaking etc), how much you want to spend and how much space you have. Do you want lively, calming, modern, funky, sophisticated, cool, mature, young, vibrant etc. All these descriptions will help us to make a suitable recommendation.

Firstly, select the entertainment you’re interested in and either submit an online enquiry or give us a call. We’ll discuss your requirements and get a confirmed quote directly from the artist. Once you’re absolutely happy that the artist is right for you, we’ll issue a booking contract to you and the artist. You then pay a small deposit which can be made by MPESA, credit/debit card, Banker’s Cheque or internet transfer.
In most cases, the remaining balance is payable directly to the artist on the day of the event. You can make payment in advance to The Booth if you prefer and we hold your payment for security in our “client account”, releasing payment to the artist only after the event.

We totally understand concerns about booking an artist you’ve not seen before. However, there are two very good reasons why you shouldn’t worry.
1. The Booth exists so that you don’t have to do all the hard work of vetting bands and artists yourselves. We do all that for you and only represent those who pass our strict vetting procedure. If you are concerned about quality, don’t be. All the artists we work with are pre-vetted and continually monitored by ourselves to ensure quality is maintained. Our artists are totally professional and have too much at stake to let us or you down.
2. Every artist has photos, audio examples and references from previous customers to view on their The Booth web page. The feedback from other happy clients is one of the best ways to calm your nerves and you can hear what each band sounds like from their online audio demos. We all make blind booking decisions when we book a hotel room or holiday and as with web sites such as TripAdvisor.com, The Booth allows you to be guided by the feedback of previous customers.
As for any concerns about booking with The Booth our previous customer references also speak for themselves. You have the peace of mind that comes from booking with the region’s largest live entertainment agency. Our HQ offices are in Nairobi, Kenya, Ngong Rd and you are welcome to visit by prior appointment.
You also have the added security of a comprehensive booking contract and 24 hour emergency support. We book entertainment for many private parties and festivals each year and we are only able to do this by providing a first rate, reliable service.

When you book live entertainment with The Booth you get a comprehensive booking contract. This contract legally binds the artist to perform at your event, it confirms exactly what the artist will provide and at what times and it also binds the artist to provide a high quality of service and behaviour. This contract is legally binding and cannot be cancelled unless someone dies or is seriously ill.
If one of the artists is seriously ill or injured, The Booth operates a 24 hour emergency hotline so we can be contacted to make alternative arrangements. This could include arranging an alternative artist or helping the band to replace an injured member. Our out of hours emergency hotline is permanently staffed by atleast 2 members of staff so no matter what time of day you call it will always be answered.
Your appointed entertainment coordinator will also be on hand to help with any questions or queries up to and after your event.

The contract is not cancellable without consent from both you and the artist, or unless a situation arises which would be covered by the standard force majeure clause. The force majeure clause from the contract states:
“In cases of Force Majeure (which shall be known as war, fire, death, illness or other capacity certified by a properly qualified medical practitioner, epidemic, accident, civil commotion, national calamity, order of Government or Local Authority having jurisdiction in the matter, changes in law, foreign government policy, act of God), which are not attributable to any act or failure to take preventive action by the artist or client, then the artist or client may cancel this booking without penalty other than loss of deposit.
In laymen’s terms, this means that unless the artist dies, is seriously ill, or has an accident travelling to your event (and if non of the above are attributable to them failing to take preventative action) they can’t cancel your booking without being in breach of contract; for which you could sue them for substantial damages.
Either way, you are 99.9% protected by The Booth’s 24 hour emergency service. One quick call from you or the artist and we would seek to provide a replacement artist.

As above, the contract is not cancellable without consent from both you and the artist, or unless a situation arises which would be covered by the standard force majeure clause (see above).
Whereas if the artist breeches their contract you have the right to sue them for unlimited damages, if you cancel; the artist can claim only fixed amounts relevant to the remaining balance due to them and only then if they don’t manage to secure another booking elsewhere for the same date. The cancellation fee compensates them for loss of income. Therefore, they do not include expenses, fuel or travel costs. Bear in mind most people book 3-6 months in advance of an event, so if you need to cancel within this time frame, it’s unlikely that the artist will be able to secure another booking and you’ll end up having to pay for them anyway.
If you are able to reschedule the event and can sign a new contract immediately, some artists may waive any cancellation fees due. If the artist is able to find another booking for the same date, they are only entitled to charge cancellation fees for losses incurred.
Calculation of cancellation fees works as follows:

i) If you cancel after 48 hours of placing your booking and up to 3 months before the event, loss of deposit plus 50% of the remaining balance would be due to the artist.

ii) Within 3 months but before 2 months from the event, loss of deposit plus 75% of the remaining balance would be due to the artist.

iii) Within 2 months of the event, loss of deposit plus 100% of the remaining balance would be due to the artist.

In most circumstances this is not possible as we work with bands and artists specializing in performances at private functions. By the nature of the fact that they are private, we cannot obtain access.

On the very rare occasion that an artist might be doing a public show, it’s impossible to guarantee that by the time the show takes place, that the artist will still be available for your event. The best artists get booked very quickly so if you find one that you like, you are much safer basing your decision to hire on the strength of their demos, play list, biography and references from other customers.
Your booking coordinator at the booth will also be able to offer their personal recommendation and many artists now also have video which enables you to get a good flavour of their performance style.
All the same, if the band you choose regularly plays at pubs (Not recommended for important private functions) then this can be arranged.

Once you’ve booked, the artist will contact you in the 3 weeks leading up to your event to discuss the finer details, ensure your requirements haven’t changed and finalize song preferences etc. If you need to speak to the artist before this it can be arranged but most liaisons before this point should be made via your coordinator at the booth. We work on the artist’s behalf and this helps to ensure everything is properly noted on your enquiry/contract and not forgotten!
Most artists will not make site visits as they are not necessary and they do not charge enough money to be able to afford to give up a day to do so. If there is an extraordinary circumstance which demands a site visit, it can be arranged and a fee would more than likely be charged to cover time and travel.

The minimum level the band can set their equipment to is so that the other instruments and vocals can be heard above the natural volume of the drum kit. This varies from band to band and from style to style. In modern pop/rock music, the drums are played in a lively, strong and energetic fashion. Therefore, pop bands are relatively loud.
Relative doesn’t mean much unless it’s in context. We’ve established that most party bands are going to be quite loud and this would mean that if you are on the dance floor in front of the bands PA system, it would be difficult to talk without having to speak directly into some ones ear. However, unless they are at the peak of their set and playing a highly energetic song, you would expect to be able to talk with a raised voice 20-30 feet away.
In ALL circumstances, an The Booth band should adjust the volume to suit you, but bear in mind that they will only be able to adjust the volume to the natural level of the drum kit and this may still sound loud for very elderly guests.
If you have any concerns about elderly guests, consider a swing band or rock n roll band as these should be slightly quieter than a standard rock and pop function band. In our experience, at weddings and parties it’s the grandparents who dance first, longest and hardest so don’t worry too much!

In most cases, if the band offers this service it will be noted as a booking option on their profile page. If you are unsure please ask your agent.
In many cases, if the song is not something the band feel they would perform again, they will charge a fee to cover rehearsal time and the hire of a rehearsal room. They will usually also only consider learning a song if it can be performed with their standard instrumentation. For example, it would be difficult for a guitar based band to perform a convincing Frank Sinatra track without the piano and orchestra.

Most bands prefer that you select the songs from their play list which you definitely do and don’t want, then leave them to structure your choices into a workable order. They will need to consider many variables in order to ensure their sets flow well and the singer will probably want to avoid having certain songs side by side.
Feel free to make an input but let the band bring their considerable experience to bear when finalising the actual play list for the evening.

If the band has good access to your venue (EG: no lifts or stairs, no more than 100ft to wheel their equipment) they should be able to load in, set up and sound check within 90 minutes maximum. Many bands can do this in 60 minutes. If your event is running late and you’ve arranged for the band to set up after speeches, they will still need the same amount of time to set up. This allocated set up and sound check time is vital for the band to properly connect their equipment and get a good sound.
Allow an absolute minimum of 1 meter across per person, but ideally 1.5 meters across per person. Allow 2 square meters for a drummer. EG: A 4 piece band with drummer, bassist, guitarist and vocalist will need an absolute minimum of 3 meters wide by 3 meters deep, as per the diagram 1 below.
As you can see in diagram 1, the guitarist and bassist would both be obscured by the PA speakers, where as with 4 x 3 meters, as in diagram 2, the space is much more workable.
Diagram 1 (3 x 3 meter stage set up)

Diargram 2 (4 x 3 meter stage set up)

With larger format bands, as in diagram 3, you need to add more depth as the musicians will
stand in row rows in front of the drummer. This example shows an 11 piece band can just
about fit into a 5 x 4 meter space.

Diagram 3 (5 x 4 meter stage set up)

Changing rooms
Somewhere to change comfortably would be appreciated and it helps if there is a mirror, electricity supply and comfortable chairs. Toilets are an absolute last resort. Ideally the changing room should be secure so that the band can leave their day clothes and bags in there. This can also double up as a quiet space to go between performances. If no changing room is available, please let the band know in advance.
Food and drinks
For afternoon musicians and entertainers, soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are usually fine.
For the majority of party bands and evening entertainers you will need to provide food and refreshments. This is referred to in your contract as a Ryder.
In the case of most evening bands, the duration of their time away from home is approximately 12 – 16 hours, running from the time they leave home until the time they get home. Because of this, it’s important that they get a good meal, so hot food or access to a good quality buffet is always much appreciated. Sandwiches or a plate of chips is not ideal as this is likely to be what they ate for lunch on the way to your event and can hardly be expected to keep them going for another 6 hours. If for some reason it is impossible to cater for the band at your venue, let them know well in advance.
Please ensure your hotel or catering staff are aware that the band needs to be catered for and that ideally their food should be provided immediately after their first performance. If the band are to help themselves to the buffet, it is also helpful if your caterers can plate this up separately so the band don’t have to queue for so long that they don’t have time to eat before their second set.
Please also ensure that bar staff know soft drinks and tea/coffee are free for the band (or make arrangements for plenty to be provided in the bands changing room.) You DO NOT have to provide alcohol for the band; although a complimentary beer after they’ve finished sound check is likely to be much appreciated.

We are the first agency to focus mainly on live entertainment. We are the first to provide a comprehensive website that takes a client from searching a band to getting an instant quotation. We are the first agency to scout/audition, train and harness bands to ensure the client gets a consistent and fresh flow of new talent. We have streamlined the booking process making it easy for regulars and first-timers to book artist for gigs. We are the first agency to provide bands with a regular flow of clients and enable them take music as a career.
Our mission is to be the largest live music and live entertainment supplier in the region. We were also the first entertainment agency to really embrace the internet, offering instant online quotes and availability checking. We have staff who’s responsibility it is to keep artist availability diaries up to date and ensure artist profile information is accurate. We aim to make your task of finding the ideal live entertainment for your event easy, safe and secure.
The Booth staff are always on standby so you know the phone will always be answered and we are always available to help.
We don’t just book entertainment and forget about it. We discuss your requirements in detail to ensure we fully understand your event and what you want from your entertainment. We explain in detail the differences between each artist you’re interested in and make recommendations for any we feel might be more suitable. We look in detail at timing and logistics to ensure absolutely nothing can go wrong and that you are fully informed as to exactly what you’ll get. We don’t pressure sell, we don’t try to push you to spend more money than your budget allows. We are an essential part of the entertainment booking process and our expert staff are here to ensure you get exactly what’s right for you.
Our enquiry and booking system is one of the best in the world, with all customer correspondence, invoicing, contracts and notes organised via a custom designed database system. All your requirements are noted, all requests accounted for, all emails and phone conversations compiled into one central hub so even if your appointed entertainment coordinator is out of the office, another member of staff can help without you having to repeat everything all over again. You can even access all your enquiry basket items, confirmed quotes and contracts via your own online customer accounts area. Because we can account for everything we do instantly, you can be rest assured that the service we provide is fool proof, accurate and efficient. Booking with The Booth is the best way to ensure a stress free event.
We are a completely professional organisation.
We do not operate a “get what we can” pricing policy and our commission rates are set at a fixed low percentage no matter how much money you have to spend. This ensures that the majority of the money you spend is going towards a quality live band and not the bosses next holiday.
We also won’t book a band for you and then send you someone completely different. There are a lot of rogue traders out there. With us, you know who we – We advertise our contact address, we have numerous client references, you have access to our offices and can visit us for a face to face meeting.
The Booth is a trusted brand.

1. Expert advice and guidance to ensure you’ll get exactly the right entertainment for you and that nothing goes wrong.
2. Fast efficient service ensures your questions are answered promptly and you always get as much help as you need, even after you’ve booked.
3. Safe, secure booking contracts ensure you won’t get messed round and the performance on the day exactly matches what you asked for.
4. 24 hour emergency service to ensure if the worst happens, someone is on hand to put things right.
5. Excellent value for money. We don’t allow artists to charge you more money just because they think they can get it. All artists’ fees are available on our web site and we negotiate you the best deal they can offer.
6. Established, reputable business we’ve been around for a while and won’t be moving to the Bahamas as soon as we’ve got your deposit. Your booking is in safe hands.
7. High quality artists: each act is vetted by our artist liaison team before we work with them. Each act is continually monitored to ensure quality and anyone who falls below par is removed from our web site.
8. Reliable artists: they have too much to lose by messing us around. They are all professional, ethical and have numerous references from previous clients to put your mind at rest.
9. World leading enquiry management and booking system – be rest assured that the service we provide is foolproof, accurate and efficient to ensure a stress free event.
10. Easy to use – every step from enquiry to booking process is easy. No jargon, no stress, no hassles. Give us a try and see how easy it is to book amazing live entertainment!

You can pay your deposit by MPESA, credit/debit card, Banker’s cheque or internet transfer.
In most cases, the remaining balance is payable directly to the artist on the day of the event. You can make payment in advance to The Booth if you prefer.

Simply speak to or email your coordinator at The Booth and they will arrange any changes to your booking. In some circumstances, EG: requesting the artist perform for longer or arrive earlier, additional costs may be incurred.
It’s important that any amendments are reflected on your contract and this can only happen by The Booth re-issuing it (we don’t charge a fee for this). Do not agree any amendments with the artist themselves otherwise they will not be covered by your old contract and there is a possibility amendments will be forgotten.

Every artist must pass through our application system which is looked after by our dedicated artist liaison team. A good chunk of applications are rejected.

Our detailed artist application form must be completed in full. We initially look for a good quality demo CD and promotional materials (preferably including video), plus evidence of work at a professional level. We then interview each artist over the phone and gather further background information to satisfy ourselves that they are a professional act and will represent our agency well.

If their application gets this far we then look for references from previous customers, gather feedback and pass their application over to a final stage panel of entertainment coordinators and The Booth’s MD. In many cases we will either go to see the band live or invite them to an audition. We have personally seen the majority of our mostly highly ranked artists.
Subject to approval in this final stage, artists are accepted on a trial basis where they must prove themselves reliable, efficient and professional in their interactions with us and customers. Artists who do not meet the standards required will be deactivated.
We ask for after event feedback from every Booth customer and this detailed feedback about artist performance, attitude and behaviour is monitored by our artist liaison team and our MD. Any negative comments, even minor gripes, are followed up with the artist and if comments are not taken on board and improved upon, the artist will be deactivated.
It is not worth our reputation to work with artists who let the side down.

Although it may be tempting to book a local band there are several good reasons why it’s dangerous to your event and a false economy.
1. If you book any band directly, you have no real cover if anything goes wrong. If you don’t know the band already they’ll have no loyalty to you and no concerns about ruining their reputation by letting you down, as chances are there will be no way for you to damage their reputation. The biggest danger with booking a band direct is them getting a better offer and pulling out of your event. They can’t do that when contracted via an agency.
When booking through The Booth you are covered by a contract, the bands loyalty to us, and you’ll have the help of a professional, reputable organisation to sort out a replacement in the event of an emergency. We do care about our reputation and we won’t let you down.
2. A local band has no one to answer to but themselves, so quality control, behaviour, song choices, appearance, equipment quality are all totally ungoverned and unmonitored. With The Booth, artists have to first pass our strict application guidelines and then answer to us with every bit of feedback we receive from previous clients. This ensures you’ll get a reliable band and no nasty surprises.
3. Cheap local bands are likely to sound cheap. Professional function bands should have much better quality PA systems, lighting, instruments and performance ability. Chances are you’re looking for live entertainment for an important event? Chances are you wouldn’t book the local chips shop owner to run the catering for your event? Why cut corners with the music? You will notice the difference; you will wish you’d booked a quality band. Professional function bands provide a totally different service to the bands who busk down the downtown pubs on a Thursday night.
4. If you pay a deposit to a local band and they split up, disappear or stop returning your calls, where are you going to go for help? You’ll end up coming to The Booth anyway and you’ll need to pay a deposit all over again. Book with us in the first place and you’ll have security and no danger of being messed around.

Although thankfully very rare, we have a very efficient system to ensure any complaints are looked after sensitively and thoroughly. If you have a serious complaint, you can discuss it with your entertainment coordinator at the Booth who will formally put the complaint to the artist. We usually do this in writing so that all issues are clear and accountable. They will mediate with the artist and obtain their side of the story and this will also be put to you in writing. If the artists response and any offer of compensation is not to your satisfaction, your coordinator will continue to liaise between both parties until a satisfactory outcome can be agreed. If neither party can agree a satisfactory resolution to the complaint, you will be fully entitled to take legal action against the artist directly and your lawyer will be able to offer much more detailed legal advice than we are qualified to.
If after investigation we feel an artist has caused unnecessary and unavoidable inconvenience or distress to a customer, or should they not cooperate fully with a complaint procedure, we will remove them immediately from our web site.
If you have a complaint about The Booth or your entertainment coordinator, this can be made directly to our MD. His contact details can be found here >