Feed your Soul
with Vinyl Record music.
Feed your Soul
with Vinyl Record music.
Feed your Soul
with Vinyl Record music.
Since 1989, we’ve been Nairobi’s trusted source for the best in local and international vinyl. From rare gems to beloved classics, every record in our collection tells a story. Come dig, discover, and reconnect with the music that moves you.
Since 1989, we’ve been Nairobi’s trusted source for the best in local and international vinyl. From rare gems to beloved classics, every record in our collection tells a story. Come dig, discover, and reconnect with the music that moves you.
Since 1989, we’ve been Nairobi’s trusted source for the best in local and international vinyl. From rare gems to beloved classics, every record in our collection tells a story. Come dig, discover, and reconnect with the music that moves you.
About Us
About Us
Real Vinyl Guru: Nairobi’s Temple of Analog Sound
Real Vinyl Guru: Nairobi’s Temple of Analog Sound
Real Vinyl Guru: Nairobi’s Temple of Analog Sound
We are a vinyl record store located in Nairobi, Kenya. We’re a cultural touchstone preserving African musical traditions while inspiring a new generation to rediscover the magic of analog sound.
We’re a vibrant hub with tens of thousands of records where crackling jazz, rumba, benga, and soul melodies spill into the Kenyatta Market’s corridors.
Founded in 1989 by James Rugami after his transition from a DJ career, Real Vinyl Guru has become a cultural archivist and African music historian. The Real Vinyl Guru runs the record store alongside his son Ndegwa and daughter Wangui, who have inherited his love for music.
Ndegwa is a skilled technician repairing vintage record players for customers across the continent. The record store has earned international acclaim, featured among the world’s top 80 vinyl stores in Michael Barnes’ Around the World in 80 Vinyl Stores.
We are a vinyl record store located in Nairobi, Kenya. We’re a cultural touchstone preserving African musical traditions while inspiring a new generation to rediscover the magic of analog sound.
We’re a vibrant hub with tens of thousands of records where crackling jazz, rumba, benga, and soul melodies spill into the Kenyatta Market’s corridors.
Founded in 1989 by James Rugami after his transition from a DJ career, Real Vinyl Guru has become a cultural archivist and African music historian. The Real Vinyl Guru runs the record store alongside his son Ndegwa and daughter Wangui, who have inherited his love for music.
Ndegwa is a skilled technician repairing vintage record players for customers across the continent. The record store has earned international acclaim, featured among the world’s top 80 vinyl stores in Michael Barnes’ Around the World in 80 Vinyl Stores.
Services We Offer
Services at the Real Vinyl Guru:
Services We Offer
Vinyl Records Sales
Vinyl Records Sales
Vinyl Records Sales
Discover timeless sounds with a handpicked collection of vintage and new vinyl records. From rare pressings to classic albums, each piece is carefully chosen for its unique story and rich sound. Curated by true vinyl lovers, this selection is made to bring warmth, depth, and authenticity to your listening experience.
Discover timeless sounds with a handpicked collection of vintage and new vinyl records. From rare pressings to classic albums, each piece is carefully chosen for its unique story and rich sound. Curated by true vinyl lovers, this selection is made to bring warmth, depth, and authenticity to your listening experience.
Record Players Sales
Record Players Sales
Record Players Sales
Whether you’re looking for classic or modern vinyl record players, we’ve got something for every music lover.
Explore timeless designs with rich, warm sound or sleek modern setups with Bluetooth connectivity. Bring your favorite albums to life with a player that matches your style and vibe.
We also purchase records and record players.
Whether you’re looking for classic or modern vinyl record players, we’ve got something for every music lover.
Explore timeless designs with rich, warm sound or sleek modern setups with Bluetooth connectivity. Bring your favorite albums to life with a player that matches your style and vibe.
We also purchase records and record players.
Record Players Service & Restoration
Record Players Service & Restoration
Record Players Service & Restoration
Whether your turntable needs a simple tune-up or a full restoration, our expert servicing has you covered.
We specialize in bringing vintage record players back to life and keeping modern ones in peak condition.
Whether your turntable needs a simple tune-up or a full restoration, our expert servicing has you covered.
We specialize in bringing vintage record players back to life and keeping modern ones in peak condition.
Videography Studio Space for Hire
Videography Studio Space for Hire
Videography Studio Space for Hire
Our store offers a unique backdrop for music video shoots and photoshoots tailored to creative artists. With vintage vibes and authentic character, it’s the perfect space to bring your vision to life.
Our store offers a unique backdrop for music video shoots and photoshoots tailored to creative artists. With vintage vibes and authentic character, it’s the perfect space to bring your vision to life.
Antique Items
for Hire
Antique Items
for Hire
Antique Items
for Hire
From fully functional record players and classic radios to retro crates and decor, our handpicked antiques are available for hire.
Perfect for weddings, photo shoots, music videos, and themed events. Rent by the day or weekend—delivery and setup available.
From fully functional record players and classic radios to retro crates and decor, our handpicked antiques are available for hire.
Perfect for weddings, photo shoots, music videos, and themed events. Rent by the day or weekend—delivery and setup available.
Books & Real Vinyl Guru Merchandise
Books & Real Vinyl Guru Merchandise
Books & Real Vinyl Guru Merchandise
Show off your love for vinyl with our exclusive Real Vinyl Guru merchandise.
From stylish tote bags and bold graphic t-shirts to handcrafted vinyl record earrings and coasters made from replicas of records, each item celebrates the culture of analog sound.
Perfect for collectors, fans, or anyone who lives life on wax.
Show off your love for vinyl with our exclusive Real Vinyl Guru merchandise.
From stylish tote bags and bold graphic t-shirts to handcrafted vinyl record earrings and coasters made from replicas of records, each item celebrates the culture of analog sound.
Perfect for collectors, fans, or anyone who lives life on wax.
Reviews:
Reviews:
Highly recommend the Real Vinyl Guru. My only regret is that I didn’t reserve at least few hours to explore their expansive collection. The staff was super helpful and played me different records to help find the sound I was looking for. They have a wide Kenyan collection, especially Kikuyu and coastal Swahili music. They also have tons of world and international sounds.
Sarah Edo,
Google Reviewer
A lovely vinyl shop in Kenyatta Market with lots of classics. Rufus and his team were lovely to us. I got 2 vinyls which were tested and sounded beautiful. You must visit!!!
Catherine Komugisha,
Google Reviewer
Great place to go. We are not much into Vinyl, but it was fun for our teens and we just enjoyed looking and listening to how broad music can be. The team was welcoming and showed us around. We did buy some records and found the prices ok! They have a variety from 1000kes up to the rare ones that sell closer to 10k.
We loved it and can recommend it!Familie Kroppach
Google Reviewer
Amazing place with both Western vinyls and vinyls from Congo, Kenya, Sénégal and other African countries. Very warm welcome by the owner who takes the time to make you listen to anything that you might be interested in. That shop alone is worth the trip to the Kenyatta market.
Antonie B,
Google Reviewer
Highly recommend the Real Vinyl Guru. My only regret is that I didn’t reserve at least few hours to explore their expansive collection. The staff was super helpful and played me different records to help find the sound I was looking for. They have a wide Kenyan collection, especially Kikuyu and coastal Swahili music. They also have tons of world and international sounds.
Sarah Edo,
Google Reviewer
A lovely vinyl shop in Kenyatta Market with lots of classics. Rufus and his team were lovely to us. I got 2 vinyls which were tested and sounded beautiful. You must visit!!!
Catherine Komugisha,
Google Reviewer
Great place to go. We are not much into Vinyl, but it was fun for our teens and we just enjoyed looking and listening to how broad music can be. The team was welcoming and showed us around. We did buy some records and found the prices ok! They have a variety from 1000kes up to the rare ones that sell closer to 10k.
We loved it and can recommend it!Familie Kroppach
Google Reviewer
Amazing place with both Western vinyls and vinyls from Congo, Kenya, Sénégal and other African countries. Very warm welcome by the owner who takes the time to make you listen to anything that you might be interested in. That shop alone is worth the trip to the Kenyatta market.
Antonie B,
Google Reviewer
Highly recommend the Real Vinyl Guru. My only regret is that I didn’t reserve at least few hours to explore their expansive collection. The staff was super helpful and played me different records to help find the sound I was looking for. They have a wide Kenyan collection, especially Kikuyu and coastal Swahili music. They also have tons of world and international sounds.
Sarah Edo,
Google Reviewer
A lovely vinyl shop in Kenyatta Market with lots of classics. Rufus and his team were lovely to us. I got 2 vinyls which were tested and sounded beautiful. You must visit!!!
Catherine Komugisha,
Google Reviewer
Great place to go. We are not much into Vinyl, but it was fun for our teens and we just enjoyed looking and listening to how broad music can be. The team was welcoming and showed us around. We did buy some records and found the prices ok! They have a variety from 1000kes up to the rare ones that sell closer to 10k.
We loved it and can recommend it!Familie Kroppach
Google Reviewer
Amazing place with both Western vinyls and vinyls from Congo, Kenya, Sénégal and other African countries. Very warm welcome by the owner who takes the time to make you listen to anything that you might be interested in. That shop alone is worth the trip to the Kenyatta market.
Antonie B,
Google Reviewer
Highly recommend the Real Vinyl Guru. My only regret is that I didn’t reserve at least few hours to explore their expansive collection. The staff was super helpful and played me different records to help find the sound I was looking for. They have a wide Kenyan collection, especially Kikuyu and coastal Swahili music. They also have tons of world and international sounds.
Sarah Edo,
Google Reviewer
A lovely vinyl shop in Kenyatta Market with lots of classics. Rufus and his team were lovely to us. I got 2 vinyls which were tested and sounded beautiful. You must visit!!!
Catherine Komugisha,
Google Reviewer
Great place to go. We are not much into Vinyl, but it was fun for our teens and we just enjoyed looking and listening to how broad music can be. The team was welcoming and showed us around. We did buy some records and found the prices ok! They have a variety from 1000kes up to the rare ones that sell closer to 10k.
We loved it and can recommend it!Familie Kroppach
Google Reviewer
Amazing place with both Western vinyls and vinyls from Congo, Kenya, Sénégal and other African countries. Very warm welcome by the owner who takes the time to make you listen to anything that you might be interested in. That shop alone is worth the trip to the Kenyatta market.
Antonie B,
Google Reviewer
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the difference between 33, 45, and 78 RPM records?
These numbers refer to how fast the record spins: • 33 ⅓ RPM: Most common for LPs (long-playing records), usually holding up to 22 minutes per side. • 45 RPM: Used for singles and EPs, often with better sound quality for short tracks. • 78 RPM: Older shellac records from the early 20th century, requiring specific needles and turntables.
What’s the difference between 33, 45, and 78 RPM records?
These numbers refer to how fast the record spins: • 33 ⅓ RPM: Most common for LPs (long-playing records), usually holding up to 22 minutes per side. • 45 RPM: Used for singles and EPs, often with better sound quality for short tracks. • 78 RPM: Older shellac records from the early 20th century, requiring specific needles and turntables.
What’s the difference between 33, 45, and 78 RPM records?
These numbers refer to how fast the record spins: • 33 ⅓ RPM: Most common for LPs (long-playing records), usually holding up to 22 minutes per side. • 45 RPM: Used for singles and EPs, often with better sound quality for short tracks. • 78 RPM: Older shellac records from the early 20th century, requiring specific needles and turntables.
Can I play new vinyl records on a vintage turntable?
Yes, but ensure the turntable is in good condition with a properly functioning cartridge and stylus. Some vintage players may require updated components or external preamps to work well with modern systems. Compatibility with 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records is essential.
Can I play new vinyl records on a vintage turntable?
Yes, but ensure the turntable is in good condition with a properly functioning cartridge and stylus. Some vintage players may require updated components or external preamps to work well with modern systems. Compatibility with 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records is essential.
Can I play new vinyl records on a vintage turntable?
Yes, but ensure the turntable is in good condition with a properly functioning cartridge and stylus. Some vintage players may require updated components or external preamps to work well with modern systems. Compatibility with 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records is essential.
What’s the difference between 12-inch and 7-inch records?
12-inch records typically spin at 33 ⅓ RPM and are used for full-length albums (LPs). They hold more music, often up to 22 minutes per side. 7-inch records usually spin at 45 RPM and are used for singles or EPs, holding around 4–6 minutes per side. In general, 12-inch records prioritize capacity, while 7-inch records focus on individual tracks or short collections.
What’s the difference between 12-inch and 7-inch records?
12-inch records typically spin at 33 ⅓ RPM and are used for full-length albums (LPs). They hold more music, often up to 22 minutes per side. 7-inch records usually spin at 45 RPM and are used for singles or EPs, holding around 4–6 minutes per side. In general, 12-inch records prioritize capacity, while 7-inch records focus on individual tracks or short collections.
What’s the difference between 12-inch and 7-inch records?
12-inch records typically spin at 33 ⅓ RPM and are used for full-length albums (LPs). They hold more music, often up to 22 minutes per side. 7-inch records usually spin at 45 RPM and are used for singles or EPs, holding around 4–6 minutes per side. In general, 12-inch records prioritize capacity, while 7-inch records focus on individual tracks or short collections.
How do I properly store my vinyl records?
Store vinyl vertically (never stacked) in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use inner sleeves to protect the record surface and outer jackets to guard against dust and wear. Avoid high humidity, which can warp records over time.
How do I properly store my vinyl records?
Store vinyl vertically (never stacked) in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use inner sleeves to protect the record surface and outer jackets to guard against dust and wear. Avoid high humidity, which can warp records over time.
How do I properly store my vinyl records?
Store vinyl vertically (never stacked) in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use inner sleeves to protect the record surface and outer jackets to guard against dust and wear. Avoid high humidity, which can warp records over time.
How often should I replace the needle (stylus) on my record player?
Most styluses should be replaced after 500 to 1,000 hours of playtime. Signs you need a replacement include distortion, skipping, or a dull sound. Using a worn stylus can damage your records, so it’s important to monitor wear and follow manufacturer guidelines.
How often should I replace the needle (stylus) on my record player?
Most styluses should be replaced after 500 to 1,000 hours of playtime. Signs you need a replacement include distortion, skipping, or a dull sound. Using a worn stylus can damage your records, so it’s important to monitor wear and follow manufacturer guidelines.
How often should I replace the needle (stylus) on my record player?
Most styluses should be replaced after 500 to 1,000 hours of playtime. Signs you need a replacement include distortion, skipping, or a dull sound. Using a worn stylus can damage your records, so it’s important to monitor wear and follow manufacturer guidelines.
How does the antique item hire process work?
Browse our catalog in-store or online, choose your items, and we’ll arrange delivery or pickup. Rentals are typically charged per day or per weekend, with a refundable security deposit. We also offer setup assistance for events. Get in touch early to secure availability for your date.
How does the antique item hire process work?
Browse our catalog in-store or online, choose your items, and we’ll arrange delivery or pickup. Rentals are typically charged per day or per weekend, with a refundable security deposit. We also offer setup assistance for events. Get in touch early to secure availability for your date.
How does the antique item hire process work?
Browse our catalog in-store or online, choose your items, and we’ll arrange delivery or pickup. Rentals are typically charged per day or per weekend, with a refundable security deposit. We also offer setup assistance for events. Get in touch early to secure availability for your date.
Located at Shop B5, Kenyatta Market,
Mbagathi Road, Nairobi
Located at Shop B5, Kenyatta Market,
Mbagathi Road, Nairobi
realvinylguru@gmail.com
Contact
Contact