A home that feels like home!

The way we handle negative events define who we are. 15 years ago, Africa Night began because of some negative stuff that happened in Tilburg. (Read the full story here). Events leading up to the 15^th anniversary celebrations could not have been more negative. After the April 2013 edition of Africa Night Tilburg, we were left scrambling for a new location because the place where we were for the past 3 years was experiencing a crisis. We were told that the continuity of Africa Night Tilburg could no longer be guaranteed. We had to virtually drop everything else to find a new location.

Thanks to some of our very loyal and ever supportive clients, we were made aware of several possibilities in Tilburg. Having made several trips to Tilburg, we chose the place where we felt our guests would feel best at home. And that was T Kwadraat. The negotiations went great and instead of having no place to celebrate the 15^th anniversary of Africa Night (which was going to be the case), we ended up having a great new location! In the face of adversity, together (you and we) produced a magic out of the Tilburg hat! For the weeks leading up to last Saturday’s celebrations that was the only thing that went well!

Every negative thing that could happen did. It was a tale of broken keys, non-delivery of products ordered, broken promises etc. So much so that we were left wondering if we would be able to make it for the day. For example, whenever you get a free CD from us, we require about 1 week to make the final product. This time we were only started printing the 300+ CDs on Saturday morning because that was when we got delivery of the empty CDs! In short, all other aspects of our (the organisers’) lives and businesses have been in turmoil for the past one month. So much so that we had to cancel all other things just to ensure that Africa Night 15^th year anniversary party went on without a glitch.

Looking back at how the night went, we have quickly forgotten all the sacrifices and the pain. All that is left now is a big smile on our face! What a night you guys made it to be! It is never easy to start in a new location. That was obvious throughout the night as people could not find it or when they did, parked their cars in the wrong place. We were not sure enough people were aware of the news that we moved. A lot of people actually went to the old location. Thankfully we remembered to put a sign there giving people the new address. We would have been happy if 100 people came. We brought 250 CD (we actually made 300+ but we are reserving some for our clients in Nijmegen during the final show on Saturday 1-06-2013). That a lot of people who came late did not receive a CD tells you how much of you came!

The new location is also totally different from what a lot of you have been used to in the past 15 years. We try to move Africa Night to another level every time we move locations. It is ironical that we started on the lower deck of a boot 15 years ago and now we are on the first floor of an elegant and modern lounge. We’ve come a long way. We are happy you always travel with us.

Thanks to you all for making the celebrations a wonderful one. With you by our side, we shall continue to break new grounds. Yes, Africa Night Tilburg has a home that feels like home. Let’s meet there in June to continue our sweet friendship.