The Ramadan and Africa Night have a kind of love-hate relationship. A good number of the (West) Africans who attend Africa Night are practising Muslims. We always knew that whenever the Ramadan falls on an Africa Night weekend, it was going to be an Africa Night with a difference. This June edition of Africa Night was that kind of weekend. We knew a number of people were going to stay away while performing their religious duties. We respect that. We also are happy that people turn up even though they know it was always one of the less busy periods of the year.
For Africa Night, Ramadan came early this year. The next 2 editions might also be a bit challenging because they fall right in the middle of the vacation season. We know what that means for attendance. There is always a significant group that will come. For those people we always will make it worth their while.
Even though there were about 50 people less than normal this month, we like to think those who came had a great time. As if to underline the family friendliness and the relaxed atmosphere of Africa Night, there were mothers and daughters, fathers and sons last Saturday. There were lovers and friends. There were Americans who were passing through Europe on vacation and decided to drop by. People from as far away and apart as Burundi to Brazil. There were new people and regular customers. Our pride is always seeing a group of 20 year old ladies and men enjoying the same music, in the same space like the 50 year old people who are also lovers of African music. Beat that if you can!
Ramadan or no Ramadan, Africa Night is a fun train that always rides.
