If there is a delay in updating blog after an edition of Africa Night it could mean either of two things. It could be because the blogger is low on inspiration or it could mean that one is just too excited to put their thoughts to paper. The latter is definitely the case after the latest edition of Africa Night Tilburg.
It was a night of firsts. It was the first time Africa Night was organised in a Country & Western themed location. It was the first one in Tilburg that made use of security guards. It was the first one where we did not have to worry if the location was not too small to accommodate the guests. It was the first one where people who wanted to smoke had their own place and those who did not could just enjoy the fresh, sweaty air. It was also the first one, where almost to a man, people were satisfied with the choice of the location.
Having worried and fretted about the reaction people might have about the new location, it was just satisfying taking in the ringing endorsements of the guest. You could see the surprise and the amazement on the faces of the guests as they strolled in after passing through the security control. One by one they took in the beauty of the new location and smiles of acquiescence lit their faces.
It was a night of severe, almost tropical, rainstorm. But that did not stop the party-goers from defying the storm to come to Africa Night Tilburg. And as usual, there were people from far and near. A lady who was at Africa Night Rotterdam the weekend before, came up to me and proclaimed her love for Africa Night. She has found Africa Night now and she was not going to let go!
One big disappointment though was the fact the only a few headed our call to come in Cowboy dresses! Maybe they were just too shy! But in no way did that affect the spirit of the night. The night ended exactly at the usual time 03.00 hour in the morning. Not that it was our intention though. While playing what was supposed to be the last song of the night (Lucky Bube – Ding Ding Licky Licky Bong), the deejay installation just ceased. Just like that! At first the crowd thought it was just the deejay encouraging them to sing along. But as the realization sank in that something was really wrong, one could feel the sense of deflation from the guests.
It was a very cruel end to one of the most positive Africa Night ever. This is because in between, we had our usually but always spontaneous Mbalax dance moments. The Mbalax circle seems to be getting bigger and bigger every month in Tilburg as more people lose their inhibitions and join the fun. Who needs a professional live show when our guests can give their own? The whole positive vibes swept through the night. Once people got to the dance floor they just stayed there and dance all night long to the music of DJ Aziz, the resident disc jockey.
Africa Night Tilburg has found a new home and all her true patrons have followed and felt at home. Together, we will rock this Cowboy saloon like it’s never been rocked before.
Discover the joy of African music & dance!
