So that was it then. Africa Night Easter party in Nijmegen was just sensational. Not because the guests came very early (they came even later than ever; pfff!) but because it was the best ANN in its short half year history. It was an ANN like none of the other 5 before. Perhaps it was the Easter but this time more people came than perhaps the first 2 shows. But Africa Night happily has never been about numbers. It has always focussed on the how much the visitors enjoy our shows. This time around it was more than obvious the people who came really had loads of fun.
Because the hall was virtually empty till about 23.30, we had a chance to talk to some of our new guests. It is very fascinating to hear the stories of and why people discover Africa Night. Some people say they have been looking for places to dance to African music and just go searching online and they find/found us. Some are just curious. By far the most people are those who came there because of the positive stories they have heard about Africa Night. 2 couples and stories stand out during this edition. The first is about the Moroccan/Dutch couple from Deventer who came early and had been yearning for African music for a long time. It was nice getting to meet them. Of course because they came early, they were just treated to the music of their choice. (The moral of this story is, come early and you might have the DJ all by/for yourself!) It was a chance they grabbed with both hands. And man! They can really dance. When they left they took a bunch of our flyers with them for distribution and free publicity. We were happy.
The other couple is the Dutch/Malian one from Zaandam also coming for the first time. She, the Malian said she had felt so starved of African music since she moved to Holland that she was extremely happy when she found Africa Night Nijmegen on Facebook. That they had to drive almost 2 hours to get there was just a little obstacle. And from the way she took control of the dance floor, there was no doubt she wanted to make up for all of those years of musical and dance deprivations! She was the star attraction of the night. We are in no small ways happy that she gave it all she’s got.
When young and old, men and women, Muslims and Christians, black and white can all get together under the umbrella of African music, one can only witness magic. We are grateful that we are able to provide the huge canopy in which all peoples can temporarily go on a musical journey. April was one of the magical months that will not be forgotten for a long while. Africa Night is not just about the music any more. It is becoming a way of life. It is the warm bath that soothes the soul. We think Nijmegen is nicely warming up to Africa Night. Nijmegen let us meet again on Saturday 5 May 2012 for the next musical assembly.
Discover the joy of African music & dance!
