Thank goodness Africa Night is not dependent on the presence of the same group of people to survive. If that were to be the case, Africa Night would just have become another unnumbered victim in the graveyard of failed Africa-themed dance nights in The Netherlands and Belgium. The strength of our Africa Night lies, amongst others, in renewal. Every new Africa Night is a renewal. The hardcore group of patrons who come every month, number just in the twenties. That means the other people who regularly grace our show are either people who are there for the first or people who come once in a while. The new faces make sure Africa Night stays refreshing and strong.
As we approach the 11th anniversary of the commencement of Africa Night, we can look back at a fulfilling endeavour that was borne out of exasperation and a little anger in May 1998. Looking at the figures, we have, entertained at least 25000 people in the last 11 years, stage the Africa Night in 3 locations, gone through 7 deejays had a couple of media interviews, had several bands grace the occasion, given countless gifts to our guests, received even more gifts from our guests.
On several occasions, the guests have been the source of strength and inspiration that guided us through some patchy times. Some guests/patrons have become friends. Some have met the love of their lives at the Africa Night, while some are still looking. We have entertained peoples of all cultures, race, sex, religion, sizes and shapes. At the latest Africa Night, we had people from Thailand to Tanzania, from Italy to Ireland and from Somalia to Spain. In short, we have entertained people from all over the globe with the possible exception of the Eskimos. But surely by the time we are done, even the Eskimos would have been part of the rich folklore that Africa Night is becoming.
That said, the sentiments expressed above were inspired by how the April edition played itself out. This edition just summarizes what and how Africa Night has become over the years. To avoid the risk of constant repetitions, let us just say, it was a befitting way to round up the 10th year of Africa Night. We just hope the fun just keeps going on and on.
PS. You can follow Africa Night on twitter on twitter.com/africanight
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