It’s more than music and dance at Tigo Fiesta

The Tigo Fiesta ‘Vibe Kama Lote’ hype was on and everyone was ready for what pundits call a once in a lifetime concert, the Mkwakwani Stadium and its environs was buzzing with activity.

Those around had come from as far as Korogwe and other districts in Tanga to witness the concert which was to bring home the likes of Maua Sama and other Bongo Flava sensations.

A sense of anticipation had gripped the coastal city that is usually rather a very quiet place.

Just like at the other stops, those with business acumen had taken the opportunity to make money.

A journey that had begun almost a month ago had come to the birth place of romance as hotels here were fully booked.

But as the attraction of the mega stars startled the youth, hence latching on every opportunity to get the show’s tickets, something was going on the sidewalks.

As organisers were busy putting final touches at the Mkwakwani to the last details business men were marking their territories and at the end of each season they walk away smiling to the bank.

Boutiques

Felix Mdachi, owns a boutique and to him this is always a bumper season as it means business to his midsized shop located downtown Tanga. He compares the season to the festive Chrismas-New year period.

According to Mdachi, young men and women a week prior to the show were coming to his shop in large numbers, something he only sees in December.

“Most of the shoppers were looking for new outfits. White Tops, T-shirts and blue jeans were among the most sought after items,” he says. Nobody wants to miss out as shopping goes on till last hours before they head to the venue.

“This has become a high season for us and that is why we have to bring in new stock given the kind of demand that we have experienced during the past two Tigo Fiesta shows,” he says.

Mhina who deals in women’s used clothes was having a field day as young women were there to look for some of the trendy off season clothes from Europe.

“For sure this festival has been a blessing I have sold a number of clothes, something that is very rare as women were coming from different parts of the city for the night outfits,” says Beka.

Though Mdachi and Mhina do not reveal exactly how much profit they made following Tigo Fiesta, Ismail Hamdani a food vendor was in high spirits as he earned twice more than what he did some two years ago.

Vendors

While Ismail makes a profit of between 40,000 and 60,000 per week, he wishes this event would become a monthly affair for he earned several folds above the usual.

By 10am on that day, Ismail had already pitched camp a few meters away from the Mkwakwani Stadium putting in place his tools of trade.

During the 2016 edition of the Tigo Fiesta he went home with a profit above Sh200,000, he however, says this was just a fraction of what other vendors earned and he says it is important to plan in advance.

“This year unlike last year I was there early because I wanted to sell more. I am well prepared and I will be here till morning,” says Ismail as he served c his customers.

Mini Bars

Though there were several liquor selling points inside stadium vendors like Rachael John set up stalls outside where they sold spirits and imported beer.

On a small table under a tree outside the gate she sold beer to some of the early birds who were looking for every opportunity to quench their thirst before they enter the perimeters of the festival. “I have added a few coins on top to make some extra profit from my purchase, just Sh 500 extra and I expect to finish everything as the show continues,” says Teddy. Rachael wishes she had the opportunity to be part of the festival in Mwanza this weekend.

Night Clubs

The weekends are usually a busy place for most night clubs but most night clubs experienced overcrowding, to solve this crisis, some proprietor hiked the entry fees.

There is this particular lounge that is particularly a hit with middle class who used the opportunity to hold side parties as the main event took place. “Our experience tells us that after the main event artistes come here for the after party so we have to create an atmosphere to make them feel at home,” says one of the waitresses. And indeed after the show was over in the dead of the night the local celebrities were all there.

Just like in Tanga, the extravaganza has proved that it is more than just music and dance as businessmen take on the opportunity something that organizers too say is part of the impact.

‘With music as a key pillar of our company, Tigo Fiesta 2018 maintains its legacy of uncovering and nurturing budding talent, thus transforming the music industry and creating direct and indirect job opportunities for the youth and wider society’ says William Mpinga the head of marketing.

This was the case in almost every region where the Tigo Fiesta and it is expected to unlock further potential.

in Dar as it comes to a climax.