Party after party in Tanzania this festive season
Today is December 25, Christmas Day, traditionally known as a day for merrymaking. Revellers across the country - from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi to Dodoma - are braced for a party frenzy to cap the year in style. In contrast, much of the rest of the world is secluded as social gatherings of any kind are banned. In fact, a Canadian resident, Rebecca Sandton, who talked to The Beat, said that her country is preparing for another phase of lockdown.
“We will be going under lockdown for 30 days. No large gatherings are permitted. One is only allowed outside to go buy essentials, but even when at the supermarket we are told to keep our distance – they only allow 20 people at a go,” she said. All these are measures aimed at mitigating the heavy impact of Covid-19.
2020 came with its copious holdups in many spheres of life, but topping the list has to be the coronavirus pandemic that left the world at a complete standstill. Virtually the whole world was on the verge of complete anarchy in the health sector, in fact, many countries to date are still neck-deep in this deadly virus.
Tanzania, on the other hand, is dancing to a different tune. When Covid-19 penetrated into the country in March 2020, gloom is all that pervaded the circumambient. It spelled doom unabated. In the entertainment industry, it marked a new order where artistes would have to resort to other means of survival following the suspension of social gatherings, with it went any prospective gigs for entertainers.
But, a slither of hope was ushered in as Tanzania fared better than most countries, and a few months later the country was out of the danger zone.
The state of dismal number of deaths and minimal impact of Covid-19 meant that life would go back to normal. This was a welcome note for citizens, but most especially the artistes who could now resume their day-to-day activities of performing on stage and making appearances at different social gatherings.
It is partying as usual for Tanzanians
What one would do to have a glimpse of steadier tides in Tanzania, especially during this festive season where partying always gets people in high spirits. Some of the biggest events are expected to unravel this weekend around the country.
Topping the list of must-attend events this weekend is the highly anticipated touchdown of South Africa’s Sho Madjozi in Dar es Salaam. Slated to go down on Boxing Day at Elements, Sho Madjozi’s performance is the perfect conclusion to the year 2020.
The artiste came to prominence with her hit song ‘John Cena’. She only went upward and onward from there as she kept releasing hit after hit. She is no stranger to the Tanzanian space, both as an artiste and on a personal level.
Sho Madjozi lived and studied in Tanzania before departing for South Africa. On the music side, she’s done collabos with a slew of Bongo Flava talents such as Darassa (I like it) Marioo (Mama Amina) and the list goes on.
She’s set to shut Dar es Salaam down with her vibrant energy at what is expected to be a sold-out concert.
But, it’s not just Dar es Salaam that’s getting in on the fun of Christmas Day festivities, other major Tanzanian cities Moshi, Dodoma, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza and even the archipelago Zanzibar have not been left behind.
In Moshi, an events organizing company Str8 Up Vibes has staged one of the biggest end-year bashes ‘Hennessy VIP Experience’ at Uhuru Park, they’ve also lined up simultaneous vibes in two cities – Arusha and Dar es Salaam this Christmas Day.
Another highly anticipated event dubbed Serengeti Music Festival is expected to go down on December 26 at Dar es Salaam’s Uhuru Park. With a list of more than 40 artistes lined up to perform, this event promises to turn Tanzania’s commercial capital into a big party arena.
Rewarding season for entertainers
It is during this festive season when artistes cash in on lucrative gigs as event promoters come calling in numbers. Most of these events staged in different parts of the country are headlined by local artistes who’ve been at the top of their game all year-long.
The likes of Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, AliKiba, Mbosso, Rayvanny, Zuchu, Marioo, and Nandy have got their schedules filled with party after party.
Pubs and hotel bars will be packed to the limit these next seven days as people wind up the year. From popular spots such as Beach Kidimbwi, Juliana, Havoc, Samaki Samaki, 40/40, to upcountry joints the likes of Amber Arusha, The Don and Kendwa Rocks in Zanzibar, a uniform aura of excitement and partying will be felt everywhere.
A city reveler working in the telecoms industry said that it is during the month of December where he decides to take his leave from office.
“We all understand how it feels like being on holiday during December. Nothing beats that feeling of total freedom and an uninterrupted moment of pure rest and pleasure,” he said.
On attending any of the lined-up party scenes, the communication technology expert says he will certainly see to it that he experiences the festive season nightlife, especially this year when Tanzania should be considering itself lucky for still being able to host large gatherings of people.
The rest of the world will be celebrating this festive season virtually, with artistes curating online shows to connect with their fans during a time where physical interaction is impossible.
From Kenya, South Africa to the US, big names in music will be doing live virtual concerts on Christmas Day and New Year.
As for Tanzania, the party beat goes on in every way imaginable.
