A CHAT FROM LONDON: How Jay Dee show invigorated, disappointed at the same time

What makes Tanzanians gather in large groups overseas?

Citizens of other countries often rally for the sake of it. Ghanaians and Nigerians have conventions. Brazilians, Jews, Indians and Chinese possess a wide scope of networking, business societies and companies that have created small nations outside their original countries. Such is the solidity among these guys that local people find them fascinating and endearing. Take the business angle. Local people have no idea what Tanzania offers.

They have no idea where to buy any of the famous Tanzanian products (e.g. khangas, maandazi, Swahili films, music and books), let alone know what they are. The only source would be an embassy.

Period.

On the other hand, locals know where to find Indian curry, pilau and chapatti or Brazilian alcoholic drinks e.g. Caipirinha and Cachaça (a Konyagi- Gongo-like spirit made from sugarcane, lime, ice and sugar).  Kenyans took the cue from Ghana and did their own full day party in August 2015.

“Ghana in the Park” had been ongoing for a couple of years.  Families, friends, businesses and artists converged and expressed themselves through culture and natural resources. 

“Kenya in the Park” had a complex mish mash of the iconic Kenya Airways, nyama choma, khangas and ugali (which our neighbours call sima). Furthermore, this successful event (that contributed to organiser, Lydia Olet, winning a London award) coincided with Kenya’s brilliant performance at Beijing 15th International Athletics. Kenya topped the medal table followed by Jamaica with wealthy US and UK, third and fourth, respectively.

So what is the point here?

Our dear friends do not have an invigorating President John Magufuli. Honestly? Right now, everyone (following Tanzanian news internationally) is beaming with our new leader. The other day a Kenyan television researcher kept drilling my ears:

 “Do you think he is going to last?”

“Was he planning what he is doing all along?”, “Shall he combat corruption?” etc, etc.

They admire us for that.Still. Despite us winning the banner of peace, sunshine and tranquillity, we do not assemble to network overseas. We do not meet for the sake of meeting. There is a Kiswahili joke. Being peaceful makes us lazy.

However. Try spilling sugar anywhere.  You shall immediately notice black ants (sisimizi), rushing in. They love sugar. Tanzania’s top four elements of attraction i.e. sugar and honey, are weddings, funeral meets, visiting politicians and star musicians.

Anything else? No one turns up.

Back in the 1990s, Remmy Ongala was the sugar. Ongala would perform his Bongo Beat at the legendary London Africa Centre or the Forum and numerous international WOMAD festivals. Come 2003 and I saw Arusha’s Maasai-led rap group XPlastaz in a club (that still stands) called Cargo, in Hackney. Cargo had very few Tanzanians.

These days Bongo Flava stars are invited into areas mostly inhabited by Tanzanians and other East Africans e.g. East London and Milton Keynes. Lady Jay Dee was at Oasis in Barking, East London. Difficult to reach without a car, though.

 Cars are cheap to run, now. Petrol prices have tumbled down to £1.07 per litre.  In a BBC analysis last Tuesday, this descent of charges means while large companies and oil producing nations (Saudi Arabia, Russia and Nigeria) are losing, it is party time for us drivers...

Lady Jay Dee’s concert at Oasis meant cars.  It took me a long time to find parking  space outside the hall where so many deluxe vehicles queued for the “Queen of Africa”, as advertised by “Upendo Events.”

 Upendo Events boss, Frank Leo (pictured with Jay Dee), is a young passionate Tanzanian visionary. Leo told me he had communicated with professionals across the UK and aims to keep this unity forever. In the audience, I found scientists, lawyers, doctors, translators, business personalities as well as companies like “All Things African.” Led by Ms Hamida Mbaga and Zambian-born Jessica Haliwell, All Things African,  sold alluring products (coffee, clothes, jewellery, embroidery) and staged a fashion show with attractive, educated young looking females from Tanzania, Africa and the UK.

Always draped in her characteristic colours of the Tanzanian flag, Hamida Mbaga is one of the most proud Tanzanian ladies I have witnessed in recent years. So was her colleague, Jasmine Kissamo Assenga and Upendo Events personalities.

In fact, Upendo Events personnel (including Mr Leo himself) were visibly dressed in   “All Things African” designed fabrics.  The whole scenario is a positive, 2016 and beyond future in the making. Coming together of community professionals.

The catalyst musician herself, Lady Jay Dee was openly loved and cheered. “But her show was too short, too brief!” This was the major complaint from an array of women.

The award winning, 36- year ariste sang her best hits: Yahaya, Joto Hasira and Marijani Rajabu’s classic Si Wema. She was feted and hugged and given money (tuzwa) on stage  yes.

 However, she left an unsatisfied audience yearning for more.