City Clubs disrupt operation over polls

Ohangla artist Musa Jakadala perform at Sky World Club

For close to a week, party lovers in the city have missed their entertainment treat after many clubs closed down in the wake of elections.

Revellers and musicians chose to stay indoors to watch the unfolding political events.

Ohangla sensation Musa Jakadala who is always fully booked from Wednesday through Sunday confirmed this.

“Political tension has driven most revellers away, with many opting to stay indoors. This has forced me to take a break,” says Musa, who left for his home area in Ugunja, Ugenya after casting his vote.

Top benga female singer Milly Fedha echoed Musa’s sentiment.

“It has been ‘dark’ week for us. With the ever rising political temperatures, it becomes impossible to go about our usual duties with the surety that all will be well,” says Milly.

Other affected groups are locally based Congolese groups Rumba Japan and Bilenge Musica, also residential bands within Nairobi’s central business district and South B.

According to musicians who solely depend on music for their upkeep, it has been a low period for them.

“The club gave us a break owing to the absence of revellers. Despite everything, we can only pray that everything goes back to normal soon,” says band leaders Vasco Da Gama and Darze.

Meanwhile, Juma Ochieng, a club owner within the CBD, says it is a tradition for most clubs within the CBD to shut down a day to elections and reopen when results are announced and all is back to normal.