Fumes and tunes: How the club scene is springing back to life with the ease of restrictions

Raych and Alexis at Onyx Lounge [Photo: David Gichuru]

The world is returning to normal after the four-month closure of entertainment spots was eased with some successful parties this past weekend. It was all back to business as was usual with a twist at some of Nairobi’s most popular hangout joints. Fumigation, temperature checks, sanitising, social distancing (sort of) were in full swing at almost full-to-capacity pubs and restaurants such as Onyx Lounge, Ngong Road and Milan at The Mirage, Westlands. In Karen, Kidum and his Bodaboda band enthralled fans during the Gire launch, which came hot on the heels of another such party last week where the Safari Cats, while observing health protocols and even wearing masks, lit up the party.

Onyx Lounge was playing host to girl duo Nadra’s much-anticipated return to the music scene with their EP launch, while the Milan Sunday Brunch saw a comeback like it never left. “There is no way we can just be tethered to the house. The essence of entertainment, music, and dancing is to share the moment with people. We are back to stay,” Nadra stated. All the fun and noise was eclipsed with the diligence and attention to detail displayed by these particular places setting the benchmark for other Kenyan eateries to resume and host their beloved soirees. Nightlife spots have set up new standards and approach to ensure they are complying with the government directives. “The vibe of home concerts and ‘Club Kitanda’ was becoming a hassle. Even going to the neighbours wasn’t cutting. We miss dunda and connecting with our friends and family, and just being in an environment that has many people. It’s like solitary confinement just chilling in the crib the whole time. This energy was needed,” says DJ GI.