The sounds of New Year

The party was in the studio. A big party! There was another on the beach. And the third one in the bush.

As per tradition, Nairobians trouped to Mombasa over the holiday season to usher in the New Year. Musicians were set to cash on the season.

Entertainment spots and beach club owners put banners up in every available space in Mombasa, charming revellers to throng their premises for the end year shows.

DJ Jean Marie [Photos: PIUS CHERUIYOT / STANDARD]

However, it wasn’t all lost as thousands followed the Groove Party show live on KTN. This was the biggest ever studio hosted show to be witnessed in the land.

From the KTN studios at the Standard Group offices, Mombasa Road an array of jubilant gospel musicians and preachers assembled as thousands watched the show as it went went live on air.

As the clock ticked 10pm, MC Alemba took to the stage, filling the screen with laughable humour as dancers joined him in song and dance.

The show kicked-off with a thrilling presentation by Nico, a newcomer whose emotional Zulu slanted hit set the tempo for Kris E Baba, the new gospel sensation of the E Baba fame.

Next on screen was Eko Dydda who did not disappoint. He wasn’t short of energy.

Performances by Nemayian of the Niwewe Bwana fame, Mercy Masika and MOG were breathtaking just as it was with BMF who took the opportunity to debut their new single, Baba na Mama.

ON SCREEN FIESTA

The interludes were golden moments for DJ Syd who showcased his prowess on turntable as dance troupes spiced the moment. There was no blinking for the viewers.

The occasion provided a rare opportunity for the celebrities to dine and party.

It was immeasurable joy as Ben Githae, Allan Aaron, the King of Kapungala Daddy Owen and Emmy Kosgei took the final stretch to an exhilarating climax to the break of the New Year.

As fans danced and partied in their living rooms, those who went out partied hard at the Carnivore. A joyous mood swept the Carnivore during the much-hyped Pilsner 7 Wonders.

There were two separate entertainment spots, one inside the Simba Saloon and outside Simba Saloon.

DJ Joe Mfalme and DJ Ricky, who are both Pilsner Mfalme winners had been joined by DJ Mobi and DJ Klash inside Simba Saloon. DJ Jean Marie and DJ Eddie were outside rocking the venue down with sizzling rock, electro and house music.

Of Carnivore. The wind blew to coast at Haller Park, Mombasa — where Radio Maisha was hosting a major end of year gig.

As early as 8pm, crowds thronged the nature trail with Homegrown presenter Deejay Hassan on the decks.

Sauti Sol and GogoSimo lived to their reputation during the extravaganza also featuring DJ Bunduki and Coast finest Ally B.

Camping overdrive

Down at the Kapiti plains in Lukenya Hills, Spoilers Entertainment in conjunction with Mzuka Media hosted the overdrive party at the Black Dog Campsite in Lukenya. Graced by the Godfather of Genge, Nonini on the mic, morning came faster than the hundreds of revellers expected.

And back in Mombasa, the New Year thrill went on at Club Lambada with Jimmy Gait leading the celebrations while Redsan held it down at Campus Haven.

After defying all the olds, fun lovers still thronged the beach party in Nyali where Nameless, Jaguar and Size 8 among others entertained.

Security remained tight with police as well as private guards patrolling the beachfront in anticipation of any eventuality.

Even though the stars gave the best of their worth, bad sound and poor lighting marred the concert. It all ended well as music blazed the air on and on till the break of the new day, and a New Year.