Sepetukans day out

Dubbed the biggest bash among college going youth, Sepetuka Concert lived up to its billing, writes Matilda nzioki

It’s only 6pm and social networks are bursting with updates by fans, eager for the Sepetuka Concert. For the uninitiated Sepetuka is street slang for dance.

10pm and the Pulse crew checks in as DJ John, one of the organisers, is dropping hip hop hits at the Simba Salon with the dance floor full. On the grounds right behind Carnivore’s play area, where the main show is taking place, there’s a dome made out of a marquee tent probably to keep the looming rain from spoiling the party. The set up at the dome is tantalising. This must be the biggest party of the year, with 10,000 people plus. A mammoth crowd of youth is still streaming in…

Singer Habida Moloney gets on stage. She is sumptuous and the crowd loves her. Almost four months after the birth of her baby, she looks amazing. The ecstatic swarm of fanatics has barely got the hang of it when Wyre gets on stage with his loyal dance team of Nix. The charged fans are enjoying the electric performance, particularly his rendition of the timeless Sina Makosa and the song Uprising. Silvester’s Randy and Gussy from the UK take on the decks and as usual it’s fireworks.

Midnight: Kenyan Norway-based rapper Stella Mwangi aka STL gets on stage. The Sepetukans are elated. That’s a good sign that the main act is a performance away. On top of staging a fine act flanked by her back up Judy, her performance is full of surprises. She brings Kantai on stage to do the song that introduced her to the market, Happy. It’s been long since anyone saw him perform. Wow.

At about 1am just as DJ CrËme is getting the crowd psyched, Homeboyz’s G Money comes upon the podium and, without faltering, introduces Alaine. The crowd goes gaga. People prop their cameras ready to record, as chicks perch on their dates’ shoulders for a better view.

Clad in a beautiful mini pleated tube dress on subtle fishnet panty hose, Alaine appears like an angel. There’s a deafening roar. She gets down to business, giving fans what they have been waiting for. With every introduction of her much appreciated songs, the enthusiasts applaud loudly. They include Secret Lover featuring Chino, Make Me Weak, Sacrifice, Forever More featuring Tarrus Riley and many more. She throws Kiswahili words like "wapi nduruuu!" here and there. Her passion on stage is evident and at one point she gets rid of her golden gladiator heel before continuing with the act barefoot.

Almost two hours later, she gets on the keyboard to conclude with her latest soft release that advocates for peace, You Are Me. Fans don’t want to let go. But everything with a beginning eventually ends. "I’ve had the time of my life," she sweetly says, before disappearing back stage.

Jamaican super producer and DJ Arif ‘Supa’ Cooper attempts to console fans who are still yearning for the songstress, with great dancehall. He too has learnt some Kiwahili. "Mikono juu!" he tells the joyous revellers. The rest of the leading DJs get on heavy rotation for the rest of the fun-filled night. They include reigning Pilsner Mfalme DJ Nelly, and Homeboyz DJs Vin and Hassan.

Verdict

Majority of the fans were positive about the party. Most felt they got value for their money.

However, a few grumbled about Alaine performing on playback as opposed to live, forgetting that that’s what they paid for. May be those who paid Sh2,000 would be allowed to complain.

As you would expect, little fistfights broke out here and there.

Surprisingly the organisers had no room for journalists next to the stage — the first of its kind. Having to deal with the push and shove among rowdy youth, tightly clutching onto my bag, all the while craning my neck to get a glimpse of what was happening on stage, was hellish.