The New Year countdown

KTN presenter Ndiema (Right) and MC Jessy entertains fans on stage during the Groove Party New Year show.

 

As the clock struck midnight ushering in the New Year, the Pulse crew was manning all the major attractions across the country. We bring you the frenzy and drama as Pulsers welcomed 2013

The showdown bubbled from social media pages to TV stations and as the clock struck midnight, the rustle of showbiz might have culminated into a full-blown blitz.

What seemed a major headache for event organisers jostling for numbers to fill their event venues and artistes crafting on how to cash in on the New Year windfall turned to be a feast to revellers. Indeed, they were spoilt for choice on where to celebrate the break of the New Year.

“All roads are leading to Nyayo National Stadium for the big Groove Party tonight....,” Radio Maisha’s Antony Ndiema went live on KTN, over and over, wooing Pulsers to the annual Groove end of year party aired live on KTN all night long.

For the first time, leading gospel artistes had gone separate ways as Daddy Owen and Emmy Kosgei led thousands in a parallel New Year concert in Eldoret — away from the usual bonanza in Nairobi. One had been sponsored by Safaricom as the communication rivals Airtel put cash on the other. 

The two extravaganzas went live on TV as masses streamed into the Eldoret Sports Grounds and Nyayo Stadium — in their thousands — to usher in the New Year.

Before midnight, a third force, the Totally Sold Out concert also went on air, creating sumptuous cocktail of sorts to thousands who followed the events from their living rooms.

But that was just one side of the coin. Entertainment spots were abuzz with activities, with shows featuring celebrated entertainers long before the midnight fireworks lit the skies. The rains poured down, but there was no dousing the party.

Safari Park

At Safari Park, a more niche crowd attended the New Year show whose tickets had, literally, sold out. The evening ceremony brought together Jabali Africa, the Altimate Band of Linda Muthama and Walter Monga’re who treated the crowd to an exhilarating concert.

 Groove Party

At Nyayo Stadium, celebrated comedians Churchill and Mc Jesse thrilled fans with their witty rib breaking jokes.

Fêted gospel deejay Syk, deejay Ruff and deejay Tabz where the first set of deejays on the wheels of steel to flaunt their prowess.

The VIP section and backstage was packed full, with celebrities from both secular and gospel scene.

Performance at the event started as early as 7pm with the likes of Mr T, Chuchu, P-Nine, Septa, Tetete, Zaida and Makena band, Kelele Takatifu, Hope Kid, DK featuring Masterpiece and BMF group being the early performers, with each battling it out in with their outstanding performance that sent revellers into a frenzy.

Other artistes who gave out splendid performances were MOG, Eunice Njeri and Eko Dydda. Deejay Mo and Deejay Sadic also gave superb performances.

At 11.50pm the tempo had gone up and despite the heavy downpour, the countdown to the New Year began.

It was not all joy and smooth sailing as the rivalry between Gloria Muliro and Willy Paul reared its ugly head. The two had a murky verbal exchange before Gloria exited and headed to the Totally Sold show where she performed the disputed Sitolia track.

Il-Covo Mombasa

Pulsers who attended The Countdown gig at Il Covo, Bamburi, will for days remember the melodic symphony of Scott, the violinist. The young harpist had joined Deejay Mista Dru, who was the first on the decks, on the stage to play in tune with the house music that was churning from of the megawatts-heavy speakers placed on the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.

Deejay Hypnotic took to the stage before DJ Crème de la Crème and Protégé showcased their turntable workmanship with great mixes.

At around 3am, a section of the crowd cried foul claiming that Mombasa-based deejay Delph was being overlooked by the organisers.

“These guys from Nairobi are biased. They are scared Delph will outshine them. We want Delph to play,” the crowd demanded.

Peace concert in Eldoret

Away in Eldoret at that 3am hour, Daddy Owen and Denno were on stage thrilling the massive crowd with their Mbona hit single. And as the two left the stage, the energetic Rose Muhando and her dancers took over and rewarded the crowd with a 30 minutes rousing performance.

The Pamoja Peace concert had been a great concert attended by gospel greats Emmy Kosgei, Esther Wahome, Rose Muhando, Mr Seed, Ambassada and Christina Shusho, among others. 

Smirnoff Night at Carnivore

It was the night of the DJs with three stages, showcasing different genres of music, going head-to-head.

Minutes to the New Year, two outstanding dancers picked from the audience were taken up on stage to showcase their dancing skills. The Night went on with DJ Shaun Banger from the UK taking over the decks on the main stage, while DJ Joe Mfalme took over the decks in the middle stage set up in the middle of Carnivore restaurant as the crowd celebrated the New Year.