When the DJ becomes a referee: The pains of clubbing on game nights

You walk into your favourite spot, order your drink, the dance floor is warming up, and it feels like the night is finally beginning to catch fire.

But just as the vibe hits a peak... boom, the DJ kills the music.

Not to transition into another hit, no. Instead, the big screen lights up, and suddenly, you are not in a club anymore, it seems like a watch party or even stadium vibe.

The DJ fades into the background. In his place? A hyper-commentator yelling stats and strategies over a loudspeaker, completely drowning your plans of catching a vibe.

You look around. Football fans donned in jerseys. For a second, you wonder if you accidentally walked into a sports bar.

 You didn’t. 

This is the new Nakuru nightlife, where football runs the show.

Sure, when a team scores, the crowd erupts and the DJ is allowed to sneak in a celebratory banger. Maybe a hyped track at halftime.

But in between? You’re left listening to commentary you barely understand, and wondering whether you should have just stayed at home.

And yes, to be fair, the majority in the house usually take the day. Football fans are loud, loyal, and legion.

But what about the rest in the house? Those who came for the dancing, for the laughter, for the non-football vibe?

Those who just wanted a soft life weekend, only to end up sitting through 90 minutes of "Man U vs Arsenal" debates and the Dj's section on "Kati ya Man U na Arsenali ni gani kali? "No hard feelings to either team, by the way.

So here's the question to club managers, promoters, and entertainment hosts in the fourth city, does it always have to be this way?

Is it really impossible to strike a balance? Can't the club satisfy both clienteles. Why must one crowd always sacrifice for the other?

And alternatively, is there a hidden gem somewhere in this city for those who don’t live and breathe football? A cool, tucked-away spot where music rules, the only chants are from lyrics, and the vibe never pauses for a penalty?

 If not, maybe it's time Nakuru started creating those spaces.

Because game nights are gaining massive popularity, and while football fans are clearly having their moment, other revellers now need better options, places that don’t force them to trade in their night out for 90 minutes or more of football commentary.

Nakuru is growing. Its nightlife is evolving. But as the city climbs in vibe and culture, maybe it's time we start curating nights for all kinds of revellers.

Let football live. But let the music live too. Because not everyone came out to chant for a goal.

Some of us just want to dance!