Kenyan, Tanzanian artists, reunite for a night to remember in Nakuru

Yesterday (Saturday) felt as though the whole of Nakuru had gathered at the Nakuru Golf Club for The Reunion Ol' Skool Bongo Vs Kenya Edition, where both millennials and Gen Zs showed up ready to party. 

‎‎A significant percentage of the attendees adhered to the all-white dress code, which created a striking visual theme throughout the event. 

‎‎By the time I arrived, the venue was already packed. In fact, from the entrance, the traffic was so heavy that many people chose to alight from their vehicles and walk to the venue.

‎‎Moreover, the congestion continued at the ticketing point, where the queue was moving painfully slowly. Although I had to cut the line to get my ticket, I still found people complaining about the slow progress. 

‎‎As we approached the entrance, we were welcomed by placards featuring portraits of iconic artists such as Redsan, Ray C, Wyre, Sanaipei, E-Sir, Lady Jaydee, Professor Jay, and Alikiba. 

‎‎Soon after, Avril and DJ Milo took the stage for a 45-minute performance during which the crowd not only sang along but also danced enthusiastically. The nostalgia was clear from the way people reacted to each song. 

Mwangi Designer took advantage of the moment to sell vuvuzelas and whistles to excited revelers where he noted that it was a great opportunity for him to make more sales.

‎‎At exactly 11:20 pm, Matonya stepped on stage with incredible energy, supported by the City Boys dancers. The moment he began performing, the crowd surged forward, and I had to push my way closer to capture a good photo. 

‎‎The atmosphere grew even more electric as the audience sang along. Due to public demand, he adjusted his setlist to perform Vaileti and Anita, wrapping up after 25 minutes.

‎‎Immediately after Matonya’s set, Mr. Nice took over, opening with Kila Mtu na Dame Yake and closing with Rafiki Yako after a 45-minute performance. 

‎‎Then, at 12:20 am, Jua Kali made his entrance. With his signature “Waaatu!” call, he drove the audience wild.

He kicked off with Kiasi, and midway through the performance, he paused to request the DJ not to switch songs before he had finished. 

‎‎What followed was 45 minutes of an energetic, back-to-back performance of his greatest hits.

‎‎Afterward, Toxic Lyrycalli entertained the crowd with a 35-minute set that resonated strongly with the younger audience, finishing at around 2:00 am. 

‎‎Throughout the night, MC Meso and MC Precious, together with various DJs, did a fantastic job hyping the crowd between performances. The DJs also played throwback hits some that I hadn’t heard in ages, like Dumbala.

‎‎In conclusion, the organisers did an impressive job with the concept, but the experience could have been even better with live music incorporated. 

‎‎Additionally, having more security personnel within the crowd would help manage in case of chaos since there were a few instances of pushing and shoving among audience members. 

‎‎Lastly, increasing the number of staff at the ticketing point would significantly speed up the entry process.

‎‎And with that, the Sherehe season can now begin