Karaoke fever grips Dar nightspots
P-Square in a past performance. Their music is popular in Dar es Salaam. So next time you are in Dar es Salaam, join in the craze that is karaoke. Photo/WILLIAM OERI
What you need to know:
- A popular video by Nigerian pop musicians P-Square is playing on a giant screen.
- The tune is catchy and I want to dance to it but my introvert self needs a few more drinks to get up the courage.
The Karaoke craze of the 1980s never really died. Every city “suffers” a cycle of karaoke depending on what moves the social scene. Dar es Salaam is no exception.
A spot check in clubs around the city shows that patrons are increasingly enjoying this form of entertainment.
In fact, most clubs host a “Karaoke Night” at least once a week. On these days, Karaoke aficionados come in droves for a chance to sing a favourite song and get to feel like a music star.
I followed one such group of enthusiasts to a local pub to find out why karaoke is all the rage.
It’s 9:30pm on a Thursday evening. A cool breeze blows as I sit on a red plastic chair, around me are similar chairs and tables occupied by patrons placed strategically underneath the shade of palm trees.
A popular video by Nigerian pop musicians P-Square is playing on a giant screen.
The tune is catchy and I want to dance to it but my introvert self needs a few more drinks to get up the courage.
INSTANT CHANGE IN ATMOSPHERE
A young, beautiful hostess takes the microphone and tells the DJ that it is time for Karaoke.
There is an almost instant change in the atmosphere. People are excited and more revellers come streaming in, unusual at this hour because in Dar es Salaam everybody knows the party doesn’t start until midnight.
The first three singers are announced and the first song picked is Shaggy’s 2001 hit song Angel, followed by Ace of Base’s hit single All that she wants and South African Zahara’s soulful, captivating Loliwe.
The young woman who sings Loliwe does it so well that the crowd gives her a standing ovation. Someone in the crowd shouts “encore,” but his plea goes unheeded.
Then the video DJ takes over, albeit for half an hour or so, sending the crowd into a session of dancing and singing.
It doesn’t stop there, for other singers take to the stage and sing their hearts out. This goes on until it is time to close the pub.
Most clubs and pubs are now enlisting the services of Karaoke Entertainment Dar es Salaam (KED) for their karaoke nights.
While most clubs require patrons to pay an entrance fee, karaoke nights are free of charge.
You just need to drink and sing. So next time you are in Dar es Salaam, join in the craze that is karaoke.
This story first appeared in the East African
