If there is one thing Ms Karen Kalunde has learnt this past year, it is that time is precious. After the dreadful realities wrought on the country by Covid-19, the phrase YOLO (You Only Live Once) has never been truer for her.
That is why, she says, she is ready to usher in the New Year in style. And according to her, there is no better place to have fun than at the New Year ’s Eve concert at the Carnivore grounds in Nairobi. The concert is scheduled to be headlined by Jamaican dancehall artiste Garfield Spencer, popularly known as Konshens.
“Last year we had to usher in the New Year under lockdown. That was one of my worst experiences because there was already a general feeling of sadness over Covid-19 and not being allowed to go out to be with friends and family,” Ms Kalunde said.
“I have learned to be cautious even in the way I interact with other revellers. A lot of people have gone through worse situations in their lives due to the pandemic and being able to celebrate the New Year the best way they can is a way for them to release some of that steam,” she added.
One of the clearest indicators that Kenyans are more than ready for outdoor events was the well-attended ‘Sol Fest Concert’, which was held by boy band Sauti Sol.
Ms Kalunde is one of many people who are ready to put on their dancing shoes to usher in the New Year, and thanks to the lifting of curfew and other restrictions by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenyans are spoilt for choice as to where to go for cross-over concerts.
Konshens, an immensely popular international artiste, is in the country for the NRG wave NYE party. Other artistes expected to perform at the Carnivore fest include rapper Khaligraph Jones and Sauti Sol. “I am happy to be here in Kenya again. It’s all love and one thing I am sure about is that this Friday it’s going to be crazy, make sure you get your tickets.
Carnivore is going to be crazy, one more time in Kenya and big up to all my Kenyan fans, big up to NRG, you have shown me love over the years and I love Kenya from my heart,” he said in an interview at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport when he arrived on Tuesday night.
If his past concerts are anything to go by, then this will be nothing short of electrifying.
After his first performance in 2014, Konshens said he had always loved Kenya, where he has a huge following.
Last year he surprised his fans with a virtual concert that aired live on his Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Another New Year’s eve (NYE) party featuring an international act is the NYE Glow Festival, which will be held at the Ngong Racecourse. Jamaican dancehall artiste Charly Black is scheduled to perform at the event.
For fans of Mugithi, Samidoh, Jose Gatutura and Ngaruiya Jnr are among the artistes expected to perform at the Barclays club near Utalii hotel.
At Anzana Gardens in Ruaka, it will be a night of non-stop Amapiano music in an event dubbed ‘Amapiano tour NYE party’ that will feature deejay performances.
Afropop singer Nadia Mukami will be performing live at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. She is one of the few artistes who have done well for themselves despite the pandemic. She was recently on a concert tour of the United States.
“December 31, 2021 nitakuwa naperform live pale @safariparkhotel! Come let’s enjoy together!” wrote the artiste on Instagram.
In Mombasa, revellers will be entertained by Nigerian singer Omah Lay (real name Stanley Omah Didia) who will be performing at a NYE beach party hosted by B-Club Mombasa.
You can also find your way to the Mama Ngina Waterfront, where the annual Governors’ fireworks and New Year celebrations are held.
Singer Tanasha Donna is among the artistes who will be performing.
“Mombasa!!! Mama Ngina Waterfront!!! We shut it down this 31st!!! ,” said Tanasha Donna.
Moran lounge in Nanyuki will be hosting Genge artiste Jua Cali.
“This is a special day fans should expect a good performance, Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on people in the entertainment industry and we support what the government did in terms of the lockdowns and is still doing to help prevent the spread of the disease. We are humbled that we have this opportunity to celebrate the New Year in style,” Jua Cali said. BY DAILY NATION