After the media launch of Blaze at Michael Joseph Centre on Friday, 27th May, Safaricom Limited followed that up by organizing the unveiling party on Saturday. Now you will agree with me that when Safaricom throws a party, they go big-Think Safaricom jazz or Groove party. It was no different this time. At a time when the company was launching a sub-brand, every aspect of the party had to be great.
To control the numbers to a manageable level, this was an-invites only party. That girlfriend or boyfriend you love so much could not accompany you as a plus-one unless they were invited as well. The invite was drawn in such a way that you were to arrive at the agreed venue in time lest you were left behind as the party would go down at an undisclosed location.
I got to Nairobi Railway Station-the meeting point and was shocked to find a huge crowd of young people milling around the station. All the signs pointed to the party happening there. The venue was complete with a DJ, emcees to hype the crowd and refreshments even for the people trickling in. I felt cheated. ‘I thought they were to take us to a different place.’ I mumbled. Suspense rent the air. Most of the people were in the dark. But the mini-party at the station went on with entertainment from multi-award winning dance group-FBI.
At around 5.15, the unconventional means of transport that had not crossed people’s minds arrived-A trained christened with Blaze posters arrived at the station. After the preliminaries of grabbing snack boxes, we boarded the train where the party continued. A large speaker was fixed in each carriage from where music that fascinated the young people blared. African Heritage House was the final destination. Here, a giant tent was pitched for the ultimate Blaze Experience.
The hospitality befitted a true Safaricom event. On arrival, everyone was offered a glass of their favourite chilled drink-From fresh juices to cocktails that triggered taste buds. There was an open bar where booze was flowing freely, almost literally. Food and other bitings were aplenty.
Numerous researchers have shown that young people have short concentration spans. Rarely will they sit at one point for hours and not get bored. The organizers of this event were alive to this fact. There were many fun activities and games tailored for the youthful crowd. Concentration was tested at the Laser maze challenge, soccer fanatics played bubble soccer which is probably unique from what they are used to, hover boards offered a chance to gauge how well we can balance, through graffiti, we expressed ourselves and partied at the silent disco. For those willing, there were free tattoos (both permanent and temporary).
The experienced mix master – DJ Kalonje set the stage for what was going to be hours of non-stop partying in the wild. Performances such as the light bending blew me away. I sat in awe as people recorded and snapped away the thrilling moment.
As the party continued, lucky winners walked away with phones and selfie-sticks. The emcees, Mwalimu Rachael and Njora, did a good job to hype the crowd while still giving the nitty-gritty of what Blaze is all about. The Blaze mentors, some of who include Thandiwe Muriu, Anita Nderu, Mutua Matheka, Brenda Wairimu, Wangechi, Kevo Provoke, Nick Mutuma, Shaqtheyungin, among others were paraded at the stage for the party goers.
Despite the minor setback that faced DJ Crème de la Crème, he thrilled the crowd with different sets of mixes. There’s no doubt why he remains one of the finest deejays in the Kenyan music industry.
How often do you party in a train or in the wild? Rarely right? Me too. I salute the organizers of this party. To find out more about the Blaze party check out this link.
