Attended a Jazz Event Last Tuesday and Trust me, It’s not What You’ve Always Pictured it. Thank you Atemi and Chris Bitok for Opening my Eyes( PHOTOS)

Opulence, exquisite fragrance, priced watches, designer shoes coupled up with buttery wine and tastes; your typical assumption of a jazz event, yes?

Now let me shock you, no. And there aren’t even as many Caucasian people as you think. I know because I attended a jazz night at Kiza lounge the other night. I bet you have heard about it, some swanky bar in Galana plaza within the confines of Milimani. If you do, then you probably know it hosts various themed nights that try and infuse the various facets of African music and cultures together.

So there you learn the first thing about jazz, it’s African. It has its roots from New Orleans some 100 years ago and it was a combination of African rhythm and “feel”. And then the second thing, people who listen to jazz don’t just sit there, sipping their drinks and being all snobbish. They actually dance and sing along to the different tunes showcasing their lyrical prowess in the process.

And when you attempt to be boring, then somebody has to pat in the back and cheer you on. And when you dish out a smile and do a little jig as well, don’t be surprised when you get a drink coming your way. I got like two extra beers when I sang a chorus to some RNB song Chris Bitok sampled.

He was the one in charge of all our musical needs at the time and the suaveness him and his band brought with their saxophones made sure everyone was on the floor dancing. It was so good that Atemi who had come to the lounge for a tipple got a tad too carried away and joined them on stage.

Now can you imagine Atemi on the vocals and Chris on the instruments, Ohhh my…it’s something out of this world, something spectacular. And considering Kiza lounge has the space to maneuver, I didn’t mind bringing out my animal instincts out.

I think I danced until 2 AM, maybe even 3, not my fault, Chris and Atemi just didn’t want to stop and the roaring of the crowd wasn’t helping with the situation. They really didn’t care it was on a Tuesday night. I think they even did a rendition of Ojuelegba.

So there is another thing to learn, a jazz crowd is not a timid crowd, it’s a delirious crowd that understands and appreciates good music.

I can’t wait to be there again next Tuesday. Check out the photos: