Last Saturday, there were three major events in Stockholm. The Kenya Support Network in Sweden was having a members’ meeting, Christine Gikandi was having a baby shower while both Wyckliffe Oduya and Charlotte were having their Pre-wedding Party.
While all three events were reportedly well attended, it was at the Pre-wedding Party where the earth appeared to have been moving. A disco dance continued throughout the night as DJ Jimmy constantly called the crowd to attention. The hall was jammed with humanity seeking to loosen up on the floor as bodies shook and bosoms swung in moments of raha.
Something unique with the Party was that there was plenty of rare faces on the Kenya-Stockholm scene. It was like the dressing code had deliberately been set to “High standards” because 90% of the party lovers who were dressed to deliberately make a point about personal or individual style.
If you were looking for ma-vitenge, then there were plenty of samples and one wonders why nobody has ever thought of organizing a Kenya-Stockholm fashion show because there was no telling as to who could have scooped the ultimate prize. Everything was available – from “open-chested” kind of creations, mgongo wazi (open backs) to tight slim-fits and multi-coloured “baggy designs” of different sizes. The variety of textiles was only paralleled by the uniqueness of hair styles which sent different signals about different personalities.
Men were never left behind with coats and ties which could remind a Kenyan observer of dres
sing codes in Kenya especially when it’s an occasion of the Pre-wedding type. Others left their traditional suites and opted for African dresses that blended well with the occasion.
However, there were some “I don’t care” men who had taka taka kind of attires which could annoy an organizer looking for a touch of class to go with the occasion that was on display.
The good thing is that nobody seemed to care about the Myrona-like clothes some men had on them and this was good because it reduced tension. It was obvious that the women beat the men in fashion and I doubt whether DJ Jimmy had any complaints this time round. There was no comparison especially if you scanned down the legs to spy on the pair of shoes that revelers had picked on.
Albert Taabu, Ngugi, Bryan et al opened the event with African drums and this tended to break the monotony of disco music. It was a welcome break and the organizers led by Mr. Joshua Oyugi, Professor Obondo, Dr. Margarette Oduya, Mrs Owili and Oyuga Odada must have worked really hard to help pull the party. The soon to be “Mr and Mrs” appeared very relaxed.
One positive thing is that although music continued deep into the night, there were no ugly incidents which have seen Wakenya chased from Norsborg Musikhuset, Alby and other joints. These days, Wakenya can only party at Red Line Disco in Sätra where security is maximum and anybody who brings nyoko nyoko is immediately strangulated by the hawk-eyed and well built askaris always ready to break a neck if necessary to keep the peace.
The last time Kenyans heard about a public pre-wedding party was in 2005 when Clay and Lizz w
ere preparing for their wedding. In August the same year, Clay did organize a wedding which was thronged by Kenyans and friends alike.
After the Oduya pre-wedding, the next stop is the real thing and I am sure Wakenya will be on the look out. Not many Kenyans opt for public weddings and this is why it was encouraging to note that many Kenyans and friends had left their stuff for the week end to support the young Oduya and Charlotte as they seek to enter into the Kingdom of marriage.
We take this opportunity to congratulate the couple for making that significant move while at the same time saying kudos to the Committee which has been working extra hard to ensure that everything went as had been planned.
Okoth Osewe
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