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Despite my gigs were being postponed left and right due to the arrival of President Barack Obama and the resulting closure of seemingly,every major road in the city, my karaoke session was still a go at Pots and Palms at the Office Park. So, my KJ Mista Karoge and I took no chances and got to work at 3pm, a whole five hours before our show’s kick-off time.
As POTUS’ arrival neared, I could feel the energy in the bar rising. There was all this information about Obama’s car, plane, hotel room, accompanying arsenal and fire engines that I am sure that even the US president did not know.
At the first sighting of Air Force One, all eyes focused on the myriad of screens around the bar. Some people even suggested that this would be a great time to be in a ‘local’ in Kawangware as they would be more lively.
In the end, one did not need to go that far, because the moment Obama appeared at the door of the airplane and took that quick jog down the steps, the bar erupted into a loud applause. “Who is that little girl? Ahh, I think she is a rela of Kenyatta.” Some one said. “I feel like I am watching independence day celebration,” remarked another.
“Hey, Kenyatta is standing like a rugby player ready to attack,” someone else observed. “Heeey, was that a real hug?” came another query from the crowd. Then POTUS’ limousine moved into position and applause erupted again with howls of “The Beast!” It made me laugh because I doubt most Americans know anything about The Beast
I started the karaoke with Kool and The Gang’s Celebration and we celebrated Obama’s arrival and my mom’s first birthday in heaven. Then an unusual request came in. I was asked to sing my favourite song, the American national anthem.
All I can say is that I am sure Obama felt my song over at Kempinski. As soon as I finished, I was booted off the stage by a patron who wanted to sing the Kenyan national anthem. I gladly obliged.
Then a guy wearing a bright red shirt and an American flag, the size that Olympians use when they run their winning lap, jumped on stage. I sat back and admired my strangest karaoke session full of national anthems and flag bearers. Then we cut the cake I had ordered for my mommy and President Obama.
Denise is an Afro-Soul singer and music performance coach
