In recent weeks, the world has been shocked by numerous allegations linking American rap mogul Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs to his infamous ‘freak off’ parties. Meanwhile, many closer to home are observing with indifference, having attended similar gatherings themselves, events that are gaining popularity in city estates.
Kenyans love to party and this fact is cemented by their frequent visits to bars, nightclubs and music concerts. However, whilst the majority may enjoy the public social spaces, another section of Kenyans prefer partying differently; with a tinge of twist.
Picture this, set on a warm evening, in a well placed suburb, a residential outdoor space has been hired out to be used for a house party. Music is playing softly in the background as guests arrive while the early birds are socializing, some dancing as they warm up the stage far darker soirees called “freak-offs”.
Full of opulence and considered to be playgrounds of the rich, they are studded with famous names and dazzling tableaus. These parties aren’t for every Tom, Dick and Harry, rather they are attended by flamboyant nightlife lovers, socialites, business professionals and foreigners.
“You have to be a known figure in the circles of the host. These parties are just not for everyone. This is similar to the prohibition era, so you’ll have to keep your party a secret!” says Brandez, who is privy to the fine details.
They are occasioned by binge drinking, sometimes days-long house parties where anything goes and often involving significant amounts of drug use that keeps the individuals up for days. Hosts operate under strict adherence to unspoken rules which render taking video clips and photos as out of context.
“These parties need no evidence. What you record in memory remains for you to remember. Taking photographic footage is largely treated as an abomination unless of course it is the boss doing it,” Pamela, not real name, alludes. Invitations are personal and within mutual circles. They are lavish, well orchestrated events that seem to treat relations within as carousing. However, keeping the circle small is ideal as it suggests a certain pristine simplicity.
“Word spreads in hushed tones. They all want to be part of that scene, but the smaller the circle, the merrier the party.” The parties will feature avid drinkers, junkies or even teetotallers who mainly love the company and are intrigued by the unfolding events. Old or young are all welcome as long as they can match up with the vibe and activities.
“It’s simply a gathering of veteran celebrities mixed with of-the-moment stars and the high-society with like minds and nightlife tolerance. Chaotic persons, light drinkers who blackout or talk much after a few rounds are avoided entirely.”
The experience gives a home away from home feeling with provision of private rooms available to extend the entertainment space with some being off limits for privacy.
Often, such monies are collected to facilitate the necessities, all inclusive but on other occasions, especially where big boys are involved, everything is on the house, all inclusive to limit movement.
“The advantage is one must not necessarily need to spend a fortune on hiring a venue for a different activity. It’s all under one roof,” says Ouma. He narrates his first experience where he chauffeured in blindfolds to the venue and exited in the same manner.
Mutual consent
“We were informed the reason was to let the location remain discreet.” Celebrations transition from day to night, with guests sometimes ending up in the pool, fully or partially naked, it’s impartial hence not a big fuss.
“In a certain scenario, a popular politician in a private party dared attendees in the pool to strip. Once he noticed that the guests were hesitant; he ordered everyone out of the pool, proceeded to pick stacks of cash which he splashed in the pool for people to collect. The only catch was, you had to jump into the pool stack naked and boom, everyone jumped into the water in their birthday suits and that was the beginning of a nude partSee, it is all fun and games coated with mystery,” our source said. Indulging activities are mainly based on mutual consent and rarely do people cross the line for fear of violating rules.
“Troublemakers are black listed and avoided at all costs”. As should be, food and drinks are the focal point as well to create an excellent way to blow off some steam and make for an unforgettable experience for all party attendees.
Elevated but controlled intoxication is always welcome. Though there are organisations that have raised the alarm on the increased rate of drug and substance abuse, more consumers are recruited everyday.
“Fun games like beer competition, truth or dare, strip poker keep the night short and engaging. A few sniffs of the ‘white snow’ and a couple of marijuana puffs adds an air of excitement and intrigue which leaves frequent attendees salivating at the mere thought!” adds Pamela. “Unbeknown to a lot of people these parties, however toxic, are very addictive.” She has helped to organise at least three erotic parties. “I learned from a friend I worked for then and later managed to get a client and a referral. They fetch good money as people are willing to spend to cool some steam off.”
Stay incognito
Based on individual interactions and formations, business thrive here and money is often exchanged for consensual favours.
They are themed differently ranging from masquerade parties, swing parties, red-tape parties, couples or open bush parties to suit different audiences. In advanced real parties, uninhibited debauchery may take place. “Without a doubt, Kenyans sexual appetite is at an all time high,” Brandez asserts.
Wet n wild parties
Do not mistake this to be the flimsy campus age pool parties. Elite Wet and Wild parties are set at rockstar level. They rotate from outdoor to outdoor and may involve consensual group sex ranging from threesomes, orgies or non-binary unions. Hard drugs are in plenty.
Masquerade parties
Attendees prefer to stay incognito and are required to wear face concealers and draped in erotic wear. Their meet ups are held in posh low lit homes with a conducive space. An inside source said extra caution and safe practices are applied. The parties are highly classified.
Swingers club
Swingers club express themselves as such to host open minded persons whether in relationships, single and open to practice swapping partners all for the thrill of it. They flaunt their meet ups as ‘Lovers and Friends.’ These are particularly common with people with otherwise to busy lifestyles or change from conventional sex. “Some couples see swinging as a healthy outlet and means to strengthen their relationship and an alternative to cheating,” says our source.
Key parties
A “key party” is a form of swinger party, in which attendees walk into a bungalow and collect a key from a common bowl or bag on arrival. The key possesses a room number similar to a hotel and walks into a waiting partner.
Red tape events
Redtape parties involve wearing a tape on your arm whose colour code suggests your status and orientation. “Green simply gives one the green light. Free and ready to indulge,” says Sarah who’s attended several in the city. “Yellow means you are here to mingle but, hey, who knows, you could be lucky,” she adds with a giggle. Red means I have company or my partner around. With the freer attitude towards sexual activity being the norm, our sexual appetite might just be as dynamic as the evolution of technology.
Most participants claim that with the rise in unpleasant experiences when out with friends and the inability from different clubs to offer varied atmospheres are part of the reasons most people have welcomed the idea. In some instances, will opt to hit the club within the wee hours before returning to the residence for the ‘wake up call’ which basically means that the party doesn’t stop.