A Night where rhythm met soul—and Dar answered

It was one of those rare Dar es Salaam evenings where time seemed to slow down, not because the city’s chaotic rhythm had taken a break but because something smoother, sultrier, and far more soulful had taken over.

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Warehouse Arena in Masaki was transformed into an R&B lover’s dream, as DJ Akio Kawahito’s Strictly Soul event in partnership with Brunch City made its much-anticipated return to Tanzania.

From the moment the sun dipped beneath the Indian Ocean skyline and the warehouse doors opened at 7 PM, it was clear: this was not your average night out. This was a movement. A celebration. A sanctuary for lovers of smooth vocals, head-nodding beats, and heart-tugging harmonies.

Curated by South African-based tastemaker DJ Akio, the event is part of the continent-wide Strictly Soul series that has been taking cities like Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, and now Dar by storm. It’s not just a party—it’s a cultural reset.

The night’s soundtrack was a mix of nostalgia and discovery. DJ Akio, alongside Kenyan favourite DJ Hypnotiq, local gem DJ Bike, and crowd-warmer JB, served up a seamless blend of old-school and new-school R&B.

From Backstreet Boys to Summer Walker, Chris Brown to SZA, and Mario, every track came with its own wave of collective memory and, occasionally, a chorus of voices singing along like the room was one big living room jam session.

The crowd didn’t just show up; they showed out. With over 1,300 people in attendance, the night was a celebration of rhythm, nostalgia, and the power of music to blur lines and break barriers.

"Dar showed up and showed out," said DJ Akio, grinning after his final set. "We brought the soul, but the people brought the heart. That’s what makes this city special."

Guiding the night’s energy was host Laura Mbatha, whose warm presence on stage kept the crowd connected, engaged, and vibing till the verJy last song.

This wasn’t just an auditory experience. Strictly Soul Dar brought an upscale but intimate vibe that set it apart from the city's usual nightlife offerings.

The venue—Warehouse Arena—was dimly lit with moody lighting and curated decor, complemented by a pop-up dinner service that kept guests fuelled between dance sessions.

"Everything about the space was intentional," shared Irene, a regular on Dar’s event scene. "From the lighting to the flow of the music—it felt like we were part of something curated just for us."

Table bookings were fully reserved in advance, with ticket tiers selling out quickly.

But if the sold-out first round was any indicator, price was no barrier for fans hungry for a taste of something different.

When the first beat dropped at Strictly Soul Dar, something undeniable happened, a kind of magic that can’t be rehearsed or replicated.

“For anyone who missed the night, I’d say they missed out on a night of authenticity,” said DJ Akio, the pulse behind the night’s electric energy.”

It wasn’t about chasing clout or capturing the perfect Instagram story. The vibe was refreshingly raw.

People showed up as they were and met each other on the dance floor with open arms and even fuller hearts.

“Everyone was their true self—no one was too cool to sing, too cool to dance, or sit out any songs. From start to finish, the crowd was fully engaged. That’s the magic they missed.”

That sense of authenticity carried through every part of the night—from nostalgic singalongs to unexpected bangers that set the dance floor on fire.

“One of the moments that really stood out for me that night was the energy,” Akio added.

“We’ve noticed that Tanzanians can be a little shy when it comes to jumping on stage behind the DJ, but during my set, every time I turned around, the stage was packed. The vibe was electric, and it honestly lifted my own energy too. I was so proud; it felt like we were all fully connected at that moment.”

This wasn’t a fluke. That kind of connection doesn’t just happen overnight—it’s built on time, trust, and a shared love for the culture.

For Akio, Dar es Salaam is more than a tour stop; it’s a place that’s shaped his journey and welcomed him as one of their own.

“I think one of the things that makes the Dar experience so special is that I spent so much time there—2019, 2020, 2021, 2022—long before we officially launched,” Akio reflected.

He added, “So I built a strong community in the city. Other cities are special too, but when I come to Dar es Salaam, it feels like I’m coming home – my home in East Africa.”

But even a seasoned crowd-reader like Akio can be caught off guard in the best way.

“And, man, one of the moments that truly surprised me? I played the Backstreet Boys’ ‘I Want It That Way’ early in my set and didn’t expect the response. It went up. One of the biggest songs of the night! Then later, when I dropped Mafikizolo – it was pure magic. Seeing over 1,300 people in East Africa dancing to a South African track like that, it reminded me how powerful music can be in uniting us.”

Strictly Soul’s decision to defy the norm paid off big time.

“When we first started coming to Dar es Salaam,” he recalled, “people told us not to build a dance floor, that Tanzanians don’t really dance at parties, that everything should just be sections and tables.” he shared

But Akio wasn’t convinced. His vision for Strictly Soul was built around connection and movement—something he believed Dar was more than capable of embracing.

“We insisted. We said, ‘How do you know unless you try?’ So we built a big dance floor—and the energy was wild. Dar matched us beat for beat. That’s the Strictly Soul effect.”

What makes Strictly Soul stand out is how it creates space for both connection and escape.

It’s a gathering point for creatives, professionals, music purists, and vibe seekers.

It’s where strangers become friends over a shared hook, a missed lyric, or a synchronised shoulder sway.

“The energy here is unmatched,” said Dennis, a videographer. “I’ve never danced that freely in a long time, especially to RnB. I came alone and left with five new friends.”

With growing demand and social media buzz across Instagram and TikTok, the success of Strictly Soul in Dar suggests this won’t be a one-off.

If anything, it signals a hunger for genre-specific, culturally grounded events that centre music, emotion, and vibe over hype.

“People crave authenticity,” DJ Hypnotiq noted. “And Strictly Soul is exactly that—a reminder that good music doesn’t need fireworks. Just soul.”

In a city constantly evolving musically, DJ Akio and his crew didn’t just bring the soul—they reminded Dar of its own.