House parties: Kigali’s newest trend

Hanging out in a bar has been a tradition in place since time immemorial but this trend seems as though it has more lives than a cat. When it seemed like it had fizzled out, it made a comeback with the force of a hurricane. it does not matter whether you are married or not, it seems as though house parties are better than going to a bar and as we go into the New Year, we can’t help but realise that house parties are here to stay. According to people who have attended or hosted house parties, they argue that there are more benefits to it. Andrew Rwigamba says: “When I host a house party, I usually have this sense of security knowing that I’m in my house and my possessions are safe unlike when I hang out and get worried.” Whereas it’s about security for some people, for others it is about making connections. Egide Mugabo says: “A house party offers a good chance of meeting different people. I was once invited to a house party; I was between jobs at that time, I happened to meet a gentleman who later became my friend and when a job opportunity came up at his place of work, he informed me about it, I applied and have the job now. The idea of making friends who can be helpful in the future propels me to keep attending these parties.”House parties are less stressful when it comes to getting a drink as Penelope Asiimwe points out. “I hate the pushing and shoving that happens at counters while trying to get a drink or ordering for something to eat. At a house party there’s total access to all kinds of drinks and eats without hustling. During the pushing and shoving is when people steal your phone, money or some filthy guy slaps your backside.” The above pros can by supplemented by knowing that a drunken guest can sleep over without endangering his life while driving back home. But not all is bliss with house parties. There are some people who swear not or never again to attend/host a house party. People who don’t like house parties are mostly those who have organised a house party before. “One of the cons is the host not knowing who an invited guest will show up with and if they do, there’s only little a host can do about it,” says Philbert Muyango. “There’s pressure that comes with making sure everything is okay and people are having a good time. The other stress is cleaning up the next day and finally landing on dirty stuff such as used condoms, messy bed sheets, vomit and dealing with the neighbours the next day.”Last but not least, there are people who think that the party rotates around them and they decide to “rudely” entertain everyone with their stale jokes and unwanted touches. When this happens, the host has to warn that person before the house party scoops the “Worst house party of the year” award. House parties are supposed to be fun-filled, relaxed and more conversational; different from the bars; the main reason for choosing a house party over hanging out in a bar. Although this list is not exhaustive, a successful house party requires great planning and making sure that everybody has a good time. And don’t forget that there will be the occasional party-spoilers such as the I-know-I’m-fun kind, the wannabe DJ, the crier, the gatecrasher and the glass-breaker. Don’t forget to invite me for one. Enjoy.