Mosh Pitted-Out

Last night was my first experience in a mosh pit. In Tanzania. At TIGO Fiesta 2017 (hip hop, rap, and bongo fleva). At the largest stadium in Arusha. I have many many observations, but the main one is this:

Those who suffer from extreme claustrophobia should not allow themselves to be in a mosh pit. Ever.

Here’s a link to the show so you can see what it entailed: TIGO Fiesta 2017

Packed in Like Dagaa

This was an official date that Larick took me on, and I was excited to see the concert and have some fun. We arrived at Arusha Stadium at 8:15, and I muscled my way towards the front of the crowd. There were tons of people! I got within about 10 rows of the front and hit a brick wall. I wisely decided to stop.

It seemed like a great spot except for once things started at 9 pm, the crowd tightened into a sea of dagaa (sardines), and I literally was pressed into bodies on all sides. Being 5’2″, my view consisted of people’s necks and upper backs. I could see nothing. Larick picked me up and held me over the crowd several times, which was a trip, but most of the time I saw nothing.

Being severely claustrophobic, I immediately started panicking. I was looking for an escape route but found none. The body heat and odor created by the pressing crowd just made it worse (hence the “pitted out” reference). I felt dizzy and short of breath

Buffalo Stance

I put my arms in front of me crossed at the wrists, put me feet in a buffalo stance,

similar to this:

and I started pushing hard with my elbows and fists to get people away from me. It worked a little, but as anyone who has been in large crowds will tell you, crowds are like one living organism, ebbing and flowing with any push or shove. Numerous times I was pushed violently one direction, then the other, prevented from falling only because people were so tight against me. Larick sensed the danger long before it started and wrapped his arms around me from the beginning, fists locked, trying to keep people off. They were all men.

At times Larick would yell at people to stay away from me and that he would beat (or shoot!) them if they didn’t “tulia” (chill). Lol! Everyone complied with him, as he is tall and imposing, but then someone else would act up. Yi yi yi….

Wave Action

At one point an especially big wave hit the crowd, and I was sure that I was going down. I was absolutely paranoid the whole time that I would fall, and I knew that that was very dangerous and that people have been trampled to death in concerts in the past. So I was doing everything possible to stay on my feet. I told Larick, “if I fall, make sure you get me back on my feet immediately. Do whatever it takes.” I then noticed Larick cursing out a police officer, who was responsible for violently pushing the crowd and starting a near melée.

Here’s a short vid of a performer:

TIGO Fiesta

BenPol Y’all

Then BenPol hit the stage. He is a big deal, and the crowd went wild, jumping up and down and waving their hands. It was a little fun, and I jumped with them, but I was expecting the tall dude in front of me to give me a bloody nose if he brought his arms down and elbowed me in the face. Larick also anticipated this possible outcome and put his arm up to block my face. What a sweetheart and a good bodyguard!!! Here is video of BenPol, with a candid shot of us near the end:

Badger watches BenPol

Here’s a still shot of us during Sophia:

It didn’t help that many folks were drinking alcohol and smoking bangi (marijuana). I don’t object to their responsible use of these substances, but there was definitely some irresponsible use here!

I’m not a huge fan of hip hop and rap, but I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Oh, and it was good I remembered earplugs, because even with them, it was so loud I swear my ears were bleeding. The bass was so heavy I felt it reverberating in my chest. It actually hurt.

Larick continued to raise me above the crowd so I could see everything. Wow, there were really a lot of people there! Here’s a shot of what it looked like from my low vantage point and then after Larick picked me up and held me above the crowd:

Badger Above the Mosh Pit

The Gropes of Wrath

The only other really negative thing was the groping. Seriously, people. I’m sure it happens in most mosh pits, but really, dude. Keep your hands off my private parts. More than a few Tanzanian men got to be cursed out in Swahili by the white girl for inappropriate touching. It worked, and I must say it was quite hilarious to see the looks on their faces when the white girl starting cursing at them in Kiswahili. ?

Oh, and I’m pretty sure I was the only mzungu there.

On a positive note, the admission for the event was a mere 10,000 T-Shillings per person (about $4.50 US). You can’t beat that deal with a stick, especially considering every big Tanzanian artist was there.

Ouch

This lasted for almost eight hours until I couldn’t take any more, and Larick’s back hurt badly. Well left at 4:00 am, and it finished about 30 minutes later. I slept hard and woke up happy and refreshed. This may be my first and last mosh pit, but I will chalk it up as a positive experience. The humanity, music, (mostly brotherhood), dancing, celebration, and being protected for eight solid hours bodyguard-style by my sweetie makes me feel alive and joyful. I’m lucky.

I’m not yet too old for this shit. And I never will be. PARTY ON!Badger out