Looking around at the many, some say too many, nightclubs in Addis Ababa, one notices that nearly all of them are designed to be youth-friendly. Consequently, it is rare to come across middle aged and older people partying. Is clubbing age specific?

Old bones on the dance floor

Most days 8 out of seven) when I feel like going out on the town I wouldn't be caught dead without packing some music - either on CDs or on a personal player of some kind, just in case the evening turns into a sonic disaster. In my case, music determines whether or not I'm having a good time. And although my friends are used to this 'habit' (which I view as a trait many others have shown by a look or even expressed orally their disapproval at a man of my age walking around with pockets full of music 'like a teenager'. These people are even more appalled when I nod along to the beat and even strum a make-believe guitar. And when if the night really puts me in the mood and I suggest we all push off to - say, the Harlem Jazz for a reggae sun-splash, they regard me with utter disdain. By the way, these are the same people who would jump at a half chance to go to an 'Azmari Bet' where the chief activity is to drink suspect whiskey and chukle with evil mirth at slanderous, bigoted and obscene limericks.
One thing (among several thousand) that riles me about this society of ours is individuality is frowned upon by the collective. So much so that I wonder why we all need names with which to identify one another. This herd mentality (sorry, couldn't find a less abrasive description and any way, 'herd' is a bona-fide term in sociology) is entirely devoid of the concept of personal taste, preferring to stratify daily activity, ceremony and general social conduct along rigid lines. Such and such activity is for kids, these are for teens and those are for 'Awaki' or 'Telek Sew' (adults). A few things - such as sitting in the sun with an upside down Addis Zemen with a wool cap atop a cane is for 'shemagele' - the old.
Dancing? Well, that is strictly reserved for teens and unmarried young (very) adults, according to general Ethiopian outlook. Older foxes are allowed perhaps one outlet to shake it around and that's behind closed doors. Isn't it strange that clubs which should normally (as in any self-respecting country) bar their doors to the under aged and school children, hardly welcome older citizens - what with all the techno stuff they play at nightclubs. The few hardy geezers that do make it to the dance floor are to be commended.
I actually go up to dancing middle aged couples and tell them 'good show!' As far as I am concerned, I'll keep on dancing till I'm too old to move after which I'll think about DJ-ing. Till then, I'll boogie to the mehariBrothers, Majestic and One Love…..

How old is too old to go clubbing?

I’ve noticed that clubbing youth are intimidated with the presence of older adults, considering the nightclub scene as their sovereign territory. I sense this at many other places of entertainment.

Philemon S. 41,
Veteran Clubber

Although I do not agree that it is regarded to be unseemly for older people to go clubbing, there are still many married and unmarried older people – even senior citizens, who go out and dance at nearly every weekend. I’m one of them

Kassu M. 53,
Machinist

Part of the issue concerns the total unavailability of nightclubs dedicated to a largely adult clientele. Therefore even if I don’t mind and in fact enjoy clubbing, I invariably don’t dance and return home earlier than I expected or wanted to because the music on offer is simply atrocious.

Melkamu M. 42,
Portrait photographer

Lets face it. Age is a crucial consideration in determining how we should carry ourselves in society. For instance, I will most probably not want to see my Mom (she’s 69) on a dance floor! It just isn’t proper for a matron of her age. Perhaps future generations will be more liberal minded but for this current era, I think the elderly should keep their sweet selves away from strobe lights.

Mimi 27,
Undecided