The sizzling aroma of this Mallam’s suya welcomed me, as I dropped from the cab I had boarded at Nicon junction, to stop at Arab junction, along Kubwa-Zuba Road.
Kubwa, a vibrant, suburb of Abuja comes alive on weekends, with Arab Road arguably being the epicentre of its nightlife.The scintillating view from several locations were irresistible as I journeyed my way home, on a motorcycle (okada); I had taken from the junction. I strictly instructed the rider,with the popular Hausa phrase “kadan kadan”which is more like a two factor authentication to ensure the rider does not over speed after announcing the pidgin version “small small o,” on my way home, also, to enable me munch on my well seasoned suya that earlier grasped my attention, and finally to allow me get a proper satisfactory view from window shopping plazas littering Arab Road. The lights seemed to have increased and I noticed a newly well structured building on my right with a nostalgic feeling sighting the rooftop from my location, I could picture sitting there with few friends while unwinding over cold drinks and well grilled catfish, nkwobi or isiewu, while listening to soft background blues playing from the building. It is typical to have this pictured in my head as I have had this scenario and many more played in real life, this is because…its never a dull weekend in this subcity as I like to call it.
With of course the rate of new establishments for the sole purpose of nightlife activities, even though these locations may function during the day, it is impossible to have a boring weekend in kubwa as a tourist, except on a personal decision.
From my little but well detailed findings, unwinding in this subcity could also entail engaging in some indoor sports while sipping your drinks, as the case maybe; beer, a pack of juice, a bottle of wine, or this writer’s favorite, a glass of whiskey.
Most joints in Kubwa are quite known for having table tennis boards and pool(snooker) boards which you really do not need to have prior playing experience to enjoy. Like me, I learned table tennis on the job, while snooker, lets leave that matter for the owners of that game.
While some of these locations are known for having life-band activities on some nights and comedy shows on other nights during the week, they also run nightclubs and lounges on weekends where you can enjoy invigorating sounds from the woofers hovering round the club hall that makes even this writer who happens to be the self acclaimed President of chair dancers association, stand on her feet and move.
It is advisable to be sure of mobility, if you decide to stay out past midnight, as it gets difficult to find vehicles or order rides online to your destination.
However, you could collect the phone numbers of the drivers or okada riders during drop-offs and inform them you’ll be needing their services after your cruise, to ensure you’re not stranded after having a blissful time.
Kubwa with its lovely joints and welcoming residents, offers a weekend nightlife experience like no other.
So, when next you find yourself in Abuja, make sure Kubwa is on your itinerary.
Have you experienced the weekend life in Kubwa? Share your stories in the comments. Are you planning a visit? We’re here to help you make the most of your trip.•P.O Adejoh,
Kubwaexpress Fashion and Entertainment Editor.