FROM "WHITE PEOPLE DANCE STRANGE" to "I LOVED THAT PARTY"

Every story behind Zawadi Hat Fashion begins with a feeling the rhythm of love, culture and confidence. This one takes you to an island night that turned into something unforgettable. A moment where music, energy and style met and reminded me that everything about ZHF  — African roots to global streets — is about being bold, open, and beautifully yourself.

Let me tell you how I moved from “white people dance strange” to “I loved that party.”

On our third date, Max took me to the bay, a side of the island where the energy just flows differently. It’s the kind of place that instantly makes you feel something good is about to happen.

That night changed a lot for me.
From the music to how people looked at each other with so much kindness, it was such a refreshing feeling. I had never experienced anything like it. Everyone was smiling, free and just happy to be alive.

Before we even got there, Max had already planned my look for the night. He handed me one of his signature hats and with his gentle voice he said, “Maybe you would like to wear this.” Of course, I laughed, but I wore it anyway. We even changed outfits a few times during the night just to stay fresh and stylish. That’s how he is, and I’ve learned to enjoy it.

As we arrived, the vibe was so positive. You could literally feel it in the air. People from everywhere, dancing, laughing, connecting. It wasn’t about who you were or where you came from, everyone was just there for the music.

At first, I’ll be honest, I struggled. Their dancing was fast, full of movement I couldn’t quite keep up with. I would stop to catch my breath, then jump back in, determined to follow the rhythm. For a while I kept thinking, “How do their feet even move that quick?” and to me, it kind of felt like they were slightly off beat.

But after a few songs, I started to relax. The rhythm began to make sense. My body softened and found its own pulse. I turned to Max with a wide smile and started blending in my African moves. It felt natural and full of joy. Later that night, the fire show began on the rocks. Flames twisted through the dark sky as people gathered close, mesmerized by the movement and light.

The Moment That Moved My Hear

As the night went on, the music grew more intense and colorful. Looking back, I wish Electric Safari had been there to blend in with all that energy. it would have fit perfectly.

Then one song began to rise above the rest, and a few words suddenly caught my ear: “pazeni sauti ili nasi mwimbe” — raise your voices that you may sing with us. Without even knowing what the song was, I jumped and sang the part I had already picked up out loud, completely carried away by the rhythm. I later learned it was Sauti by Francis Mercier, Faul & Wad featuring African Children. The voices of the children hit me deep. They carried so much warmth that it instantly felt like home. I told the people around me what the words meant, and some leaned in to listen with big smiles. That moment was pure joy.

As I got more comfortable, I danced to every song cheerfully. Then boom, the DJ dropped another banger that would stay with me till this day. Mwaki, just as the Kikuyu word means, was fire. The DJ was on fire, and me, I was on fire. I danced like rent was due, and the crowd was right there with me. The energy, the beats, the movement, everything was alive.

Discovering Afro House

It took me a few days to figure out the kind of music that had moved me so much. I learned that all those songs were part of Afro House, a style rooted in African rhythm and emotion. It draws from Amapiano, House and Tech, blending rich African beats with global sounds in a way that feels both deep and effortless.

No wonder I found my flow so naturally that night. Afro House carries the same spirit as Zawadi Hat Fashion, African roots meeting the world through rhythm, energy and self-expression. Just as African music now fills cities and festivals around the world, our brand moves with that same pulse, blending heritage with a modern heartbeat.

Growth Through Rhythm

That night taught me more than I expected. I still have days when my confidence wavers, but I’m lighter now. I feel freer and more open. The energy from that night stayed with me.

Through Max’s Lens

From the early hours of the party, which usually starts around one in the afternoon, Max moved through the crowd with his camera. He captured people smiling, dancing and connecting. He’s been doing that long before I came into the picture. As the sun went down, he took fewer photos and danced with me instead.

Max believes pictures need no filters. He always says you just need to be in the right energy, both the photographer and the people being photographed, and everything becomes perfect on its own.

Closing

So that’s how I moved from “white people dance strange” to “I loved that party.” Sometimes it just takes one night, one beat and one open heart to remind you who you.

African music now plays around the world, bringing warmth and rhythm wherever it goes. That same global spirit lives in our brand, connection, joy and movement all tied together.

From African roots to global streets. That’s ZHF.

View the Nights in Photos

See many nights like this one through Max’s eyes. These photos aren’t part of ZHF campaigns, they’re snapshots from the island’s Sunday gatherings among other gatherings captured by Max on random dates over the years. Each date below holds a story of rhythm, laughter and connection, the same free-spirited energy that once inspired our path.

More of his weekly captures are on Instagram @therealmaximalist 

SUNDAY CHURCH PARTY MOMENTS BY MAX

12.10.2025: https://playbook.com/s/the-real-maximalist/bambu-huts-sunday-church-12-10-25/
05.10.2025: https://playbook.com/s/the-real-maximalist/bambu-huts-sunday-church-05-10-25/
28.09.2025: https://playbook.com/s/the-real-maximalist/bambu-huts-sunday-church-28-09-25/
21.09.2025: https://playbook.com/s/the-real-maximalist/bambu-huts-sunday-church-21-09-25/
14.09.2025: https://playbook.com/s/the-real-maximalist/bambu-huts-sunday-church-14-09-25/