Day 1: Embarkation
The MSC Opera welcomed us with a soundtrack that felt like stepping into a time capsule of musical elegance. The air was rich with Bing Crosby and Matt Monro’s Christmas-inspired ballads, blending seamlessly with the soulful echoes of late ’60s Northern Soul—think Freda Payne’s “Band of Gold”, Gloria Jones, and Martha Reeves & The Vandellas. It was a playlist that made the ocean feel like a dance floor from another era.
While searching for the reception desk to install internet on my phone, fate had other plans. I stumbled upon the ship’s karaoke session, a lively corner where brave souls were channeling their inner ABBA and Elvis. Their valiant efforts brought smiles all around, and just as I was about to slip away quietly, the DJ caught my eye. He remembered me from a previous MSC Jazz Cruise and asked if I’d close the show.
How could I resist?
I stepped up as the final performer of the night, and with Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman, I let the music take over. The sound system was flawless, the energy electric, and when the last note faded, the room erupted in rapturous applause. It felt incredible to be back on stage—even if it was an MSC karaoke stage—because music is music, and the joy it brings is universal.
Before I left, the DJ extended an invitation: “Come back tomorrow.”
And just like that, Day 1 ended on a high note—literally.
Day 2 Teaser:
Tomorrow promises more than just ocean views. I’ll be back at the karaoke stage, but this time, I’m planning something special—a performance that blends jazz with soul. Will it be a classic? A surprise? Stay tuned for the next chapter of this musical voyage!
Nnunu Ramogotsi: Africa's Jewel 