From Iryn, Blu*3 to Nyege Nyege, 2024 has been a vibe

Lilian Mbabazi, Jackie Chandiru and Cinderella Sanyu are the original members of Blu*3, a group that was birthed by Steve Jean in the early 2000s. Despite their short stint on the scene, the trio managed to top charts, win awards, and start a new chapter of girl groups. After the girls disbanded, they all embarked solo careers, which were also successful.

After several years, fashion designer Larry Mukoza of Larry Casual sold Jackie Chandiru the idea of a reunion concert. The Agassi artiste talked to Cindy and Lilian Mbabazi who were skeptical at first.
They then brought in Aly Alibhai their last manager, but the idea could not materialize in 2023 when the concert was supposed to happen. Eventually, it did this year with Talent Africa Group organising it. The event happened on June 21 at Sheraton Hotel gardens.

The anticipation towards this show had been building for months and on D-day, fans, friends, and music enthusiasts from all walks of life flocked the venue to support Uganda’s beloved girl group after 15 years.

Jackie, Lillian and Cindy performed most of their songs, at least those that the audience related to in their three sessions, including Hitaji, Nsanyuka Nawe, Frisky, Woo, Kankyakyankye, Mutima Gwange, Burn and Strong Woman among others. Having been on both sides, the trio then had individual sets that further excited the huge crowd.

They took the crowd down memory lane with their timeless hits. It was a full-blown success that brought together fans, celebrities and music.

Legend in Gold

Jose Chameleone had a debt at Kampala Serena Hotel. Despite its capacity, it was one venue he had previously held a concert that did not go as expected. It is that concert, ‘One Man One Million’, that had been taunting him up to this time but in September this year, he got even.

The legendary artiste in celebration of 25 years, held the 'Legend in Gold' concert courtesy of Bugingo Events, Malembe Lifestyle and I&M Bank.

The concert attracted big numbers and in return, he performed to his best and to their expectation. The artiste sang for close to four hours, completing the songs without any interruption, taking a few breaks and every time he returned, it felt like he was just starting. He did more than 40 songs in four sessions, with Maestro Band backing him up.

Those who loved the Chameleone of the early 2000s were served Jamila, Bei Kali, Fuga Bi, Befuula, Maama Mia, Nekolera Maali and Dorotia in the first session.

Those who liked him later enjoyed Katupakase, Nkwagala Nyo, Shida Za Dunia, Sivyo Ndivyo, Bayuda and Kuuma Obwesigwa while those who have enjoyed him much later danced along to Kigwa Leero, Forever and Baliwa, among others.

He also had the support of artistes such as Bushoke and Ferooz from Tanzania, Bebe Cool, Weasel, Redsan, Messach Semakula, D-Star of the Hozambe fame and Chagga, among others.

Timeless by Iryn Namubiru Towards the end of July Iryn Namubiru gave us a concert.
A Timeless concert that only proved class is permanent. The event that happened at Kampala Serena Hotel was a success from impeccable sound and lighting to seamless time and stage management. Every element of the concert was executed flawlessly.

The event marked a spectacular return to the stage for the celebrated songbird and showcased Swangz Avenue's commitment to delivering unparalleled musical experiences.
All tickets and tables for Iryn Namubiru’s concert sold out three days before the event.
Her fans were in disbelief, with some willing to add an extra shilling on top of the ticket fee to ensure they could attend the event.

Namubiru’s semi-live performance saw her do songs that the audience was familiar with and you could tell whoever attended was indeed her target audience because they sang her songs word for word. From her first song Begombeko to her last, Yono.

The concert featured surprise performances from Jose Chameleone, Ragga Dee, Chosen Becky, Sama Sojah, Swangz Avenue’s own Azawi, Elijah Kitaka, and Zafaran. Each artist brought their unique energy to the stage, enhancing the overall experience and delivering unforgettable moments.

Due to high demand from rev ellers who missed a chance to be part of the concert, Namubiru was announced as the headlining act at Roast And Rhyme last month, an edition that also made it among the top events.

Rema’s Melodies of Love Did you know Rema could really dance? Well, those that attended her Melodies of Love concert got to see a different side of the songstress. It was the least Rema Namakula could do for her thousands of fans that thronged Sheraton Gardens in February this year since she has not made so much music the past few years.

Aptly called ‘Melodies of Love concert’, the show was indeed full of melodies and love, especially for Rema and her husband Hamza Sebunya who got cozy during Rema’s performance of Akafe Che that she did in a bedroom setting.

The four hours were not even enough to sustain Namakula’s big catalogue but credit to whoever made her selection. All the songs were perfection and were befitting the occasion. In her three sessions, she performed Tonight, Tikula, Ekyama, Yo Sweet, Lean on Me, Oli Wange, Sibyamukisa, Atuuse, Linda and Loco, among others.

In all the three sessions, she offered something different. She took her dancers for a ride in the first session while the second session was more intimate, speaking about her humble background and not growing up with her mother. In the third session, she sang less and most of the songs she did were collaborations. She did Gutujja with B2C, This Is Love with The Ben from Rwanda and Ampisawo, on which she collaborated with Juliana.

Obafest

The Bell Obafest dominated October as the three-day event was nothing short of vibrant at Jahazi Pier, Munyonyo. It was a perfect blend of music, beer and culture as the festival brought together hundreds of revelers for an unforgettable experience.
The atmosphere was buzzing with vibrant energy, stylish outfits, and performances that took centre stage.

The stellar lineup of Uganda’s hottest artistes included John Blaq, Vinka, Fik Fameica, Elijah Kitaka, Azawi, Winnie Nwagi, and Bebe Cool, whose performance was the highlight of the event.

Besides the musicians, Deejays such as Lynda Ddane, Fem DJ, DJ Alza, and DJ Ssese kept the beats pumping all night long throughout the weekend. The highlight, however, was Suuna Ben, who despite had his time eaten into, took the crowd on a wild ecstatic ride.

Ronald Mayinja @ 47 March 8, 2024 demonstrated not only Ronald Mayinja’s musical prowess but also marked a successful return to his personality.

Mayinja had ventured into politics where his public image suffered drastically because of the political party he was affiliated to and his music career languished under the shadow of political controversies. His decision to switch political affiliations further polarised his fanbase, leading to a decline in his popularity within the music industry.

But Mayinja capitalised on the throwback concert wave, by celebrating 47 years with a concert at Kampala Serena Hotel.

It turned out a success and it was a clear indication that people were once again becoming interested in the classic tunes and vocal harmonies that had shaped Ugandan music for many years.

The venue was packed, with tickets selling out well in advance.

Ronald Mayinja’s concert was, in essence, more than just entertainment; it was a moving reminder of the lasting heritage of band music in Uganda. When the evening’s festivities came to an end, it was clear that Ugandan music enthusiasts were still deeply moved by the timeless melodies.

Nyege Nyege
Every year, Nyege Nyege Festival comes with a bit of everything; performances, culture, fashion, food and the people.

This year's edition still took place at the Jinja Golf Course, becoming the second time in three years the festival has taken place in the same venue. But of course, so much changed with the venue and this was further in the deep.

This year served a balance with the biggest win being the city activities that included cultural and fashion showcases.
The most anticipated was Kwetu Kwanza, a fashion collective event that was promoting sustainability fashion.

Unlike last year's edition, this year’s Nyege Nyege took place in a smaller and collected space, which made navigation easier but less adventurous.
This year, the main stage featured artistes such as Zex Bilangilangi, Pia Pounds, Recho Ray and Nigeria's Chocolate City, who in the older spirit of the festival could have hardly gotten onto the main stage.

With all the curation of the stages, this year's best stage from Thursday to Sunday was the Hakuna Kulala stage, one of the stages that remain true to the Nyege Nyege sound. It was the only stage that started the party and did not go silent.
The main stage came to life with a number of performances by refugees from Sudan doing varied genres such as terab, pop and reggae; they were such a fantastic addition to the festival.

Then there were local artistes such as Elijah Kitaka and Kenneth Mugabi. Mugabi performed earlier and his ballads managed to get the girls to the grounds to sing along to his songs.

For Mugabi, it was not the fact that they knew the songs but the passion with which they sang, some ladies cried while others had their hands up singing to every word as if it was praise and worship.
Spyda MC’s all-local instrument troupe was the festival's masterclass. And of course another highlight was DJ Suuna Ben’s set.