At music control console, Steve Jean smiles and occasionally hums and shakes his head to the rhythm. It is a moment of satisfaction as he watched one of the ladies he helped start a music career. He managed Blu*3, which comprised Lilian Mbabazi, Cinderella Sanyu and Jackie Chandiru.
On Friday night, Jean was in charge of Lilian’s concert titled Up Close and Personal at the Kampala Serena Hotel’s Victoria Hall. He was in charge of production of her show under his Fenon Events and managing the concert gave him joy because Lillian was on-point vocally, with enviable range. Her stage presence and connection with her fans made for a memorable moment.
Her performance was an 11-year-old journey, from 2004, to newer songs she has done with musical friends like A Pass, Allan Toniks and The Mith. She also shared stage moments with Jamaican star Nyanda, formerly of the Brick and Lace duo, and Irene Ntale.
Lilian performed some of her old tracks like Danger, Where You Are, Vitamin, Kawa, among others in the first and second sessions of her performance, explaining to revellers the story behind each song. She even paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston by performing her I Will Always Love You, as one of the artistes she looked up before she cut her musical teeth.
Performance aside, Lilian showcased her sense of fashion. She changed four times and unlike the average female artiste who looks trashy in skimpy outfits, Lilian looked classy in her decent outfits. After her performance, the singer took some time off to personally thank her fans as they left the venue.
rbatte @ug.nationmedia.com
