Musicians have been paid lots of money, flown first class only to get here and they dupe revelers by performing off CDs.
That was what most people thought would happen when it was announced that South African musician PJ Powers was in town. But she proved that even without receiving a single coin, she can put up an emphatic live performance that left many in attendance, yearning for more during the ‘The Jabulani Charity Concert’.
Despite the fact that there were other musical events around town, the kind of people that came to Serena Kampala Hotel – including guest of honour Rebecca Kadaga – cared less as they danced away to some of the memorable songs by the former lead singer for the rock band Hotline.
According to Kadaga, she, like others was at the show for the good of the girl child.
“When I got the invitation, which was among the many I receive daily, I couldn’t refuse to come because this is a matter that concerns the girl child,” she said. “We have a lot of unfairness in our society when it comes to the female child and with such an event; at least we know that something is being done about it.”
Before her speech, the event was kicked off with a short presentation from the director of Girl Up Initiative Monica Nyiraguhabwa who gave a brief background of the ‘Girl Up Foundation’ among others.
The night’s MC, Flavia Tumusiime then called on Moze Radio and Weasel to officially start the event.
The Goodlyf duo didn’t disappoint as they emerged from the main entrance singing ‘Bread and Butter’ then following it up with ‘Heart attack’, ‘Kuku’ ‘Breath Away’ among others. They disappeared after about 30 minutes, only to emerge with PJ Powers. Together they performed their re-done version of ‘Home to Africa’ which left many standing on their feet.
After Radio and Weasel had left, PJ Powers, real names Penelope Jane sung ‘Jabulani’ probably everyone’s favourite. This excited the crowd even more as some people got out their phones and started recording, taking pictures while others danced along. Her dance strokes could barely be matched by people of her age. She was so energetic with her performance and she engaged the fair crowd in attendance.
“I see you in Soweto”, “There is an answer” and “Destiny” where some of the other songs she performed but the beauty about it is that part of the crowd especially those siting in reserved places abandoned their seats and did the shuffle dance.
Her one hour performance left many people yearning for more and if it wasn’t about charity, were her painting went for Shs5m, a big number of people would demand for a refund.
