Maddox performs during the Bayimba festival at National theatre on Friday. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
So many artistes were lined up to perform last weekend at the 10th edition of Bayimba International Festival; the menu was simply mouth-watering. However, only a few lived up to the billing and surprisingly or perhaps not, it was the old guns who pleased the crowd more. Artistes such as Fred Sebatta, Chance Nalubega, Limit X, Maddox Sematimba and Abdu Mulasi got the crowds screaming for more.
Musician Mariam Ndagire does what he know better at the Bayimba music on Friday at National theatre. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
The three-day event started on Friday with 14 artistes slated to perform, among them Mariam Ndagire, Berita from South Africa, Jacinta, Haka Mukiga and Kkoolo. It was Maddox Sematimba and Cindy who stole the day. Maddox serenaded us with his songs “Take it Easy”, “Irene” and the people’s favorite “Namagembe.”
He came on stage after Abdu Mulasi had taken people down memory lane with his “Farm” and “Swimming pool” hits in the auditorium. This is the beauty about the event – there was nonstop action at the venue. Besides the auditorium, the National Theatre gardens had a stage as well as the parking lot, all of them with musicians.
Cindy performs during the Bayimba festival at National theatre. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
Cindy being the last headliner on the first day, put up an emphatic performance. She came on stage with her dancers and interacted well with the audience especially on songs such as “Up in the air”, and “Still standing”.
Day two presented Maurice Kirya on the main stage but the technical team disorganised his performance as the sound was not to his liking. Chameleone came late and didn’t perform, leaving some people with a sour taste in their mouths. However that was forgotten as soon as Chance Nalubega came next. It had been a while since we last saw her perform and she hasn’t lost her touch. She kept everyone on their toes singing to her jams like “Abatesi,” “Omusheshe” and “Munfude embozi”.
Reveller enjoying the show during bayimba festival on Friday. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
Having not performed on day two, Chameleone was the first act on the main stage on Sunday. His not performing the previous night was quite easily forgotten as he put up an energetic and exciting performance so much so that that those who came after him struggled to keep up, until Limit X, a gospel group who touched many with their vibes came onto the stage. They made everyone dance and sing along to their songs. Meanwhile in the auditorium, everyone was waiting for Lord Fred Ssebata who came at 10pm after some of his band members had opened up for him.
Some of the revellers at the National theatre during the international bayimba festival. PHOTO NABEDDEN
Despite performing only three songs including “Nabawanuka” and “Sam Wange”, the crowd had received their money’s worth. They then all walked to the main stage to see Bobi Wine who climaxed the UG Coconut sponsored event with songs whose lyrics he changed to suit his fight against the ongoing bill. Tracks like “Time bomb”, “Abalungi balumya”, “Situka” and “Bad Man” among others.