Of the five artists lined up to perform at the annual Tugende Mukikade concerts, the trio were the ones that thrilled the audience most with both their music and stage antics.
Chance Nalubega on stage. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
“Madoxx Sematimba, Chance Nalubega and Willy Mukabya should have been the only headlining artists at the third edition of the Tugende Mukikade concert because by 1.30am when the show ended, the reviews were similar. Angella Kalule and Betty Mpologoma who were the other artists on the line up had quite lukewarm performances.
The annual show, which happened at Kampala Serena Hotel on Saturday evening, was impressively attended, starting off at 8.30pm, with Willy Mukabya opening.
Clad in a fitting white suit, the crowd went in cheers as soon as he got on stage and when he kicked off his performance, those that had never seen him perform wondered if he was possessed; you cannot blame them because the guy’s dance moves and antics are somewhat out of this world. He serves humour.
Among all the songs he performed though, it was Kayanda that excited revellers most, performing it with the same characters in the video.
He later left the stage for Angella Kalule, which was quite unfair because she would have to do much more to match up. She could not. She spoke more than sing.
Chance Nalubega was the next dose the crowd needed, coming on stage with her signature Ushambada. The audience went wild. Like the smooth operator she is, she started off her brief performance with Guuma Omwoyo, then Omusheshe, Obulamu Bwakisela and then Abatesi rmx, where she engaged the crowd, asking them to sing Radio’s part. It was a beautiful scene when the events guys killed the lights and just kept the flashlights. When she left the stage, she had set the tempo quite high for Betty Mpologoma.
There is something about Madoxx. It looked like he was the one thing most people were waiting for and when he came on stage a few minutes after midnight and asked the audience if they were ready, the response must have left some people deaf. Without much ado, Kampala started playing, then came Dembe, Wowote and Omukwano, the audience singing along with each word. Everyone on their feet. He did Namagembe twice, to the satisfaction of the audience.
This edition of the Nile Special-sponsored event was perhaps the most attended, although most people did not comply with the vintage-themed dress code. The organisation did not disappoint, however. At the entrance, revellers were treated to live kadongo kamu while there were vintage cars displayed to bring the oldies vibe. Omukunjja and Rebecca Jjingo were emcees while DJ Alberto was on the decks.
Madoxx Sematimba with his magical vibe, drove the crowd wild
issejjombwe@ug.nationmedia.com