By Sunday morning, revellers who flocked Fort Portal town for the Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival had memories to last them a while.
It would be fair to say they got more than they bugained for as they enjoyed performances in different forms.
The Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival organised by Talent Africa Group is a celebration of the vibrant culture and heritage of Tooro Kingdom and an opportunity to unite communities, promote tourism and create lasting memories.
Buhinga Stadium, which hosted the final day of the event had few people by 9pm but the story changed as the night progressed.
By 11pm, many seats in the VIP area were occupied while in the general section, numbers had doubled in the dome and at 1am the place was full to capacity with revellers having the best time of their lives, partying until 3:30am.
The main event featured performances from Tooro’s very own who gave the headlining acts a run for their money. Artistes such as Muzamir Ayesiga, Holly Treemy, Big Doug and Tai-Tan before Brian Alideki came through with his folk songs, among others.
DJ Mark of NBS stole the show with his mixes, getting everyone on their feet. He played a mixture of genres, especially songs that people take long without listening to.
At 2am Beenie Gunter, another son of the soil was called on stage. The announcement alone excited revellers and his performance was curated differently. Before he dived into a song, he first freestyled. He did songs such as Tubayo, Olina Work, Wato and Sekkle Down in his 30 minutes.
Without wasting time, Cindy, Jackie and Lilian came on next, not as solo artistes but as Blu*3. This was their first performance as a group after their recent reunion concert at Sheraton.
Hailing from Kyenjojo District, singer Beenie Gunter
was home and when he got on stage he received a welcome
applause beffiting of a homeboy. PHOTOS/ISAAC SSEJJOMBWE
Despite not performing with a band, the girls proved their experience on stage, executing their songs such as Hitaji, Frisky remix, Mutima, Ndayila, Where You Are with Cindy doing the late Mowzey Radio part and Jackie Chandiru doing Weasel’s verse and finally Nsanyuka Nawe heading straight to where King Oyo and the Queen Mother were seated.
As they were greeting and taking pictures with his majesty, Fik Fameica was on the stage. His energy marched the excitement from the crowd. Different from the artistes before him, he literally just sampled his songs. From Majje, Omu Bwati, Buligita, Style Nta, Bwe Paba to Mafia, his biggest song.
The two-day festival held during King Oyo’s 29th coronation ceremonies had other activities, including sports.
There was also a cultural fashion gala that took place at the royal palace highlighting the creativity and innovation of Tooro’s leading designers, including Amavis fashions, Braxity Fashions, Nyamata collections and Micky’s designs to celebrate contemporary fashion while paying homage to traditional styles, making it a must attend for fashion lovers.
The Queen Mother Best Kemigisa was the guest of honour while the event also attracted other notable guests, including Tourism minister Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Talent Africa Group CEO Aly Alibhai and his wife Sylvia Namutebi, Reach A Hand’s Humphrey Nabimanya, film directors and actors Matthew and Eleanor Nabwiso.
