For a couple of hours last Saturday evening, Ndere Cultural Centre’s gates were open to everything excitement and fun. From as early as 5pm, a number of activities had already kicked off at the venue. For those who were in for a quick haircut, tattooing, videos games, and some live broadcast of the English Premier League, thronging the venue earlier proved to be a smart move.
It was the second edition of Talent Africa Group’s Jameson Hangout. The music kicked off at 7pm, with MC Adele Kiele taking control of the microphone and bossing it quite impressively.
As revellers sluggishly flocked in, Kiele and a host of DJs led by Kas Baby kept the stage and stands fired up, setting the mood for the headlining acts.
The sound, this time, was a significant improvement both in terms of output equipment used and the backline. From piano music, House, Afrobeat to reggae and dancehall, the DJs took the crowd on a sweaty journey.
At 10pm, Irene Ntale, whom many had anticipated, stepped on stage with A ka Dope Band ready to give her a smooth ride through her set. This was the first time she was performing on this stage and like the audience, she too was excited.
Donning a short glittery skirt with a green coat, Ntale started off with some of her old songs such as Sembera, Go Down, Bikoola, Nkubukinze, among others. Her choice of songs was on point as the whole audience became her backup, singing her songs word for word.
Ntale closed with her latest single – Mpa Nkuwe, after which the crowd screamed for more of her, but she had to create room for an even more electrifying performer in Beenie Gunter.
Before Gunter, however, dancehall DJ – Naselow Da Don, took to the stage to set the mood right. With his signature energy, Naselow gave the crowd something fresh for the night. He was joined by the Party Pipo dancers who had the crowd dancing to their moves throughout. Their simple dance moves were infectious although some people in the audience were seen trying to pull them off in vain.
Beenie Gunter, with Naselow as his DJ, would later hit the stage with Pon Mi, followed by Sekkle Down, No Letting Go, Watto and Olina Work.
Like Ntale, Gunter too, closed off with his latest single Njewulira.
The night ended with Nigeria’s Alternate Sound, a band that fuses modern instruments and technology to enhance the sound of live music.
By 1am, revellers had started disappearing into the dead of the night, after a long, enthralling evening.