Tales of Mugabi enchants Kampala

Last Friday, the walls of Kampala Serena hotel’s Victoria hall pulsed with music and jubilation as afro-soul star Kenneth Mugabi delivered a stellar performance themed, Tales of Mugabi.

Fans and media gathered, many arriving as early as 6pm, to witness what promised to be an amazing night. By 8pm, the venue had filled to capacity. The atmosphere was electric, and the stage, lighting and sound were tuned to perfection.

The show was organized by I&M bank. Mugabi opened on a reflective note, kicking off with some of his old love ballads like Amaaso G’otulo and Oliwa. His setlist traversed themes of love, loss, identity and hope.

Some songs had the crowd swaying in silence, visibly moved, while others inspired dancing. Briefly away from Mugabi’s acoustic sensations, Maritza, whom many know as a radio host, turned up from the crowd with a poem that caught the attention of many.

Performing with an akogo instrument, and backed by Mugabi’s guitar, Maritza’s poem gave perfect blend to the show. But you had to be an avid fan of poetry and the spoken word to appreciate this.

Mugabi then returned with Muzibe, a folk song with a groovy sound, getting the audience back on their feet. Maritza returned with another poem, before Mugabi closed his first set with Lucia – a soft, emotional track.

During a break, saxophonist Happy Kyazze took to the stage with his signature playful entry, engaging the crowd. Kyazze was joined by the drummer, lighting the stage up with energy that spilled over to the crowd. Mugabi’s second set was nothing short of electric.

Musically armed with his tube fiddle, he set the crowd ablaze with Nkwegomba, a song that had the audience singing along word-for-word. When he performed Kibunomu and Gwe Akireeta, the euphoria in the room was almost tangible.

But it was not going to be a Mugabi show without him performing Naki. From Prince Wasajja, Elvis Ssekyanzi, Anne Kansiime, Malaika Nyanzi, to rapper St. NellySade and many more celebrities, everyone could not help but sing and dance to Naki. Mugabi closed his spectacular show with Sanyu.

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