The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The term UTAKE is an acronym for Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya and is used to reference a blend of music from East Africa – and this is exactly what transpired at the inaugural Bell ObaFest that happened at Jahazi Pier Munyonyo with epic performances from Kenya’s Nyashinski and Tanzania’s Harmonize.
With two stages running performances simultaneously, the Bell ObaFest was a beer festival par excellence and a masterclass in showcasing East African culture – specifically through the music that unites us.
At the main stage, Kenya’s Nyashinski took revellers back to the epic early 2000s era of UTAKE music with timeless hits like Swing Swing and Tuendelee from his days as a member of the iconic Kleptomaniax rap group.
He would also serenade the crowd with Marathon Runner, Free, Mungu Pekee, Bebi Bebi, Hapo Tu and more – all delivered beautifully with the support of a live band and a stage and lighting setup that made the evening come alive.
Tanzania’s Harmonize was another of the headliners whose energetic stage presence capped the evening with popular songs like Single Again. His performance followed our very own Azawi – who performed some of the songs from her latest album – Sankofa.
The main stage also featured performances from Bensoul, Joshua Baraka, Irene Ntale, Spice Diana, Mun G, Janzi Band, Double Black Band, Fik Fameica and DJs Slick Stuart and Roja, Lynda Ddane, Ssese and others.
Stage two was more geared towards celebrating our cultural heritage with performers like the Kika Troupe, Aliddeki Brian, Myko Ouma and others – all coming together to make ObaFest a truly masterful East African experience.
Grace Amme, the Bell Lager brand manager, said, “ObaFest is a demonstration of African optimism, and we are using this platform to shine a spotlight on our rich and vibrant East African culture through music and of course – beer – as elements that bring us closer to each other.”
