By Our Reporter

Songbird Maureen Rutabingwa popularly known as MoRoots held her first ever concert to launch her album titled “From the Sun” at the Tusker Malt Music Lounge series held at Industrial Area hangout, The Square and what a launch it turned out to be.

The songstress unveiled her 11-track album on Saturday night, a delightful piece of a uniquely balanced genre the artiste defines as “Future Afro-Soul”.

With bits of funk, RnB, Neo-soul and electronic beats that are strongly influenced by African music, MoRoots used the stage to reveal to fans how the inspiration for her songs is rooted in exploring themes of love, transition and her country, Uganda.

Guests at the concert were left particularly enchanted with three exciting singles that were clearly the crowd’s favourites; ‘Moonlight’, a romantic ballad paying homage to Debussy, a French composer and his ‘Clair De Lune’, ‘My Woman, She Cries’, a rallying cry for the country and the world to take a moment and pay attention to the plight of the woman in Uganda and around the world and ‘Let It Beat,’ a song about finding your rhythm.

MoRoots is a multi-talented instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer, classical pianist and saxophonist dually based in London and Kampala. She also created her own band “Soul Deep” and is the lead vocalist of the crew which has earned the admiration and affection of countless fans in Uganda, serving as both inspiration and role model.

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By Our Reporter

Singer Coco Finger was the shining star of the night as he turned Gulu town wild with his performance at the Tusker Lite Neon Rave party which took place at Acholi Inn on Saturday.

Coco Finger may have been silent for quite some time but in Gulu he showed that his absence from the scene has not dimmed his prowess as a performer as he took the hordes of revellers on a musical rollercoaster that ended with everyone up on their feet as they danced to his best songs.

Performing all-time favourites like Emikono Wagulu, My Miss, Party Animal, Ekimuli Kya Rosa and Don’t Break my heart, Coco Finger was clearly in his element, shining bright on a night where party-goers turned up dressed in neon-themed outfits in tune with Tusker Lite’s ‘Lite the Way’ catchphrase.

Also performing was dancehall star Beenie Gunter who delivered energetically with his club bangers “Pon Mi”, “Killa Man”, “Olina Work”, “Sekkle Down” and “Giddem”.

There were more performances from Wendy and Roger Kent, the neon dancers “Party Pipo”, epic mixes from DJ Crim and DJ Bash, 3D cinema, silent disco and video games like that kept revellers occupied.

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By Our Reporter

Nigerian star Skales put up a show-stopping performance that can only be described as magical as he transported fans to Lagos, Nigeria from the surroundings of a packed Lugogo Cricket Oval on Sunday where the 23rd edition of Blankets and Wine took place.

It was clear that fans of Blankets and Wine had one agenda; to party like never before with the “Booty Language” singer as they excitedly sang along and danced to many of his all-time hit songs like “I am for Real,” “Shake Body” and ‘Booty Language’ during his one hour performance including his fresh new songs like “Ego.”

The evening also saw Ugandan acts like MoRoots take over the stage with the artists’ own unique “Future Afro-soul” music while Voltage Music delivered an electrifying performance for the crowds with songs like “Byafaayo,” “Pull Up,” and “Squeeze”, their hit collaboration with songstress Fille.

Revelers also enjoyed fun fresh Afro-rhythmic performances from Gloria Achillah, Eli Maliki, Mugaba and Herbert Ssensamba.

Blankets and Wine, a picnic style musical festival, remains one of the most popular events on the local social calendar.

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By Our Reporter

Pizza lovers satiated their cravings at the second season of the Pizza Festival held at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds on Sunday. The  venue was host to hundreds of pizza lovers who started to trickle in as early as 1pm with revelers feasting on various pizza flavors being offered.

It was clearly a delightful afternoon as the food lovers were spotted munching on the different pizza toppings like chicken, beef and vegetables.

To crown the night were thrilling performances from Uganda’s top hit-makers including Spice Diana, John Blaq, B2C Fefe Busi, and Chosen Blood who had revelers dancing as the party went on till late.

Meanwhile, the family event also had a section dedicated to children which was full of games.

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By Our Reporter

Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) in conjunction with Emmanuel Ikubese Films is set to release a pan-African edutainment TV show dubbed “Kyaddala: It’s Real” that will target young people from across the continent.

The TV series that will be premiered on 27th of September 2019, features top actors and actresses from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Nigeria, and will depict issues facing young people through a rich storyline that rotates on themes like Life skills empowerment for young people (covering education, livelihoods and women empowerment), HIV and its impact on young people, Teenage pregnancy among others.

“Edutainment is one of our strongest channels of communication to young people. We continuously innovate on how we impact change in a language that our target audience understand and Kyaddala is another way that we look forward to creating more impact.” Humphrey Nabimanya, the Team Leader & Founder of Reach A Hand Uganda mentioned.

The TV series is expected to be aired on NBS Television in October and other international platforms that will see it expand to more young people on the African continent since the challenges that it addresses, are familiar to what many of them face across the continent.

“I have been a peer educator, motivational speaker, an actor and I have used my talent to be a champion among my peers. Through my acting career life, I have taken up responsibilities like Femi in the award-winning TV show MTV Shuga that focuses on HIV and young people. I have used this platform to impact very many young people and I can’t wait to do the same with Kyaddala: It’s real this time round in Uganda but going continental.” Emmanuel Ikubese, the Director and Executive Producer of Kyaddala: Its real mentioned.

Shot and directed in Kampala, Uganda, Kyaddala brings out risky behaviours, society’s role and the uphill climb to address the challenges to light through the storyline and characters as elucidated in the 5 main characters Wonny, Eze, Kalungi, Umutoni and Shamim. The series highlights how young people deal with each of these challenges, based off the limited information they receive from both home and school.

The cast comprises of 28 actors and actresses who were successful after auditions that attracted over 187 emerging and seasoned actors and actresses. Some of the actors and actresses include Martha Kay, Salvador Idring, Harmonie Kyomugisha, Eleanor and Mathew Nabwiso, Anita Fabiola, Kevin Wanjiru (Kenya), Stephen Katusiime, Emmanuel Ikubese and Olumide Ollu (from Nigeria).

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By Our Reporter

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline has offered Ugandans a taste of its award winning in-flight experience by treating parents and children to the screening of “Terra Willy – unexplored planet,” a 2019 animation release at Century Cinemax located at the Acacia mall.

The animated adventure movie has a touching story at its heart, scripted around Willy (the lead character) who gets separated from his parents while on an outer space quest. Willy’s capsule lands on a wild, unexplored planet from whence he has to muster his skills and knowledge to survive. With the help of the Buck, a survival robot, he will have to hold on until the arrival of the rescue mission.

“Young Flyers have innate curiosity and boundless energy and we offer a range of products and services with their needs in mind. We want to share our passion and love for adventure with these future travellers as well as stimulate their curiosity. Whether they’re flying alone or with their families, our toys and goodie bags inspire the greatest imaginations and encourage tomorrow’s explorers,” explained John Gemin, Emirates Country Manager.

During the movie premiere, the children were also given interesting gift packs that included retro bags, fitted with maps and activity plaques to enable them explore their world, comfort buddies among other items.

The children also got the chance to play act as they dressed up in full Emirates Pilot Costumes for the boys while the girls were dressed up in Emirates’ Cabin Crew attire. It was a sight to behold as the young ‘pilots’ and ‘cabin crew’ smiled and posed for the cameras.

Emirates offers a wide variety of children’s programming including the best movies and television programs from Disney, Cartoon Network, CBeebies and Nickelodeon channels plus much more. Passengers can choose from Disney favorites, top kids TV shows and popular cartoons that opens up a world of entertainment for young flyers.

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By Our Reporter

For the movie lovers, there will be an exciting Baileys Picnic and Movie Experience this Saturday, August 31 st at Sheraton gardens.

The Baileys Picnic and movie experience is an outdoor afternoon-long fun filled event that is characterized by a variety of intimate indulgent crafty baileys cocktails, creative baileys snacks, acoustic garden entertainment, make up artist on site, topped with a movie under the stars on a giant screen.

The movie that will be aired is called A star is born(2018), a musical romantic drama film starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

There will also be performances from talented artist Afrie, Body of Brian and JC Muyonjo who will be treating revelers to live acoustic melodies as they sip on masterfully crafted Bailey’s cocktails.

The host of the day will be non-other than Ugandan actress Cleopatra Koheirwe.

To secure tickets, all one has to do is buy a Baileys bottle and they instantly win.

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By Our Reporter

Kampala’s party lovers showed up in full party mode for the grand anniversary night of Gabz Lounge and Restaurant, a popular high-end bar in Bugolobi, on Saturday evening.

Despite the heavy downpour all afternoon that seemed to have confused the party mood within the city, somewhere in the heart of Bugolobi party animals showed up in plenty to drink, dance and prove to the rest that “enjoyments” knows no weather.

It was a thrilling and exciting night with music coming in from the unique sounds of Janzi Band who surely know how to capture the crowd’s attention with their enchanting voices and 100% rhythms, many could be spotted lost in the music all night long.

The group took on the stage and played a mash up of melodies, covers and afro-beats that had many forgetting the coldness of the night with some even taking off their jackets for easier dancing.

Of course, DJ Ciza and Selector Jay did not give revelers a chance to grab their jackets once again as they turned up the heat through their fire selection of music mixes that followed the performances by Janzi Band.

The club that was officially launched in August 2017 under the management of Dan Tumwine has since been the night hub for party animals in Bugolobi who are looking to have a good time.

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By Our Reporter

One of Uganda’s most popular social events, the Baileys Picnic and movie experience went down on Saturday at Sheraton gardens.

The Baileys Picnic and movie experience is a fun filled outdoor event characterized by a variety of intimate indulgent crafty baileys cocktails, creative baileys snacks, acoustic garden entertainment, topped with a movie under the stars on a giant screen.

Despite the heavy down pour during the day, the event was well attended by Baileys and movie lovers.

Being a cold evening, the bar offered sweet bailey hot chocolate treats and served Baileys with coffee among others.

Musician Afrie put up a massive performance at the event. The revelers were also entertained by Body of Brian and JC Muyonjo who treated them to powerful live acoustic melodies.

The highlight of the night was the movie, “A star is Born”, a musical romantic drama film starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

Here are some photos from the event.

The post How the Baileys Picnic and movie experience went down. [Photos] appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

Over the weekend, Wine and Whisky lovers welcomed the new month in style as the wine, cocktails and Whisky festival had its maiden edition themed a toast to greatness that was held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel gardens.

To complement the friendly ambiance, the revelers were treated to classic jazz music as they toasted their wine glasses. Besides the wine, cocktails and whiskey tasting, a variety of activities entertained the people. These included board games and auction sessions among others.

Radio personality Lady Deedan the master of ceremony kept the life eaters entertained, the queen of mic pulled rare dance moves that tempted the crowd to join her on the dance floor.

Martin Mukama, the event organiser vowed to make the second edition bigger and better so that the event becomes more magical.

“Today has been a success, I pledge to make wines, cocktails and Whisky Festival the biggest festival in the land,” Said Martin Mukama.

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By Our Reporter

Food lovers gathered at Najeera Gardens on Saturday evening for a fire-crackling edition of the East African Meat Carnival that attracted many revelers seeking food asylum from the afternoon’s downpour, and indeed foodies’ cravings were satiated.

The August edition had many food lovers at the venue clearing their platters and plates with the many meaty treats that Chef Mark Kaheru and his cooking troopers had prepared for the guests.

The fast-growing series of food events sponsored by Tusker Lite had revelers indulge in the palette-thrilling carnival till late in the night in the company of good friends and lively Utake music that played on all evening long.

It was simply a fiesta that ended the month of August in delicious satisfactory style with others wishing they could have more of the food.

The carnival party animals who reveled to the sounds of East African old and new music promised to be set up camp once again for the September edition coming up in a few weeks’ time.

The post Food Lovers brave cold evening to feast at Meat Carnival appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

It is true that being an entrepreneur is no easy feat. It is a journey many have dared on, but not many have surmounted.

South Africa based Ugandan businessman and socialite, Katsha De’Bank, real name Shafique Kutumbla is one of those who have been successful.

According to Katsha, to be successful you must posses certian attributes with the key ones being commitment, patience and willingness to diversify.

He explains that diversification is about the management of one’s portfolio. He is of the opinion that new entrants and young investors need to know the art of diversification. This means that you need not to put all of your eggs in one basket. One must be able to identify and invest in the avenues where their earning can handle any setback.

His business philosophy is based on the idea that luck favors the prepared only. He believes preparation is key to success in investment trade.

Katsha espouses these attributes in his businesses. He is the founder of Katsha Technology Group. His group controls around fifty companies covering variety of products. He has a reputation of a successful investor.

The post Socialite Katsha De’Bank reveals secret to his success appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

DJ Kathy, one of Uganda’s top female spin masters, will soon be smiling all the way to the bank.

This comes after she secured a deal with Starbucks, a local bar and restaurant located in Bunga.

She will be rocking the decks at the hangout every Wednesday in a night themed, “Woman Crush Wednesday”.

Kathy, who makes her debut this Wednesday, September 4th, could not hide her excitement about the deal and promised to make sure revelers have a good time.

Meanwhile, Starbucks will soon be playing host to Tanzanian superstar, Ali Kiba. They will be holding a meet-and-greet party for the singer on September 12th.

Famous for songs like “Mwana”, “Aje”, “Chekecha tua” and “Seduce Me” among others, this will not be the first he is entertaining his fans in Uganda. He has previously graced Blankets and Wine festival where he left revelers yearning for more.

The post DJ Kathy lands deal with StarBucks appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

Uganda Police has endorsed the Nyege Nyege cultural festival slated to kick off this Thursday 5th to 8th of September 2019 at Nile Discovery Beach in Njeru town council, in Buikwe district.

Police, which is the lead agency in the operation will monitor and secure the Nyege Nyege Festival.

Following a meeting with police, the organisers of the festival agreed to ensure maximum adherence to guidelines stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) they reached with security agencies.

According to police, the organizers of the 4 day event elaborated that the purpose is to promote Ugandan culture and local music.

Some of the key aspects which are embedded in the MOU include;

Organizers to provide police with a detailed program of the event to inform the deployment of security personnel as well as free access for the Joint security at the venue at any point in time.

Police (Joint Intelligence Committee) to provide accreditation to legible persons after vetting them. Narcotic substances and any form of drug abuse is prohibited. The Canine and Anti-narcotics units have been tasked to ensure compliance to this measure.

Police to ensure that the event is accessed only by adults and anyone whose age is questionable shall be required to provide documentary evidence to prove their age.

Organizers to ensure this festival is not turned into a political event. Processions and political rallies are NOT in the mandate of the Organizers of this festival.

Organizers to provide guidelines to the revelers prohibiting any use of prohibited drugs at the venue, acts of homosexuality, open sex and any other acts considered immoral because the Ugandan culture is a conservative one.

Police to carry out a number of activities in addition to vetting and accrediting.These activities include but are not limited to: covert and overt deployments, intelligence led patrols (foot and motorized), traffic control, aerial surveillance, and access control. The Counter terrorism and Fire and Rescue officers shall be at hand to support this operation.

Security agencies to work closely with other government institutions and Ministries such as Ministry of Health to prevent emergencies such as epidemics. First aid teams and ambulances shall be provided.

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By Our Reporter

Nyege Nyege festival which returns for the 5th edition this year is now underway at the Nile Discovery beach in Jinja.

The music festival which kicked off on Thursday and will go on till Monday attracts people from all walks of life who come out to have a time of their life.

With five stages to choose from including the Bell Jamz stage, Eternal Disco stage, Stage river bay, Dark Stage and the Main stage, revellers have plenty to keep them entertained through out the festival.

Whether it is a beer or a cocktail that floats your boat, you can be sure Bell lager and Uganda Waragi will have you sorted.

Here are some moments from the festival.

The post Photos: This is what is going down at Nyege Nyege festival appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

For the scores of revelers who flocked the shores of the Nile for the 5th edition of the annual Nyege Nyege festival, it was a long weekend of nonstop partying.

With five stages to choose from, the party lovers were spoilt for choice. It was no surprise that most could not settle at one stage for so long, and were always moving back and forth between the stages.

From traditional folk music, to pop music to electronic dance music, there was something for everyone.

Revelers who stopped by the Uganda Waragi stage were treated to a silent disco experience while the Bell Jamz stage offered them a chance to record a song in the makeshift recording studio. Lovers of live music performances enjoyed these at the main stage.

The festival which concluded on Sunday at Nile Discovery Beach in Jinja was indeed a colourful event spiced with lots of music, entertainment and fashionable people.

Here are some photos from the festival. (All photos by Bash Mutumba)

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By Our Reporter

Fun was the theme and street food, the language of expression as Kampala welcomed its first ever street food carnival. Even if it was only its first edition, the KCCA Foodie Street Carnival will surely go down in history as one of the finest food festivals the city has witnessed.

Food lovers thronged Parliamentary Avenue early in anticipation of a good time, and they were not disappointed. The carnival which draws inspiration from cities such as Paris, Berlin, London, Manila and Brussels showcased many of the country’s popular street foods and local cuisines giving Kampala’s foodies a real treat.

The venue buzzed with life as many could barely hold back their delight with the many ready-to-eat food offerings that were available. There were different food stalls, trucks and booths armed with a delicious buffet of differently cooked meals served with a pairing of either Tusker Lite or Coca Cola that left many food lovers spoilt for choice.

The Kampala Foodie Street also featured the hugely popular Brookside yoghurt and sampling from Unilever’s Aromat brand, as well as discounted gas sales from Shell Gas.

The crowds were also left impressed with a dual performance by Happy Kyazze, the saxophonist, and Aloysious the Guitarist who serenaded the crowds with their soothing music as Allan Kanyike “Dynamite” added some light dance entertainment all afternoon, proving that he is indeed retired but not tired.

For those who did not make it, a year’s wait will have to suffice as organisers of the event, My Food Network, plan for its return next year with another unforgettable food extravaganza.

“Watching all these brands working together with the Kampala Capital City Authority, vendors and foodies was hugely satisfying and made for some sumptuous food pairings! The event converted the street into a celebration of food, music and a good time!” Dennis Asiimwe, Administrator – Operations and Event Manager, My Food Network said.

The post What you missed at KCCA’s first ever Foodie Street Carnival appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

Bell Jamz took things a notch higher with their stage at this year’s Nyege Nyege festival. They set up a creative hub, which featured a full recording studio.

Revellers were free to walk in and record songs of their own, and dancehall artist, Beenie Gunter, did not miss out on the opportunity to let his creative juices flow.

The track, titled ‘Never Like Dat’ and produced by Asteyn, was recorded with no prior preparation at all and from our first listen, it has the makings of a hit.

The Bell Jamz area also featured a karaoke stage that had attendees sing their lungs out. Veteran producer Benon Mugumbya was one of those who took the stage, rolling back the hands of time as he performed a love ballad from the 80s.

The post Beenie Gunter records “Nyege Nyege song” appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

Musician John Blaq will soon be smiling all the way to the bank. This after reports indicating that the Tukwatagane singer has once again scored a new multi-million deal with beverage company, Crown Beverages Limited.

This doesn’t seem to come as a shock, following the success of the Tukonectinge with Pepsi promo for which he was the Campaign ambassador. The Tukonectinge campaign saw thousands of locals participating and winning millions worth of prizes, 25 Toyota wish cars driven home and more than 30 people winning a fully paid trip to Dubai.

“John Blaq brings good vibes, has great support from his fans and is a humble person which I think might have made him sign a new deal,” a source from Pepsi revealed, adding that, “His music is getting better and given the right support with the right partners, John will only get better.”

Asked about the nature and value of the deal, our source said, “All I can say is, the singer is smiling all the way to the bank.”

According to one of his close associates, Blaq is likely to have Pepsi behind him on many levels because of his growing music career. “They told us they have enjoyed working with him in the past and believe that the partnership between Pepsi and John Blaq is for the long-term,” he said.

We can’t wait to see how this unfolds.

The post John Blaq lands new multi-million deal appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our reporter

A specially selected group of 150 students has been admitted to ESOM school of music for their current speciality group in take.They have taken up a number of classes including vocal training, playing instruments including piano and key board plus drums, sound engineering, video editing and production among other courses.

This group went through a tight selection process as the school aims at admitting top quality students who posses a genuine love and passion for music on which it can build and polish them to become great artistes when they finally graduate and step into the world of music and performing arts.

With a new state of the art trainign facility for production and sound engineering, the school’s Director Daniel Kiyega says they will surely be producing some good names and infulential artistes in the near future.

Having celebrated award winning artistes like Maro, producer Bless, Nase Avartar on their books as alumni already, Kiyega believes many more will come out of the school soon as it has modernised its facilites and taken on more raw talent to produce the best possible results.

Kiyega added that the school also offers private lessons for instrumentalists, producers, deejays and vocalists interested in polishing their skills all year round and those interested should contact the school either through their online platofrms or visit them physically at their Rubaga road location.

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