The coconut revolution seems to be taking Kampala by storm. The last time we witnessed it was at the previous Blankets and Wine where Uganda Waragi Coconut disrupted the event with a pop-up beach setup. And by all indications, the next stop is the Bayimba Festival this weekend.
A lady sips at a Uganda Waragi Coconut cocktail during the Blankets and Wine 18th edition. Uganda Waragi Coconut brought the beach to revelers, a welcome change from the usual tents
The annual three day festival will be held at the National Theatre again starting on Friday running through to Sunday. This year, the festival will feature performances by some of Uganda’s all-time favorites; Bebe Cool, Jose Chameleone, Bobi Wine, Cindy, Chance Nalubega and many more. If you’re looking for weekend plot, then look no further. All you need to part with is UGX10k daily to have a blast.
Deedan Muyira, Blankets and Wine ‘s long serving event MC cools off at the Uganda Waragi Coconut Beach. The beach was the star attraction at the social event
The festival usually features a blend of the arts to include music, fashion, theatre, comedy and many more. It’s a three day multi-arts program, curated to offer a unique and exciting experience. The event will once again feature two stages, each with their own full lineup. There will also be concurrent performances happening in the auditorium.
A mixologist whips up a sweet cocktail for this fine lady. The Uganda Waragi Coconut Beach was a beehive of activity owing to its uniqueness
Gates open as early as noon. Sip on a luscious cocktail with friends as you enjoy the full arts program.
Uganda Breweries Limited’s (UBL) Bell Lager was the official sponsor The Bayimba International Festival of the Arts as they celebrated their ninth birthday in style. The three-day event kicked off on Friday with sets by Ugandan DJ collective Femme Electronic, a female duo experimenting with the fusion of East Africa Folklore and electronic sounds and wrapped up on Sunday with many different acts.
The Bayimba Festival is an event organized annually at the National Theatre that serves as a platform for artists from different parts of the world to collaborate and show off a spectacle of the finest performing arts across music, dance, theatre, film and fashion.
A major highlight of the festival was the revival of Kadongo Kamu, Uganda’s oldest music genre which had died out due to emergence of popular genres such as Hip Hop, RnB and Afro pop. One may argue that this can be attributed to the cash injection by new sponsor, Bell Lager.
The line-up included artists from both the local and International scene. On the local scene, Mathias Walukaga, Ronald Mayinja, Willy Mukabya and Chris Evans who wrapped up the first day of the fest with some of the crowd’s favorites like Mulungi, Linda and others, and also ensuring that Uganda’s oldest music genre, Kadogo Kamu took center stage at the festival as compared to past years.
Mo Roots, who is currently Uganda’s best female Afro-soul saxophonist hit the stage some of her best work such as Kings and Queens, Omuka, Don’t Try to change me and Muluyimba were some of the songs that crowds could not get enough of.
Jemima Sanyu proves to fans that she can perform
Irene Namubiru pulled crowds as soon as she arrived on stage with a powerful performance of some of her songs like Birowoozo, Ndi Kaliba and Kyadaaki.
Mathias Walukaga was also one of the performers at the festival
Others that left crowds chanting for more were Exodus, one of Uganda’s best gospel artist, Akua Naru (USA), Dr. Bone (South Africa), Winyo (Nairobi), Gravitti Band (Nairobi) and Tribute Birdie Mboweni.
In addition to the celebrations, Bell Lager brought along the ongoing Tubbaale promotion, giving chance to many, to walk away with lots of goodies such as free beer, head phones, power banks, T-shirts, and airtime.
Dr Bone from South Africa performs at the Bayimba festival
The 9th Bayimba International Festival is upon us and takes place this weekend at the National Theatre. The 3 day festival starts on Friday, 16th September and runs till Sunday. Tickets go for UGX5, 000.
The multi-disciplinary festival offers a lot more than just the music, Bayimba presents an arts festival that offers an experience with other forms of art using music as the most appreciated art to pave way for the rest.
From music to theatre to dance to film, the festival will offer you a wide variety of entertainment to enjoy. Here are some of the reasons we think you definitely should not miss.
The Music
The music is definitely going to be a spectacle not worth missing. The lineup boasts of artists in various music genres from soul to hip hop to electronic music to our very own Ugandan Kadongo Kamu.
Akua Naru from the USA
The lineup has a wide array of performers selected locally, through the region, the continent with some coming from far flung nations like Denmark and the US.
The local acts like Mathias Walukaga, Exodus, Ronald Mayinja, Willy Mukabya and Iryn Namubiru are household names.
Be keen to look out for Akua Naru (USA), Dr.Bone (South Africa), Winyo (Nairobi), Gravitti Band (Nairobi), Moroots (Uganda), Irene Namubiru (Ug), Ronald Mayinja (ug), Chris Evans and Mathias Walukaga.
Booze
Beer will be in plenty and sold at discounted prices thanks to the cash injection from Bayimba’s new sponsor, Bell Lager. Keep your eyes glued to the fridges to get the opportunity to sample the new funky Black Bell.
Your drinks choices will not only be restricted to beer. The Spirit of Uganda, Uganda Waragi also intends to set up a cocktail bar and have an exciting cocktail menu for you to choose from.
Film
There will be a screening of the African comedy “Nothing for Mahala”. The story is based on a man faces disapproval from his father when he dreams of being a comedian. Check out the preview, it might be worth your time.
Fashion
The stage has been set for some selected designers to showcase their art and skills.
Laughter
Comedian Daniel Omara is also on the program to perform.
Disco
If you have not had the experience of silent disco, now is your chance. Get your dancing shoes ready. Regardless of how comical it is to see people dancing to music only they can hear.
Bayimba festival has announced a partnership with Bell Lager as a sponsor on the 2016 festival slated for 16th to 18th of September. The ninth edition of the festival will take place a Uganda National Cultural Centre with entrance fee is 5000 per day.
Herman Kabubi, Bayimba Artists Coordinator reveals the Bayimba lineup. Looking on is UBL’s Roy Tumwizere and Anja Gobel, Director Goethe Zentrum Kampala/ Uganda German Cultural Society
“As an authentic Ugandan brand, we are happy to be partnering with an event such as this one that celebrates and recognizes authentic Ugandan talent. It is our pleasure to enable this great musical experience that will allow people to live and enjoy every moment,” said Roy Tumwizere, National Promotions Manager, Uganda Breweries Limited.
L-R: Roy Tumwizere, National Promotions Manager, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), Anja Gobel, Director Goethe Zentrum Kampala/ Uganda German Cultural Society, Alexander Aheebwa, Bayimba Head of productions and Herman Kabubi, Bayimba Artists Coordinator unveil Bell Lager as a partner of the 9th Edition of the arts festival
Bell Lager shares a rich heritage with the people of Uganda having been first brewed here in 1950 on the shores of L. Victoria.
“This beer is made to be part of joyous and celebratory occasions and there is no better occasion than what is now a renowned festival that has become an important benchmark for the consumption of Uganda’s finest arts. Bell Lager recognizes the efforts that have been made in the industry and this sponsorship is the first of a lot more meaningful engagements for the brand on the Ugandan music scene,” Tumwizere added.
Bayimba International festival tickets are exclusively on sale at all PayWay kiosk outlets/locations around Kampala City. Go to any PayWay kiosk location, simply touch on the main Menu and select Bayimba (round artwork icon) tickets under other payments and follow prompts to pay.
BAYIMBA 2016 ANNOUNCES THE SECOND ROUND OF ACTS:
In this second round of acts for the 9th BAYIMBA International Festival, we present the activities for the three day on;
Second Stage: Located in the theatre upper garden, the space is formerly known for hosting majorly the hip-hop genres, and to look a little different, we’ve diversified the lineup of acts that will present at this particular space including; Mbale’s current top hip-hop duo and Sharon Sento and Byg Ben, Hoppy Benny from Gulu, while the Blood Brother’s band will return to do a solo showcase after playing for reggae star Maddox’ set at the 2014/15 Festival, from Germany, we have DJ Wurzelholz, Femme Electronic alongside Ugandan reggae sensation Mighty Son, Jamaica born Anthony Jermaine and the Mataali Group from .
Auditorium: The auditorium will host theatrical groups that include: – Mandragora Circo from Argentina, Zimbabwe’s Lamentations @ 12 and Uganda’s Pride Performers. Other acts announced are; Ugandan Kadongo Kamu maestros Willy Mukabya, Kazibwe Kappo and Fred Ssebbale, a dance piece by dancer and choreographer Faisal Ddamba, along with Vizuri Dance Company, Kanaan Gents and a comedy showcase by the Punchliners. Courtesy of Amakula Kampala Film Festival, a couple of African films will be presented.
Dance Floor: After 8 years of showcasing Fashion at the open space during the Bayimba Festival, at this edition of the – it will be presented as the main voice of this particular space, with a proper catwalk and sitting under Uganda’s fashion mogul Ras Kasozi in a theme dubbed SEED fashion show, Kasozi will be joined by yet another fashion ace Buyi Phil who will be unveiling his Kkolo collection, not forgetting popular highlight activity “Silent Disco” at an extra 5,000 UGX.
The Ninth Bayimba International Festival Is Presented By Bayimba Cultural Foundation In Partnership With Stichting Doen, Hivos,Danish Center For Culture And Development (Cku), Alliance Francaise, Institute Francais, Goethe –Zentrum Kampala (Ugcs), Bell Lager, Movit, And Zuku Tv.
