The Blu3 trio of Lillian Mbabazi, Jackie Chandiru and Cindy Sanyu are officially back and it is about to get hot.
They are dropping a new single this week titled ‘Moto’. The vibe is so high, fire in every note and move.
From sisterhood to solo journeys, the dynamic trio have returned stronger and this time, they are bringing the heat. Get ready, feel the fire, the turn up is real this week. Watch the space!!!
Dancehall artist Cindy Sanyu appears to throw subtle insults at fellow musician Sheebah Karungi whenever she gets a chance. In her new song titled “Monica,” which features singer Jackie Chandiru from Blu*3, she warns the Queen Karma to keep her distance from her partner.
In the song, Cindy asserts that her partner belongs solely to her, emphasizing that she doesn’t share him. She also suggests that a word to the wise should suffice because if her warnings are disregarded, there will be repercussions.
While she doesn’t explicitly mention the Nakyuka singer, fans are convinced this is a direct message to Sheebah, who recently welcomed a child.
It seems Queen Karma may have been involved with a married man leading to her pregnancy and subsequent childbirth. In a leaked audio clip, she expressed to the suspected baby daddy’s wife her admiration for the man’s family and stated that she wished to be part of it.
Additionally, the absence of Lillian Mbabazi, a close associate of the former TNS artist, from the track—which many believed would signify a reunion of Blu*3—further indicates that this is aimed at Sheebah.
Despite their recent musical clash at Kololo Grounds last year, it appears the two artists still have unresolved tension and continue to seek each other out.
It was a night of music memories as the long awaited Blu 3 Reunion finally came to pass last evening at Sheraton Hotel Gardens Kampala.
Blu 3, Uganda’s biggest female singing trio came together for their long-awaited reunion concert and put up a thrilling night of live music.
The show last night, marked their return together on the same stage for the first time in 16 years.
The ladies: Lilian Mbabazi, Cindy Sanyu, and Jackie Chandiru hit the stage from 8pm and put up what should contend for concert of the year.
The show, put together by Talent Africa Group has been months in the making and it was worth the wait.
Parking up the Sheraton gardens to the brim, the show pulled scores of A-listers in the music industry including music fellows; Sheebah Karungi, Rema Namakula, Lydia Jazmine, veteran Halima Namakula, Vinka, Weasel, Racheal K.
The show was also graced among others by HRH the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV.
The ladies hit the stage at nightfall — following a captivating acapella teaser — with their Swahili hit single Hitaji.
Jackie rolled up in a black outfit — a dramatic flair with a combination of velvet and leather-like materials. So did Cindy who rocked blue hair and a futuristic, black leather jacket with exaggerated shoulders. Her outfit was completed with silver accents and form-fitting, light-coloured leggings with knee-high black boots.
Lillian also in black, rocked a structured, high-collared jacket with a flared, peplum-style bottom.
In between the show, trio did their solo performances and thrilled fans more joined by Lydia Jazmine, Vinka, Vampino and Weasel respectively.
As the night went on, the ladies turned up the tempo with some of the biggest hits from the mid-2000s such as Frisky, Sanyu Lyange, Nkoye, and others that got revellers up on their feet.
They were later to be joined on stage by other artists including Weasel Manizo for a thrilling performance of the 2009 mega-hit “Where You Are”.
Kenyan diva Victoria Kimani performed on the night making her debut performance in Kampala. Brian Mackenzie and Deedan were the MCs of the night.
The trio closed the thrilling night of performance with their mega hit ‘Nsanyuka Nawe’ at around 12:30am.
The show was organized by Talent Africa Group and sponsored by Stanbic Bank Uganda as the main sponsor, Tusker Malt, Safe Boda and Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
Kampala: The legendary iconic girl group BLU 3 comprising Jackie Chandiru, Lilian Mbabazi, and Cindy Sanyu sat down with Juliana Kanyomozi at the Kampala Sheraton hotel in an emotional conversation where they allowed themselves to be they were vulnerable and talked about all issues Blu 3.
From what inspired their reunion, to the lessons from their early fallout, Cindy went deep about what she felt after leaving the group, Lilian talked about her journey with grief and Jackie was candid about her fight with drugs and watching everyone move ahead of her from the sidelines. The girls revealed their favorite songs, and it was revealed that Jackie wrote some of the Blu 3 hit songs like Hitaji.
Perhaps the highlight of this interview was the revelation that Jackie’s fight with addiction inspired them to set aside their differences, remember who they are, and come together at the same table and talk. The girls who spoke with nostalgia about their early years revealed that uniting and being in the same room wasn’t easy, they cried, forgave, fought, but worked out their differences and are now the best of friends.
In this conversation, the ladies fondly talked about what Steve Jean, the foundation of their careers means to them, his brilliance and intensity. They also disclosed that Aly Alibhai, the C.E.O of Talent Africa Group is the future. They were candid about how he embraced them with no judgments, and no conditions when they wanted to do a reunion concert together. Cindy Sanyu revealed they have a new song together and shed light on what this new Blu 3 looks like.
“Picture a blue 3 with all the growth that they have gone through. We are going to embody that. You have never seen somebody on stage who has overcome drugs. Grief… all those stories in there. I want you to come and watch that. Feel the pain, feel the power, as a person, I can’t bring that. But being 3 of us together, that power can only be got on the 22nd” said Cindy Sanyu towards the end of the conversation”
To watch the full interview, please visit, https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The trio is preparing for their Legends of Sound Blu 3 reunion concert slated for the 22nd of June 2024 at Kampala Sheraton Gardens.
Tickets for the Legends Of Sound Blu 3 reunion concert are available for purchase through www.tagticketing.com, Sheraton Hotel-Kampala, and the Talent Africa Group office. For a more exclusive experience call 0777564997 to book a diamond table at 10m, platinum 5 million, and gold 3m. Silver early bird tickets go for 75k early bird, 100k after, bronze early bird 30k, and 50k after. For more information and updates, follow Talent Africa Group on social media and visit their website at www.talentafricagroup.com
The Legends of Sound Blu 3 reunion concert is powered By Talent Africa Group together with Flexipay, Tusker Malt Lager NBS, Capital FM, Sheraton, Afro Mobile, Safeboda, and Maestro Sounds.
Kampala: The legendary iconic girl group BLU3 comprising Jackie Chandiru, Lilian Mbabazi, and Cindy Sanyu are cementing their reunion and comeback by hitting the studio and making new music together, a move that has stirred nostalgia among devoted fans.
This announcement comes as the trio prepares for the Legends of Sound Blu 3 reunion concert slated for the 22nd of June 2024 at Kampala Sheraton Gardens.
The award-winning group which rose to prominence in the early 2000s, sold out concerts, and won numerous awards thereby establishing themselves as the Most Influential Girl group in Africa, disbanded in 2008 and went ahead to pursue solo projects.
Their chart-topping hits like “Hitaji” “Burrn” “Sanyu Lyange” and “Kankyakyankye” among others created an unforgettable mark on the Ugandan music industry and saw them rise on the East African music scene as the most influential and successful African girl group of all time.
Cindy Sanyu speaking on behalf of the trio stated “We need to bring our old shade of blue 3, not leave it…don’t dump Blu 3. Get that and merge it. Recently, we got into the studio with Artin, and we understood the sound we were fighting for. We don’t want Blue 3 to be dumped in this new music. We have brought our shades of Blu 3 and it merged to bring that sound to life…”
Lilian Mbabazi echoed Cindy’s sentiments too. “We are working together as a team. We show up. This journey is something I am excited about. It is going to be fabulous…”
Tickets for the Legends Of Sound Blu 3 reunion concert are available for purchase through www.tagticketing.com and selected outlets. For a more exclusive experience, a diamond table goes for 10m, platinum 5 million, and gold 3m. Silver early bird tickets go for 75k early bird, 100k after, bronze early bird 30k, and 50k after.
For more information and updates, follow Talent Africa Group on social media and visit their website at www.talentafricagroup.com
Tekawo Enjawulo,’ a song intended to create awareness and change in the behaviors of society on Gender Based Violence has been released.
The song clearly highlights issues young girls face on daily basis and yet society seems quite about it, including among others; Early Marriage, Teenage Pregnancy, Sexual advances from older men, abuse of power by teachers at school and pressure from boys to have sex.
‘Tekawo Enjawulo,’ lyrics is in different languages in Uganda which clearly depict the society’s evils and hence showcase the pain such actions have caused to the girls and women. Speaking about the ‘Tekawo Enjawulo’ project singer Jackie Chandiru said, “We have the power and the authority to cause the change we want to see. Let’s do what we can to end Gender Based Violence.”
Chandiru praised the project, saying it’s one of the kind the world has been waiting for and will yield the desired goals.
The song features incredible singers; Spice Diana, Jackie Chandiru, Shine Omukiga,Triggah, and Pearl of Africa Star Search winner Sandra Nansambu.
Tekawo Enjawulo was written by Jackie Chandiru, Allan Watikha, Bruce Dickson, and Kizito Tonny.
It was mixed and mastered by Samuel Lamara, video by Black Magic Filmz, Video directed by Elly. V. Mugisha and featuring Talent Africa’s Aly Alibhai as executive producer.
A Showbiz Uganda Spy who is who is in Nairobi Kenya caught up with her. Read on…
The Music industry globally has been looking forward to your comeback, putting aside the past, what inspired you to get back to the studio?
Jackie; I didn’t want to go down as someone defeated by a problem yet. I always stated I was a strong woman! Music is my passion and I hadn’t fulfilled my musical dream. Also my fans wanted to see me stand up again! Many also questioned my capability for audio and visually. I wanted to shut that down!
Currently who is helping you write your music?
Jackie; I write my work. Because only I believe I can express innermost feelings. Though I am looking for a writer to match my imagination..
What music label are you under now?
Jackie; I Am not under any label currently. I do have 6 offers but am still fine flying solo. Perhaps I’ll work in charge and under my own label.
You are based in Nairobi, how has it been easy for you to adjust to new environment?
Jackie; It hasn’t been easy. I originally had no intention of trying it here but Covid got me bored and Iw missed music like hell!! So I said why not let me try it in Nairobi and see how this goes! On top of that. I like a good challenge!
New market and start was a huge, big and difficult challenge but I wanted to do this. I set myself up.
How easy is it to penetrate into Kenyan audience?
Jackie; It was beyond difficult. Remember Kenyans love their people, they are very patriotic. However, they loved gold digger songs so I took advantage of that. Then I hooked up with their talented Kenyan singer Mr. Lover man and Arrowbwoy!
Ugandan fans still want you to hear you sing in Luganda, any new projects in Luganda or it is purely Swahili?
Jackie; Of course something in Luganda is coming up but not full Luganda! It will have Luganda, Lugbara, Swahili and English..I love languages so much.
How do you compare Kenyan music competition to Uganda?
Jackie; Ho! It’s harder here! People literally release music every 3 weeks.
In Uganda you release a song, it hits and peeps remember you for over 8 months!! Here, You need to keep fresh in people’s minds.
Who is currently producing most of your songs?
Jackie; The famous Eazypro, Vickypondis, Ilogos music and logos…
You are the king of stage performance, when you plan a mega concert?
Jackie; Sooner than you can expect! Actually, I am planning two big concerts.
And where would you wish to hold your first public concert after the music break you’ve been into.
Jackie; Back in Uganda at Serena then definitely Arua.
That Quarantine song, what’s the message behind that?
Jackie; I doubt you want to know the real message behind that! The video says it all. All that can happen in quarantine and lockdown with your lover!
We can’t go away without asking about love, is it true you’re now engaged to a loaded Kenyan man?
Jackie; Ha-ha. I am a happy woman. That is it for now.
You once posted a ring on your Face book, what was the message behind the post?
Jackie; Even in sad times, good things can happen. That was the message.
In your recent interview you talked about how family dug a grave for you before death, who were these people?
Jackie; I didn’t say family. I said people I considered close.
Do you still talk to Lawyer Caleb Alaka despite the endless fights with his wife Namuli?
Jackie; Not often however after the break up we would chat once in a while though it took a while for us to start talking again.
Any regrets ever getting involved with Alaka?
Jackie; I try my best not to regret decisions I make. So meeting him or dating him isn’t something I regret.
What is the truth about your marriage with your Nol Vliet? Is it true he still sponsors your lifestyle financially?
Jackie; We divorced but we remained close and spoke. He supported me for a while. Now he doesn’t support me financially but he’s my friend and we do speak oftenly.
The last time you’re in Uganda, Balaam paraded you before Ug media for financial help, was it your initiative?
It was purely his but i know Balaam whatever he does or did is because he cares about me.
Lastly, what is your message for your music, especially Ugandan based.
Jackie; Nothing is impossible. A fall can be your biggest resurrection and sometimes your fall will take you to greater heights. Our Gods an awesome God!!
The team that will be bringing legendary Congolese artiste, Awilo Longomba to Uganda this April just unveiled the Ugandan acts that will be headlining the show.
Award winning gospel music maestro Levixone, dance hall queen Cindy and Jackie Chandiru have been named as some of the Ugandan artistes that will be performing at the April 5th show, happening at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
“I will be jamming on the same stage with the legend, Awilo Longomba come April 5th at the Kampala Serena Hotel,”Chandiru shared on her social media platform.
The trio will be joined by Congolese performer Charmant Mushaga, for the memorable night.
Tickets to the show are already available for purchase for the concert that is organized by Cents Events and proudly sponsored by The Singleton, Kampala Serena Hotel, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Capital FM, Beat FM, and Cents events.
Singer Jackie Chandiru is improving from Bunamwaya Rehabilitation Centre but the troubled singer still needs our prayers. The singer is in rehab after excessive use of drugs and she looks a shadow of her former self.
The former Blu3 star was regarded as one of the best Ugandan female singers but drug use have put her career to a halt and now only God’s intervention can save her.