By Achol Tinah
Kampala was abuzz with excitement as music lovers gathered at Ndere Cultural Center for a night of music and cultural fusion as Uganda hosted the East Side tour on Saturday, 5th April, bringing together some of the biggest names in the African music industry.
The open-air venue was packed to the brim with revelers eager to witness this historic East-West African collaboration filled with electrifying performances, showcasing the best of African music and culture. From the soulful voices of the performers to the infectious beats of the drummers, the event was a true celebration of the continent’s rich musical heritage.
The show began with performances from Uganda’s finest. From seasoned artists to next-gen stars, the lineup showed the incredible depth of talent within Uganda’s music ecosystem.
Rickman Manrick ignited the crowd with his urban Lugaflow style, blending Kampala’s street soul with modern Afrobeat. “Ugandan music is not just growing, but it’s evolving,” he told the press after his set.
Ava Peace delivered a powerful performance filled with sharp choreography and commanding vocals. Her energy was infectious, and her fanbase responded with cheers and chants.
Vinka, always a crowd-puller, stormed the stage with her dancers performing hits like “Bailando” and “Love Panic.” Her magnetic presence reminded everyone why she’s a staple on every big stage.
Joshua Baraka then slowed things down with a soulful and vibey rendition of “Nana.” The entire venue joined in a heartfelt sing-along that echoed beautifully under the Kampala sky. He also serenaded his girlfriend Etania, AKA life of the party, with his new hit “No Lie” ft Magixx, which was clearly sung for her.
Photo: Ugandan Music Star, Joshua Baraka commanding the crowd // Photo Credit: Talent Africa
The Mavin Records takeover was equally impressive, Bayanni took the stage first, launching into his viral hit “Ta Ta Ta.” His youthful energy and connection with the crowd made it clear why he’s one of Afrobeats’ rising stars.
Boy Spyce followed with a polished and charismatic performance of “Folake,” drawing huge cheers from the crowd. “This is bigger than just a show,” he said. “It’s a cultural moment.”
And finally, Magixx, perhaps the most anticipated act of the night, gave a breathtaking set with tracks like “Love Don’t Cost a Dime,” “Loyal,” and “All Over.” His vocals, stage command, and chemistry with the crowd made his performance the emotional core of the night.
According to the online blogger, BigEye.ug, the concert was a complete “sold-out spectacle,” a sign of just how eager fans were for this kind of cross-border cultural exchange.
Pulse Uganda took it to their X social media handle, describing the concert as “a capture of the cultural essence of Ugandan sound while proving our artists are ready to share global stages.”
The Ndere grounds became more than a concert venue, it was a full cultural experience, complete with local food stalls, fashion pop-ups, art installations, and a sleek VIP experience. The setup allowed fans to immerse themselves in Afropolitan energy: part Kampala, part Lagos, and entirely electric.
John Daren, a reveler at the event, says, “Food stalls, fashion pop-ups, photo booths, and a well-organized VIP area turned the space into a cultural vintage that was buzzing with energy, creativity, and Afropolitan flair.”
This event represented a massive leap for the Ugandan music industry. The collaboration between Talent Africa and Mavin Records was more than a showcase, it was a strategic cultural bridge.
“This is how we grow the industry from the inside out and across borders,” said Ali Alibhai, CEO of Talent Africa. “Uganda has always had talent. Now we have the eyes of the continent.”
The concert was expertly hosted by NRG Radio Uganda, with Sheila Gashumba and her NRG workmates taking center stage. Their banter, crowd engagement, and flawless transitions kept the show moving at a thrilling pace.
“The hosts were fantastic,” said a fan in attendance. “They added to the energy and excitement of the event, and helped to create a truly unforgettable experience.”
The presence of bloggers and media brands only confirmed that Kampala is rising as a regional entertainment hub. It’s not just about putting on a show, it’s about redefining Uganda’s role in Africa’s music economy.
Talent Africa Group was the lead host, with sponsorship from Jameson Black Barrel, Mavin Records, Centric Entertainment, Safe Boda, ACE, Hustle Sasa, NRG Radio, Mighty Rides, and Fairway Hotel.