Congolese legendary musician Awilo Longomba headlined the Party After Party New Year celebrations held at the Cricket Oval in Kampala, marking the venue’s debut as a host for New Year festivities.
The event was organised by promoter Abbey Musinguzi, popularly known as Abitex, who is widely recognised for previously staging the annual Enkuuka shows at Mengo Lubiri. Following a seven-minute fireworks display, Awilo took to the stage backed by five singers, five instrumentalists and six dancers.
Notably, this was only the second time the artiste had performed in Uganda without his own band, the first being during Afrigo Band’s 48th anniversary celebrations two years ago. Most members of the backing team were Ugandans or musicians familiar with Luganda. Renowned Ugandan dancer Rita Dancehall was among the performers, while guitarist Charma Mushaga, a Congolese musician who has spent much of his career in Uganda and occasionally plays with Afrigo Band was also part of the instrumentalists. A Congolese lead backup singer, who spoke fluent Luganda, helped translate for the audience throughout the performance.
Hit songs
Awilo opened his set by wishing revellers a Happy New Year before launching into a high-energy, nonstop performance lasting about an hour. He thrilled fans with hit songs including Coupe Bibamba, Karolina, Manon, Gaté le Coin and Kwanga Pamba. His performance was energetic, engaging and entertaining, with the singer frequently joining his dancers on stage.
Whenever he broke into dance routines, his backup singer seamlessly took over the microphone. The award-winning artiste also invited members of the audience on stage for a dance competition, promising cash prizes and a trip to London for the winners.
Although two participants emerged victorious, their details were not taken, cutting their excitement short. Before and after Awilo’s set, several Ugandan artistes entertained the crowd with their top songs. These included Juliana Kanyomozi, Iryn Namubiru, Tracey Melon, Karole Kasita, Feffe Bussi, Azawi, Mudra, Elijah Kitaka, Dax Vibez, Kataleya and Kandle, and Spice Diana.
Comedians Madrat and Chiko, as well as Amooti Omubalanguzi, also performed. Despite the impressive line-up, attendance was relatively low. However, the modest crowd did not deter the performers, who delivered energetic, well-coordinated and entertaining performances throughout the night.
Sheebah Vibes
Meanwhile, Cricket Oval was not the only place hosting events during the New Year festivities. At Speke Resort Munyonyo, Sheebah Karungi or Queen Karma, a renowned multi-award-winning female artiste, entrepreneur, feminist, and actress was the headlining act as she ushered in the New Year with revellers who as early as 6pm had swarmed the Pool Pavilion Dinner space like ravenous bees.
At the lakeside, Sheebah, electrified the crowd in a thrilling live performance spiced up by DJs and an impressive fireworks display. Sheebah had earlier promised interminable music and non-stop partying by the lake and she undeniably delivered on her promise.
Sheebah performed some of her significant hit songs including Muwomya, Boy Fire, Bwepaba, By The Way, Twesana and her latest Nywera, Wesibadde and Somebody that left revellers yearning for more. At the Sheraton during the Dance Party event, many of the artistes who performed at Cricket Oval were also on stage that night.