The Ekyooto Ha Mpango Music Festival wrapped up a week of royal festivities in Fort Portal Town. Held at the historic Karuzika Palace, the festival brought together a spectacular blend of culture, music, and community, as Talent Africa Group, together with main partners UTB and Pilsner Lager, toasted to the 30th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of the Tooro Kingdom.
Juliana Kagwa, CEO UTB, noted, “The Empango celebrations are more than a cultural ceremony; they are a powerful showcase of Uganda’s living heritage. This year’s 30th coronation anniversary of His Majesty King Oyo is a reminder of the deep traditions and unity cultural heritage. For the Uganda Tourism Board, Empango is a unique platform to position cultural tourism as a vital product for Destination Uganda. We celebrate Tooro Kingdom’s role in preserving heritage while inviting the world to come and experience the authenticity, beauty, and diversity of Uganda’s culture.”
The day saw thousands in attendance to celebrate the rich heritage and modern spirit of the Tooro Kingdom, with the Karuzika Palace alive with energy from the moment the gates opened in the early evening. The festival’s heartbeat was its celebration of community, a sentiment perfectly captured at the Pilsner Cultural Village. Here, groups of friends, both old and new, toasted to the King and the kingdom, enjoying the 4 for 10k deal as they posed with crafts and took charge of the drums.
“It is an absolute honour to join in the celebration of the 30-year reign of the Omukama of Tooro at Karuzika Palace. This milestone symbolises a legacy of unity, continuity and resilience, pillars that Pilsner Lager proudly upholds as the true King’s beer,” said Lillian Kansiime, UBL Pilsner Representative.
The Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival was a remarkable triumph, demonstrating the outstanding expertise and meticulous execution of the Talent Africa Group. The event highlighted their deep understanding of the entertainment industry, resulting in captivating performances and flawless logistics that created an electric atmosphere for attendees.
Aly Allibhai, CEO of Talent Africa Group, stated, “Our dedicated team worked tirelessly to ensure the Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival was a memorable experience for all. We take pride in showcasing the incredible talent within our community and providing a platform for artists to shine. This event reinforces our commitment to promoting creativity and cultural expression in Uganda and beyond.”
The festival’s lineup showcased Tooro’s talent, including sets from DJs Ken and Hash, and performances by Aliddeki Brian, Zaya Rosette, and Big Doug to warm up the crowd. The House of Talent Cultural Performers then took the stage, captivating the crowd with a powerful cultural performance and the traditional amakondere dance, as the audience swayed along, deeply connected to the rhythm of the kingdom.
The King then graced the occasion to usher in the next year of his reign, greeted by jubilant cheers and screams from the crowd. When the clock struck midnight, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the sky in honour of Omukama Oyo. But the party was far from over.
The festival launched into its next chapter with the soulful melodies of Tooro’s own Iryn Hindah, followed by Atwookie Richie. And to cap off the royal celebrations, the “King” herself, Cindy Sanyu, took the stage with an explosive performance delivering a spectacle worthy of a royal celebration. She ran through her diverse catalogue as the crowd was taken on a journey for over an hour, reminiscing about the good days of the past, all the way to the present hits, including the new banger, See You Tonight. When she bowed off the stage, DJ Tony then took the decks and kept the charged-up crowd dancing into the early hours.
As Tooro Kingdom marked this historic milestone, UTB and Pilsner Lager stood proudly as the official main partners together with Talent Africa Group, Plascon, Movit, MTN, NBS TV, Pepsi, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of the Republic of Uganda, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Branny Nails Kampala, and the Microfinance Support Center (MSC). Talent Africa Group looks forward to more moments that bring people together to celebrate Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
