By Staff Writer
To have a 3 times Grammy Award Winner in one’s midst is not something that so often happens. As such, it was a great honour for many Ugandans when Angelique Kidjo was announced as the main act at the World Jazz music day celebrations in Uganda. And she certainly didn’t disappoint.
The show was limited to the names that mattered it; it was the triad taking charge all night long.
At around 8:30pm, Isaiah Katumwa hit the stage performing some of his popular songs such as “My Joy” , “Gyendi” and “Special Feelings.” He then did a rendition of Juliana Kanyomozi and Blu3.
He would be joined on by Charmant Mushaga to do tributes to Oliver Mtukudzi and Mowzey Radio. For Oliver it was the song Todii while for Radio it was Katonda Tambula Nange. It was probably the best Mowzey Radio tribute ever.
Darren Rahn then came on stage. It was time for the Saxophone to speak like never before. But it couldn’t be a full performance until Mushaga did his rare act of playing the guitar with his teeth.
Finally Angelique Kidjo was announced on stage at around 11pm by the emcees of the night, RS Elvis and Siima Sabitti. From then on, it was none stop greatness as Uganda heard one of the strongest and most powerful voices that has ever hit the country’s stages.
From Agolo to Malaika to Wombo Lombo to Afrika. It was the entertainer, the activist, the dancer all morphing into one. And she did have some impressive foot work as she pulled off her dance strokes. Pretty awesome for a 58 year old. She would then call Katumwa on stage for a tribute to Miriam Makeba. It was two hours of dance, voice, it was world music at its peak.
At the end of the concert, satisfaction was written on everyone’s face. They had received more than what they asked for. Above all, they would keep walking with Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve.