Uganda’s Very Own beer, Bell Lager, brought the ObaFest experience to Mbarara on Saturday, October 24, as thousands of music lovers gathered at Kakyeeka Stadium to celebrate hometown star TPaul, popularly known as the Kakoba Boy, at his homecoming concert.
The concert opened with a line-up of local artistes who set the tone for an evening of music, entertainment and local pride. For TPaul, the show marked a homecoming moment on the Kakyeeka Stadium stage, as Mbarara turned out to celebrate one of its own.
The supporting line-up featured Heli Baibe, Simon Jackson, Otinga, Queen Noreen, Angorit Veronica, SEID and Mk Craizy. Their performances brought a range of sounds and personalities to the stage, building anticipation for the headline act, TPaul.
When TPaul finally took to the stage, the atmosphere shifted into full concert mode as the Kakoba Boy delivered a crowd-pleasing set drawn from his catalogue. Songs including Bedroom Remix, Mama Rhoda, Far Away and Commando had fans singing along, while Sawa Sawa and Nyamunyonyi emerged as the night’s standout moments, sending excitement through the stadium as fans sang, danced and responded enthusiastically to the familiar hits.
The performance reflected the strong connection between TPaul and his supporters. As the artist fed off the crowd’s energy, the concert became a celebration of homegrown talent and the pride that comes with seeing a local star command the stage in front of his own people.
Beyond the performances, Bell brought the ObaFest experience to life through an Afrocentric-designed space that invited fans to engage with the festival in different ways. The experience featured life-size Ludo and checkers games, a virtual reality gaming station and a photobooth, giving friends and families spaces to play, take pictures and make memories. Fans could also watch Saturday’s live football match at the stadium, adding another shared moment to an evening built around entertainment and connection.
The activation reflected the wider ObaFest idea, with music, food and beer at the heart of the experience. By taking ObaFest into Mbarara and showing up for TPaul, Bell connected with the people and places shaping Uganda’s music scene. The concert gave local talent a platform in front of its home audience while creating a space for fans to gather, celebrate and experience the culture around the music.
Speaking about Bell’s presence at the concert, Lillian Kansiime, Bell Brand Representative, said, “ObaFest celebrates music and the people who give it life. TPaul’s concert was a fitting occasion for us to be part of because it brought Mbarara together to celebrate one of its own. We brought the ObaFest experience to the stadium so fans could enjoy the performances and connect with friends through the games, the photobooth and the live match.”
“Seeing Mbarara show up for TPaul was a reminder of the connection between local talent and the people who support it. That is the spirit we want to carry across the country as ObaFest moves from one region to another, celebrating Uganda’s music and the communities behind it,” she added.
After Mbarara, ObaFest moves to Mbale town, taking the celebration to the Eastern Region. Fans can look forward to the same mix of music, food and beer, alongside experiences designed to bring people together and celebrate Uganda’s homegrown sound.