By Ian Ortega
While my memories and emotions are still fresh, I will do a recap of Bayimba Festival Day Two.
I must say that it is now clear, you can only enjoy Bayimba if you know the right stage to be at the right time. For yesterday I arrived with my girlfriend, she decides to do a photoshoot as Rose performed and I used that time to escape to the unknown.
I escaped to the bonfire area of Stage Two. The one where chaps go to the cores of their traditional roots. And yes, I enter at the right time of the “Togikwatako” procession.
I first cheer from the sides then join the revolving dancing circle. We chant all in unison ‘Togikwatako Togikwatako…’ The energy here was at its highest, I immediately got that vibe where you feel ready for ‘war.’ These two girls circle me; “wait, were you at Nyege Nyege?” Of course any affirmation to that question is a sure ticket to their heaven. “Mehn, don’t remind me. I am yet to recover,” I shout out.
“Nyege Nyege was the thing, I came back from their on Monday,”one tells me. They hug me, they dance around me. And the ‘deejay’ aka the drummers spring into Kadodi. We rejoin the circle, I immersed, jumping and stamping my feet like the Gisu man that I am. Of course the anthem still goes; ‘Togikwatko Togikwatako Kogikwatako Tujjakukwatako..” The caucasians seem to enjoy this kind of Africa madness, it was similar to the Kwalula balongo ceremony.
It finally comes to a climax. I run from my Nyege Nyege memories that have appeared in form of two young ladies and rush to the auditorium.
And guess what? It is Chance Nalubega. We danced, cheered, sang along. Chance was our nostalgic ship to those days. I saw my childhood hit songs replay right before my eyes. She put me in a time travel capsule and I landed in 1999.
“Yiii naye kati naterera… sheeshe amatiila…” “Omwana alina laavu alina laavu tanumya” “Kati yiga okwagala mugambe nti omwagala musajja wo omuwana nga kko muguliire katunda anywekko vva mukuyomba bireeke sembera eno darlingi jaawo obuleera bwo…” “Wabula kogikwatako…”
Chance was really my chance at Bayimba. We gave her endless standing ovations. I really knew this is what I came for. By this time I check my phone; “100 missed calls from my girlfriend, friends and family.” I guess they have all declared me lost. I am also in disbelief. How come I heard none of these?
I call back; “Hun where are you? I had got kidnapped by Chance Nalubega but luckily I fought my way out…”
We go to the Loco beach for a cocktail refill then join Maurice Kirya on stage one. The sound just went hocus-pocus. It was in defiance. He struggles with it through some songs like; ‘if my lungs don’t fail me.” Finally he just does the Busabala song and leaves. Sound whatsupp? This is Bayimba at 10!!!
Then we await the appearance of Chameleone. I get my phone pretend to be making a call and get in the middle of ‘backstage’ convos.
“Bakwata show nebatatugamba. Anyway kajje ayimbe oba mutusasula oba needa he just wants to make his fans happy.” “Omusajja tumudusizza afunye nne accident era emotoka emu tugileese esilanye.” “No guys don’t set up we can’t perform it is already past midnight.”
Then the final Chameleone apology; “Hey guys, I am very very sorry. I know it is my mistake. I apologise. Let us meet tomorrow and I make up for this. Apologies apologies.” And off he leaves the stage.
“Togikwatako Togilinyako,” a fan shouts. Everyone laughs and we close up the day. Believe you me, that was all for Day Two of Bayimba at 10 years.