Alliance Francaise de Kampala (AFK) and Goethe-Zentrum Kampala/Uganda German Cultural Society, on Friday evening, bade farewell to their premises at Mackinnon Road, Nakasero. It culminated in a musical event they called ‘Goodbye Mackinnon’. After eight years of sharing the premises, the French and Germany language and cultural centres will, on 1st September, move to their new pad at Plot 52, Bukoto Street, Kamwokya. They are moving to give more adequate space to their students, friends, partners and visitors.
So, Friday evening, much as it drizzled and amidst the claustrophobic traffic, saw droves of people who came to bid farewell to the popular cultural centre. The people, a sea of white folk-French, German et al, came to bid farewell to the premises that accommodated them for eight years.
They came to celebrate their last concert at the premises. And they celebrated with delight even in the biting coldness. The premises, over the past years, have hosted numerous artistes, including global icons like Nneka. The event kicked off at around 9pm with Roshan Karmali and Khamara Ashnan, as emcees of the night, calling onto the stage the first performance on the chilly night. The first performer was Joshua The Rap Poet who did a piece titled ‘I am Ugandan’.
Maurice Kirya performed thereafter. Performing most of his songs from Malaika, Angels Carried Me, Boda Boda et al, Maurice worked the crowd, offering solace and much-needed warmth on the frosty night. Fast-rising chanteuse, Irene Ntale also came out to bid farewell to the premises. Michael Ouma strummed his guitar thereafter; he performed songs like Aruru, Home Made and the recent smart rendition of Davido’s Aye. The cold night also saw performances from Jamal, Joel Sebunjo and Bebe Cool. The cold night would later turn warm with a delightful catalogue of musical performances. And indeed, they bade farewell to Mackinnon, stylishly.
Staff Writer