By Our Reporter
The five-day Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open found a different rhythm away from the golf course, as the event’s 19th hole experience, held on Saturday, August 29, at Uganda Golf Club, turned into an Afro Exchange of music, fashion, food and fellowship.
With the main competition concluded a day earlier, golfers and guests gathered for a night that brought together different expressions of African culture, with music from across the continent providing the soundtrack.
Hosted by media personality Deedan, the night moved between live performances and DJ Van’s carefully mixed playlist, with Ugandan hits sharing space with music other parts of the continent.
Joshua Baraka’s latest release, Yo Yo, was among the early sounds that set the pace. The young Ugandan artiste is also the new Icon Walker and face of the Keep Walking campaign in Uganda.His song, currently generating buzz across borders, brought a taste of Uganda’s contemporary music scene to an evening centred on cross-border African connections.
The DJ seemed to know his audience, moving through a mix of sounds that catered to the different nationalities and tastes around the room.
Away from the stage, the Afro Exchange was equally visible through the Afro-themed dress code, as well as the East African-inspired buffet, that added another layer to the experience.
Former Uganda Golf Union President, Moses Matsiko, the evening’s guest of honour, flanked by sitting President, Dr Jackson Were, said the gathering captured an important part of what golf represents.
“The 19th hole experience enables us to celebrate our achievements, but above all, we are brothers and sisters. It is a chance to set aside the competition and enjoy the friendships, cultures and connections that make this game special,” he said.
Meanwhile, dancehall sensation Karole Kasita brought a live Ugandan touch to the experience. She opened her set with Binyuma, before moving through other popular songs from her catalogue, like Balance, Chekecha, and the Go Remix, which features Elijah Kitaka, that had the audience singing along loudly. Karole’s performance drew some guests onto the stage, who showcased some rare dance moves.
For Johnnie Walker, the Amateur Open offered more than an opportunity to support competition on the course, but also celebrate the journeys of different golfers.
“Golf is synonymous with our Keep Walking platform because the game is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. There is no single path to success; every golfer has a different story, different challenges and different milestones along the way,” Kyokunda said.
She added: “Through Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange, we want to extend that spirit beyond the course by bringing people together through music, fashion, food and culture, while celebrating the different journeys and connections that make Africa so diverse.”
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Dominic Musonda secured the Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open title, finishing the competition on nine-under-par 279. His compatriot Gilbert Chalwe was runner-up on 282, while Uganda’s Joseph Cwinya-ai completed the podium in third place with 290.
The winners’ procession added another distinctive touch, with African songs accompanying them as they ascended the podium to collect their accolades.
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open resumes on Tuesday, September 1, with the Absa Pro-Am, before the professionals take to the tees the following day for four rounds of competition, culminating into a grand finale on Saturday, September 5.