By Our Reporter
Sunday’s Blankets and Wine event was the last of 2018, and for the thousands of fans in attendance, perhaps a case of saving the best for last. The year’s final installment of the picnic-style music festival featured British-Nigerian star Maleek Berry as the headline act, and the record producer and artiste would go on to present Ugandan Afro-beat music fans with the perfect Christmas gift.
Appearing on stage minutes after 8pm at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, the West African entertainer immediately had fans “in the zone” with teasers of some of his finest songs such Kontrol, as well as a host of other tracks he has worked on with prominent artistes including Wizkid, Davido, Wale, Fuse ODG, Runtown and Iyanya among others.
For revelers who had begun strolling through the gates as early as 2pm, this was well worth the wait. As the Tusker Malt flowed, so did the food and fun, with mats and blankets set out and fans making merry as they enjoyed performances by Mr. Mankwa, Farouq Farouq, Tamba and songstress Irene Ntale, who formed the cast of local artistes lined up to curtain raise for the main performer of the day—Maleek Berry.
When the British-Nigerian’s turn came, he did not disappoint. Exuding energy, his electric performance instantly had revelers singing and dancing along to songs like Kontrol, Been Calling and The Matter, many of which were sampled off his latest Afro-beat album, “Last Daze of Summer.” For those who had turned up at the Cricket Oval for one last Blankets and Wine show for 2018, this was a Christmas gift presented early.