By Our Reporter
If you didn’t make it to Mestil Hotel last night, you seriously missed out. Strictly Soul, Africa’s biggest R&B party, delivered yet another sold-out edition and this one might go down as the most electric yet.
From the moment the gates opened, the energy was unmatched. Kampala’s most stylish, soulful crowd showed up ready to sing their hearts out, and sing they did. Backed by the smoothest drinks courtesy of Johnnie Walker, the night quickly transformed from a nostalgic trip down R&B memory lane into a full-blown celebration of rhythm, flavour, and vibe.
DJ Akio kicked off the night at exactly 9:30 PM, warming up the decks with sensual throwbacks like B2K’s “Bump Bump Bump” and Brandy’s “What’s Love”. It was the perfect teaser; seductive and nostalgic, setting the tone for what was to come.
Then came DJ KasBaby at 10:30 PM, and the crowd knew it was time to lock in. From Mario’s “Just a Friend” and “Let Me Love You,” to Ja Rule & Ashanti’s “Always on Time”, Ne-Yo’s “So Sick”, “Sexy Love” and Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”, every song turned into a massive singalong.
But it was James Ingram’s “Always” that tipped the crowd over the edge, revellers flooded the DJ booth in pure R&B ecstasy. KasBaby wrapped his set around 11:12 PM, but the night was far from over.
Em the DJ took over with a mood-shifting opener “Isabella” by Sauti Sol, before gliding into Chris Brown’s 2024 ballad “Delusional”, a moment that had the crowd belting out lyrics like their lives depended on it. From there, it was a masterclass in emotional elevation: “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars, “Snooze” by SZA, “Drunk in Love” by Beyoncé, “Buy You a Drink” by T-Pain, “Clubbin” by Joe Budden, “Anxiety” by Doechii, and more. Sultry, soulful, unforgettable.
With Kamuhangi and Sheilah Salta hyping the crowd between sets, the vibes never dropped, they only got smoother.
Speaking at the event, Christine Kyokunda, Brand Manager for Johnnie Walker Uganda, captured the night perfectly: “Strictly Soul is where soul music meets soulful experiences. It’s nostalgic, it’s fresh, and it’s bold, just like Johnnie Walker. We’re proud to bring this kind of flavour to Uganda’s nightlife. If you love R&B and missed this, you truly missed something special.”
True to form, Johnnie Walker brought the Big Flavour to the party. From signature cocktails to bottle service that had guests raising glasses and phones for the perfect Insta-moment, the brand’s bold presence added an elevated edge to the night. Every pour was a toast to soul, style, and the spirit of celebration.
Strictly Soul is co-hosted by Camelot and The Production House, and last night’s production was nothing short of premium. From sound to lights to stage vibes, every detail hit the right note.