By BigEyeUg Team
Swangz Avenue has officially announced the return of Uganda’s most celebrated lifestyle music festival, Roast and Rhyme — with a new date and venue confirmed during a press conference held at the Hockey Grounds in Lugogo.
The much-anticipated “Reggae Ragga Nyam Nyam” edition, originally scheduled for February 23rd at Jahazi Pier, Munyonyo, was postponed due to unforeseen venue challenges.
It will now take place on Sunday, June 1st in the heart of Kampala, offering fans a fresh urban festival experience at Lugogo’s iconic Hockey Grounds.
A legacy of vibes – 23 editions strong
This marks the 23rd edition of Roast and Rhyme — a testament to its consistency, longevity, and strong connection with its audience. Since its debut in 2016, the festival has evolved from a relaxed Sunday hangout into one of Uganda’s most iconic celebrations of music, food, and culture.
What began as a casual afternoon event has grown into a major highlight of the country’s live entertainment calendar. Over the years, it has hosted some of Uganda’s biggest music stars, spotlighted emerging talents, and drawn thousands of music lovers, foodies, and lifestyle enthusiasts.
“Roast and Rhyme isn’t just a concert — it’s a lifestyle gathering. We’re bringing Kampala together for a day of roast, rhythm, and relaxation. If you missed the beach edition, this is your moment to vibe in the city.”
— Julius Kyazze, Swangz Avenue
A celebration of Ugandan creativity and community
Roast and Rhyme has played a key role in boosting Uganda’s creative industry. It has consistently offered a platform for artists to showcase their craft, engage with fans, and build live performance credibility. Beyond the stage, it has also created jobs and income for vendors, caterers, production crews, creatives, and small businesses — contributing to both the creative economy and local tourism.
More than just a music event, Roast and Rhyme has become a social hub, celebrating Uganda’s cultural richness through music, food, fashion, and togetherness.
Each edition continues to entertain while also nurturing local talent, encouraging youth engagement, and promoting artistic collaboration across styles and generations.
Press conference highlights
The press briefing at the new venue featured the Swangz Avenue leadership team — including Julius Kyazze and Benon Mugumbya — alongside headline performers Winnie Nwagi, Karole Kasita, and Fyno UG. Members of the media, sponsors, influencers, and fans were also in attendance to show their support.
The artists reaffirmed their commitment to delivering high-energy performances on June 1st and thanked fans for their continued support and patience.
As a token of appreciation, all valid tickets from the February date will still be accepted — and each ticket holder will now receive an extra ticket for free, allowing them to bring a friend for the ultimate city experience.
Tickets and availability
Tickets are now available at the following rates:
• UGX 100,000 – Standard
• UGX 200,000 – VVIP
Purchase via the FlexiPay App or by dialing *291# on mobile money.
The city experience – a new vibe
Relocating to the centrally located Hockey Grounds introduces a fresh dynamic to the festival — making it more accessible and expanding its reach to even more fans across Kampala. With the city skyline as a backdrop and a powerhouse lineup of artists, DJs, and food vendors, the June 1st edition is shaping up to be the biggest and most vibrant Roast and Rhyme yet.
