Indulging in delectable desserts while enjoying captivating musical performances—such was the essence at the just concluded 4th edition of the Ice Cream and Cake Festival that was held at its home; – the Uganda Museum, right in the heart of our vibrant city Kampala.
The festival, breaking its four-year hiatus had last happened four years ago (December 2018) and upon the occasion of its newest/ latest edition provided a unique experience for attendees of all ages. From mouthwatering frozen treats to toe-tapping melodies, gaming stations, snacking moments, BBQ, and a designated play area for the children, this event was a feast for the senses that left an indelible mark on the hearts of dessert enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
The festival kicked off with an awe-inspiring display of an array of cakes, pastries, and ice cream flavors that stretched as far as the eye could see. Artisans from renowned local bakeries and creameries like Dairyland, and Jesa Farm Dairy set up their stalls, each showcasing their signature creations. Attendees were treated to an assortment of culinary wonders, from classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to innovative combinations like salted caramel and lavender-infused ice cream.
The Sweet Symphony of Music was yet another of the major highlights of the event. While attendees savored their sugary delights, the festival’s main stage became a platform for an extraordinary lineup of musical performances. Right before these could kick off were Deejay mixes, with this Editor’s personal standouts being Etania, Kash Pro, and DJ Melvyn. Among the other disc jockeys at the event was DJ Mato. The event went a notch higher when musical performances commenced, with Zafaran taking center stage at about a quarter past 6 o’clock as the opening performing act serenaded those in attendance to ‘Sweetheart’, ‘Mwoto’, ‘Ankuba’, plus her latest release ‘Jeguli’.
Being a Swangz Avenue affair in terms of lineup, no sooner had Zafaran gone off stage than Elijah Kitaka, yet another signing to the premium record label and the only current male vocalist at the company put up a perfect performance of a personal favorite ‘Nothing”, “Ndi Wuwo” and “She Said”.
Know how they say saving the best for last? This is what exactly happened as Vinka hit the stage at about a quarter to 8 PM and she treated us to a string of her bangers like “Thank God”, Fik Fameica assisted ‘Tubikole”, “Chips Na Ketchup”, “Sweet Love”, “Love Panic“, and the current biggest song on the land “Bailando”. Not like she was the final performer. There was more!
Captivating the audience with heartfelt lyrics and melodic tunes, Azawi wrapped it all up in tunes like “Slow Dancing”, “Party Mood”, “Quinamino”, “LoFit”, “Repeat It”, “Bamututte” “Ten Over Ten”, and shut it down on a high with the hustler’s anthem “Majje”.
Going by the former edition, this one surely outdid the other in terms of setup, and time management by not only the DJs, and MCs but artists as well. The only downside about the festival was the mid-full power black-out as Vinka performed, having faced a microphone malfunction while on her second song during her set. Also, to the disappointment of many revelers, there was no show of the “Jangu” hitmaker (who was one of the five acts expected to perform) at the event.
The Ice Cream and Cake Festival was one memorable event, in that it shall forever be glued in the minds of the holidaymakers and whoever attended.
