At the core of Bantu Vibes as a music movement has been sensational Ugandan RnB singer Cohen Mwesigwa Jaycee. That is alongside other creators like Denesi, Akeine, and CXNRVD. Think of it like how we had the East African Bashment Crew in the early 2000’s; a trifecta of talents, pooled in one group; for they have for the past five or so years been at the helm of being the new voice of Ugandan music, pushing borders and boundaries, and creating windows for other fellow singers where the door wasn’t opened, and I’ll get to this part later.
For years, 2018 till present day, Kohen Jaycee has churned out songs, in form of singles, EPs, collaborations and an Album. Coming from a family of 4 children, with him as the first born, Kohen is a natural born leader and this is symbolized from his album Rwebembera: The Raising Echoes and for the fact he has consistently showed up for and represented the new wave of Urban Ugandan music. Largely this has been possible due to his cutting edge delivery of music, that is delivered across languages English, Luganda and Runyoro. When he released the album, its production, featured artists, theme and arrangement of the project just went on to solidify him as one of the acts that are here to represent the sound of Africa to the world.
The ”Siganye” hit maker that year (2024) held a listening party for the project at Le Botti. Sadly I missed it cuz of other engagements I had. Whether it was at “Jameson and Friends”, “Blankets & Wine Festival”, “Ya Levis Live in Kampala”, or popup shows for his industry friends DJ Alza and the likes, each stage just kept speaking to the need for us to have a Kohen show; sorta concert thing.
After years of anticipation, last week Thursday, all longing came to pass, as Kohen Jaycee’s Live Room went down at MOTIV. Initially slated for March 27th, the event was then moved to April 2nd.
The excitement for the show was boldly evident with many music lovers making jokes about sleeping at the venue the day before the event, just so they don’t miss any second of the show. Others rallied their peers to come through and support Kohen Jaycee on his show, for the young R&B-icon surely deserves it.
An array of revelers, media personalities, influencers, fans and friends of Kohen Jaycee begun pulling through the venue for an evening of beautiful music.
Before the main headliner, event goers were treated to exquisite sounds from emerging/ rising stars Kyle Simbwa, Luckas Blacc, Yuko, Quex, Amanya, Mbeewo and Kohen’s homegirl and fellow artist Akeine. Among the audience were fellow artists Ykee Benda, Mun G, Navio, The Mith, Lamu, Denesi, Mike Mungu, Melissa Mulungi, CXNRVD, producers like Ledra, to mention but a few others.
Playing the headliner role, performing his affectionate R&B-suffused catalogue, in a rather ambient mood setting, donning an orange hoodie, white shirt and dark shades, Kohen Jaycee delivered what he likes to call “Special Fever”, from 10:40PM, literally “after 10:30”, a lyrics taken from a fan favorite track 10:30 by Kohen. The premise was softly raving with exciting ear deafening sing alongs to all his songs. Whether you discovered him during the WENA era, HEARTSTRINGS, the WENA II or Rwebembera: The Raising Echoes eras, there was a song for everyone. Among the tracks sonically performed were “Ability”, “No Letting Go”, “Ndozere”, “Your Number”, Siganye”, “Ninyenda Iwe”, “Byokola”, Maurice Kirya assisted “Nva Wala”, “Endagililo”, “Twala Nze”, “Kulembeza”, “Ndi Naawe”, “The Way” with Levixone and “Tell Me”, plus some others that might have skipped my mind since this writer was having too much of a good time. If you are a frequent reader of this online publication, many of these aren’t new to your ears for I have written about most of them, from announcements to eventual roll out, for supporting talented underground artists is one of the founding reasons why I started this blog. To make up for the songs “Gundeze” and “Rulendere” that weren’t sang at the show, the mandehm and while in an uber to our next location, decided to play them for ourselves via Spotify. Thankfully the car had a functioning Bluetooth functionality.
The request and belief of those who saw the show online or attended in person, they are requesting talents within the alte RnB music scene to keep organizing such intimate shows and unique experiences as a way of creating their own opportunities as there are many gate keepers in the mainstream.
Remember when I spoke of this show being a full circle moment? Reflecting on his journey of music that dates back to as far as his school days, Akeine, who is his frequent collaborator and friend recalled Kohen Jaycee’s earlier school days where he wrote and performed his music. Even for day one fans of Kohen Jaycee, this request for the show has always been a thing that randomly comes up in conversations, so seeing what happened on Thursday happen was beyond heartwarming.
Since discovery in the first lockdown in 2020, I instantly became a Kohen Jaycee stan for his music wasn’t only beautiful but with intent and appealing. In 2022, we had a chat and that was when he broke down for me the plan for the Kohen Jaycee Live Room while we were at the former Green Bistro in Ntinda. I am very happy that he was able to bring his creative expression to life and you all came through. As a champion for the new wave, I do rally you to keep supporting an urban artist you know. It can stretch beyond streaming their music, recommending their names when in big rooms, attending their shows, buying their merchandise etc. There’s a wealth of things you can do. Only us can create a music industry we envision for Uganda. It starts with you, and me.
Congratulations once again on a well attended and successful show. Major shout out to the partners Talent Africa, Villagio, Bantu Vibes, Safeboda and NRG Radio for the curation.