Yesterday the city of Kampala came alive with soulful melodies as Roast and Rhyme marked its 24th Edition at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds, a venue that has since become its new home since the switch up from Jahazi Pier, Munyonyo.
Despite earlier drizzles, the Swangz Avenue–organized household event took proper shape around a quarter to 4 o’clock, kicked off by Kampala’s funkiest deejay, Heydez, with a gentle yet soulful mix.
Prior to the rain, revelers who checked in early experienced outdoor games like Jenga, Ludo, draft, Mini golf, “Paint and Sip” sessions, and 360 camera vibes.
Is it even Roast and Rhyme without the fashion? It was a pleasant sight seeing the gentlemen rocking shorts, shades, and caps, while the ladies brought the glitz and glamour in white, black, and brown dresses, topped off with bowknot straw hats. Adhering to the “No Heels” policy, they kept it comfy in flats, sneakers, flip-flops, and flat sandals. Revelers upon entering the venue posed on the Blue Carpet, capturing the beautiful aura of the event through various angles.
Speaking of the blue carpet, a special corner was set up and this was dedicated to the amapiano lovers, and the atmosphere there was dominated by nonstop log drums. This was not only a portrayal that all music tastes were catered for but to also offer variety to those who might have wished to experience the genre while at Roast and Rhyme.
On the other hand, at the main event, revelers were in the safe hands of Eyo Markus and later towards the peak of the event DJ Nellysting, as each had attendees in their feels, I mean from “Residuals”, to “Stuck on You”, atte “Made for Me”, kwegamba, there was so much RnB/ Soul at revelers’ disposal and seeing them sing along, hold hands, dance to them real proved that this edition hit the mark by offering just exactly what the people longed for.
The other activity that is engrained in the DNA of Roast and Rhyme is the “Kiss Cam”, and yeah, this writer had no boo to share affection to, but hopefully this report changes soon. 😂🥱 While some couples expressed shyness, most left the “Eh Mama” gang up in their feels as they freely pecked and some brushed lips against those of their dates/ better half(s), arousing admiration from the surrounding audience.
As it approached 5PM, revelers were sighted leaving their picnic mats down plus camping chairs and getting up to get serenaded soon as Expect Xhavi hit the stage, and later moved into the audience. Since his rise, the 21-year-old crooner has continued to win the hearts of many, and the audience’s reaction to songs like “Tomansa”, and “Mon Cherie” was a true testament to the fact that indeed, he is one to watch, and his music is here for a very long time.
The event wasted no time going a notch higher as the second performer of the night Aaronx was introduced on stage. See that song “Permission” that I so very much like, it was a full choir moment when Aaronx begun singing it, for the audience was so locked in, and singing it word for word. Prior this one, the much-loved Aaronx brought his chic yet laid-back musical synergy to the Roast and Rhyme stage with tracks “How I Met Your Mother”, “Masanyalaze”, “Boda Boda”, the fan favorite “Njalwala” plus his latest “Nzena”.
Hitting the stage with an ethereal show stopping red dress, songbird Tracy Melon not only stunned but also showed us love tastes sweet like a watermelon and melodies, through her tracks “Kakana”, “Ogenda Kukilaba” and “Tovayo”. Mid way her second live performance, she got emotional with tears of joy as fans sang along to her music, and so she was overwhelmed and overjoyed by the love.
At the helm of holding down the Soul and RnB scene from back in the day was Angella Katatumba, Micheal Ross, Barbie J, Gift of Kado, Maurice Kirya, Radio Mwozey, among others. Of these, we got to watch two legends come alive, Aziz Azion and Nince Henry.
Clad in flawless all white costume , Nince Henry, opened with “Basusi Bamenvu”, “Kaberebere”, a touching tribute to his father (RIP) and to dads out there “Taata W’omuntu”, “Killer Portion”, and “Cinderella”. In between there was Essie, who brought her vocal prowess on stage with renditions of Simi and Johnny Drille’s “Halleluya”, “KU LO SA” by Oxlade, as well deep cuts from the early 90’s. She had a brief duet with Benon of the duo Benon & Vampos.
The music loving audience was wowed by Vyroota’s golden stripped down live set. Just like the previous performers, with each song performed, you could see intentionality, and dedication to the art that is music. From “Tanimba”, “Maria”, “Come Over”, “Risk”, and the other of his many hit songs, dude proper proved himself as a master of live sets and modern flair. Of course he couldn’t miss a chance to reintroduce himself and thee name his friends call him by “VYROO-AH”. 🙂↕️😁
To close the night was Aziz Azion. Know how they talk about Saving the best for last. Aziz took us on a journey. The renowned “Wampisa” singer opened his set with “Yegwe”, slowed things down a bit with an acoustic of “Oxygen” and invited the Double Black band to join him with their spicey touch of instruments. “Kitte”, “Full Package”, “Am Bad”, “Pesa Sina”, “Yegwe”, were some other notable songs he performed, and then he closed it all with a bang with “Nkumila Omukwano”, which is by far one of the if not the greatest Ugandan love song of all time.
This was my third time attending Roast and Rhyme, and I gotta say, a time was had. The event keeps innovating and living up to its promise of giving good Ugandan music a platform and connecting audiences; bringing them together to enjoy meat and a picnic outdoorsy experience. The previous edition featured Karole Kasita, Young Mulo, Sama Sojah, Fyno Ug, Beenie Gunter and Winnie Nwagi. Buzz activate, Coca Cola, Sprint, Capital FM, FlexiPay, among other partners it happen. Do plan to attend the next Roast and Rhyme.