The self-proclaimed doctor of music’s concert was originally set for February 10, but a strange afternoon downpour brought the stage down just hours to the show, costing organisers and contractors about Shs 1.5bn.
Knowing how access to concerts can be a nightmare in this Pearl of Africa, I was worried as earlier engagements saw me reach Lugogo Cricket Oval at 8pm. My worries would soon be put to rest as there was seamless access to the venue.
As I was getting myself comfortable, on-stage Selecta Ryan had an almost full Lugogo gyrating to his performance. At about 9pm, the Leone Island boss stepped onto the stage to a deafening roar of applause from a cricket oval that was now about
90 per cent full.
A well-choregraphed introduction by Fenon Events set up the crowd for Wale Wale, and Kipepeo lifted them off their feet and set the tone for the night. He started the show with old songs, taking us back in time with Nekolera Maali, which had the crowd singing word for word.
Nekolera Maali cued in a bragging session where he assured the crowd of how he is East Africa’s biggest export to the world. It was now time for the audience to sing along to Befuula and Dorotia. Weasel, Chameleone’s brother, joined him on stage, and the duo performed Bomboclat at 10:17pm, after kissing – a recent development the brothers now bizarrely share at every performance.
I would be lying if I said I was a huge Chameleone fan as a teenager. My allegiance was to Radio and Weasel, the dynamic duo of Goodlyfe; so, I got chills when Weasel performed Lwaki Onumya.
Speaking of feelings, the night’s most profound moment came when a video of Chameleone’s children supporting him was shown on the screens. A visibly moved Chameleone launched into Katupakase just then.
Katupakase pushes young people to work hard and improve the lives of their families. Whoever was doubting just how talented this 43-year-old was, left without any further questions.
After a break that DJ Shiru filled perfectly, it was time to showcase Chameleone’s powerful vocals with Kuuma Obwesigwa. The boy from Kawempe seemed to have everything going his way until he tried to release doves as he performed Bolingo Ya Nzambe, a Congolese Catholic church hymn that he redid.
The birds did not fly for more than two metres, reminding the crowd of another incident with religious leaders praying for peaceful elections in the 2021 polls, where the doves again refused to fly. Moving on from the doves’ snub, Chameleone performed Basiima Ogenze, Bayuda and Nkwagala Nnyo.
Chameleone only performed collaborations if the other musician was around, with the exception of Teri Mubi (Afrigo band), which Maestro band served justice.
Now, Jackie Chandiru is still one of Uganda’s best live performers. Her performance of Where You Are alongside Chameleone was one of the most beautiful sights of the night.
Chameleone showcased his vocal range and dynamic stage presence, moving from upbeat dance tracks to slower, more soulful ballads like Kuuma Obwesigwa. Maestro band provided a tight, polished sound, with horn sections, percussions and keyboards adding depth and texture to the music.
It was a Mayanjas’ day out as Pallaso was also present. There was enough time for Mesach Ssemakula to wow the crowd with Sigwe Onsiimira. Three hours after Chameleone jumped on stage, energy levels peaked as Bebe Cool got on stage with Agenze and Kasepiki.
As you can guess, it is never a complete Bebe Cool performance without digs at musical and now political rival, Bobi Wine. After Bebe Cool left the stage, Chameleone returned with Pam Pam with Nigerian musician Ketchup, Champion, Baliwa, Mateeka and Badilisha.
There’s something Mudra’s Balo Balo does to crowds that researchers at Makerere University should write a paper on. The moment the bubbly songwriter/singer jumped on to the stage, the energy levels went back up. Mudra and Chameleone were joined by Zex Bilagilangi, Navio and Ziza Bafana, in a show of solidarity.
Navio looked rather out of place and left unceremoniously, while Zex and Mudra kept declaring their love for Chameleone. One of the unforgettable moments of the night was when Myko Ouma did justice to Valu Valu with his guitar.
The concert ended on a high-energy performance of Chameleone’s song, Gimme Gimme. The crowd was dancing and singing along to send their star off with a bang. Music aside, Fenon Records outdid themselves with the stage.
A comprehensive platform that enabled performers to interact with fans, coupled with professional lighting with spotlights and strobes that are every photographer’s dream, did not hint at how much Steve Jean had lost two weeks earlier in the storm. Even the sound was crisp and clear.
Gwanga Mujje was a true celebration of Ugandan music, showcasing the 43-year-old’s immense talent, dynamic stage presence and live performance skills.
The sold-out show was also a testament to the Leone Island boss’ popularity and appeal, as he left fans anticipating his next performance.
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