Suuna Ben’s session did not last more than 40 minutes but it left everyone, including the ‘bazungu’ possessed, with people seen tying sweaters and scarfs around their waists to enable them pull off interesting dance moves.
Even after Salvado’s warning of preserving the environment by not breaking trees earlier in the day, somehow some people in the audience found ways of getting tree branches.
They were readying themselves for Suuna Ben’s deejay session…because how do you vibe to Suuna Ben without a branch in hand? The crowd waving branches has become the DJ’s trademark every time he gets on stage to mix his ‘binyanyanyanya’ sessions, which is a mixture of songs in high pitch with animal sound effects.
This has made Suuna Ben one of the most sought after DJs across the board. Last Saturday was among the few times he was showcasing his skills in the corporate world and being one of the headlining acts, he made an impression at the climax of the Pearl Of Africa Tourism Expo (Poate) at the lakeside gardens of Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Suuna Ben’s session did not last more than 40 minutes but it left everyone, including the ‘bazungu’ possessed, with people seen tying sweaters and scarfs around their waists to enable them pull off interesting dance moves. Shortly after his performance, BLU *3 took it away with their throwback songs such as Nsanyuka Nawe, Hitaji, Mutima Gwange, Where You Are and Sanyu Lyange, among others.
Winnie Nwagi had earlier also taken a share of the audience’s excitement with Jangu, Chekecha, Matala, Musawo, Magic, Okubye Nyo, Fire Dancer, Amaaso with Vinka, Malaika and Batuleke. Aliddeki Brian, Crane Perfomers and Otim Alpha were the other acts earlier before Abeeka Band took the event to greater heights.
Their session that was dominated by covers catered for everyone to the extent that when they said their goodbyes, the host, Salvado, called them back saying they should do it in a proper way with the support of the audience.
They then took revellers through a short session of Lingala for about five minutes before disappearing. IGC, a pioneering Ugandan fashion label co-founded by Godfrey Katende was the official fashion curator for the expo and during the closing ceremony, they showcased a unique perspective focusing on sustainability and heritage.
This showcase presented original outfits that reimagine lubugo (barkcloth), tracing its evolution from traditional fabric to modern fashion The Poate is an annual event showcasing Uganda’s unique attractions, promoting the country as a prime destination for tourism investment, partnerships, and cultural exploration.
This concept brings together tourism operators, travel agents, hospitality stakeholders, and investors from around the world, creating a platform to promote Uganda’s brand as The Pearl of Africa.
