MoTIV Bugolobi hosted an evening celebrating the musical connections between Kampala and Kigali as Afro Urban: Kigali Meets Kampala brought Ugandan and Rwandan artists together for a live showcase.
Sponsored by Club Pilsener and organised by Afro Urban in collaboration with Sesse Nation and Shorts Na Lessu, the event featured performances from emerging and established artists alongside DJ sets that kept the audience engaged throughout the night.
DJ Karsten opened the evening, setting the tone before Kampala Afro-fusion artist Kyle Simbwa took the stage. Simbwa introduced audiences to his sound through songs including “Hooked,” “Mwana Gwe,” “East African Girl” and “Fi Dem,” establishing an early connection between emerging Kampala talent and the wider East African music scene.
DJ Ames followed with a genre-spanning set before emerging singer Kamanzi performed a selection of her work, including “Nokaaba,” “8 Ball” and “Beautiful Reality.” DJ Kaz subsequently returned to the decks, maintaining the momentum between the live performances.
Kampala singer, songwriter and producer Mike Mungu continued the showcase with his Afro-R&B sound. His set drew from songs including “Kagina,” “Treasure,” “Fallin,” “ABCD” and “Bounce,” adding a more melodic and introspective dimension to the evening.
As anticipation built towards the headline performances, DJ Ssese of Sesse Nation took over the decks. His pre-headline set helped build momentum in the venue and prepared the audience for the evening’s main performances.
Ugandan singer Kohen Jaycee was the first headliner to take the stage. His hour-long set drew from his alternative R&B, soul and acoustic influences, with performances of “After 10:30,” “Not Letting Go,” “Siganye” and “Wanting You.” He also performed his latest release, “I Don’t Really Know,” giving audiences an introduction to his newest material.
Rwandan artist Mike Kayihura followed, bringing the Kigali contingent into focus with a set that blended soulful melodies with contemporary East African rhythms. He performed several of his recognised tracks, including “Zuba,” “Tuza,” “Come On,” “Anytime,” “Sabrina” and “Easy.”
DJ Kai continued the entertainment following the headline performances, before DJ Kaz returned to close out the night as the audience danced into the early hours.
While Club Pilsener provided the event’s sponsorship, the evening remained centred on the artists and the musical exchange between Uganda and Rwanda. The showcase highlighted the increasingly interconnected nature of East Africa’s creative scene, providing a platform for emerging performers alongside artists with established audiences across the region.
Afro Urban: Kigali Meets Kampala ultimately offered a space for artists, DJs and music lovers from the two neighbouring countries to connect through live performance and a shared appreciation for contemporary East African music.
