The Blankets and Wine Festival has become one of the most anticipated events on Uganda’s music calendar, attracting thousands of music lovers from all over the country. The festival features an array of local and international artists, food, and fashion, and has always lived up to its hype. This year’s edition, held on Sunday, April 30th, 2023, at the Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala, Uganda, was no exception, despite heavy rains.
Music enthusiasts thronged the venue in huge numbers, clad in their beautiful outfits and ready to be entertained. The soggy pitch left lasting memories for the partygoers who braved the elements to be part of the experience. The festival started with a bang, with early performances from A Ka Dope band, Tracy Melon, Niwe Akeine, and Kenyan soulful singer-songwriter and music producer Bensoul. Each act brought their unique style to the stage, warming up the crowd and setting the mood for the rest of the event.
Beverages from the biggest brands, including Smirnoff and Rockshore Tropical beer, were in plenty to keep the revelers refreshed as they enjoyed each other’s company and top performances. The food court was also a hive of activity, with vendors serving up a variety of local and international cuisines.
As the day progressed, the energy in the crowd continued to soar with unforgettable performances from ‘Nana’ hitmaker Joshua Baraka and Rwanda’s Mike Kayihura. The performers had the crowd on their feet, singing and dancing along to their music. Lynda Ddane, Alza, and Melvyn’s deejaying sets were also a hit with the crowd, with each DJ bringing their unique style to the stage. Emcees Deedan Muyira and Viana Indi kept the crowd alive as well with their vibe, adding to the overall atmosphere of the festival.
When South African rapper Cassper Nyovest stepped on stage, the crowd erupted into cheers as revelers sang along to his songs. He brought back the classics, including his hit track ‘Doc Shebeleza’, and kept the crowd entertained throughout his set.
Azawi, the festival’s headliner, closed off the show with a beautiful, short, and sweet performance, becoming the very first Ugandan artist to headline the Blankets And Wine festival. She left the crowd in awe with her angelic voice and graceful dance moves, ending the festival on a high note.
The 29th edition of the Blankets and Wine Festival was a huge success, with talented performers, delicious food, and great company making it an unforgettable experience. Despite the heavy rains, the festival-goers proved that nothing can stop them from enjoying good music and good vibes. The festival continues to be a testament to Uganda’s vibrant music scene and its commitment to providing world-class entertainment for music lovers.