The event brought RnB lovers to Masheda Palms for a day of throwback hits, Ugandan classics, themed fashion and socialising outside Kampala.
White, khaki, denim and coffee brown dominated the scene at Masheda Palms in Buyala on Saturday, October 10, as Old School RnB and Friends took its music and nostalgia experience outside Kampala for the first time.
Supported by Baileys and Tusker Cider, the Independence weekend event brought together revellers drawn to the RnB hits that defined the late 1990s and 2000s.
Hosted by Derrick Dash, the gathering had attracted a sizeable crowd by midday, with guests taking photographs, catching up with friends and settling into an afternoon of music, fashion and relaxation.
The mood shifted as the DJs took charge, turning the venue into a sing-along session as familiar tunes revived memories of an era when RnB dominated radio playlists and house parties.
DJ Anselm led the musical journey with selections from the late 1990s and 2000s, drawing enthusiastic responses from revellers who appeared to remember every lyric. For many, the opening notes of a song were enough to trigger a chorus of voices across the venue.
DJ Bryan shifted attention to Ugandan music, playing local classics that reminded guests that nostalgia was not limited to international hits. His selections added a local touch to a playlist spanning different musical eras.
DJ Maintain revisited the golden years of American RnB, featuring artistes such as Mya, Jennifer Lopez and Destiny’s Child, alongside groups including Blackstreet and Next.
As the afternoon progressed, DJ Nyowe raised the tempo with selections associated with the party sounds of the early 2010s. His set moved the crowd from sentimental sing-alongs to a livelier dance-floor atmosphere.
Crysto the DJ and DJ Wil also featured on the lineup, adding to a musical journey that crossed generations. The selections ranged from Motown classics by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye to the harmonies of Boyz II Men and early Beyoncé hits, including “Baby Boy”, featuring Sean Paul.
For some revellers, however, the appeal extended beyond the music to the opportunity to reconnect with friends over songs that hold personal memories.
“We came for the vibes, but the sing-alongs are what make these events special,” said Alice, one of the revellers.
Another attendee said contemporary music did not always create the same emotional connection, explaining why she continued to attend RnB-themed gatherings.
Away from the dance floor, Baileys and Tusker Cider offered guests cocktails, drink combinations and different ways to enjoy the brands, adding to an experience centred on music, food and socialising.
Simon Lapyem, brand manager for Baileys and Tusker Cider, said such gatherings provide an opportunity for the brands to connect with consumers through shared experiences while introducing them to different ways of enjoying their products.
The Buyala gathering was among several events that brought nostalgia to the fore over the Independence weekend.
In Kampala, DJ Bugy and Strictly Soul also drew on the enduring appeal of older music, underscoring continued interest among millennials in the songs that shaped their formative years.