Smoke, fire, and fierce bragging rights will take centre stage this Saturday as Barbecue Wars returns to Sisha Nyama, promising a high-energy showdown that combines culinary skill, audience hype, and a touch of whisky sophistication.
This edition brings a fresh twist to the popular grill-off. Renowned hosts Malaika Nyanzi and Deddan will step into the arena not only as MCs but as rival camp leaders, each heading their own team in a no-holds-barred roast battle.
The concept is simple yet electric: two sides, two grills, and one ultimate question—who does it better?
Adding a refined edge to the flames and friendly rivalry, The Singleton whisky brand joins the event with curated whisky and cocktail pairings, designed to elevate the smoky, savoury cuts coming off the grill. Guests will enjoy not just a feast, but a guided tasting journey.
“This is about bringing people closer to the experience of flavour,” said Simon Lapyem, The Singleton brand manager.
“Barbecue already has bold, expressive taste profiles, and whisky, when paired right, doesn’t compete with that—it enhances it. With Barbecue Wars, we’re showing that whisky can be both premium and playful, something you enjoy in the moment, with friends, with great food, and in an atmosphere that’s full of life.”
The event promises an atmosphere that is both raw and elevated—from the sizzle of meat and the roar of supporters to the playful trash talk between teams, alongside carefully crafted whisky serves that invite guests to slow down, sip, and explore how whisky complements flame-grilled flavours.
Barbecue Wars has grown beyond a cook-off into a social ritual for Kampala’s weekend crowd, where food, personality, and performance collide.
With Malaika and Deddan leading the charge, this Saturday’s edition is expected to lean heavily into entertainment, turning the grill into a stage and the audience into active participants.
Malaika has already promised tender dishes that will impress both palate and crowd, building a team of supporters including Siima and Gaetano.
By press time, Deddan had yet to respond, sparking speculation that he may simply attend to sample Malaika’s creations.