Neon lights lit up Masaka on March 6, turning the district into a vibrant center of rhythm, colour and youthful excitement. The Tusker Lite Neon Raves, known for their high-energy atmosphere, found a fitting setting in a town long celebrated for its artistic heritage.
Masaka’s cultural influence stretches far beyond its borders. The district has produced renowned artists such as Eddy Kenzo, Mathias Walukagga, Geoffrey Lutaaya and Suuna Ben, whose music has shaped Uganda’s entertainment scene. Yet, as the Neon Raves demonstrated, Masaka’s creative story is expressed not only through music but also through dance.
At the heart of the evening’s spectacle was Lukwago Usher, Masaka’s dance prodigy turned mentor, who served as one of the judges. Popularly known simply as Usher, he brought both experience and passion to the role. His journey, from choreographing for Masaka Kids Africana to founding the Dream Team Masaka Foundation, has been driven by a belief that dance goes beyond movement, becoming a form of storytelling, discipline and opportunity.
Usher’s choreography has helped shape performances seen around the world, yet his focus remains rooted in Masaka. Before the event, he emphasised that dance is not only about technique but also about emotion and storytelling, a message that ultimately shaped the spirit of the performances on stage.
The Neon Raves as a Cultural Canvas
The Neon Raves in Masaka were more than a dance competition. They became a cultural meeting point where music, dance and youth expression blended into one energetic celebration. In Masaka, that fusion felt especially powerful. Contestants delivered routines that mixed street choreography with contemporary style, each performance reflecting the district’s vibrant creativity.
De-Squad, the first all-female crew at the Neon Raves, thrilled the audience with energetic moves set to pop, dancehall and Amapiano beats. Their sharp footwork, confident attitude and lively stage presence quickly won over the crowd.
Other crews, including The Hites, Vika Big Boys, Vibes Dancers, Hypers, Cindy Dancehall Machine, The Mask, Under the Influence and Wanted Dance Crew, pushed the energy even higher. Many performances felt deeply personal, with dancers twisting, locking and attempting daring moves that tested their limits.
When Vika Big Boys took to the stage and punctuated their routine with rare backflips and explosive choreography, it became clear they had arrived determined to impress.
Props also added flair to the night’s performances. From DC’s Joker-style make-up seen at earlier Neon Raves in Hoima to creative use of beer crates, props have become part of the spectacle. In Masaka, dancers embraced the trend with neon outfits, exaggerated designs and even baby oil, with one crew appearing coated in it, sparking loud cheers from the audience.
As in any competition, the judges offered frank feedback. Music fans often recall figures such as Simon Cowell on American Idol, Ian Mbagua on Tusker Project Fame or Dominic Sandoval, popularly known as D-Trix, on America’s Best Dance Crew.
In Masaka, Lukwago took on that role, challenging dancers with sharp comments and detailed observations on how they could improve.
According to Sandra Againe, Brand Manager for Tusker Lite, Lukwago’s experience made him the right choice for the judging panel.
“Lukwago is an experienced dancer and choreographer, so him being a judge for the Neon Rave in Masaka is perfect,” she said. “He understands the culture and stories that were told by the dancers in Masaka.”
He was joined on the panel by Malcolm Ssenyondo, a dancer who began performing in 2013 with Masaka Kids Africana and has appeared in music videos such as Kazindalo by Kalifah Aganaga and Angellah by Hilderman.
After a night filled with twisting, flipping and locking, Cindy Dancehall Machine emerged as the winners, with De Dancers’ Group finishing as runners-up and Representable Performers taking third place. All three teams have now qualified for the finale in Kampala, where winners from across the country will compete for the title of Uganda’s best dance crew.
Masaka’s Legacy, Masaka’s Future
The Neon Raves served as a reminder that Masaka’s artistic legacy continues to evolve. Just as Kenzo’s beats and Walukagga’s songs once defined their eras, the dancers performing beneath the neon lights are now shaping the next chapter.
With Usher helping guide the judging panel, the message remained clear, authenticity and creativity are still the foundation of tomorrow’s stars.
The night did not end with the dance battles. Masaka’s reputation as a home of talent shone again when hometown performer Suuna Ben stepped onto the stage.
His performance began calmly, almost deceptively so. But those familiar with his shows know the calm rarely lasts. Soon the energy surged and the crowd erupted as the hometown star delivered a thrilling performance to close a night Masaka is unlikely to forget.
The Tusker Lite Neon Raves now head to Mbarara, where the next edition will combine dance and sports as the event coincides with the Tusker Lite Mbarara City Marathon