Strictly Soul brings R&B bliss to Kampala’s independence eve
The independence eve, saw Kampala come alive with the soulful sounds of Strictly Soul, Africa’s largest R&B-focused event series.
Hosted at the Golden Hill Restaurant and Lounge in the upscale suburb of Muyenga, the event marked the debut of Strictly Soul in Uganda’s capital city.
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Born out of an Instagram Live stream during the pandemic, Strictly Soul has become a pan-African phenomenon, uniting R&B lovers from Cape Town to Kigali.
Strictly Soul is not just about the music; it’s about creating an inclusive community around R&B.
The event’s music director and resident DJ, Akio Kawahito, has curated a platform that celebrates all styles of R&B, from Old School hits to modern genres like Neo-Soul and Trap Soul.
Akio, with his 20 years of experience, ensures each event is a musical journey, building from relaxed, mellow tunes to an all-out dance party.
Hosting the night is Anita Makgetla, who brings warmth and charisma to the event, making sure everyone feels like part of the Strictly Soul family.
Since its live debut in South Africa in 2020, Strictly Soul has expanded rapidly across Africa, reaching cities like Dar es Salaam, Windhoek, Nairobi, Gaborone, and Kigali.
In 2024, Kampala became the latest city to experience the magic of Strictly Soul, and the anticipation leading up to the event was electric.
Golden Hill’s doors opened at 7 PM, and the crowd steadily poured in, eager for a night of R&B bliss.
By 8 PM, the venue was buzzing, with Kampala’s R&B enthusiasts gathered in one place, ready to experience the soulful tunes that Strictly Soul is known for.
DJ Akio kicked off the night with a set that featured nostalgic hits like SiR’s “John Redcorn,” Hasan Insane and SZA’s “Love Galore,” and Erykah Badu’s iconic “Bag Lady,” setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.
The event’s official sponsor, Heineken, was an integral part of the night’s vibe. Each table received complimentary Heineken beers, which were a hit with guests.
Heineken also offered special beer promotions throughout the night, making sure the drinks kept flowing and the energy stayed high.
Heineken is back on Uganda's social scene thanks to Blackshowmans (U) Ltd, the official distributor in Uganda, who seem to be finding their groove in events like this; earlier this year the sparkling wine under their Portfolio, Freixenet, sponsored the first edition of Old School R&B Brunch.
At 9 PM, DJ Joe, one of Uganda’s top R&B DJs, took over, delivering a high-energy set that elevated the party.
Tracks like “I Hate You” by Dripavaili and Mary J. Blige’s “Be Happy” had the crowd singing along and dancing.
By 11 PM, when DJ Joe wrapped up, the party was in full swing, and the excitement in the room was palpable.
DJ Em That Guy followed, keeping the momentum going with a set that featured modern R&B hits like Wale’s “The Matrimony” and Chris Brown’s “Back to Sleep.”
His expert song selection had the crowd dancing into the early hours, ensuring that every guest left with a night to remember.
DJ Akio returned to the decks at 1 AM to close out the night with a mix of timeless R&B classics, including Janet Jackson and Nelly’s “Call on Me.”
The final hour of the event was a celebration of everything Strictly Soul stands for — music, community, and a shared love for R&B. The crowd was still buzzing with energy as the event wrapped up at 2 AM.
Golden Hill was filled to the brim, with guests also using the second-floor bar for drinks and a breather. One of the night’s standout moments was a spontaneous singalong to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” at 2 AM.
It was an unexpected but magical way to end the night, with both friends and strangers joining in for a heartfelt close.
Strictly Soul’s debut in Kampala was more than just an event — it was a cultural experience. With R&B now a central part of Kampala’s nightlife, it’s clear that Strictly Soul has found a permanent place in the city’s heart.
Strictly Soul Uganda was co-hosted by Camelot Concepts and TPH Uganda.