The highly anticipated Africa Laughs Season 7, hosted by comedian Patrick “Salvado” Idringi, turned Kingdom Kampala into a hub of laughter and music on Saturday, October 25.
The event, sponsored by I&M Bank, also marked Salvado’s 15 years in comedy, attracting a diverse crowd eager for a night of entertainment.
The evening kicked off with Moustey DJ, who kept guests entertained with a mix of classic and modern hits as the audience streamed in.
Janzi Band then took over with soulful live renditions, while Twa added a distinctly Ugandan touch through his rhythmic guitar strums.
Event host Okello Okello maintained high energy throughout the night, skillfully engaging the audience between performances.
The comedy segment opened with MC Kash Owakabi from Gulu, whose sharp satire shed light on Northern Ugandan experiences. He was followed by fellow Gulu comedian Don Andre, who kept the crowd laughing with his witty observations.
The “African Queen of Comedy,” Anne Kansiime, received thunderous applause as she took the stage, charming the audience with her signature blend of humor and storytelling.
She was followed by Tilary Okello, who entertained with his hilarious, story-driven act.
After a round of English-language comedy, local favorites Madrat and Chiko had the audience in stitches with jokes about everyday life and trending political topics.
Adding a musical twist, the all-female trio Warafiki delivered a high-energy performance filled with powerful vocals and vibrant dance moves.
When Salvado finally took the stage around 11:30 p.m., he was greeted with loud cheers. Reflecting on his 15-year journey in comedy, he mixed humor, emotion, and nostalgia, reminding fans why he remains one of Uganda’s most celebrated comedians.
Emma Napoleon followed with his trademark political humor, blending satire with commentary on Uganda’s fragile socio-political landscape.
Songstress Juliana Kanyomozi later shifted the tone with a mesmerising live performance. Descending from the stage to sing and dance with fans, she captivated the crowd with her timeless vocals and charm.
International acts also graced the stage, with South Sudan’s Akau Jambo sharing relatable tales about growing up in Uganda, Zimbabwe’s Q Dube cracking up the audience with sharp humor about daily life and relationships, and South Africa’s Celeste Ntuli closing the segment with an outstanding performance filled with her authentic storytelling and vibrant stage presence.
Speaking about the event, Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank, praised the collaboration:
“Africa Laughs was a celebration of African talent and creativity, and we’re proud to have partnered to kick off the month of October in style.”
She added, “At I&M Bank, we believe in supporting the arts because they play a crucial role in shaping culture and inspiring communities.”
Africa Laughs Season 7 was supported by Pepsi, Aquafina, MTN MoMo, Euro Gold, Fenon Records, Uganda Tourism Bureau, Victoria University, and Kingdom Kampala.
The event once again cemented Africa Laughs as one of the region’s premier comedy showcases, celebrating humor, music, and the continent’s rich artistic talent.
