“Do you know how to ‘Zep’, or can you explain?”
That playful question floated through the crowd and set the tone for an Easter Sunday that felt far from ordinary, as Spinny & Friends BBQ turned Mezo Noir into one of Kampala’s standout holiday destinations.
Long before the energy peaked, the experience had already begun to take shape in a more intimate way. Earlier in the day, UBL Reserve mixologists hosted small groups of guests in a session that blended education with experience. It was part introduction, part deep dive into tequila culture, guided by people who clearly understood and appreciated the craft.
They walked guests through the character behind each expression, explaining what defines a luxury tequila like Don Julio.
Guests listened closely, asked questions, swirled their glasses, and leaned into the moment. It was a quiet but telling start, one that hinted at the layered experience the day would become.
As the afternoon unfolded, the atmosphere shifted naturally into something more vibrant. What began as a relaxed gathering evolved into a carefully curated mix of music, culture, and social connection, drawing Kampala’s tastemakers into a shared rhythm that carried into the evening.
The event tapped into a growing appetite for intentional daytime experiences.
Guests moved easily between BBQ stations, signature tequila serves, and pockets of conversation, all set against an evolving Afro House soundtrack that defined the mood. The collaboration between Don Julio, Fenon Entertainment, and Spinny Events was evident in the seamless execution and attention to detail.
That detail was perhaps most visible in the music.
DJ Spinny, real name Joseph Kaliisa, took the lead, teaming up with DJ Dash for a back-to-back set that built steadily from laid-back daytime grooves into high-energy moments. Kenya’s DJ Kasey, alongside Kwesta 43 and DJ Anselm, added their own layers to the experience, creating a fluid Afro House journey that kept the crowd engaged throughout.
At the bar, the experience unfolded in its own way. At one point, a curious guest turned to Joram, a UBL Reserve mixologist, with a question, “Why are the cocktails made with Blanco being shaken, while for the 1942, you just added the cranberry juice?”
Joram responded, “Blanco is built for cocktails. It's expressive and easy to taste within a cocktail. It plays well with other ingredients, and shaking it opens everything up.” He further explained, “For 1942, we create a perfect serve because of its smoothness and how it is aged.”
Beyond the visible moments, there was a more subtle signature running through the experience. From the pacing of the day to the thoughtful social touches that encouraged guests to linger, Don Julio’s presence was felt in a way that blended naturally into the overall atmosphere.
Judie Nandekya, Senior Brand Manager, Tequila and Rum East Africa, described the collaboration with DJ Spinny as “a natural relationship.”
"As Don Julio, we are intentional about the people and spaces we partner with. Our partnership with Dj Spinny is a natural one! So being a part of Spinny & Friends BBQ was such an easy task. This event reflects a kind of experience that brings people together naturally through music, good vibes, food, and shared moments. It's exciting to see how these experiences are evolving within Uganda's creative scene."
The Easter edition also builds on Spinny’s growing influence. Last year’s Spinny @10, held at Mestil Hotel, stood out as one of the biggest DJ-led events Uganda has seen. Since then, Spinny & Friends has continued to evolve into a platform that values connection just as much as entertainment, something that was especially clear in this daytime format.
For DJ Spinny, that balance remains central to the vision.
"Spinny & Friends has always been about bringing people together in a way that feels real, through good music, energy, and the right atmosphere. Today’s BBQ experience is a build-up for another exciting Spinny & Friends edition this December. That's the one to watch out for, and I hope to see you there," he said.
As the music eased and the crowd gradually thinned into the night, the opening question took on a deeper meaning. It was no longer just about knowing how to ‘Zep’, it was about understanding the feeling behind it, a shared energy, an unspoken connection, and a way of experiencing Kampala that felt both effortless and elevated.
