Bell Obafest, a Weekend Celebration of Beer, Food, and Music

Bell ObaFest 2024 was nothing short of spectacular—a three-day celebration of culture, music, and innovation that excited attendees.  Obafest started last Friday with an NRG takeover, bringing a youthful vibe that set the perfect tone for the entire weekend. By the end of day one, it was clear this fun was only just getting started.

A Musical Journey

Saturday raised the bar even higher. DJs took to the stage early, setting the mood with infectious rhythms, while MC Deedan’s unmatched energy kept the crowd alive and the icing on the cake was the Sign interpreters from Light of the World who made sure that people with special needs could follow through. This thoughtful touch added a heartwarming and meaningful layer to Bell ObaFest, highlighting the festival’s dedication to inclusivity and community engagement.

As the sun set, the musical lineup took center stage. John Blaq began with an electrifying performance that got the entire audience on their feet. Next, Elijah Kitaka gave the crowd a soulful dose of his hit “Hakuna Dawa,” and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. Winnie Nwagi, as usual, delivered an unforgettable performance, captivating the crowd with her high-energy presence. Azawi effortlessly commanded the stage with hit after hit. The excitement reached its peak when Bebe Cool arrived. As always, he showed up like the star he was, dominating the stage and delivering a performance that resonated with every fan in attendance.

The night didn’t end there. DJs like Selector Jay took the crowd on a nostalgic journey back to the 90s with hits like “Macarena,” which had everyone reliving fond memories, and the youth learning old moves. Lynda Ddane kept the energy alive with a versatile DJ set that catered to every musical taste. The crowd was treated to a bit of everything, ensuring no one left disappointed. 

As breathtaking fireworks lit up the night sky, the true brilliance of Bell Oba Fest 2024 was fully showcased. The festival’s setup was a testament to UBL’s spirit of innovation. Everywhere you looked, unique beer experiences were waiting to be explored. From Bell Citrus to Pilsner King, Tusker Lager to Pilsner Lager, each station offered an opportunity to taste and experience UBL’s finest brews. It wasn’t just about the beer. The Pilsner Culture Village was a food lover’s paradise, showcasing authentic East African cuisine that paired perfectly with the festival’s drink offerings. From Nyama Choma, popularly known as Mukyomo, to other delicacies, this culinary element brought an additional layer of cultural richness to the event, allowing attendees to taste food from the region.”

Sunday was the climax and was heated by the electrifying performance from Vinka, who stepped on the stage at around 8 pm.  She performed some of her hit songs such as Believe, Fimbo, Thank God, and Yesu Ye Buddy among others, amid loud applause from the revelers. At around 8:30 pm, the Blue 3 group, consisting of Cindy Sanyu, Lillian Mbabazi, and Jackie Chandiru, took the stage like the stars they are and entertained the ObaFest partygoers. The crowd sang along during their performance.  After (DJ) Suuna Ben brought his unique style of Kinyanya Nyanya, getting everyone grooving at a fast pace.  Maddox, the reggae star, touched the souls of everyone as they felt each lyric to the bone.it was an unforgettable experience that set a new standard for festivals in Uganda. What a show!

We caught up with the Uganda Breweries’ Bell Lager Brand Manager Lillian Kansiime who stated that the vision for Bell ObaFest was to celebrate Beer, Food, music, and culture and she is very proud that they celebrated them all and much more.

“Our vision for Bell ObaFest has always been to create more than just a music festival. It’s about celebrating African culture, and innovation, and bringing people together responsibly and inclusively. This year, we’ve taken things to a whole new level, and we couldn’t be prouder of the experience we’ve created for our fans.”

She also advised that people should always remember to drink responsibly while enjoying themselves.

Responsible Drinking

At the festival, UBL highlighted its commitment to responsible drinking.  With a setting special setting offered attendees information on responsible drinking, and free water was provided during the event. This emphasized UBL’s dedication to creating a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive environment for everyone.

Waste Management and Environmental Consciousness

The festival’s commitment to sustainability was impressive. Waste management was handled impeccably, ensuring that the event was as environmentally conscious as it was entertaining. I observed a dedicated team constantly picking up used bottles. This attention to detail in every aspect of the festival, from the setup to the cleanup, made Bell Oba Fest a truly holistic experience.

The Bell Oba Fest 2024 wasn’t just another event in and around Kampala. It was a celebration of beer, food, music, culture, innovation, and inclusivity. The festival featured vibrant performances, innovative beer experiences, and thoughtful efforts towards responsible drinking and accessibility.

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