After months of silence, the virtual UG Connect concert returned at the weekend reigniting the passion Ugandans had for entertainment and generating optimism for better days ahead despite what the country is going through at the time.
The concerts which were being organized and funded by the Government of Uganda, through the Uganda National Cultural Centre – UNCC had come to a stop earlier in August due to some logistical reasons.
But following the President’s hint on reopening the economy next month, preparations have been ongoing by both the government and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry to get the country ready for the ‘return to normal.’
This edition was dubbed the UG Hope Concert with its main reason being to bring back the lost hope to Ugandans that despite the harsh days of this raging Covid19 pandemic, sanity would return in the country.
Televised on all Next Media channels, the first concert happened Saturday afternoon and was dedicated to celebrating last weekend’s inaugural Janzi Awards winners.
Ugandans watching at the comfort of their living rooms at home enjoyed power-filled performances from Pia pounds, Levixone, Vinka, Zex Bilanjilanji, Liam Voice, Kenneth Mugabi, Feffe Bussi, Pallaso, Willy Mukabya and Toniks among others.
Artistes performances were further spiced up by deejay interludes from Uganda’s finest spinners, emcees and comedians.
According to the organizers, the UG Connect Concert gives artistes a chance to perform for their fans, albeit virtually after close to two years without performing after their industry was closed in government efforts aimed at combating Covid-19.
The show also aims at spreading hope to Ugandans through music, dance and drama.
Organizers further assert that the concert is an ideal platform entertainers can use to propel their careers.
This weekend, the performances were split into two phases to accommodate the many numbers of performers who were lined up for the show.
The first phase of the concert ran from 4Pm to 7PM while the second and last phase of the concert ran from 10PM till late.