On Independence Eve, October 8th, 2024, Kampala got a taste of Africa’s largest R&B celebration, Strictly Soul. Held at the upscale Golden Hill Restaurant and Lounge in Muyenga, the event marked Strictly Soul’s much-anticipated debut in Uganda’s capital city. What started as a simple Instagram Live session during the pandemic has now evolved into a cultural movement uniting thousands of R&B lovers across the continent. Cities like Cape Town, Kigali, and now Kampala are all part of this growing phenomenon.

Strictly Soul is a celebration of music, art, and community. Spearheaded by its music director and resident DJ, Akio Kawahito, the event offers a platform for all styles of R&B, from Old School classics to contemporary genres like Trap Soul and Neo-Soul. With 20 years of entertainment experience under his belt, Akio headlines every event, expertly guiding attendees through a musical journey that starts slow and smooth, building into a full-on dance party. The event is hosted by the vibrant Anita Makgetla, who adds an extra layer of warmth and energy, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed.

Since its live event debut in South Africa in 2020, Strictly Soul has taken Africa by storm. By 2023, it had expanded to Tanzania, Namibia, Kenya, Botswana, and Rwanda. In 2024, Kampala became the latest city to join the Strictly Soul family, and it was clear that the city was more than ready for the experience.

Golden Hill’s doors opened at 7 PM, and the excitement was palpable as R&B fans from across Kampala gathered. The stylish ambiance, combined with a carefully curated lineup of DJs, set the stage for what would become an unforgettable night. By 8 PM, the venue was packed, and DJ Akio wasted no time, easing the crowd into the evening with a smooth blend of soul music. Tracks like SiR’s “John Redcorn,” Hasan Insane and SZA’s “Love Galore,” and Erykah Badu’s timeless “Bag Lady” brought waves of nostalgia to the crowd.

Heineken, the event’s official sponsor, was a key element of the night’s success. Each table received complimentary Heineken beers, which helped fuel the party right from the start. Throughout the night, Heineken offered special promotions on beer buckets, ensuring the drinks kept flowing and the atmosphere remained lively.

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, Uganda’s very own DJ Joe took over, guiding the audience into a more energetic phase of the party. His set included soulful tracks like “I Hate You” by Dripavaili, Young Rio’s “Damage,” and Mary J. Blige’s iconic “Be Happy.” By the time DJ Joe wrapped up his set at 11 PM, the crowd was fully immersed in the music and ready for more.

DJ Em That Guy stepped up next, turning up the heat with a high-energy set that had everyone on their feet. His selections, including Wale’s “The Matrimony” and Chris Brown’s “Back to Sleep,” kept the crowd moving. DJ Em’s ability to blend modern R&B hits with classic soul tracks ensured that every moment of the night was memorable.

As the night drew to a close, DJ Akio returned to the stage for the final set. Mixing a variety of timeless R&B hits, including Janet Jackson and Nelly’s “Call on Me,” Akio closed the night on a high note. The crowd, still buzzing with excitement, sang along to every song, creating a sense of unity and celebration that lingered until the very last track.

Golden Hill was packed to capacity, with guests taking advantage of the bar on the second floor to grab drinks and continue enjoying the night. One of the highlights was when the crowd came together for a spontaneous singalong to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” at 2 AM. It wasn’t the song anyone expected to close the night, but it turned out to be the perfect way to end an unforgettable evening.

Strictly Soul’s debut in Kampala was more than just a music event — it was a cultural moment. With R&B now firmly embedded in Kampala’s nightlife, it’s clear that the city has found a new rhythm, and Strictly Soul is at the heart of it.

Strictly Soul Uganda was co-hosted by Camelot Concepts and TPH Uganda.