First youth orchestra concert in Uganda . . . and much more!

Are you feeling like doing something this weekend – a weekend that features a bonus day in the form of a public holiday, thanks to Martyr’s Day on Monday? Well, here’s some of the events you can be a part of.

Maiden youth orchestra concert in Kampala

Never been to an orchestra concert before? Here is your chance to witness what critics like to call real music. Forget the jumping and throw-your-hands-up concerts.

Orchestra music compels you to listen and relish every note and rhythm. Dubbed Yo Africa Launch Concert, this is the first youth Orchestra in Uganda, taking place this Sunday at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. Tickets go for sh25,000 each.

Trained by Africa Institute of Music, the people playing are between ages of seven and 18.

The orchestra is comprised of such music instruments as the violin, cello, Oboe, flute, trumpet, tambourine, triangles etcetera.

The music for this particular concert has been done with an African touch for example Kiganda, Ankole and Acholi. It is a break from the usual drums, guitars and keyboards.

Mayanja in maiden concert

Henry Mayanja has for the past years established himself as a competent cabaret entertainer, who sings and also plays on the piano renditions of local and international musicians, with admirable skill.

Mayanja has continued to take a step forward. He will launch his maiden album Mumazima at Club Obligatto Friday night at 7:00pm.

His concert will also feature artistes like Cathy Kusaasira, Judith Babirye, Mathias Walukagga, Chris Evans, Simon Mirembe and, Gravity Omutujju.

Entry fee is sh20,000 and sh30,000. Mayanja will also stage another show at Mamerito Hotel, Bweyogerere tomorrow at 7:00pm. Entry fee will be sh5,000.

Fun at Martyrs’ Day celebrations

Looks like the biggest proggie of this weekend is the Martyrs’ Day celebrations, which will take place on Monday at the Uganda Martyrs’ Catholic and Anglican shrines in Namugongo, beginning at 10:00am.

As you read this, lots of activity is already underway at the two shrines.

Choir from Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom singing during one of the Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebration at the Protestant Shrine.

But we all know that this event attracts a lot more fun. With pilgrims from all parts of the country and from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and beyond, the main celebrations will be presided over by the Archbishop of Mbarara, Paul Bakyenga.

There will be merry-making with prayer, food, interaction and site-seeing. Some people go there just to eat the available cheap foods, all sorts of meats cooked in all forms.

In fact, some have been reported to have eaten till they dropped – literally. So, there is proggie for you. No entry fee – you just show up.

Charity BBQ at Tunaweza

Are you in a giving mood? Do you want to help children with special needs? Tunaweza Children’s Centre is organising an anniversary barbecue (BBQ) at their home on Ntinda Martyrs’ Drive, to fundraise for the construction of a music, dance and drama room, meant to act as music and art therapy.

So, tick off June 28 as the day you will be giving to charity – you get to pay sh150,000 to take part in this BBQ, so start saving up.

The event will also have raffle tickets with lots of prizes to win, including a fully paid trip to Europe courtesy of Turkish Airlines. Entertainers of the day will be Pragmo Band.

Charity walk in Lubowa

There will be a charity walk this Saturday starting from Lubowa Quality Supermarket to Faze 3, Entebbe, at 5:30am.

Registration to take part in the walk is underway at all Quality super markets around Kampala, and it goes for sh80,000 per person.

This includes your lunch. Proceeds will go towards an NGO that works with sexually-exploited girls.

Namibian ensemble at jazzville

Elemotho Quartet, a renowned Namibian ensemble will perform live at Jazzville tomorrow, starting at 2:00pm. The show sponsored by Alliance Francaise will also feature Ugandan artistes like Susan Kerunen (left) and Myko Ouma. Entry is free.

Museveni for UJCC Centennial fete

Celebrations to mark 50 years of the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) will take place at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Ndeeba, today (Friday) at 9:00am.

UJCC is an ecumenical movement, which unites Christians of mainstream Christian religions, that is Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox and Seventh Day’s Adventist.

The organisation was founded by Archbishops Dr. Joseph Kiwanuka of the Catholic Church, Lesley Brown (Church of Uganda) and the Orthodox Metropolitan, Theodorous Nakyama, to promote Christian unity.

It has since promoted peace, reconciliation and co-existence, further to undertaking holistic development programmes, which have tremendously improved the quality of life of many Ugandans.

President Yoweri Museveni will grace the occasion, and will present meritorious awards to the organisation’s leaders, who have served with utmost dedication over the years. Entrance is free.

Spenah Beach is on

In a do that is destined to reinvent beach parties, Spenah Beach in Entebbe this Sunday will get blazing courtesy of the Beach Rave, a Talent Africa and Redd’s Vodka Lemon revival.

Top city deejays like DJ Apeman, DJ Roja, DJ RPM, DJ Global and DJ Aludah. Of course you know what the dress code for beaches is shorts, swimsuits, the like.

Expect lots of special appearances from Uganda’s top artistes, plus your typical beach fun that involves beach volleyball, running in the sand, name it.

The event kicks off at 2:00pm and will go on until midnight. You part with a sh10,000 entry fee, which also entitles you to a free Redds Vodka Lemon on the house and other prizes.