Blankets & Wine makes vibrant comeback at Lugogo Grounds

Blankets & Wine Kampala, a music and cultural festival celebrating diversity, creativity, and community, made a triumphant return at Lugogo Grounds on Sunday, June 30.

The event bounced back with renewed energy and an exciting lineup that promised a day full of entertainment.

The festival kicked off at midday, with DJ mixes and a children’s play area setting the tone for the day.

The diverse lineup featured performances from Rachel Magoola, A Pass, Eddy Kenzo, and Kenya’s Nameless. Emerging talents like Ebrahim Soul'o, Julius Ssese, and Sandrah K Busoga Princess also took the stage, offering a vibrant musical feast for revelers.

Each artiste delivered stellar performances, with A Pass stealing the show with a full live band showcase alongside the Akadope Band. His captivating songs and powerful voice drew the crowd closer to the stage, where they sang along to his hits. The headline act, Eddy Kenzo, closed the day with an electrifying performance, complete with a live band and dynamic dancers.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, unique cultural showcases, and an array of food and beverages. With two stages one for DJs and one for live music the festival kept everyone engaged and entertained. The Onja Onja Stage, a dynamic platform for DJ producers curated in collaboration with Nyege Nyege, featured electrifying sets from A.O Walker, Crazy Mind, DJ Vanss, Binghi, Decay, and South Africa’s Amapiano legend, Gaba Cannal. This addition ensured a fusion of live performances and electronic beats that kept the energy high all day long.

Kenya's Nameless entertaining revellers at Blankets and Wine at Lugogo Grounds on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo By Ignatius Kamya

The return of the family zone, featuring kids’ activities and minders, ensured that families had a fantastic time. The fashion sense was top-notch as always, with attendees dressed impeccably. The photo booth was also busy, with many taking pictures for memories and social media.

South African singer Samthing Soweto performing at Blankets and Wine at Lugogo Grounds on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Photo By Ignatius Kamya

The relocation to Lugogo Grounds provided an expansive venue that enhanced the festival experience, offering more space for music, art, food, and entertainment. Previously held at the famous Lugogo Cricket Oval, the event had to move due to the transformation of the oval into a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex.

Despite the fantastic performances and vibrant atmosphere, the event faced challenges. The biggest issue was the low turnout, attributed to changes such as the new venue, restrictions on bringing outside drinks, and limited advertisement in mainstream media. Some exhibitors expressed disappointment over low sales, highlighting the impact of the small crowd.

In a unique twist, the festival featured no host or MC. Instead, announcements and ads were pre-recorded and played throughout the event, maintaining a seamless flow of activities.

Even with the challenges, Blankets & Wine Kampala delivered a memorable day of fun, music, and culture. The music was excellent, with clear sound quality that had everyone dancing.