Ekinihiiro kicks off in Mbarara

MBARARA - East or West, they should say, West is the best. And that is mostly because western Uganda, Mbarara, has hosted the Ekinihiiro extravaganza today, Saturday, July 26. 

It is a mix of a music concert, art and crafts exhibition, a picnic by day and much more, all at Kakyeka Stadium. 

The festivities are pocket-friendly, with an entrance fee at sh10,000 only. This year’s edition doubles as the 26th anniversary of Radio West, the number one radio station in western Uganda. 

Top broadcasters are having a sense of rhyme. “We have no special guest because everyone is special. The first 300 guests have been served a meal of matooke and meat for free,” says Dickson Nadinda, Radio West’s station manager. 

“Since it is our 26th anniversary, our celebrated presenters and DJs have served cake to everyone,” adds Nadinda. 

The line-up is in sync with this year’s theme, Mira-Nkwongyere (loosely translated to “swallow and I add you more”).

 
Artistes to watch

The festival has crowd pullers like Alien Skin and Shakira Shakira. There are also crowd pleasers, like David Lutalo, Betty Mpologoma and Kazibwe Kapo. 

The icing on the musical performance cake is the homegrown talent. 

Homegrown talent 

The organisers have left no stone unturned in ensuring that they get the best out of the best homegrown talent. That talent comes in all generations. 

There is Sister Charity, who has garnered a cult following over the years. And there is Rasta Chaz. The two have cross-generational appeal. 

While the older folks are to sing along word for word, it is their stage performances that have always captivated the younger audiences. The boy of the moment, T. Paul, is one of the most anticipated. It is said it is not yet a show in Mbarara until T. Paul steps up on the stage. 

Other performers of the day include Jackie Bwemi, Josey Josey, Eng Jovan, Peace Kyamukongwire and Bingana. 

To add spice, several Radio West and TV West’s celebrated presenters, MCs and DJs are present. It is a chance to freely interact with them.

Sponsors 

Sponsors Ekinihiiro is sponsored by Solar Today, MTN, Pepsi, Wendi (PostBank), Katatumba Academy, Nyakayonjo SACCOS, Herbal Life Uganda, Goldeen Choice Parts and TV West.