Linustats Tattoo Party lights up Kampala

Last Friday, Kati Kati in Lugogo transformed into a vibrant celebration of ink and rhythm as the Linustats Tattoo Party took centre stage.

It was a bold expression of modern identity, where the precision of tattoo artistry merged seamlessly with the pulsating energy of Amapiano music.

Tattoo machines buzzed in sync with booming speakers as some of Africa’s top tattoo artists and DJs gathered under the starlit Kampala sky. For many revelers, it was the perfect opportunity to immortalise personal stories through ink.

Tattoo stalls lined the venue like a colorful alleyway, offering everything from sleek minimalist line art and Roman numerals to bold tribal patterns and hyper-realistic portraits.

“I got a lion on my forearm,” said 22-year-old student Ian Kasagga. “It represents strength and courage. I chose my forearm because I want to see it every day.”

Emmanuel Kakembo unveiled his second tattoo,a delicate butterfly near his ribs. “Tattoos are beautiful when you take care of them. This one’s for my madam—she loves butterflies,” he explained.

A reveller gets a tatoo

Conversations throughout the venue revealed a growing shift in attitudes toward body art. Tattoos, once stigmatised, are now seen as personal statements—symbols of identity, memories, rebellion, and fashion. “People used to say tattoos were for gangsters,” laughed Brian Wabwire, proudly displaying a freshly inked phoenix. “Now it’s just art. Pure art.”

But ink was only half the story. DJs Melvin, Kamali, Vans, Alza, Eyo Marcus, and Bugy kept the atmosphere electric with an eclectic mix of Afro-pop and Amapiano beats. Elijah Kitaka brought a soulful touch to the night with his live performance, while Zex Bilangilangi’s anthems ignited the crowd into a frenzy of singing and dancing.

The much-anticipated moment came when South African Amapiano stars LeeMcKrazy and Scqft Maphuma hit the stage. The instant the first beat of Shayi Moto dropped, Kati Kati erupted—cheers, synchronized dance moves, and a sea of phones in the air. Tracks like Yini Ngathi and Jealousy sparked roars of excitement and full-body immersion into the Amapiano wave.

The event was a magnet for Gen Z—a generation that continues to redefine expression through art, sound, and movement.