Rock Fest rocks Kampala

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In a landmark event for Christian worship and music in Uganda, the Lugogo Hockey Grounds teemed with thousands of Christian believers who gathered for the inaugural Rock Fest, a Christian music festival that drew attendees from across East Africa.

The festival, organized by Spirit Media and Moses Ehi, marked a new addition to Uganda's gospel entertainment landscape, promising to be an annual highlight for Christian rock enthusiasts.

Ehi, the visionary behind Rock Fest, expressed his aspirations for the festival to surpass the popularity of Uganda's well-known Nyege Nyege festival.

“Rock Fest is a vision that has been birthed in Uganda,” Ehi said.

“I understand that you have one particular festival that happens in Uganda, and that is Nyege Nyege. We are replacing Nyege Nyege with Rock Fest. From Uganda to East Africa, people will come from every part of the region to attend Rock Fest. 

The event was graced by Hon. Minister David Bahati, who represented First Lady H.E Janet Kataha Museveni. On her behalf, Bahati delivered a speech acknowledging Spirit Media’s impact on Uganda’s media sector.

“It is a pleasure for me to join you as you celebrate 23 years of service to God and the church through media and entertainment,” the First Lady’s message read. She praised Spirit Media for providing Christian-focused content in a media landscape often dominated by secular programs, further inviting Spirit FM to partner with her campaign to equip youth with life skills and values-based leadership to curb HIV transmission through messages on abstinence and responsible living.

The Rock Fest featured powerful performances from internationally acclaimed gospel artistes, including Judi Kay, Frank Edwards, and the festival’s headliner, Ada Ehi. The evening opened with a moving worship session led by Judi Kay, who started her set with her hit song, "Anasi."

Praising God all night at Rock Fest Ug at Hockey Grounds Lugogo. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)

Her passionate performance transformed the atmosphere, with thousands of attendees praying fervently, lifting their hands in worship as though they had “touched God.” Following her song "Anasi," Judi Kay performed "Something More Than Gold," a song resonating with the festival’s theme, reminding attendees of the supremacy of faith in Christ.

Frank Edwards took to the stage at 11:30 pm, igniting the crowd with his lively praise songs, including "Holy Holy," "Under the Canopy," and others. Known for his energetic dance moves, Edwards invited fans to join in a dance competition for a cash prize of $300 (sh1.1m), which a young boy won, much to the crowd's delight.

The festival reached its climax at 12:20 am as Ada Ehi, “the queen of worship,” took the stage. Despite an initial sound delay that postponed her set, Ada apologized to the crowd.

“I would like to apologise, I would have come up earlier but the sound messed us up and please do accept our apologies,” she said. She went on to deliver a powerful worship experience. She shared a message on salvation and consecration, urging attendees to evaluate their Christian walk and renew their relationship with Christ.

The crowd at Rock Fest Ug enjoying performances of different artistes. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)

“The Lord says the message tonight is salvation, consecration. Are you living for the Lord, or are you the Christian who doesn’t love?” she asked. Response cards were distributed among the crowd for those seeking to renew their faith.

The festival also showcased Uganda's local gospel talent, including Gabbie Ntaate, John Marie, and Carol Komeza. 

With an impressive turnout and fervent worship, Rock Fest promises to be a significant addition to Uganda's Christian community and an anticipated event on East Africa’s Christian entertainment calendar. The event was sponsored by The New Vision.