Traditional and contemporary collide at Oweitu Omuka Festival

The clash between traditional and contemporary culture took centre stage last Sunday during the seventh edition of the Oweitu Omuka Festival at UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala.

T-Paul, whose style leans more towards pop than tradition, delivered an electrifying performance that nearly brought the house down.

However, it was Cindy Sanyu, singing in both English and Luganda, who truly captivated the audience at this Kiga-Kinyankole cultural celebration.

In a cosmopolitan city like Kampala, such festivals often draw attendees from other regions, particularly those from the central area who hold their own cultural events in high regard. So when Cindy bid the crowd farewell with a cheerful “See you tonight,” the energy didn’t fade, they simply kept dancing.

Earlier in the day, Florence Musimenta had made a powerful start to the festivities. The gospel artiste was genuinely overwhelmed by the warm welcome she received, with the audience enthusiastically singing along to her songs. “You know my music?” she asked in disbelief.

Musimenta rarely performs in the capital, making her reception all the more surprising. Perhaps she hadn’t anticipated such a response from a largely secular, and at times inebriated—crowd. Known for her work as a Western Uganda gospel artist, she typically performs in church settings.

Her music, which blends traditional and contemporary styles, resonated deeply with the Lugogo audience. Between live performances, TV West’s MC Lithan and DJ Alberto 43 kept the energy alive, creating an unforgettable vibe.

Oweitu Omuka is a cultural festival dedicated to celebrating Kiga-Kinyankole heritage, offering a vibrant space for people to come together and enjoy music, dance, art, and food. No celebration is complete without sipping the traditional brew, Enturire, served from calabashes.