Makoma thrill fans in Kampala at New Vision's 40th anniversary — as it happened

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 MAKOMA LIVE IN KAMPALA 

Edited and presented by Joseph Kizza
Updates by Eddie Ssejjoba, Simon Peter Tumwine, Ignatius Kamya & Patrick Kibirango
(Scroll down this page to view earlier updates)
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 12:25 AM 

 END OF LIVE PAGE 

And it's a wrap over here. Friday's concert at Kololo will definitely linger in the minds of many for a long time. It has been nothing short of spectacular!

Good morning!

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 12:13 AM 

And another set...

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 11:58 PM 

And another outfit..

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 11:50 PM 

Outfit change....

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 11:39 PM 

WATCH

Energetic performances by Makoma 👇🏽


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 11:30 PM 

Addictive, electrifying and memorable performances by Makoma at Kololo.

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 11:17 PM 

Shimmering gold and sleek metallic

So I wasn't sure how to aptly describe the outfits, but thankfully, my colleague Richard Ategeka, has helped, thus:

"Natalie and the sisters are in shimmering gold costumes, also known as coordinated gold  stage sequins and fringe. The guys are dressed in sleek metallic stage outfits with a shiny silver bomber-style jacket. Not forgetting the black inner tops."

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 10:55 PM 

It's Makoma O'clock!

It's all glittering on stage thanks to dashing pyrotechnics, and with the group that everyone has been eagerly waiting for showing up in glitzy, shimmering outfits with a golden and silver dimension to headline New Vision's 40th anniversary celebrations.

I am no fashion expert, but I would perhaps call it a semi-futuristic take. Someone help here, please.

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 10:37 PM 

Makoma hit the stage

And here they are....

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 10:25 PM 

🎙️ 'Makoma represents timeless music'

A brief break off performances for the speech formalities, keeping in mind that all this is in celebration of New Vision's 40th anniversary.

"New Vision has always been defined by credibility, innovation, and service to the public. From a small weekly paper 40 years ago to the leading multimedia company it is today, our mission has remained the same: to serve Ugandans with dedication. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of the New Vision team, past and present. We salute you all!" says Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama.

"At this point, I also want to appreciate our sponsors who have made this night not only possible, but also fun. Let's give a big thank you to Pepsi, MTN Mobile Money, Skyz Hotel, and Naguru. Your partnership and belief in this celebration show our shared commitment to creating memorable experiences for Ugandans," adds the chief excutive.

"We also want to recognize Pacific Events, the team that has brought this event to life. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s show our appreciation to Pacific Events! Many of you may be wondering why we chose Makoma to headline this celebration. Makoma represents timeless music, family values, faith, and unity, values that reflect who we are as New Vision.

"The last time Makoma performed in Uganda was 25 years ago, and tonight they are back as if they never left. Their music continues to inspire generations across Africa, and we are proud to have them help us celebrate this historic milestone."

"Tonight’s concert is more than just entertainment. It is a celebration of legacy, shared memories, and the journey we have taken together. As we mark 40 years, we also look to the future with great optimism. The next 40 years of New Vision will be defined by innovation, deeper community engagement, and an even stronger commitment to telling Uganda’s story," says Wanyama.

"This concert is just the beginning of year-long celebrations for New Vision at 40. We will keep you posted on all the exciting events coming your way.

"Thank you all for joining us this evening for this historic moment. Enjoy the celebration, make great memories, and thank you for walking with us on this journey."
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 10:15 PM 

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 10:10 PM 

Pastor Bugembe fires up crowd

The affable Pastor Wilson Bugembe of Worship House, a great musician himself, definitely knows how to get the crowd fully involved...

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 9:55 PM 

From this....

....to this...

Yep! That's what music does to you. Takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. 
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 9:55 PM 

Told you it's deep over here. Many songs are immersing those in attendance in fervent prayer, praise and worship.

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 9:48 PM 

You gotta feel this drip... 🤗

Here is what I mean...👇🏽

[Screenshot from Makoma's Napesi video]

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 9:43 PM 

🎤 It's deep guys, it's deep

Pastor Brian Lubega, who by the way has shared a stage with renowned artists like Don Moen, has moved everyone here at Kololo with his 'Yesu Awulira' [Jesus Listens] song.

Soulful stuff, I must say.

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 9:30 PM 

Feeling the vibe? Oh sure you do!

'Let me see your hands in the air, waving to Jesus!'


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 9:22 PM 

Kololo is filled and effervescent

Of Friday evenings and singing praise to that Big Guy Upstairs, who is more commonly known as God.

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 9:15 PM 

✝️ His name is JESUS 

Rachel K is not messing around here. Her new song 'His name is JESUS' is a heartfelt worship song declaring that our Lord never fails and is always there.

It's such a delightful piece and what an honour to have shared this moment with all in attendance!

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 9:08 PM 

Sachi Basaki gets fans grooving 

Also to have hit the stage is Congolese gospel singer Sachi Basaki...

You guys! These fans sure know how to groove to nice music, eh?!

Check how serious they are....no joking around, I say!

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 9:02 PM 

Rachel K delights fans 🖤🖤

Those in attendance here have surely been treated to delightful performances, even before the much-anticipated big one comes around.

One of those to have warmed up the stage with beautiful vocals is the affable gospel musician Rachel K ('K' for Kiwanuka)....all looking dashing in stylish all-black!

And of course, like any mother proud to see their child perform on stage, veteran singer Halima Namakula was sure not to miss this moment, pulling out her phone to record her daughter do what she does best.

Talk about music running in the family, huh!

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 8:49 PM 

WATCH: Fans enjoying themselves 

Oh, and here's more stuff for your ears....

Do you remember the Kuna Dawa hit by Kenyan gospel musician Dr Esther Wahome? I am sure you do....especially after listening to this sample that has gotten those in attendance here at Kololo swaying from side to side in purely addictive fashion.

Check it out 👇🏽


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 8:40 PM 

WATCH: Stage is on musical fire! 

So I have been feeding you on only still content all this time, you say? OK here you go then...let your ears have a 'taste' too of what's happening here at Kololo. No room for *FOMO here, good people!

Take a look 👇🏽


*Fear of Missing Out
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 8:20 PM 

Vibrant performances set ball rolling

The stage has been lit with electrifying performances by various groups, including the Miracle Centre Church Choir, whose praise and worship songs have lifted people off their seats.

Chilly night? Says who?! It's nicely hot here at Kololo!

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 8:06 PM 

Remember the attendance list in class back in the day?

Vision Group's CEO Don Wanyama (left) is present...

Vision Group's Deputy Managing Director and Company Secretary, Gervase Ndyanabo, is also around...

And so is Vision Group's Editor-in-Chief Barbara Kaija....

The High Commissioner of India to Uganda, Upender Singh Rawat, is here...

It's great vibes here...

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 7:50 PM 

There is no doubt: music sure is food to our souls. It sure hits different, I should say. Addictive. Refreshing. And for Makoma's case, purely nostalgic.

I am sure many fans will leave Kololo at the end of this show tonight without their voices. And not that they will mind at all....for they will have sung their lungs out alongside music stars sprinkled with legendary dust.

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 7:27 PM 

How they showed up at Kololo

Makoma's fashion has always been a blend of Streetwear, Afrofuturism, and a wide range of African cultural influences. At Kololo, many of the fans have made a commendable effort in keeping true to this fashion take, and as you can tell from the pictures of their arrival at the venue, it's clearly a smorgasbord of colours, fashion and styles.

Oh, plus great smiles and cute poses too!

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 7:15 PM 

🎶🎤 Napesi yo nde motema na ngai

Young and old, they know Makoma's songs line by line.

Listen to this fan attending tonight's concert at Kololo serving us up with a sample of the Napesi hit 👇🏽


Can you match her? Try...

Napesi yo nde motema na ngai
Yo moko Nzambe osalela yango
Na elikia na ngai napesi yo
Nzambe salela ngai, salela ngai
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 7:00 PM 

EARLIER...

Much earlier in the day, the finishing touches were being applied on the venue and the instruments taken through warm-ups ahead of this evening's big one.

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 6:40 PM 

📝 Lessons for artistes from Makoma

"So, what can our gospel artistes learn from Makoma? Plenty, if you ask me," writes Joseph Batte.

"First off, innovate. Don't stick to the same old formula. Makoma showed how blending African rhythms with global pop can make gospel appealing to everyone, not just churchgoers. Today's artists like Pompi in Zambia or Limoblaze in Nigeria are doing similar things, fusing hip-hop and Afrobeat, but more could follow suit. Why not experiment with local sounds—add our Ugandan beats or Swahili flows in Kenya, to reach wider crowds?

"Second, stay rooted in your story. Makoma's family bond, even through fights, gave their music heart. Gospel artists should humanize their work, share personal tales of struggle, like Makoma did with displacement and reunion. It builds connection; fans don't want perfect icons, they want real people. Think about it: when Wilson Bugembe sings about his orphan past, it hits differently."

Read the full article here.

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 6:33 PM 

📝 Why Africa fell in love with Makoma

"Let me take you back to where it all started," writes Joseph Batte, as he takes us on a ride down memory lane.

"Makoma isn't just a band; they're a family. Hailing from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they were formed in 1993 by Tutala Makoma. At first, they called themselves "Nouveau Testament," which means New Testament in French. It was Tutala and his siblings: Nathalie, Annie, Pengani, Duma, and Martin. Later, a friend named Patrick Badine joined them.

"They grew up in a musical household, singing in church and at home, blending their Congolese roots with whatever sounds they picked up. Life wasn't easy—civil unrest in DRC forced them to flee, first to Rwanda, then to Europe, settling in the Netherlands and later the UK.

"But through it all, their faith and music kept them going. It's a story that resonates with many Africans who've faced displacement or hardship, making their songs feel personal, like they're singing about our own struggles and triumphs."

Itching to read more? Here you go.

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 6:15 PM 

🎶🎹🎷 It's all systems go!

All roads are leading to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds Kampala this evening as legendary Congolese-Dutch gospel group Makoma perform live in Uganda's capital as part of New Vision's 40th anniversary celebrations.

With their hits like Napesi, No Jesus, No Life and Butu Na Moyi still fresh in millions of Ugandans' minds, Makoma are back in the country 25 years on to do what they have always done best on stage.

Meanwhile, Kololo is filling up by the minute....