Pearl of Africa Tour Expo seals with a bang
The day started off later than scheduled at 4:00 pm with hosts Adele and comedian Patrick Salvado Idringi engaging the audience. However, other than saying what they had to say to entertain, the jokes had to be premised around Uganda’s tourism and its sites rather than the usual tribal stereotypes.
A cultural dance at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE). POATE is aimed at showcasing Uganda as a premier tourism destination. (Courtesy photo)
By Steven Odeke and Jonah Mukembo
Journalists @New Vision
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The Pearl of Africa Tour Expo (POATE) is aimed at showcasing Uganda as a premier tourism destination, and this was successfully achieved over four days at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala last week.
The expo’s climax was a concert which rubbed some people in the tourism world the wrong way. The argument was that the concert was not corporate enough. Its lineup of performers was not seen as POATE material. But Uganda being a country with a vibrant nightlife, maybe that is what the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities attempted to sell, the contemporary arts.
A cultural dance at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE). POATE is aimed at showcasing Uganda as a premier tourism destination. (Courtesy photo)
The day started off later than scheduled at 4:00 pm with hosts Adele and comedian Patrick Salvado Idringi engaging the audience. However, other than saying what they had to say to entertain, the jokes had to be premised around Uganda’s tourism and its sites rather than the usual tribal stereotypes.
Fashion designers Fiona Kyama and Godfrey Katende had a good outing. Kyama showcased the Kikooyi to the fore. Katende, known for his innovative approach that merges creativity with social responsibility, delivered Lubugo (barkcloth) in all forms elegantly.
Comedians Madrat and Chiko attempted to kill the audience with their self-deprecating humour. The audience, however, did not find the jokes funny, so the duo sheepishly laughed at their own jokes. Maybe that was not their target audience.
Musical performances were kick-started by dance troupes like Crane Performers before others like Alideki, Abeka Band, Winnie Nwagi, Blu*3, and Suuna Ben did their part. It is good to always see Blu*3 back and they took fans down memory lane with their hits such as Where You Are, Sanyu Lyange and Nkuweki.
Suuna Ben, who was not seen as “corporate enough” delivered the most riveting set on the decks. He got most members of the audience dancing. World music artiste Alpha Otim was another star performer on the night.