Pastor Bugembe defies cncert jinx; draws thousands

HE knelt down and practically pleaded with his fans not to snub his show like they have done many others lately.

This was during an interview Pastor Wilson Bugembe gave Bukedde TV’s music show Omubimba last Wednesday. The launch concert for his album Biribabitya took place last Friday at Hotel Equatorial Parking.

Recently, two concerts that featured international artistes, Jamaican dancehall/ reggae stars Dermaco and Wayne Wonder and American R&B singer Sisqo flfl opped respectively.

It has been so bad that some show promoters have allegedly either postponed shows or backed out of deals.

But a combination of a popular song and his reputation; sound organisation by show organisers, Turbo Rayz Entertainment ensured that Pastor Bugembe put up one of the most attended concerts this year.

Over 2,000 people attended the show. The show kicked off at exactly 7:30pm with performances from various upcoming gospel artistes, who entertained the crowd. Organisers perfected the sound, lighting and the seating arrangement while security was tighter than average.

The concert attracted notables from city tycoon, Godfrey Kirumira to Sarah Nkonge and Bukomansimbi woman MP, Susan Namaganda among other businessmen, politicians and religious leaders.

The man of the night hit the stage at exactly 9:40pm amidst loud cheers from the crowd as he took fans through a musical journey with a 20-member back-up team from his church.

Bugembe engaged the crowd by explaining the message in each of the songs he performed. Even then, many revellers were seen enjoying their beer even after the Pastor appealed to the crowd to give up the drink and endeavour to move on God’s path.

“I know some of you have put beer in soda and mineral water bottles, but you are not lying to me, because God is watching you,” he implored the crowd. Midway through his performance, Bugembe called on singer Chris Evans to join him on stage. The two performed a gospel song together.

Bugembe’s mission to raise funds for completion of housing units for the destitute children under his care was accomplished during the CD auction.

He was able to collect over sh15m in cash and pledges from city businessmen, politicians and friends.

After the CD auction, he performed two more songs before fi nally performing the much-anticipated ‘Biribabitya’ hit. The concert ended at exactly 12:45am.