Bayimba International Festival opens

By Emmanuel Ssejjengo

The eighth edition of the Bayimba International Festival of the Arts was not opened by Maddox Ssematimba, as many thought. It was opened on Friday by students, with John Ruganda’s play, The Burdens.

Maddox Ssematimba only turned up as an early highlight on Friday at 7:00pm. He was a highlight because he is Maddox, a genius who rarely takes to such a big stage. He simply sauntered onto the main stage (in the parking lot of National Theatre), performed four songs and left.

Models showcasing designs

He was the confident Maddox, chatting with the audience in-between songs until he had many sing along to Namagembe. Levixone and rapper Saint Nelly-Sade performed soon after.

With six performance spaces, festival goers were spoilt for choice. Kenneth Mugabi, calm but with a strong voice, as the star of the smaller “upper stage.”
 

Batalo East, a group whose forte is break dance, was experimental. They called on anyone to join them, and challenged them to perform particular dance strokes.

It turned out to be an endless marvel in that open space in front of the auditorium. For at that time, school children who had been brought here to watch the set play, were still on the prowl. They made challenges, and were equally challenged.

A girls' night out for these revelers

On Saturday the kids will stay in school so the adults can play. Joel Sebunjo and Aly Keita are a must watch.

The Queens of Comedy will also perform in the auditorium. If you love dance, Megan Yankee will be a catch. In between these acts, you could also visit the photo exhibition.