Qwela's crooners kick off the year in style

It is a strange year when the first real serious music concert happens in May; but it's been a strange year because of the general elections that took place in February.

And because different artists supported different political parties, a divide was created that has not died down yet.

So the fourth Qwela Junction concert, dubbed the Crooners this time, took the honours of being the first major concert. And Ugandans, starved of real entertainment, filled the Serena Ballroom to the rafters.

Tonix performing at the Qwela Junction Crooners show at Serena on Sunday night

For some reason, the Qwela Junctions shows always take place on Sundays, usually start and end early, after all Monday is working day. But there seemed to be a problem on stage, and the show did not kick off till after 8:30pm.

Which gave stand-in MC and organiser Joe Kahirimbayi time to tell everybody how he found Jesus Christ, and a few other things.

After a few curtain raisers, which included a four-song tribute to the late Congolese musician Papa Wemba, the Crooners took to the stage. Richy Kawesa, Tonix, K!mera, Benon Mugumbya, Kenneth Mugabi and Steve Keys took turns at taking centre stage.

Irene Ntale and colleagues had a jolly good time at the show

The audience obviously knew and enjoyed most of the songs performed, and were treated to some vocal gymnastics by the singers. But it was obvious it was Madoxx Ssematimba the people really wanted, and got a rousing welcome when he finally showed up towards the end. Although he did only two songs, he gave the crowd what they wanted. And after an encore, it was all done by 11pm, time for folks to get home and prepare for the next day.