Kyaddala launch adds fresh spark to Kampala's social scene

LIFESTYLE

Without the Royal Ascot Goat races, a Miss Uganda Pageant trying hard to hit its peak again albeit with a couple of embarrassing scenes like the Zari Versus Fabiola spat at the most recent one, Kampala has been a little hungry for real glamour outside the Abryanz Fashion Awards.

And yes the launch of the Kyaddala ‘Its Real' series at kingdom Kampala on Friday did some justice to this genuine hunger and thirst for glamour. Those who were in attendance left quite relieved never mind that there were a few hiccups especially when it came to handling the numbers and serving them well.  

That aside, the black carpet theme and the gold and black dress code were adhered to fervently by most guests it would make you think this is a continental blockbuster premiere given it had Nigerian stars Emmanuel Ikubese, Olumide Oworu who stars as Eze and actor Tevin Wainguru from Kenya as part of the cast.

While this is supposed to be just a drama themed around HIV Aids issues and youth-related sexual reproductive health, the buzz and glamour around its unveiling was near impeccable. And the fact that it's going to air across borders is a plus too for the Ugandan film industry given the bulk of the cast is Ugandan and will be able to sell our acting talent more on the continent.

One of the stars being guided on her black carpet arrival

Unlike most Kampala events, this one seemed to start at the right time, by 8:00 pm the welcome cocktail was already ongoing at the Upper ground floor of the equally magnificent Kingdom Kampala. As immaculately dressed guests continued to flock in, there was a photo op on the black carpet for guests and on spot interviews for mainly the celebrity guests as they were helped out of their fancy cars all in front of the cameras.

Something close to watching the cream of Hollywood arriving for the Oscars or BET awards at least but this time no Limousines just fancy enough Benzes, VX Land Cruisers, Range Rovers and BMWs but yes they did pull it off.

With the live interviews being done by the Emcees for the welcome cocktail bit who were Richard Tuwangye of Fun Factory and Racheal K who has been off the scene for a while now and good music playing in the background, the party was on.

Free cocktails making rounds and following the live proceedings on and off camera, all looked great as more guests strew in just in time to go to the Venue's top floor for the main event.

Panel discussions from the actors, film crew, partners and a word from the man behind Reach A Hand Uganda that sponsored and put together the Kyaddala series, Humphrey Nabimanya and the mood for the series unveiling was set.

But before we watched the first part of this rather well-done production for a Ugandan series,  one of the finest female vocalists in this country Naava Grey blew us away with a song which is the official soundtrack to the series alongside a mini-orchestra from Kampala music school.

 Musician Naava Grey alongside a quartet from Kampala Music School wows guests

By the time the Emcee of this segment Ronnie Mcvex ushered us into the screening, all eyes were on the screen and yes no one was disappointed at the end of this one hour plus screening if I am to go by the rousing round of applause from the audience.

Ugandan actor Mathew Nabwiso who plays Mr. G a school teacher and Nigerian star Olumide Oworu who acts as Eze the new boy at school plus Martha Kay who plays Mutoni the student Mr. G has a weakness for are outstanding.  Other Ugandan members of the cast include Anita Fabiola, Salvador Idringi, Veronica Namanda to mention but a few.