Kampala joined the Strictly Soul movement on October 8th, 2024, during Uganda’s Independence Eve celebrations. This much-anticipated event took place at Golden Hill Restaurant and Lounge, located in the leafy suburb of Muyenga. Strictly Soul, Africa’s largest R&B event community, started as an Instagram Live stream during the pandemic and has since grown into a continental sensation. From Cape Town to Kigali, the movement has brought together R&B lovers, making its way across six countries.
Strictly Soul is more than just a party; it’s a movement celebrating rhythm and blues in its many forms. With Akio Kawahito as its music director and resident DJ, the event showcases all styles of R&B, from classics to modern twists like Trap Soul and Neo-Soul. Akio’s 20 years of entertainment experience shine through at every event, where he guides the crowd through a musical journey that builds from slow vibes into an all-out dance party. The event is hosted by the lively Anita Makgetla, whose energy ensures that guests feel embraced and part of the Strictly Soul experience.
Launched as a live event in South Africa in 2020, Strictly Soul has since expanded to cities across Tanzania, Namibia, Kenya, Botswana, and Rwanda. In 2024, it finally made its debut in Kampala, and the city welcomed it with open arms.
Golden Hill opened its doors at 7 PM, and it didn’t take long for the venue to fill with eager R&B fans. By 8 PM, the stylish setting was buzzing with anticipation, and Akio took the stage, starting the night off with smooth, soulful tracks like SiR’s “John Redcorn,” “Love Galore” by Hasan Insane and SZA, and Erykah Badu’s timeless hit “Bag Lady.” The crowd immediately connected with the music, as nostalgia and modern vibes blended perfectly.
Blackshowmans (U) Ltd, the official distributor of Heineken in Uganda added to the atmosphere with Heineken as the official sponsor of the event. Every table was treated to complimentary Heineken beers, and the brand’s special promotion on beer buckets throughout the night kept the drinks flowing. Heineken’s partnership with Strictly Soul helped keep the energy high, contributing to the night’s success.
At 9 PM, DJ Joe, one of Uganda’s top R&B DJs, took over, raising the energy with a set that included soulful tracks like “I Hate You” by Dripavaili and Mary J. Blige’s “Be Happy.” By 11 PM, the crowd was fully immersed in the music, dancing and singing along to the beats.
DJ Em That Guy took the party to the next level with a high-energy set that had the entire crowd on their feet. His selections, including Wale’s “The Matrimony” and Chris Brown’s “Back to Sleep,” kept the dance floor packed. DJ Em expertly balanced classic and contemporary R&B hits, ensuring that everyone in attendance stayed engaged.
As the night neared its close, Akio returned to the stage, delivering a final set filled with timeless R&B classics. Mixing hits like Janet Jackson and Nelly’s “Call on Me,” Akio brought the evening to a climax, with the crowd still singing along and dancing as the event wrapped up. The night officially ended at 2 AM, but the energy remained electric until the very last moment.
The venue was packed throughout the night, and with the option to grab drinks from a second-floor bar, the party atmosphere stayed vibrant. One of the night’s highlights was a spontaneous singalong to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” at 2 AM. It was an unexpected but magical way to close out the evening, as the crowd came together to celebrate the music that brought them there.
Strictly Soul’s debut in Kampala was a huge success, marking a new chapter in the city’s R&B scene. As the party scene continues to evolve, it’s clear that Strictly Soul has secured its place as a must-attend event for Uganda’s R&B lovers.
Strictly Soul Uganda was co-hosted by Camelot Concepts and TPH Uganda.