More music, games, fashion than beer at beer festival
From the stunning performances to the unique fashion displays and the thrilling football experience, the festival created a lasting impression.
Bebe Cool performing during Bell Obafest festival at Jahazi pier in Munyonyo. (Photos by Ignatius Kamya)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
The three-day Bell Obafest festival on the shores of Lake Victoria at Jahazi Pier in Munyonyo was supposed to leave its participants haggard and hang-over.
There was the desire to drink the beer, and the delight of getting it, but there were not many staggering and throwing up at the end of each night.
Many still had a bright Monday morning, despite the rain in different parts of Kampala. That was because the festival served more than beer, and thus many avoided binge drinking.
It kicked off on Friday, with mainly DJ sets that did not provide much to write home about. It was the dancers who raised the bar, however.
Saturday brought a star-studded lineup of Ugandan artistes to the stage, including Bebe Cool, Azawi, John Blaq, Winnie Nwagi, and Aliddeki Brian. Their powerful performances had the crowd dancing and singing along, creating a jubilant atmosphere that resonated with fans throughout the day.
Attendees of Bell Obafest festival enjoying beer in jars. 
The festival's closing day was nothing short of spectacular. With performances from Vinka, Fik Fameica, Blu*3, Suuna Ben, Maddox Ssematimba, and DJ Roja, the final hours of Bell Obafest were an explosion of sound.
Each artiste brought their own flair, ensuring that the momentum never wavered. The seamless transition from one performance to the next kept the energy alive until the very end, making for a grand finale that truly embodied the spirit of the festival.
The highlight of the night was Bukedde FM’s Suuna Ben’s performance of his popular Binyanya nyanya mixes, which excited revellers as was evident by their reactions and dances.
What set Obafest apart was its wide array of activities. From 11am each day, festival-goers enjoyed games, art displays, and exhibitions showcasing the best of African fashion from Fix By Oringa.
Designers displayed their creativity with fresh, bold looks that celebrated the continent’s vibrant African style. This fusion of fashion and traditional culture was a defining element of the event.
Of course, no festival would be complete without food, and Obafest did not disappoint. The irresistible aromas of nyama choma filled the air, with a variety of mouthwatering meat dishes served alongside a selection of different cold beers.
Festival-goers enjoying the night.
Inclusivity was also at the forefront of the event, with a dedicated sign language interpreter ensuring that the deaf community could fully enjoy the experience.
There was also the Guinness Matchday experience, transforming the festival into a football haven. As Premier League action resumed, fans got to indulge in their passion for the sport. The combination of beer, football, and friendly rivalries added an extra layer of enjoyment to the festival, with fans walking away with exclusive prizes.
From the stunning performances to the unique fashion displays and the thrilling football experience, the festival created a lasting impression.