Suuna Ben: From grief to work

By Timothy Kirabo

Suuna Ben should be a study on how to recover from grief and get back to the top of the game.

The Binyanyanya DJ, who was devasted by the loss of his mother last Thursday, found his footing with his annual concert on Saturday during his Makutano show in Nansana. 

The event, which has become a tradition among his loyal followers, was particularly significant this year as it was dedicated to his late mother, Muukyala Kayondo, in honor of her 70th birthday.

The atmosphere was hypnotic, with exceptional sound management. Lighting and stage setup also ensured a seamless experience for attendees. Everything was well-organized, and the crowd was in high spirits throughout the night. 

The event attracted a host of young artistes, TV presenters, and radio personalities including DJ Mutasa Pro, MC Maswanku, MC Bruno Betty, MC Bukutu, Omutaka Ssebwato from Bukedde FM and DJ Mbazira Tonny. Omutaka Ssebwato took the honor of testing the sound system before the main act of the night.

As midnight approached, Sunna Ben made his entrance in mourning attire, wearing a black T-shirt and traditional backcloth belt around his waist—a cultural symbol of grief for those who have lost loved ones. 

The crowd fell silent in respect, acknowledging the somber yet celebratory mood.
It did not take long before the surprise artiste, Pastor Wilson Bugembe opened the performance on the night.

In a heartfelt gesture of giving back to his fans, Sunna Ben invited the first 20 attendees with boda boda loans to the stage. Through a random selection process, 10 lucky individuals each received shs200,000 in cash to support their loan payments. The grateful recipients expressed their deep appreciation for his generosity.

With emotions running high, Sunna Ben took to the decks and played, keeping the energy alive until morning. He only took a brief break to allow Mbazira to entertain the crowd in his segment before returning to the DJ box.

The music continued until 8:00am, marking yet another successful edition of the annual gathering. 

Sunna Ben's tribute to his mother, combined with his unwavering support for his fans, made this year's event truly unforgettable. Fans left the venue way after sunrise, eagerly looking forward to next year’s edition.