Uganda’s platform for showcasing original Afro-soul and RnB music and identifying new talent has received a significant boost of UGX 50 million from Stanbic Bank. This annual music event, which has been running for more than a decade, aims to enhance live original performances and discover new talent.
The event is organized by Tshaka Mayanja, a renowned Jazz enthusiast, in collaboration with the Black Roots Academy of Soul. The upcoming event is scheduled for October 7, 2023. Mayanja proudly announced that Stanbic Bank Uganda is the title sponsor of this year’s event, dubbed “Stanbic Soul-RnB & Wine Safari.” According to Mayanja, this event is not just a performance but an annual celebration of Ugandan music, culture, and community.
He expressed that the sponsorship came at the right time and from the right source, saying, “The Stanbic Soul-RnB & Wine Safari will be a celebration of Ugandan music, culture, and community, and we are excited to welcome Stanbic Bank, a brand that has consistently and authentically proven its belief in Ugandan arts and music over the years.”
Mayanja also mentioned that this musical extravaganza serves as a prelude to Uganda’s 61st Independence celebrations on October 9th and is designed to encapsulate the musical journey of the country. The soul music lineup includes prominent artists such as Lilian Mbabazi, Irene Ntale, and Joel Kisakye.
The R&B session will feature timeless classics from Mayanja himself and the Black Roots Academy stars, including lead vocalists Julius Sese, Carsten Yesuanjagala, Tonya Michelle Ahenda, Yanzi Prudence, Lisa Sonia, and Aaron Ddamulira. Mayanja emphasized that this translates to four extraordinary bands performing in one night, offering an incredible experience for lovers of exceptional live music.
Other sponsors of the event include Guvnor Uganda, Fragolino, Radio One FM90, NTV Uganda, Mestil Hotel, Fenon Events, and Sauti Audio Crew. They promise a seamless partnership to celebrate Uganda’s music and nurture talent. Arthur Kiwanuka, the head of Affluent Banking at Stanbic Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to celebrating Uganda’s cultural heritage and supporting local arts and music.
He said, “Uganda is our home, and we believe in her musical arts and culture.” Kiwanuka added that the Soul-RnB & Wine Safari provides an excellent opportunity for the bank to celebrate local talent and create memorable brand experiences for its customers.
He also highlighted the bank’s belief in the potential of Uganda’s music industry to create meaningful livelihoods for the youth, stating, “Our purpose is to drive Uganda’s growth, and our music industry has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of jobs for young creatives and others along the value chain.”
By Denis Kasule Ssebunya
