By Mercy Nalugo
Dec 29, 2003
Nabugabo Sand Beach annual festival on Boxing Day was a success. Local top musicians led by the latest entrant on the music scene, Ziggy D, left Masaka longing for more. The rather exciting fun festival brought together people of all walks of life especially from Masaka. But also many travelled from as far as Kampala that morning, both public and private means to go and be part of the happening. Connecting from Nyendo to Sand beach was not easy especially for those who did not own cars. One had to either squeeze him/herself in an overloaded taxi at Shs 1,000, or jump onto a Tipper/Fuso lorry for Shs 500. By 9 a.m, many people were struggling in to the venue at a fee of Shs 5000. Sand Beach Nabugabo that organised the festival put in place three stages that presented different entertainment concurrently. Located only 16km from Masaka town, Sand Beach is an upcountry leisure and entertainment hideout that has become a second home to many.
On the entertainment menu was Kads Band, Soul disco, New sound disco, Kawoya of Samads and Eclipse dancers. There were also miming and swimming competitions, boat racing, pool table and beach volleyball.
Top Kampala musicians Steve Jean, Emperor Orlando, Bobbi Wine, Peter Miles, No creature, Weasel, Godfrey Kyagambidwa a.k.a Chagga and Small Axe entertained the crowds. Also Compra Dee, Sam and Sophie Gombya, Father Ancton, Nvannungi, Akiki Romeo and Mad Tiger, left many quite excited. The emcees were radio presenter Abu Kawenja and comedian Kayibanda who had to stop music for a number of times to announce lost and found kids.
Unexpectedly, Ziggy D was announced as the next on stage. Almost all the fans left the other stages and joined him. They swung their arms in the air as he sang his popular hit Mic Ya Ziggy D." Bobbi Wine later joined him in their song Sunda Sunda. Protector Condoms were in plenty and were freely distributed. The festival was however disrupted briefly by rumours of a young boy that had drowned. Lifesavers tried to locate him but in vain. It was later speculated to have been just a snake that chased the swimmers out of the lake. By 6 p.m people were still flowing in, most of who were coming from old Nabugabo Beach. "The festival has generally been a success," said Herman Kasozi the proprietor. | ||||||||||||
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