Tuesday night belonged to the girls, and Don Julio, in partnership with Mezo Noir, made it a memorable one. The hangout transformed into Kampala’s most coveted address for a reservation-only soirée that redefined how East Africa’s finest celebrate.
The music policy delivered exactly what was promised. DJ Ricky opened proceedings with a myriad of mixes and kept the momentum surging, as the venue steadily filled with Kampala’s beauties and big ballers. DJ Hady then stepped in with a punchy Dancehall set that warmed the room and got bodies moving early. Then Sheilah Gashumba, aka Lil Stunner, arrived and shifted the temperature entirely, ushering in a commanding Amapiano takeover, weaving together new and old beloved Amapiano hits from the land of ‘Mzansi’.
The dancefloor didn’t cool once. After Sheilah, DJ Alisha served the audience with some dope Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop mixes that had the audience reminiscing about the good old days when music was raw with emotion.
Don Julio’s presence was felt in every corner. Waitresses wove through the crowd bearing illuminated carriers, one etched with the brand’s signature hat-wearing founder for each core-range bottle bought, another etched with the iconic 1942 bottle. Each arrival was announced by the unmistakable notes of ‘Dorime’. It was theatre as much as service, transforming every bottle delivery into a moment worth pausing your conversation for.
“We are celebrating the girls who persist and dare to follow their hearts to take on a career in an industry largely dominated by men,” said Judie Nandekya, Senior Brand Manager for Tequila and Rum East Africa at UBL. “We partnered with Mezo Noir to honour their ambition, persistence, and a daring spirit to put a fresh spin on something that already exists.”
DJ Spinny then took the reins, laying down a slick Afro house set that primed the crowd and built anticipation to a fever pitch. Then came the night’s headliner- Ms DSF, who claimed the decks, as she commanded the music with surgical precision, with her dance team, in matching white bodysuits, took the floor and matched her energy move for move, elevating the performance into a full-blown spectacle.