KAMPALA — Western Uganda’s music star Ray G brought his Ankole-rooted sound to the heart of Kampala on Friday night, drawing a large crowd to Kololo Airstrip for a concert that supporters described as a major moment for the region’s music.
The concert, promoted by Abtex Promotions with backing from Uganda Waragi, attracted fans from Kampala and western Uganda, with groups travelling from Mbarara and other parts of the region to attend the show.
By evening, crowds had gathered around the venue as the concert moved into its main programme, with images and videos shared online showing a packed audience and an energetic atmosphere.
General admission tickets started at Shs20,000, while VIP and table packages were available for fans seeking premium access.
For many of Ray G’s supporters, however, the concert represented more than a night of entertainment. It was an opportunity for an artist strongly associated with western Uganda to demonstrate that music rooted in the region can draw a substantial audience in Kampala.
Social media commentator Gabriel Buule captured that sentiment in a post comparing Ray G’s reception in Kampala to a symbolic conquest.
“Historical kingdom of Ankole/Nkore never invaded Buganda, but Ray G has been able to colonise Kololo,” Buule wrote.
Ray G also shared updates from the venue as the evening unfolded, signalling to his followers that the long-awaited concert was underway.
The turnout generated excitement among supporters, with some hailing the event as a breakthrough for the Ankole music scene. Others online questioned the extent of the hype surrounding the concert, reflecting the debate that often follows major entertainment events.
Ray G has built his profile largely through music connected to western Uganda, developing a loyal following around songs that draw on the region’s language, culture and contemporary experiences.
His Kololo concert marked a significant attempt to take that regional following into one of Kampala’s most prominent concert spaces.
The event also highlighted the growing commercial potential of western Uganda’s entertainment industry, as artists increasingly look beyond their traditional home audiences and seek national recognition.
For Ray G, the challenge now is to convert the attention generated by the Kololo show into a broader national audience while maintaining the regional identity that helped build his career.
The concert ended a major night for the artist and his supporters, but its significance may extend beyond a single performance — particularly if it encourages more Ugandan artists from outside Kampala to take their music to national stages.