Dlala Thukzin and Etania Ignite 1420’s First Anniversary

Bugolobi’s premier hangout, 1420 Resto Bar, celebrated its first anniversary on Thursday evening with a high-energy event that combined fashion, fine dining, and electrifying music into an unforgettable experience.

To mark this milestone, 1420 partnered with the premium tequila brand Don Julio to deliver a glamorous night filled with captivating sounds, headlined by South African sensation Dlala Thukzin, whose performance kept the revellers dancing all night.

“There is a growing tequila culture in Uganda, and Don Julio is proud to be at the forefront of it all,” said Judie Nandekya, Senior Brand Manager for Tequila and Rum in East Africa. “Don Julio is about celebrating milestone moments, and 1420’s first anniversary was the perfect occasion to raise a glass of the finest tequila.”

While the red carpet buzzed with style and star power, the real excitement unfolded on the dance floor, where celebrities and fans danced side by side. Renowned DJs, including Alisha, Etania, popularly known as The Life of the Party, and Kamali, mingled freely with revellers, fostering an atmosphere of shared celebration.

From DJ Ssese to DJ Vanss, the music primarily focused on Afro-house and dancehall. Crowd favourites like Beenie Man’s “Dude,” Elephant Man’s “Pon De River,” and Siza’s “Abantu” are often mistaken by many Ugandans for Amapiano sets the tone for the night.

Etania further elevated the energy, transporting the party to a South African vibe before Dlala Thukzin took centre stage. Earlier, DJ Alisha had warmed up the crowd with a hip-hop-heavy set that awakened the inner rapper in many partygoers.

The audience enthusiastically lip-synced to classics like Rick Ross’ “John,” Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money,” and Chris Brown’s “Ayo,” among others.

At exactly 12:30 a.m., Dlala Thukzin stepped onto the decks, instantly transforming 1420 into a slice of Johannesburg nightlife. As “Ama Gear” began to play, phones shot into the air, voices rose in unison, and the dance floor erupted with pure, unfiltered energy, cementing the night as a fitting celebration of 1420’s first year.