Ask many Ugandan music lovers about singer Juliana Kanyomozi and for most of them, she is a remarkable artiste but who is very hard to spot.
She has branded herself in a way that she rarely makes public appearances or performances at music events.
So, while her fans wait for her next song release, they even yearn more for that rare moment to watch her perform live on stage.
But for Kampalans who revere Juliana’s powerful music, last Thursday was a dream come true. The Pop and RnB musician made an appearance at the Bukoto based 400 Bar, at the weekly comedy themed show ‘Comedy Store’.
When she stepped on stage a few minutes after midnight, the audience couldn’t hold their anxiety any longer.
The minute Comedy Store host Alex Muhangi announced Juliana, a loud wave of enchantment swept through the air. Most revelers reached for their phones to capture the moment, others clapped endlessly as the rest screamed with arms in the air.
A reception befitting an icon whose legacy has spunned over two decades and to this day still creates captivating music.
Dressed in a black short sleeved jumpsuit with color matching open heel peep toe shoes, Juliana opened her act with her hit song ‘Diana’, a rendition of Philly Bongoley Lutaaya.
Then she gave a shout to the audience; “Are you well? Should I unwrap the music? Which songs do you like me to perform?”. Obviously, the requests were numerous.
On her lined up playlist was her latest releases; ‘Wakajanja’ and ‘I’m Still Here’ which she performed amid laudation from the crowd, some people already grooving along. Equally thrilled by the merry mood, at some point Juliana shook what her mama gave her, to prove that age is just a number.
Later, the multiple award winning musician sang an a capella of ‘Nabikoowa’ and ‘Kibaluma’, occasionally letting the audience complete the lines in utter loudness.
When the DJ played ‘Kalibatanya’, Juliana stepped off stage to get upclose with the enthusiastic fans, many of who held their phones up to savour every second of the performance. The lucky ones to whom she got closer took selfies and indulged her in a dance.
Short as the act might have seemed for many, but for the many, it was worthwhile.
The audience had earlier been treated to a dose of hearty laughter by some of Kampala’s highest rated comedians – Madrat and Chiko, Crazy University, Kabaata, Kaleera and Jajja Bruce.
(Photos by Nelly Salvatore, Brian Ssekamatte)
