What began as an ordinary rehearsal morning quickly became a big surprise for singer cum songwriter Kenneth Mugabi when V&A Sherry Brand Manager Roy Tumwizere walked into his live session at Marish Studio in Bukoto to announce the brand’s sponsorship of his 10th anniversary concert.
The concert, set for September 12, 2026, at Ndere Cultural Centre, will mark a decade of Mugabi’s music and the journey that has seen him become one of Uganda’s most distinctive voices in soul music.
More than 30,000 fans tuned into the live rehearsal, helping Mugabi curate his performance list as he reflected on a show he says is ultimately for the people who have listened, supported and grown with his music over the past 10 years.
For Tumwizere, the partnership is about more than sponsoring a concert. It is about recognising a journey and giving people a reason to pause and celebrate how far one has come.
“Kenneth Mugabi’s decade-long musical journey represents years of creativity, persistence and commitment to his craft, a story that V&A believes deserves to be recognised and shared,” he said.
“I am excited about this partnership because, personally, I am a great fan of Mugabi, and V&A Sherry is made for moments like these. Celebrating 10 years is a milestone worth recognising and sharing,” he added.
For Mugabi, however, the milestone carries a deeply personal meaning. 10 years of music have brought with them the highs, the difficult seasons, the growth and, above all, the people who stayed with him through the journey.
“This concert is special because it doubles as my birthday and is my way of celebrating that journey with everyone who has been part of it from the days of the start of the Kibun’omu album. Having V&A Sherry on board makes the celebration even more special, and I am excited for us to share this moment,” Mugabi added.
The rehearsal also offered fans a glimpse of what to expect on the night, with Mugabi revisiting the songs that have become part of the soundtrack of his career. From Sanyu and Nkwengomba to Naki, the music has travelled beyond the stage, finding a place in the lives and memories of the people who have listened along the way.
Mugabi revealed that he will share the stage with an East African music legend he has long admired, but stopped short of revealing the name. “V&A has surprised me this morning. I’m also keeping this as a surprise for my fans,” he remarked.
That spirit of surprise will carry into the concert itself, which promises an evening built around Mugabi’s musical catalogue, his evolution as an artist and the people who have been part of his story.