The Jazz Bliss Concert, part of a growing tradition of live musical showcases at the Sheraton Kampala, highlighted the fusion of local creativity and global sound.
Kampala, Uganda: Ugandan soul crooner Kenneth Mugabi proved once again why he remains one of the country’s most captivating live performers during the Jazz Bliss Music Concert held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Performing alongside the One Note Band, Mugabi delivered an enthralling one-hour set that fused African storytelling, soulful vocals, and live instrumentation — leaving the audience spellbound and applauding every song.
Mugabi took to the stage at exactly 9:00 PM, opening his performance with songs from his acclaimed Tales of Mugabi album, before taking fans down memory lane with audience favorites like Nkwegomba, Naki, Sanyu Nkwagala, and Mumbeja Amaaso.
Armed with his signature guitar and the tube fiddle, a traditional Ugandan string instrument, Mugabi seamlessly blended folk, soul, and Afro-fusion sounds, offering a performance that celebrated both his artistry and cultural identity.
His set captured the heart of the concert — a marriage of jazz elegance and Ugandan authenticity. Guests swayed, sang along, and connected deeply to the themes of love, heritage, and emotion woven through his lyrics.
‘I’m Not a Jazz Musician; I’m a Storyteller’
Speaking shortly after his performance, Mugabi humbly clarified that he doesn’t identify as a jazz musician but as an African storyteller who uses music as a cultural medium.
“My music is for storytelling,” he said. “I believe that storytelling through music is the best way I can sell my culture through art. Jazz is beautiful, but I find my identity in African tradition and emotional honesty.”
Mugabi’s performance highlighted his ability to transcend genres — blending folk poetry with the improvisational feel of jazz, creating a sound that resonated with both jazz lovers and traditional music enthusiasts.
The One Note Band Sets the Stage
Before Mugabi’s performance, the One Note Band — led by Kezia Kimbugwe and Kenneth Musoke — kept the crowd entertained with a medley of classic old-school jazz covers from global legends.
The band’s chemistry and musicianship set the perfect tone for the evening, featuring standout performances by Marvin Birungi (Trumpet), Yosia Kalumba (Keyboard), and Moses Menya (Drums).
Their smooth transitions, improvisation, and rhythmic precision kept the Sheraton Ballroom alive with jazz nostalgia before Mugabi took the spotlight.
The Jazz Bliss Concert, part of a growing tradition of live musical showcases at the Sheraton Kampala, highlighted the fusion of local creativity and global sound.
For Kenneth Mugabi, the event offered another stage to reinforce his brand of authentic Ugandan soul music, deeply emotive, lyrically rich, and steeped in storytelling tradition.
As guests rose for a standing ovation, the message was clear: Mugabi’s music might not fit neatly into jazz, but his ability to evoke feeling, culture, and connection embodies the very essence of musical artistry.
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