The Lugogo Cricket Oval came alive on Saturday with the electrifying debut of the Noise Nation festival, headlined by Jamaican dancehall star Dexta Daps. The event, marked by high-energy performances, bold fashion displays, and a vibrant celebration of creativity, delivered an unforgettable experience for fans.
The festivities began under clear skies, with attendees indulging in a diverse culinary spread featuring popular vendors like The Meat Guy. Interactive photo booths and engaging games added to the daytime excitement, while a 3×3 basketball tournament provided a competitive edge.
One of the highlights was the Uganda Waragi and Bell Citrus tent, which featured an alluring green and yellow glow—a nod to both the zesty cocktail flavours and the Jamaican flag.
Hillary Baguma, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) Manager for Mainstream Spirits, noted, “Today we showcased our innovations in Lemon and Ginger and Bell Citrus, but it’s also been inspiring to witness the creativity and vibrancy here. As the spirit that binds, Uganda Waragi is proud to support this coming together of creatives for Noise Nation.”
The afternoon’s momentum was driven by Noise Chill DJs, including DJ Cross, Naselow, and Vanss, who set the tone with hits spanning decades. Later, the Ekikumba Fashion Show turned the stage into a runway, showcasing bold and stylish ensembles that were also available for purchase at the venue.
As night fell, the Swangz Avenue All-Stars took centre stage, delivering a stellar performance. Azawi led with a powerful opening, followed by Vinka, Winnie Nwagi, Zafaran, Elijah Kitaka, and John Blaq performing hits from their joint album. The crowd erupted into a massive singalong as the ensemble closed their set with their hit song, God Ye Badde.
Surprise performances added a nostalgic touch, with The Mith, Navio, Nutty Neithan, and Benon reuniting with Vamposs for a special set that had fans swaying to familiar classics.
The night sky mirrored the excitement on the ground as a breathtaking fireworks display commemorated the inaugural Noise Nation festival, which organisers aim to establish as an annual event.
As the fireworks faded, the highly anticipated headliner, Dexta Daps, took the stage. His electrifying performance, complete with dynamic dance moves and powerful vocals, had the crowd singing, dancing, and chanting along. Seamlessly delivering hits from his dancehall catalogue, Dexta Daps showcased a masterclass in showmanship. After a brief interlude, he returned for an encore, leaving the audience yearning for more.
The Noise Nation debut was a night to remember—an extraordinary fusion of music, fashion, food, and culture, setting a high bar for future editions.
