The warm, intimate ambiance of a Wednesday evening provided the perfect backdrop for a night of jazz and indulgence at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
A Night of Musical Bliss: Jazz Bliss @ Sheraton
The event, Jazz Bliss @ Sheraton, brought together music lovers and food enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience, featuring delectable cuisine and a live performance by the talented One Note band, with vocalists Kez and Ken.
By 7 p.m., guests had already gathered in the elegant Victoria Hall, sipping on their favorite drinks and enjoying the evening’s soothing melodies.
The food stations were abuzz with a variety of dishes and tempting desserts, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate. As soft, welcoming background music played, it set a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, preparing guests for the night’s performances.
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The Main Event: One Note Takes the Stage
At 8 p.m., Sheraton Kampala Hotel’s General Manager, Jean Phillipe Bittencourt, took to the stage to welcome the guests before introducing the night’s main act.
Shortly after, at 8:05 p.m., the much-anticipated One Note band took the stage. The event was directed and produced by Dr. Benon Kigozi, a renowned jazz performer and senior lecturer in the Department of Performing Arts and Film at Makerere University’s School of Liberal and Performing Arts.
The lineup featured:
- Kezia Kimbugwe (Kez) and Ken Music – Vocals
- Yosia Kalunda – Piano
- John Bizz – Electric Guitar
- Moses Waiswa – Drums
- Marvin Birungi – Trumpet
- Gilberto Omony – Bass Guitar
- Jonathan Musoke – Sound Management
Dr. Kigozi’s Musical Journey
Dr. Kigozi, who has performed in 14 countries, shared that his love for classical music began at just four years old and later evolved into a passion for jazz. Some of his favorite jazz artists include Isaiah Katumwa and Miles Davis, while Kalunda remains one of his most cherished jazz pianists.
One Note, founded a year and a half ago, has now partnered with Sheraton Kampala Hotel to present Jazz Bliss @ Sheraton as part of a quarterly series.
Sheraton’s Commitment to Cultural Integration
Bittencourt emphasized the hotel’s dedication to fostering connections and integrating local and international cultures through regular events.
A longtime jazz enthusiast, Bittencourt expressed his love for classic jazz legends like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Fela Kútì, and Miriam Makeba.
“I’m glad we can organize this special jazz evening to offer jazz lovers this moment. I hope young people get more interested and join in to sing and play—it’s very important,” he shared.
A Setlist of Timeless Classics
The night was filled with a stunning selection of jazz classics, including:
- Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Fats Waller
- All of Me – Gerald Marks
- Autumn Leaves – Joseph Kosma
- Don’t Know Why – Jesse Harris
- Fly Me to the Moon – Bart Howard
- For Once in My Life – Ron Miller & Orlando Murden
- Georgia on My Mind – Ray Charles
- The Girl from Ipanema – Antônio Carlos Jobim
Guests also had the opportunity to request their favorite songs, which the band graciously performed.
A Special Surprise: Hope Mukasa’s Impromptu Performance
At 9:55 p.m., the legendary singer Hope Mukasa made a surprise appearance, thrilling the audience with an impromptu performance that added a magical touch to the night.
Fine Dining and Notable Guests
Guests indulged in a self-served buffet, enjoying a selection of mouth-watering dishes throughout the evening.
Prominent attendees included:
- Joram Muzira, founder of Joram Model Management, who described jazz events as luxurious and uniquely immersive.
- Natasha Nyonyozi, reigning Miss Uganda, who praised the event’s atmosphere, saying “What I expected is what I found, so yeah, so far so good.”
- Hannah Karema Tumukunde, former Miss Uganda, who shared that she finds jazz music calming.
Uganda’s Vibrant Event Scene
Bittencourt lauded Uganda’s dynamic party culture, highlighting the hospitality industry’s growth despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that international events and tourism play a crucial role in boosting Uganda’s hospitality sector.
Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember
The Jazz Bliss @ Sheraton event was more than just an evening of music—it was a celebration of culture, art, and fine living. With an incredible lineup of talented musicians, delicious cuisine, and a lively audience, the event set the stage for future jazz nights in Kampala.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming jazz events, entertainment highlights, and Uganda’s growing music scene!
