The Alliance Française Kampala rooftop was filled to capacity last Saturday evening, as London-based Ugandan singer Seby Ntege returned to his roots for a highly anticipated homecoming concert dubbed “Made in Uganda”
The event, a vibrant gathering of friends, well-wishers, diplomats, and alumni, turned into a memorable celebration of music and heritage.
From the moment the first notes echoed across the rooftop, it was clear that the night would be quite a vibrant one. The crowd, eager and energetic, filled the venue before 7:00pm, setting the stage for an evening of musical excellence. The night began with a live Ugandan band, which warmed up the audience with a series of captivating opening acts that set the perfect tone for what was to come.
When Seby Ntege finally took to stage, clad in an all-white outfit complemented by a black king’s robe, the crowd erupted in applause. Backed by a six-piece band, Seby delivered a mesmerizing performance, singing tracks from his Five Notes and Love and Heritage albums. Hits like Ondabilanga Maama, Kiri Omulangira, Maria, and Babirye Omulongo filled the night air, with the audience joining in, singing along to the lyrics they knew by heart.
Seby’s performance was not just a showcase of his vocal talent but also of his exceptional skill as a multi-instrumentalist. He seamlessly transitioned from singing to playing the acoustic guitar and the Janzi, a traditional Ugandan string instrument, adding layers of depth to his already impressive set. His artistry on stage was met with enthusiasm, as the crowd danced and sang in unison, captivated by his every move.
Reflecting on the night, Seby expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support. “It went better than I expected. You may have followers online, but it’s different when you’re on the ground. Seeing people turn up and playing with a new band, I think it went quite well,”
Whether it was the music, the free sugarcane juice served to everyone, or the impeccable production by Brian Aliddeki, one thing was clear: Seby Ntege had delivered a homecoming concert that left a lasting impression.
A proud son of Busoga in eastern Uganda, Seby Ntege has long been recognized as a master of traditional African instruments, including the amadinda (xylophones), endingidi (tube fiddle), engoma (African drums), enkwanzi (panpipes), and endongo (thumb piano). Born into a musical family, Seby began his journey with the Nile Beat Artists band at just 13 years old, touring Africa as an instrumentalist and dancer.
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