To say that those who didn’t make it to Mestil Hotel for the Independence Day Strictly Soul edition missed out is an understatement. Two major things happened last night: an incredible DJ lineup, and the revellers getting treated to the freshest new member of the Johnnie Walker family, Johnnie Walker Blonde.
After a short break, Africa’s biggest R&B party made a grand return to Uganda, on Wednesday, October 8th, Independence Day eve and what a comeback it was! With Johnnie Walker as the beverage partner, the event was nothing short of spectacular.
The iconic whisky brand made sure this edition wasn’t just bigger, but bursting with flavour, by introducing their newest variant, Johnnie Walker Blonde. A playful whisky, crafted specifically for mixing and creating vibrant cocktails, that added an exciting new twist to the Strictly Soul experience.
Nicknamed “Sunshine in a bottle,” Johnnie Walker Blonde is bright and lively, best enjoyed with lemonade, for that easy, summery feel. It teases your taste buds with hints of sweet vanilla, apple, and caramel, finishing smooth and light. And that energy flowed right into the night. The vibe was bright and carefree, the cocktails were exceptional, and the music? Don’t even get started! Guests filled the dance floor, singing their hearts out and moving to every beat.
The DJ lineup was one for the books. Jerry Mehn, Heydez, and Jefas each brought their A-game, taking revellers on a nostalgic roller coaster- from 90s R&B classics, to the hits that define today’s sound. Think TLC, Beyoncé, Summer Walker, Chris Brown, the soundtrack to every soul lover’s life. And then there was DJ Akio, the Strictly Soul resident DJ, whose set was pure fire, as always. Even Lilian Mbabazi’s “Ddagala” made a surprise debut, sealing the night with homegrown soul and flair.
Speaking about the Independence Strictly Soul edition, Christine Kyokunda, the Johnnie Walker Brand Manager, explained why the event was the perfect platform to introduce Johnnie Walker Blonde. “Strictly Soul is Africa’s biggest R&B party. It takes guests on a flavourful musical journey, blending old-school hits with the new, and that’s the exact kind of energy that comes with Blonde: fresh, bright, and made for good times. It’s our sunshine in a bottle, perfect for occasions like this. With just a simple mix with lemonade, you’re good to go.”
She added, “As you’ve witnessed tonight, it’s easy to enjoy Blonde. Just mix it up, grab your friends, and let the good vibes flow.”
From the music, to the cocktails and the electric atmosphere, this Strictly Soul edition was everything a great night should be: vibrant, flavourful, and full of unforgettable moments. When Johnnie Walker Blonde landed, it didn’t just add flavour to the night, it set the perfect tone for what good times should feel like.
So, if you missed it, here’s the memo: when you see the Blonde next time, don’t just watch from the sidelines, join the mix, raise your glass, and take a sip of sunshine. Because with Johnnie Walker Blonde, the party doesn’t start, it shines.
