How do people show you that they are for you?
Support is expressed in many ways, but two of the clearest are standing by you and showing up when it matters most. Ugandans did both, and more, on Friday, November 13, at the 50 Years of Greatness concert, powered by V&A Sherry, to celebrate Mesach Semakula’s 50th birthday.
By 2 pm, guests had already lined up outside Kingdom Kampala. Many arrived dressed to the nines in the black-and-gold dress code, and they paused to pose for photos and videos at the unmissable 50-year V&A backdrop.
Inside, the Papaz band and a DJ warmed up the crowd, taking them down memory lane with the songs that raised them.
Mesach took the stage at 7 pm. His first segment included Kankutendeleze, Mummy, and Sigwe Onsimila. He was then joined by King Michael for some of their shared songs, including Kwata, Muko Muko, and Nina Omukwano, a fan favourite collaboration between the two.
Then the skies opened. Fans stood their ground, raising chairs over their heads to shelter and keep enjoying the show. Mesach was visibly moved and said he had to give that love back, which he did by performing his song Thank You, My People.
V&A Sherry was on offer in both neat and cocktail forms, and guests enjoyed it and shared it with friends.
Angella Mpayenda, V&A Sherry’s Brand Manager, said the turnout reflected what the brand stands for.
“As V&A Sherry, we congratulate Mesach Semakula on reaching this milestone, and we are delighted by the love his fans and supporters have shown him. People braved the downpour to be with their favourite artist and entertainer. That kind of support reflects what we believe: moments like these are Yours to Share. What better way to share them than with those who are willing to go miles for you?”
Among the guests of honour were the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, and Prince Wassajja. Veteran artists Maureen Nantume, Aziz Azion, Haruna Mubiru, and Irene Namubiru joined Mesach on stage to perform the Afrigo Band classic Agalibe Enjole.
In honour of Buganda’s culture and its depth and richness, Mesach then performed Omutanda, a song that made many fans feel at home. He also thanked his supporters and sponsors, asking fans to “appreciate everyone who showed up for him during his 50 years of greatness.”
Other musicians, including Jose Chameleone, Stecia Mayanja, Juliana Kanyomozi and Rema Namakula, also entertained the crowd.
The night was capped with a birthday cake-cutting led by Mesach, joined by Prince Wassajja and Juliana Kanyomozi, as fans toasted the milestone with the finest sherry liqueur in hand.
By the time the show ended, people were wet and exhausted, but they had had a great time.
Other sponsors included I&M Bank Uganda, MTN Uganda, Rosefoam, Papaz Spot, and BBS Terefayina, among others.
