There are some songs that do more than play in the background; they take you somewhere.
On Sunday evening at Mestil Hotel, the opening lines of Mario’s Let Me Love You did exactly that. As the familiar “Baby, I just don’t get…” began playing, conversations gave way to singing, with guests joining in as though the song had been released yesterday rather than more than two decades ago.
It was that kind of familiarity that defined the RnB and Friends experience, as old-school music lovers gathered once again for an evening built around songs that have survived changing tastes, generations and the rise of new music trends.
But before the party gathered full speed, MC of the day Derrick Dasha called on the audience to pause for a minute of silence and pray for the soul of Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the late King of Tooro, who died on August 27 at the age of 34.
The moment brought a brief sense of reflection to the gardens, with members of the Tooro community joining in prayer for their fallen King. Tooro royal songs were also played in his honour, giving the early part of the evening a moment of solemnity before the music and conversations continued.
From there, the evening gradually found its rhythm.
What was most striking was how little persuasion the crowd needed to sing along. Almost every song seemed to come with its own chorus of voices, with revelers knowing the lyrics word for word – including some of the younger faces in the crowd who were not even around when many of the songs first became hits.
And although RnB was at the heart of the experience, the DJs were not afraid to wander off the menu.
DJs Anselm and Selector Jay shifted between old-school RnB, hip-hop and Uganda’s own throwback hits, throwing in unexpected favourites to spice things up whenever the crowd needed a little push.
Away from the dance floor, another part of the evening was beginning to take shape around the Baileys cocktail experience.
Rather than simply ordering a drink, guests were invited to make their own Baileys cocktails through a DIY experience.
Baileys’ mixologist Eric .T, saw this as an opportunity to show guests that the drink could be much more than something poured over ice.
“Baileys brings together smooth Irish cream, Irish whiskey and those familiar touches of cocoa and vanilla, so you already have a rich base to work with. But you can have fun with it and make it your own,” he explained.
His recipe suggestions included ice, coffee, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and sprinkles, with a cream wafer serving as the finishing touch. The combinations gave guests the chance to experiment with their own serves, while also showing that the same ideas could easily be recreated at home.
And with MTN MoMo offering a 20% discount on purchases made inside the venue, it became easier for revelers to pick up food and pair it with the different Baileys serves as they settled into the evening.
That combination of food, drinks and music helped keep the experience social, rather than making it solely about the dance floor.
For Joanita Grey, who said she rarely misses an old-school music experience, that social element is part of what keeps her coming back.
“I come for the music and the vibes, but I also enjoy meeting people. Even when I come with my friends, I can still end up talking to someone I have never met before. There is something fulfilling about making new friends over good music and food,” she said.
Speaking about this event, Baileys Brand Manager Nancy Nansikombi, mentioned that the ability to create different kinds of moments is central to the brand’s presence at experiences like this.
“People are looking for more than just a drink when they go out. They want moments they can share, participate in and remember. When you bring together music, food, friendship and something as simple as making your own cocktail, Baileys becomes part of that experience and the memories people take away with them,” she said.
And perhaps that was what made the evening work.
