A regular attendee of concerts at Kampala Serena Hotel would be familiar with a certain pattern: music blaring as guests make their way to the Victoria Hall Ballroom, drinks flowing, and the usual buzz of Kampala’s entertainment scene.
However, Saturday, November 7, offered a different experience, as gospel singer Levixone took over the venue for his I&M Bank powered ‘A One Tym Experience’ concert, celebrating 17 years of music and ministry.
Graced by church leaders from different Pentecostal denominations, business leaders, socialites, musicians and gospel music lovers, the concert brought together people from different walks of life for a night of music, worship and celebration.
Upon arrival at Serena, show goers were greeted by a distinctive attraction- a brand new Tukikube ne I&M Bank-branded Mitsubishi Outlander Sport car, that was perfectly positioned where no one could miss it.
The Tukikube ne I&M Bank is a campaign that focuses on asset financing, and is now in its second season. The car that was complemented with a large long blue carpet extending from the main entrance towards the concert venue, provided a perfect backdrop for guests to snap away.
“We are glad to have been part of such a memorable evening. This is a testimony that our On Your Side brand promise goes beyond banking. As I&M Bank, we commit to continue supporting platforms that bring people together and create lasting experiences. This is part of a wider calendar of engagements we have planned, with more exciting events coming up before the year ends,” Annette Nakiyaga, the I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications said.
Inside Victoria Hall, The House of Love Choir set the tone for the evening with uplifting gospel performances as guests settled in ahead of the headline act.
Levixone stepped onto stage a few minutes to 10pm, dressed in white, in an outfit that carried an almost royal touch. He immediately took charge of the venue, opening his performance with a selection of powerful hits, including Turn the Replay, one of the songs that turned into a classic of sorts.
His performance of Jungle brought a reggae-inspired feel to the evening, with the live band complementing the song’s rhythm and giving the audience another reason to get on their feet.
One of Levixone’s defining strengths has been his ability to appeal beyond the traditional gospel audience. His music blends gospel messages with contemporary sounds, including Reggae, Dancehall and Afro-inspired rhythms, creating songs that resonate with both believers and general music lovers.
Guno Omwaka, with its gospel dancehall influence, was another highlight, drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience as guests sang along and danced to the familiar tune.
The second session maintained the energy, with Levixone taking the audience through more of his popular catalogue. Among the highlights was Yoya, his collaboration with Western Uganda’s celebrated star Ray G. The two shared the stage for a performance that brought another layer of excitement to the concert.
His wife, singer Desire Luzinda, also joined him on stage, drawing cheers from the audience as the couple shared the moment with fans.
The concert also lived up to its promise of bringing together gospel music talent from across the continent. Congolese singers Grace Lokwa- famed for his hit Kumama Papa, and Fiston Mbuyi, alongside Malawian gospel artiste Wendy Harawa and Zambia’s Abel Chungu, formed part of the international line-up, giving the event a distinctly pan-African feel.
Ugandan singers including Mikie Wine, Winnie Nwagi, Elijah Kitaka and Vinka among others, turned up and stood in solidarity with Levixone.
The event ran deep into the night, with many showgoers leaving in high spirits, pleased to have enjoyed a memorable evening.
