Unwind to nostalgic tunes at Guvnor’s Oldies Night! What’s On Kampala contributor Dennis Asiimwe reviews the night – is it Kampala’s best theme night? Find out if this party lives up to the hype.
Guvnor Keeps the Party Going: Unforgettable Oldies Night Revives Decades of Music.
While news of Guvnor closing its Saturday nights sent a wave of nostalgia through Kampala’s party scene, this iconic club still holds the key to unforgettable evenings. Guvnor has not only retained, but arguably perfected, one of the city’s best theme nights – The Oldies Night.
This isn’t your average theme night. The Oldies Night at Guvnor is a testament to “where there is a will, a vision, and a frightening amount of talent, there almost certainly will be a way.”
The Masterminds Behind the Magic
The “will” belongs to Charlie Lubega, Guvnor’s owner, a man known for his meticulous efficiency. He transformed Angenoir, a legendary Kampala nightclub, into the thriving Guvnor. Charlie’s vision, however, needed a spark. Enter Tshaka Mayanja, the man behind the vision and passion of the Oldies Night.
Tshaka Mayanja, a musician himself with a history of producing some of Kampala’s most memorable live music concerts, proposed the theme night concept. By leveraging Charlie’s resources, he assembled BlackRoots Unlimited, a powerhouse live music act that would redefine the city’s scene.
Tshaka’s relentless pursuit of perfection has resulted in a well-oiled machine of musical brilliance. BlackRoots Unlimited boasts a lineup that would make any music lover weak in the knees: two percussionists, two keyboardists, two guitarists, a bassist (Tshaka himself), and a dream team of vocalists.
A Night of Musical Marvels
The Oldies Night experience starts at 7 PM. The band kicks things off with an hour of technically flawless jazz, setting the stage for a musical journey through the decades. From the 1950s to the early 2010s, BlackRoots Unlimited tackles everything with mastery.
Imagine the soulful power of Chaka Khan, the timeless elegance of Gladys Knight, the unforgettable voice of Whitney Houston – all delivered with such precision you would think they wrote the songs themselves. The band effortlessly switches gears, from the rhythmic grooves of Dark Child’s production to the iconic sounds of Teddy Riley’s “No Diggity” and the big band majesty of Aretha Franklin’s “Sweet Love.”
The talent is undeniable. The two percussionists weave intricate fills, the guitars deliver scorching riffs in perfect harmony, and the keyboards create a lush soundscape. The vocalists? They are a force of nature, with lead singers like Julius Ssesse and Tonya Ahenda leading the charge, backed by a powerhouse chorus that can steal the show any moment.
Who Comes to Experience This Magic?
Who comes to watch them? Well, everyone who has taste, a musical IQ and who doesn’t think Hozambe is the next best thing since sliced bread. It is mostly Kampala’s corporate middleclass, often mid thirties and above. Once in a while you will catch some young’uns in the audience, proof that Alien Skin no longer runs this town (those were dark times).
Beyond the Music: An Experience to Match
The live music ends after a glorious two hours, often followed by a well-deserved encore or two. Then, the DJs take over, sending the nostalgia into overdrive.
But the magic of the Oldies Night extends beyond the music. Guvnor itself embodies an experience of pure quality. The service is smooth and unobtrusive, the bathrooms are spotless (arguably the best in Kampala!), and the bar is well-stocked with ice-cold beers.
There is no fighting for attention or dodgy characters trying to score a free drink. Instead, attentive waitresses keep your drinks flowing, and a floor manager ensures a seamless payment experience. Guvnor takes pride in quiet efficiency, the perfect complement to the musical mastery on stage.
A Night You Won’t Forget
The Oldies Night at Guvnor is more than just a theme night; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of good music, delivered by some of the finest talents in the country. It’s a chance to relive the decades, dance the night away, and rediscover the joy of exceptional live music.
So, are you ready for a musical journey through time? Mark your calendars for the first Friday of every month and head to Guvnor. This is a night you won’t forget.
For more information on upcoming events and experiences in Kampala, be sure to check out What’s On Kampala, your ultimate guide to everything happening in the city!