Robin launches New Vibes theme night

A couple of months back, we reported that NTV’s Log In presenter had started her own music label and she was recruiting artistes.  As it’s known in Uganda, she was written off even before some went into details.

Well on Wednesday 27^th, Robin Kistie kicked off the Easter Festivities by officially launching the New Vibes records and theme night at Club Galaxy.

Unlike many Ugandan shows that usually choose to start past midnight, Robin kick started the show at about 9:30pm with a routine dance by the One Creators’ troupe.

At this time the turn up was still a lukewarm one and Robin was probably burning her fingers in prayers that more people show up though this didn’t stop the performances to commence.

The show that attracted more Luga-flow rappers started with energetic performances by upcoming MCs; Omujambula, Knuckle P, Luga battalion and other rappers we’ve never and probably may not hear of again.

Like many hip hop dominated events, free style ciphers were common though knuckle P took it to the wire when he dared other rappers to a four minute free style rhyme. St. Nelly Sade didn’t necessarily match the former’s free style length but literally got everyone on the edge with his wordplay. He’s the only rapper of the night that did it without a beat to support.

His eloquence and poetry in Luganda was simply unmatched, he pronounces words, proverbs and tongue twisters with such ease. He later did songs from his latest Translation (okutaputa) album like Nzijukira, Kikola sense, Tula twogere and Tubaale, a collabo with Enygma.  

“New Vibes like you may know is basically an RnB and hiphop label so this is a night to celebrate that”, said Robin.

Real action however started when Tommy Race of the Kimenke and Muzimu gwa Nankya fame stepped on stage, he ensured that he raises the performance bar so high which set the tempo for the entire do.

Then Vocal Police’s Nutty Neithan wowed with his famous Bounce it single, he had a number of would be hits thus, this raising artiste may be a force to reckon with especially in our local Dancehall arena.

There was an interluding segment where one London based Ugandan designer, Zaina showcased leisure, evening, office and African fabric wears. Since the fashion bit of the night had been highly publicized, I personally expected to see more designs but they were just a few and it also ended unceremoniously, I guess many of the night patrons didn’t even get a chance to know how Zaina even looked like. The entire fashion part of the night was so rushed.

Just like many social events these days, Shisha, was a delicacy many demanded. A number of times you could pass by youths refreshing themselves with smoke.

The first New Vibes artiste to perform was J-Ssali, he did an acoustic song in Swahili, and, judging by his actions or facial expression, the lyrics may have been about lost love. His vocals were spot on and the two guitar guys that backed him knew their stuff. With an objective musical judgment, this guy literally ruled the night.

Kyle and Remmy of Uptown also excited their dominately female fanbase with songs like, Face book lover, Bahamas girl, a collabo with Big Trill and their latest Nakuwaza.

The video of Nakuwaza was later screened. The Robin Kistie directed video is good on color and location, for a first time video director, Nakuwanza is definitely an A plus for Robin.

Uptown was closely followed by other New Vibes artistes like G.squard, probably Uganda’s only crank rap troupe and the fans favorite rapper of the night, Philo Sofa, however, two people from the label provided the high lights of the entire night. First being one Lil Rezzy, Robin’s youngest artist, at 13, the young rapper managed to comfortably hold a three minute free style of his own, his stage management and presence left many begging for his birth certificate.

Then the second and biggest surprise of the night was Robin Kistie stepping onto the stage to perform, it seems even some members of New Vibes were too surprised on learning that she actually has a song out. Her performance was full of energy though, many rarely paid attention because they were still in shock.

Other performers of the night included Maro, Big Trill, Vampino among others. The do was widely attended by Robin’s comrades from NTV and other media houses plus cameos by GNL Zamba, Swangz Avenue’s Benon, rapper Lethal P.

The New Vibes theme night will take place every last Wednesday of the month at Club Galaxy, the next do will take place on the 24^th April which also doubles as Robin’s birthday.