There are milestone moments that define the growth and development of any industry. For Uganda, PhatFest has been one of those game changing events that have helped to shape the evolution of today’s gospel industry, fueling its popularity and success.
Its great legacy kicked off initially as a one off concert to celebrate 10 years of Power FM, the Christian radio station that founded, organised and introduced it to the community.
Probably known to the station at that time, the gap in gosple concerts targeting english speaking youth would finally be dissolved, making it an event to look forward to each year.
Phat Fest hence graced almost every top flight gospel artiste in the region as well as international musicians like former Sudanese child soldier Emmanuel Jal, Sherwin Gardner, Isaac Blackman and Michelle Bonilla.
Just when it was getting bigger and better, the station made headlines when it announced that it would not stage the Fest last year.
The Managing Director Peter Kakuru explained that the radio station as an organisation has been going through a rebrand and restructuring aimed at making them more relevant to serve their fans better.
Amazingly, social media trends indicate that its cancellation simply allowed the fans miss it so much that the news of its grand return this year has kept everyone talking, tweeting, facebooking about how this event means to them.
With anticipation and excitement right from October, there has been an outpouring of emotions from the station’s loyal fan base that pledges to show up for the event come rain come sunshine.
Many have registered for games, bought the event’s t-shirts and are participating in a challenge (#PhatfestChallenge) the station announced that could earn its listeners free tickets.
Power FM says Phatfest 2016 will be unlike any other Phatfest before it, crafted to deliver a fun-filled experience for families, with great music, food, fun and games.
“Since its inception, the dream for Phatfest was to see it grow into a day’s long festival. We have therefore gone ahead to push the bar and deliver a fun-filled Phat-Festival on Saturday 10th December 2016 at Makerere University Sports Ground from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm.”
The station emphasizes that through this Phat-Festival, they intend to challenge their audience towards recognizing that they are a new creation in Christ and therefore if they desire to realize God’s full potential for their lives, they need to let go of the old.
“We always drive a themed campaign aimed at encouraging our listeners and audience towards positive change in their personal lives and community. This year’s theme is “VERSION 2.0” (VER 2.0). Drawn from 2 Cor 5:16. They need to embrace new godly culture, character, ways, practices.”
Phatfest 2016 will take place on Saturday 10th December, 2016, with tickets going for: VIP-50k, Ordinary 20k, Children (12 years and below will pay 10k.)
Which artists can we expect?
Tio Nason
Born Taonga Nyirongo, Tio is one of the most talented artists we have ever had a chance to know in Zambia. He was born in the humble city of Kabwe and growing up in Lusaka. God has used him to reach people around the world one soul at a time. Get his music Here
Sobre.
He is an artist/TV host that brings a fresh new feel to the African music industry. The dance hall urban artist has featured with elite christian artists from his motherland, Zambia. He debuts on retunes to an elite team of great African artists.
In his 10th grade, he was given the last warning that if I ever rapped again in school he was to be expelled. He went into rehab for 6months due to marijuana addiction, in 2010, that is when he received Jesus Christ as his Savior. Get his music Here
Majic Mike
To these, Uganda will also have the opportunity of being ministered to by Holy Keane, Ruyonga Edwin, Jackie Senyonjo, Brian Lubega, Canaan Gents, Zabuli Juliah and Dreign Nyesigomwe.
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
