Kampala’s love affair with R&B is about to be rekindled as Strictly Soul, the acclaimed pan-African R&B experience, returns to Uganda for its fifth edition on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, at the Mestil Hotel.
Known for delivering a premium blend of R&B, soul, neo-soul, trap soul, and future beats, Strictly Soul has become one of the most anticipated nightlife events on the continent and this time, it’s aligning perfectly with Uganda’s Independence Eve.
By hosting the event on October 8, the Strictly Soul team is giving Ugandan music lovers the ideal setup: a night of non-stop music and dancing without the pressure of work the next morning, since October 9 is a public holiday.
More than that, the timing means the event will flow into the early hours of Independence Day, creating a celebration that’s as much about national pride as it is about great music.
The evening will once again be curated by DJ Akio Kawahito, the visionary behind Strictly Soul, whose carefully crafted sets are known for taking audiences on an emotional and rhythmic journey, from slow, silky ballads to high-energy dancefloor anthems.
Strictly Soul’s journey in Kampala has been one of consistent growth and energy.
The debut took place on October 8, 2024, at Golden Hill Restaurant and Lounge in Muyenga, followed by a second edition in December 2024, a third in February 2025 at Fourteen Twenty in Bugolobi, and a fourth “Holiday Edition” in June 2025 at Mestil.
Each show has sold out, drawing a stylish, music-savvy crowd that appreciates both the artistry and atmosphere.
Mestil Hotel, with its upscale ambience and top-notch service, is set to once again provide the perfect backdrop for the event.
Guests can expect premium sound, an elegant crowd, and the kind of immersive vibe that has made Strictly Soul one of Africa’s fastest-growing music movements.
For Kampala’s R&B faithful, Independence Eve 2025 promises more than just another night out it’s a chance to celebrate freedom, unity, and the enduring power of music.
As DJ Akio drops the first beat and the city leans into the night, Mestil will become a temple of soul, marking yet another unforgettable chapter in Uganda’s Strictly Soul story.
