Da Truth And Jonathan McReynolds Leave A Mark In Uganda After Born Free Concert 2017.

Born Free, a conference culminating into a mega concert was held for the second consecutive year at Lugogo Hockey Grounds. The conference happened at Covenant Nations Church with speakers like Jay Dangers [UG], Pastor Patience Rwabwogo[UG], Dr. Amenkienan [Nigeria], Emmanuel Lambert aka Da TRUTH [US].

Billed to be a great experience, the Born Free 2017 Concert itself lived up to expectations. There were moments when Jonathan McReynolds’ voice pieced through our souls & Da Truth’s bars cut through our hearts. The Usual Suspects were behind the successful execution of a show that attracted the presence of H. E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who cautioned youth to desist from reckless engagement in sexual perversion among other destructive vices.

H. E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni speaks to youth at Born Free 2017 Concert. [Courtesy Picture]

The president commented saying, “Stay healthy. Avoid reckless sex. Sex must be at the right time with the right partner. Casual sex is a death sentence for you. Also avoid alcohol and drugs. These will destroy you. Listen to your parents. They are the first teachers.”

As early as 5pm, the Lugogo Hockey Grounds gates were already opened but it was not until a few minutes to 8:00pm when Power Fm’s Ronnie Habasa came on stage to get things going. There was a hype-session led by Paul Selah, a groundbreaking performance by rapper Lagum whose flow was absolutely on point.

Youth Enjoying Every Moment at Born Free Concert. [Courtesy Photo]

One of those in attendance commented that they hope the world finally recognizes Lagum’s amazing talent.

Award winning VIGA Female Artist of the year, Zabuli gave an energetic performance. [NinnoJackJr Photography]

Brian Lubega, Kimera, Sandra Suubi and Zabuli were the other opening acts from Uganda. Of Brian Lubega’s performance was expected to usher revelers into a moment of worship. He did exactly that and it was clearly well received. Zabuli on the other hand brought her usual energy and thrilled the crowd which sung along and danced throughout her entire performance.

Sandra who made two appearances, first to sing the national anthem at the beginning of the concert, then later to perform Nsiimye and Kingdom Come, was flawless. For the latter, she was joined by The Bravas a dance crew that backed him up.

Sandra Suubi and The Bravas dancers perform for crowds at Born Free Concert 2017. [NinnoJackJr Photography]

As for Kimera, he has set himself apart as the artist who is unafraid to experiment with his music. He altered his songs from what the listener usually gets on radio to deliver rich Black Gospel sounds and gave a performance of Mali Music’s beautiful to, in his own words, “get it out of our system.” This was because, Mali Music – a Grammy Awards nominated artist did not make it for any of the shows he had been scheduled for in Africa (including Born Free) because of passport issues.

Uganda’s Sam Kimera performing his latest hit, I Care at Born Free Concert 2017. [NinnoJackJr Photography]

Once those performances were over, the very expectant crowd was waiting for the headlining artists for the night. First up was Jonathan McReynolds, also a Grammy Awards nominated artist. His was a more vocal performance with songs like Maintain, I Love You, Limp, Gray, Gotta Have, Christ Representers among others. Beyond his performance, at the end of the concert Ugandans showered Jonathan McReynolds with a lot of love. A birthday cake was cut, and a birthday song sung – the Ugandan way, as well as a portrait made and presented by a female fan. He was all smiles and Ugandans online started demanding he return for another concert or better still just relocate to Uganda.

American singer Jonathan McReynolds performs for the first time in Uganda At Born Free Concert 2017. [NinnoJackJr Photography]

Da Truth came on stage after a brief break where H. E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni gave a speech. From the moment he took over the microphone to the time he finished his performance, youth and young adults who had turned up in thousands were on their feet and bumping to Hip-hop music from the Gospel missionary. In as much as this was Da Truth’s second time in Uganda, critics have officially put him in the category of musicians like Papa San who we can never have enough of. Many who captured every moment to share online with those who may have not made it described his delivery as deep. His message, one that stayed on many people’s hearts was that, you don’t have to mess up for the simple reason that God can and will set you free. He asked us to be a generation wholly surrendered to God. Performing songs like The Whole Truth, Fantasy, Misconception, J.I.F.E among others, it was a general consensus that he had left a mark in Uganda.

Award winning Rapper Da Truth ministering to multitudes at Born Free Concert 2017 [@NinnoJackJr photography]

Born Free Concert was a wonderful concert with great artists, and we have to thank Fenon Events for the stage, sound and lighting. They outdid themselves.

Considering that Born Free is now an annual event, we can only wait for which artist(s) will feature on the next edition.

More Pictures From The Event