Saturday night at the Lugogo Cricket Oval was nothing short of electrifying as Dexta Daps, the Jamaican dancehall sensation, made his first-ever appearance in Uganda.
This was at the inaugural Noise Nation Festival for it provided the perfect stage for his unforgettable performance, fusing vibrant fashion, food, and vibes with a headline act that left the crowd yearning for more.
The evening kicked off with a flurry of activity. From tantalizing meal delights from beloved food vendors like The Meat Guy, vibrant cocktails, a fashion runway showcase, a 3×3 basketball tournament and interactive photo booths added playful energy.
To warm up the crowds was DJs Vanss among others who served both nostalgic hits and modern bangers; keeping revelers on their dancing feet.
But the night belonged to one man: Dexta Daps.
When the Jamaican superstar took the stage, the Lugogo Cricket Oval transformed into a pulsating sea of excitement. Dexta wasted no time igniting the atmosphere, diving straight into his catalog of hits that had fans singing and dancing in unison. Tracks like “7 Eleven”, “Twinkle”, “Shabba Madda Pot”, “Call Me If”, “Breaking News” and “Wifi” unleashed waves of energy, with the audience singing along every lyric as if they had been rehearsing for this moment all their lives.
Dexta’s stage presence was magnetic. His dynamic dance moves, smooth vocals, and effortless charisma captivated the crowd, creating an intimate connection despite the venue’s vastness. Fans were enthralled as he switched between sultry ballads and fiery dancehall anthems, delivering a performance that transcended music to become a celebration of sound, rhythm, and passion.
The apex of the performance came with “Owner,” which sent the audience into a euphoric frenzy for he was joined by Rita, a famous professional dancer. The two put on a very steamy yet entertaining set performance.
Even after his initial set, the crowd wasn’t ready to let him go. Dexta returned for an explosive encore that cemented his status as a true showman. His heartfelt gratitude for the love and energy of the Ugandan audience only deepened the connection, leaving fans with a night they will never forget.
Of course, before Dexta could hit the stage to perform for fans and revelers, there were performances by John Blaq, Ava Peace, Dax Vibez, the Swangz Avenue All-Stars—featuring Azawi, Vinka, Winnie Nwagi, Elijah Kitaka. They each delivered a high-energy performance, crowning it all with the crowd-favorite “God Ye Buddy.” Surprise performances by Navio, The Mith, Viboyo, Karole Kasita and Nutty Neithan added extra star power, while a dazzling fireworks display celebrated the birth of the event in a spectacular way.
As the echoes of Dexta’s soulful vocals faded and the crowd slowly dispersed, one thing was clear: Uganda had embraced the “7 Eleven” hitmaker with open arms. The Noise Nation Festival’s debut was more than just a music event—it was a cultural celebration, a night of unity, and a thrilling introduction to a dancehall legend who has promised to return.
