Stecia Mayanja returns to stage with a bang

After nearly a decade away from the local music scene, singer and band icon Stecia Mayanja made a powerful comeback, thrilling fans with a stellar performance at her long-awaited ‘Hajjat Stecia Live in Concert’ held at the Kampala Serena hotel’s Victoria hall.

The highly anticipated concert pulled in hundreds of cross-generational music lovers filling the venue to capacity well before 7:30pm. From the moment doors opened at 6:30pm the atmosphere was electric.

The evening kicked off with a nostalgic DJ mix of Luganda classics by JJ Sound’s Selector Sula, as anticipation built. Then came viral TikTok sensation Teacher Kipopo, who alongside his wife, danced joyfully, energizing the crowd.

At 8:10pm, event hosts Miles Rwamiti and Rebecca Jjingo stepped onto the stage to start the party with the national anthem and playful banter that set the tone for a memorable night.

Then without any curtain-raisers, Hajjat Stecia Mayanja made her grand entrance in a golden hijab and opened her first set with the fan-favourite Tulimumpaka. What followed was an emotionally charged and musically rich performance of her signature hits including Akatuntunu, Sisubira, Sirinda Bide, Allah Kareem, Ojira Olindako, Mwami Wange, Tosala Gwa Kawala and Wandaludde.

Seamlessly blending live band arrangements with dramatic skits, Stecia infused storytelling into her performance and kept the audience deeply engaged. A highlight of the night came when Stecia’s ex-husband Charles Ssekyewa joined her on stage for a powerful duet of Wabanswaliza, prompting an eruption of applause and dance.

Ssekyewa followed up with solo performances of Ebibimba Bikka and Vva Ku Baagalana as Stecia took a break. During the interlude, Shirah Nabasumba and Hajji Haruna Mubiru took to the stage performing Ticket, Ye Gwe and Binyuma, keeping energy levels high.

Stecia returned for a culturally rich second session, this time adorned in traditional Kiganda attire and had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand. Stanbic bank sponsored the concert.

The night continued with guest appearances by Catherine Kusasira and Ronald Mayinja. Stecia then closed the night with a third and final set, making a stunning entrance in a white- and-gold hijab to perform her viral hit Equalizer.

She wrapped up with high-octane performances of Fitting, Kabalagala, Sofa Set, Remote, Kawompo, Kuuma Figure, Kantinti, and Bitambula, among others, leaving the crowd asking for more.

Another highlight was when she performed some gospel music by Judith Babirye and Pastor Wilson Bugembe, saying they were a true reflection of what she went through during her stay in Canada.

There was even a poignant moment when Stecia made up with former bandmate Maureen Nantume, who had been telling all and sundry that Stecia practiced witchcraft.

jjingoernest1@gmail.com