There are some songs that do more than play in the background, they take you somewhere.
On Sunday evening at Mestil Hotel, the opening lines of Mario’s Let Me Love You did exactly that. As the familiar “Baby, I just don’t get…” began playing, conversations gave way to singing, with guests joining in as though the song had been released yesterday rather than more than two decades ago.
It was that kind of familiarity that defined the RnB and Friends experience, as old-school music lovers gathered for an evening built around songs that have survived changing tastes, generations and the rise of new music trends.
But before the party gathered full speed, MC Derrick Dasha called on the audience to pause for a minute of silence and pray for the soul of Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the late King of Tooro, who died on August 27 at the age of 34.
The moment brought a brief sense of reflection to the gardens, with members of the Tooro community joining in prayer for their fallen King. Tooro royal songs were also played in his honour, giving the early part of the evening a moment of solemnity before the music and conversations continued.
From there, the evening gradually found its rhythm.
What was most striking was how little persuasion the crowd needed to sing along. Almost every song seemed to come with its own chorus of voices, with revelers knowing the lyrics word for word, including some younger faces who were not even around when many of the songs first became hits.
Although RnB was at the heart of the experience, DJs Anselm and Selector Jay were not afraid to wander off the menu, moving between old-school RnB, hip-hop and Uganda’s own throwback hits and dropping unexpected favourites whenever the crowd needed a little push.
Away from the dance floor, the Baileys cocktail experience added another layer to the evening. Guests were invited to create their own Baileys cocktails through a DIY experience, turning a simple drink into part of the entertainment.
Baileys mixologist Eric T. encouraged guests to experiment with the brand’s creamy base.
“Baileys brings together smooth Irish cream, Irish whiskey and those familiar touches of cocoa and vanilla, so you already have a rich base to work with. But you can have fun with it and make it your own,” he explained.
His suggested combinations included ice, coffee, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and sprinkles, finished with a cream wafer. With MTN MoMo offering a 20% discount on purchases inside the venue, guests could also enjoy food alongside the different Baileys serves.
For Joanita Grey, who rarely misses an old-school music experience, the social side is just as important as the soundtrack.
“I come for the music and the vibes, but I also enjoy meeting people. Even when I come with my friends, I can still end up talking to someone I have never met before. There is something fulfilling about making new friends over good music and food,” she said.
Baileys Brand Manager Nancy Nansikombi said creating memorable shared moments remains central to the brand’s presence at experiences such as RnB and Friends.
“People are looking for more than just a drink when they go out. They want moments they can share, participate in and remember. When you bring together music, food, friendship and something as simple as making your own cocktail, Baileys becomes part of that experience and the memories people take away with them,” she said.
And perhaps that was what made the evening work: the music brought back memories, the tribute created a moment of reflection, while food, drinks and friendship kept the gardens alive.
For a few hours, Mestil became less about chasing the next big sound and more about remembering why some songs never really leave us.