By midday on Sunday, the gardens of Sheraton Kampala Hotel had traded their usual hotel calm for the unmistakable energy of a giant Sunday living room.
Guests arrived carrying picnic mats, ready to claim their spots on the grass, while groups of friends settled in for an afternoon of music, food, drinks and easy conversation. There was no rush, this was Sunday at its most relaxed.
The occasion was the first anniversary of the Old School Picnic, an event that has spent the past year bringing Kampala together through the R&B, soul and Ugandan music that shaped generations.
But the most interesting part of the afternoon was not just the nostalgia. It was who was singing along.
Gen Z turned up in numbers, and they knew the music.
As old-school favourites played across the gardens, young revellers sang along word for word, often with the confidence of people who had grown up on the songs. Parents, older millennials and Gen Zs found themselves sharing lyrics, dance moves and memories, making one thing clear: great music does not come with an expiry date.
For Nakazzi Gloria, a regular attendee, the Old School Picnic has become her go-to space to unwind and reconnect.
“I love anything that has to do with old-school music. Something about songs that aren’t from this era just gets me. These events are nice because it feels like a society of free souls who have moved back in time. It is pure nostalgia,” she said.
As the afternoon progressed, the relaxed picnic transformed into a full-blown singalong. Guests danced beside their mats, gathered around friends and took over choruses of songs they clearly knew by heart.
Live performances from Myko Ouma, Jose Sax and Lillian Mbabazi provided some of the afternoon’s standout moments. Ouma brought his musicianship to the stage, while Mbabazi had the crowd singing back to some of her most familiar songs.
Behind the decks, DJ Ssese and DJ Cacie kept the musical journey moving, while Ms Deedan brought her trademark energy to the microphone.
Beyond the performances, the appeal of the picnic remained rooted in its social atmosphere. Friends caught up on mats, food and drinks were shared, conversations flowed and new connections were made as the music brought everyone closer.
Baileys added a touch of indulgence to the afternoon, complementing the food, conversations and relaxed mood. Baileys Brand Manager Nancy Nansikombi said the anniversary captured the kind of connection the brand wants to celebrate.
“The Old School Picnic is really about creating those moments where people can come together, reconnect and simply enjoy themselves. Seeing the energy, the friendships and the different generations enjoying the music together made the anniversary very special for us. Baileys was proud to be part of a celebration that was all about enjoying the moment and creating memories,” she said.
Tusker Cider also joined the celebration, bringing its refreshing character to the outdoor experience.
Tusker Cider Brand Manager Sandra Againe said the sense of community was among the highlights of the afternoon.
“What stood out for us was the energy and how naturally people connected with the experience. From the people arriving with their mats to the singing, dancing and conversations throughout the afternoon, it really felt like a community coming together. Tusker Cider is about refreshing, social moments, and the Old School Picnic gave us the perfect space to be part of those moments,” she said.
One year in, the Old School Picnic has proved that nostalgia can be just as exciting for the young as it is for those who lived through the era.
On Sunday, generations met on the same lawn, danced to the same songs and sang the same lyrics.