In a devastating blow to Uganda’s music scene, rising star Dax Vibez (Ivan Bugembe Ssentamu) announced last night that his highly anticipated debut concert – scheduled for August 29, 2025, at Hotel Africana – has been abruptly cancelled by the venue. The artist took to social media platform X on June 28, 2025, expressing shock and frustration after nine months of relentless promotion and financial investment
What Happened?
- Sudden Cancellation: Hotel Africana management scrapped the event without prior warning or clear explanation, leaving Dax stranded just two months before showtime. His viral post captured the despair: “After 9 months of advertising and all, Hotel Africana has cancelled my show. I don’t know what to do next”.
- Financial & Emotional Toll: Dax emphasized significant personal investment in advertising campaigns across TV, radio, and digital platforms since late 2024. Guest performers and DJs had already been booked, amplifying the setback
A Troubling Pattern Emerges
This marks the second major cancellation at Hotel Africana in 2025:
- February 2025: Singer Alien Skin’s concert was axed under similar opaque circumstances, officially attributed to “security concerns” .
- Political Undertones?: Both artists share ties to opposition circles. Dax Vibez is the younger brother of NUP leader Bobi Wine – a connection fueling speculation about political interference in Uganda’s arts sector . Industry watchers note a chilling pattern of venues buckling under state-linked pressure
Fan Outrage & Industry Backlash
Ugandan music lovers flooded social media with fury:
- “Is this creative censorship disguised as security?” – X user @MusicTruthUG.
- Calls for transparency from Hotel Africana dominated threads, with fans accusing the venue of sabotage .
- Bobi Wine publicly supported his brother, praising Dax’s musical journey in a recent post
What’s Next for Dax Vibez?
Rumors suggest potential relocation to Lugogo Cricket Oval or Freedom City – venues with histories of hosting large-scale concerts. While Dax hasn’t confirmed new plans, insiders note his team is urgently exploring alternatives
Final Note: Whether driven by security, politics, or poor logistics, this cancellation highlights the fragility of Uganda’s creative economy. As Dax Vibez navigates this blow, his resilience could redefine the stage for all artists fighting to be heard.
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