The Ugandan music scene was thrown into disarray this weekend following the sudden cancellation of Dax Vibez’s much-anticipated maiden concert at Hotel Africana. The event, originally scheduled for August 29, 2025, was set to be the rising star’s biggest headline show to date, marking a significant milestone in his career. However, just two months before the concert, the venue’s management unexpectedly pulled the plug, leaving fans, industry stakeholders, and the artist himself in a state of confusion and disappointment.
Months of Preparation Undone
Dax Vibez, whose real name is Ivan Bugembe Ssentamu and who is also the younger brother of opposition leader Bobi Wine, had invested heavily in the concert’s success. Preparations had been underway for over nine months, with a robust advertising campaign that spanned radio, television, and digital platforms. Posters for the event were visible across Kampala, and the artist had reportedly lined up a roster of A-list guest performers and DJs to join him on stage.
The concert was widely seen as a culmination of Dax Vibez’s steady rise in Uganda’s music industry. Known for his soulful voice and socially conscious lyrics, he has built a loyal following and was poised to use this event to showcase his musical evolution and growing influence.
Abrupt Announcement and Public Reaction
The news broke on Saturday evening, June 28, when Dax Vibez took to his official social media platforms to announce the cancellation. In a candid and emotional post, he expressed frustration and disappointment, stating, “After nine months of preparation and investing heavily in advertisements, Hotel Africana has cancelled my concert.” He added, “I don’t know what to do next,” highlighting the uncertainty the decision has thrown into his career plans.
The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow musicians, many of whom took to social media to express solidarity and demand transparency from Hotel Africana. The lack of a clear explanation from the venue has only fueled speculation and public outrage.
No Official Reason Provided
As of the time of writing, Hotel Africana’s management has not issued any public statement explaining the reasons behind the cancellation. This silence has only intensified speculation, with some observers recalling that this is not the first time the hotel has abruptly cancelled a major music event. In February 2025, another popular artist, Alien Skin, also had his concert at the venue called off under similarly unclear circumstances, with the hotel then citing security concerns.
The repeated cancellations have raised broader questions about the reliability of major venues in Kampala and the challenges facing artists attempting to stage large-scale events. For Dax Vibez, the lack of communication has been particularly galling, given the scale of investment and anticipation surrounding his debut concert.
The Way Forward
At present, Dax Vibez has not indicated whether he will seek an alternative venue or reschedule the concert. The abrupt nature of the cancellation, coupled with the significant resources already expended, makes the prospect of a quick pivot challenging.
For Uganda’s entertainment industry, the incident has reignited debate about the need for greater transparency and professionalism in event management. Fans and artists alike are calling for clearer guidelines and better communication from venues, especially when high-profile events are at stake.
In the meantime, Dax Vibez’s supporters continue to rally behind him, hoping that this setback will not dim the promising trajectory of one of Uganda’s most exciting young talents. The cancellation of his Hotel Africana concert stands as a stark reminder of the uncertainties artists face—and the resilience required to overcome them.