You always know it is December when you lose track of the days of the week, especially at night.
From band nights and themed parties to spenders’ assemblies, Kampala never falls short of celebrations. That very spirit set the tone for Bugolobi hangout 1420 Resto Bar’s one-year anniversary, held on Thursday evening.
The red carpet was a bold fashion statement of its own. High heels, sundresses, short shorts, sunglasses, and bouncy wigs filled the space, with outfits that boldly defied the weather, the hour, and any sense of restraint. Everyone looked ready to turn up as though the economy had absolutely nothing on them.
Over the past year, 1420 Resto Bar has carved out a reputation as a premium lifestyle destination, winning over revelers through themed parties, refined dining, and immersive music experiences. For its anniversary, the venue partnered with Don Julio to curate a night where fashion and electrifying music collided, crowned by a show-stopping performance from South African star DJ Dlala Thukzin.
As expected, photo moments were non-negotiable. Guests paused first to serve content for Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, with some going live before even settling in. What stood out, however, was the immediate rush to the cocktail bar. Moments after updating their socials, nearly everyone ordered a drink.
It was clear that Kampala’s nightlife crowd has grown increasingly knowledgeable about tequila, judging by the confidence with which cocktails were described and requested.
“There is a growing tequila culture in Uganda, and Don Julio is proud to be at the forefront of it,” said Judie Nandekya, Senior Brand Manager for Tequila and Rum in East Africa. “Don Julio is all about milestone moments, and celebrating 1420 at one year is the perfect occasion to raise a glass of the finest tequila.”
While the red carpet buzzed with energy, the real magic unfolded on the dance floor. Celebrities freely danced alongside fans, creating moments of shared joy and spontaneity. DJs like Alisha, Etania famously known as The Life of the Party, and Kamali mingled effortlessly with the crowd, soaking in the night without pretense.
From DJ Ssese to DJ Vanss, the music leaned heavily into Afro-house and dancehall. Classics like Beenie Man’s Dude, Elephant Man’s Pon Da River, and Siza’s Abantu, which many Ugandans still classify as Amapiano, kept the floor alive.
DJ Alisha set the tone early, awakening the crowd’s inner hip-hop stars. Revellers lip-synced passionately to Rick Ross’ John, Rihanna’s Bitch Better Have My Money, and Chris Brown’s Ayo, among others.
Etania then seamlessly transported the party to South Africa even before the headline act arrived, warming the crowd for what was to come.
At exactly 12:30 am, Dlala Thukzin took to the decks, and for a moment, it felt like 1420 had relocated to Johannesburg. As Ama Gear dropped, phones shot into the air, voices sang along, and dance moves intensified. His set was energetic, interactive, and deeply connected. He knew his audience just as well as they knew him.
As dawn crept in and the final tracks faded, the 1420 one-year celebration firmly cemented the venue’s place as a key player in Kampala’s nightlife scene. Guests left happily exhausted, carrying memories sealed by great music, premium Don Julio cocktails, and an atmosphere that refused to dim until morning.
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