When the DJ became the band: Inside the Dread Lazer Turn Up

What the report says

Sqoop Uganda reports that the second Dread Lazer Turn Up took place at Kati Kati in Kampala on Friday, Sept. 4, drawing a nightlife crowd for a party built around music, live performance and brand activations. The article frames the event as part of a competitive Kampala entertainment scene where audiences expect more than a standard DJ night.

According to the publisher, Dread Lazer’s headline set stood out because he performed alongside instrumentalists, turning the usual DJ format into a more theatrical live experience. The mix of recorded tracks and live interpretation moved across genres such as hip hop and dancehall, with the crowd responding throughout the night. The report says the performance created a sense of surprise and interaction, rather than a simple sequence of songs.

Singer Joshua Baraka later added another major moment by performing his recent hits, giving the audience familiar songs to sing along to. Other DJs, including City Girl, Linus and Life of the Party, also contributed to the line-up. Sqoop Uganda says the event was designed to offer an experience rather than just a gathering, with Smirnoff visible through cocktail stations and a colorful party setup.

The article quotes Smirnoff Brand Manager Raymond Karama saying the aim was to "release the party spirit" and create a flavorful experience. More broadly, the piece suggests that Kampala nightlife is increasingly shaped by the overlap of music, branding and social identity, making events like this one important for promoters seeking to stand out.