Comedian Patrick Salvador Idringi was left speechless after Suuna Ben’s electrifying performance at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) grand finale held at Speke Resort Munyonyo. His set was less than 40 minutes, but according to Salvador — and many in the crowd — it was nothing short of spiritual as he turned the elegant lakeside venue what many described as a full-blown street party, leaving both Ugandans and “bazungu” guests on their feet.
Sharing his reaction on X (formerly Twitter), Salvador said:
“This was Suuna Ben last night at Speke Resort Munyonyo… I’ve hosted events before that are amazing, but last night I was in awe. During the day, we had a lot of classy people — you know, the ‘wareva’ type. At night during Suuna’s set… all I saw was kubakubakubakuba! I got goosebumps. Never seen anything like that. This man is who he says he is… I’ve allowed!”
Held at Lakeside Gardens, Speke Resort Munyonyo, the final day of POATE was a celebration of Uganda’s music, fashion, and cultural richness. But while the event boasted a star-studded lineup including Blu *3, Winnie Nwagi, Alpha Otim, and Abeeka Band, it was Suuna Ben’s high-energy performance that left many in awe.
Suuna Ben
The festival, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in collaboration with Talent Africa Group, was the climax of a four-day tourism showcase that began on May 21. The finale featured a mix of cultural showcases and live acts, with performances from the Crane Performers, Brian Aliddeki, Abeeka Band, Madrat & Chiko, and a nostalgic Blu *3 reunion.
Earlier in the day, guests were treated to a boating regatta on Lake Victoria before the performances began. Abeeka Band’s soulful covers had the crowd singing along, while Madrat and Chiko left them in stitches with comedy skits based on Ugandan travel stories. Fashion label IGC closed the day’s exhibitions with a striking Lubugo-inspired runway showcase highlighting sustainability and heritage.
Watch the Video Below:
When Suuna Ben from Masaka Buddu steps on stage, its always magical.
No one was left seated at the #POATE25 Cultural & Music Festival.#POATE25 #ExploreUganda pic.twitter.com/E8gDOCiGQQ— Babie Jacquie Penny (@BJacquie_P) May 24, 2025
