Ugandan reggae-R&B duo hype up Seychelles fans in Fet Afrik concert

Ugandan duo Radio and Weasel performing in Seychelles on Saturday. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - Reggae and R&B vibes rocked the Seychelles capital Saturday night as Ugandan music stars performed for their Seychellois fans.

Radio and Weasel of the Goodlyfe crew as they are best known on the African continent were special guest performers at a concert organised as part of Fet Afrik. This is an annual, weeklong celebration of Seychelles' African heritage.

The Ugandan duo were on stage for about an hour performing some of their best titles including an a cappella version of their hit single -- Magnetic.

Radio and Weasel interacting with fans in the Seychelles capital, Victoria, Saturday evening. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Following their energetic show in front of a large crowed undeterred by on and off showers, Radio and Weasel told SNA that they felt proud to have fans from Seychelles.

"The way people treat us here, the hospitality, we don't even miss home. We are home away from home," said Radio.

Commenting on the cultural differences between Seychelles and Uganda, the pair described what they have experienced on their first trip to the Indian Ocean archipelago as quite similar to where they come from.

They also said that they definitely want to come back to Seychelles.

Radio (born Moses Nakintije Ssekibogo) and Weasel (born Douglas Mayanja) started out as backing vocalists for Ugandan musician Jose Chameleone, also Weasel’s big brother.

They broke off to form the Goodlyfe crew in 2008.

With their reggae and R&B style of music, the Goodlyfe crew were nominated in the Best International Artist (Africa) category at the 2013 BET Awards, although they were outshined by Nigerian Hip hop artist Ice Prince.

Radio (born Moses Nakintije Ssekibogo) and Weasel (born Douglas Mayanja) are Ugandan reggae-R&B artists. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

The concert featuring Radio and Weasel’s first performance in Seychelles also saw the participation of various well-known Seychellois artists including Elijah and Joseph Sinon. Mr Love from the neighbouring Indian Ocean island, Mauritius, also entertained the crowd.

While some fans were disappointment with the weather, others had no problem dancing in the rain.

“The ambiance was good, everyone seems to be having a goodtime and the music was a bit different from what we are used to in Seychelles,” Uroy Jules told SNA.

Saturday's musical show also saw the participation of Mauritian and Seychellois artists. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

The appreciation was not only towards sudden introduction of international artists to music fans but also for local artists.

“I enjoyed the concert, Weasel was really cool but [Seychelles’ own] ‘Zafan Move’ was just as cool,” said Sammy Pelissier.

Seychellois music fans were undeterred by the rain as they danced the night away at the musical concert organised as part of Fet Afrik. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Saturday’s show was also the second time international artists have graced the Seychelles stage in a month.

Only three weeks ago, Jamaican artist, Charly Black performed at the same location.

While hyping up the crowd, one of the organizers of the music show, Elijah, confirmed that plans are  underway to bring another Jamaican artist to the Seychelles shores.

Dancehall artist Konshens will be next up to perform in the island nation, said Elijah.