Ugandans are known for their partying culture. But with bars and nightclubs now closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, some disc jockeys have gone digital to keep the partying alive.
CGTN’s Leon Ssenyange reports that for the past five years, DJ Riak has been spinning discs in night clubs…but not anymore.
A closure of all bars and night clubs to prevent the spread of the coronavirus has confined him to this space…his apartment corridor.
“I had four gigs a week and I had somewhere I was playing every day so just know I am not getting anything from any of the places now,” DJ Riak, Disc jockey.
That however is not stopping his love for the turn tables. He has turned to streaming live on Facebook. It is helping him stay close to his fans.
“Now most of the people are at home and they are always bored. So, we try to do something for them so they also don’t forget us,” he says.
And the response has been amazing.
It is not exactly the kind of party mood one would find in the dance club. But this is offering some relief for music lovers.
At least two hundred viewers are online for the hour show every Friday and Saturday night.
And the sessions are already making up for what would be a weekend outing for these university students.
“It is nice because you don’t get to miss the nightlife a lot..we just miss it a little,” Jadila Namusoke, student.
And the music mixes go on, one key message is put out though…The DJs too are doing their part in keeping their followers informed about the crisis.
“Since we have a huge following, it’s a good way for us to always alert them and always tell them about what is happening.”
For now, this musical diversion is certainly keeping the spirits up.
At least until life gets back to normal.
