After 16 years of no-show in major concert, the iconic trio – Blu*3, comprising of Cindy Sanyu, Jackie Chandiru and Lillian Mbabazi, will return on stage for the first time since 2008.
Last year, on December 15, the trio performed at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz Naguru, in a show organized by Maestro Studios, but one could say, that was more like a teaser show, devoid of the grandeur display that befits the girl group that was in its heydays referred to as Africa’s Destiny’s Child. In fact, at the end of the show, Cindy, promised their fans “a much bigger concert of the Blu*3, come 2024”.
The promise materialized at the beginning of the year, when the date for the concert was released, scheduled on March 8, International Women’s Day. However, this hit a dead-end, when Ronald Mayinja’s ‘Old is Gold’ concert was scheduled on the same date and venue. The trio were forced to postpone the show.
READ MORE: Blu*3 impress at their reunion show. Announce concert slated for March 8
In recent weeks, the three ladies have increasingly been seen together in pictures and rehearsals at TAG Studios and elsewhere, as they prepare for the highly anticipated concert. It is likely, though not confirmed, that the three could record a reunion song together or better still an album.
“But we can do a concert together, we can do a tour together, we can do a collaboration,” Cindy said back in 2019.
Talent Africa Group earlier this week officially announced the Blu*3 ‘Reunion Concert’ saying the show will fall on June 22. The venue has also changed from Serena to Sheraton Kampala Hotel gardens.
“We are thrilled to announce the Blu*3 Reunion Concert,” said Aly Allibhai, CEO of Talent Africa Group.
“This event is a celebration of the incredible music and enduring legacy of Blu*3. It’s a testament to their talent and the impact they’ve had on the music industry in Uganda and beyond. We are honored to be a part of bringing them back together for this historic moment.”
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Ugandan music lovers, despite the influx of music from new kids on the block, always have a thing for that good, old music, and with the Blu*3 love ballads that mended hearts back in the day, the show promises quite the nostalgia.
With hit songs like Hitaji, Nsanyuka Nawe, Kankyakyankye, Where You Are, Burn, Frisky, Ndiba Wuwo, and Mutima Gwange among others, a reunion of this nature can only be worth a high billing.
“We can’t wait to reunite with our fans and share this special moment with them,” said Cindy Sanyu, speaking on behalf of Blu*3, in a press statement this week.
“The support and love we’ve received throughout the years has been incredible, and we are excited to give back with an unforgettable performance. Get ready to dance, sing along, and relive the magic of Blu*3.”
Going by their December reunion at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz Naguru, it was quite evident and exciting that they still have their energies in check. Cindy, who has been the most musically active member – still had her vocal prowess in control, Lillian Mbabazi could still serenade the crowd with her soulful melodies, and the girl from West Nile – Jackie Chandiru, could still get the crowd sweaty with her adrenaline.
Online sentiments from those who attended or streamed the show were glowing with many alluding to the fact that they had missed music in its rawness.
The December show had come in the wake of a protracted public debate, sparked by a battle-style concert that pitted Cindy and Sheebah. During the debate, many Ugandans pointed out the glaring deficit of good music.
Why the move to stage a return concert after all these years? Last year, in a TV interview, Chandiru stated that apart from missing the stage together as a group, they felt like owed a mega concert to their fans.
“We just have to give this to our fans because it is something that has loomed larger for a very long time” Chandiru said.
A lot has happened since 2008 when Cindy parted ways with Jackie and Lillian. From solo careers, to parenting, to Jackie’s battle with drugs. The latter had especially even further made any efforts of a reunion impossible.
Of the three, Cindy has enjoyed a far much successful solo career. Her 2009 debut solo album ‘Ayokyayokya’ topped charts all over East Africa with hits like Ayokyayokya, and One and Only.
Blu*3 emerged from Coca Cola Pop Stars, a 2004 talent search that sought to find three gifted individuals who would represent Uganda on the world music stage. Cindy was 17, Lillian 19 and Jackie 18 when they auditioned for Pop Stars.
