By News of Lionel Richie’s coming to Uganda has been like a song stuck on repeat. His fans who cannot wait until June have been buzzing with excitement over the singer’s anticipated visit in Gulu.
Lionel Richie is an American singer, producer, and writer who has for ages won hearts for his smooth and mellow tone, as well as his warm smile in equal measure.
The silver fox is now going to grace Uganda’s stage for a performance in the Adventure of Humanity Concert, a highly anticipated global event.
The musician, who has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, will be performing in Gulu alongside Sister Sledge, an American musical vocal group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This news was revealed by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao during a press conference on February 12, leaving most Lionel lovers in a frenzy of excitement.
“Why Gulu?
Because this event is about repairing the world. It’s about climate change, it’s about bringing people together to make a difference,” Mao said.
This idea started more than 25 years ago by Michael Jackson, eventually gaining the endorsement of iconic figures like Tara Gandhi and the Royal House of Mandela, among others.
The event’s mission is to kick off one of the world’s major climate awareness concerts.
The concert is expected to be held at Kaunda Grounds, with the permit for the venue approved for May 30 to June 9, marking this as a historic occasion for Gulu.
This event is a global movement aimed at raising climate change awareness, creating direct economic benefits for vendors, hospitality businesses, and entrepreneurs, and repositioning Gulu as a center of eco-tourism.
About Lionel Richie
Born Lionel Brockman Richie Jr., he rose to fame in the 1970s as a songwriter and the co-lead singer of the Motown group Commodores, writing and recording the hit singles “Easy,” “Sail On,” and “Three Times a Lady.”
In 1982, he officially launched his solo career with the album Lionel Richie, which sold over four million copies and spawned the singles “You Are,” “My Love,” and “Truly.”
A four-time Grammy winner, he has performed in Africa before, including in Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, and Libya.
Ugandans can hardly wait to set their eyes on the music icon, with some jokingly remarking that they are going to relocate to Gulu ahead of the concert.
“Tugenda kusula mungato” (we will sleep in our shoes), a phrase meaning we will party all night long.
Well, we truly hope Lionel’s “All Night Long” features on the setlist when the time comes. Ugandans are READY!
