Roast And Rhyme festival celebrates 10 years of music and culture

• Roast And Rhyme festival is celebrating 10 years of music, food, and cultural experiences in Uganda.
• Over 200 artists and more than 20,000 revelers have participated in the festival since its launch.
• The 2026 anniversary celebrations begin with the Reggae Ragga Nyam Nyam edition at Lugogo Hockey Grounds on March 22.

Uganda’s popular lifestyle festival Roast And Rhyme is marking a major milestone in 2026 as it celebrates 10 years of music, culture, food, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.

What started out as a simple outdoor music gathering has, over the years, grown into one of the country’s most influential lifestyle events. Today, Roast And Rhyme attracts thousands of revelers and continues to leave a significant mark on Uganda’s creative and entertainment industries.

Since its launch, the festival has become much more than just a place to enjoy music. It has developed into an important platform for Uganda’s creative economy, bringing together musicians, DJs, live bands, event producers, designers, photographers, videographers, stylists, and digital content creators.

Over the past decade, more than 200 artists have graced the Roast And Rhyme stage, making it one of the most consistent platforms for showcasing Ugandan musical talent.

The event has also built a loyal following. Across its different editions, the festival has welcomed more than 20,000 revelers who come together to enjoy live performances, great food, and the laid-back picnic-style atmosphere that Roast And Rhyme is known for.

Beyond the entertainment, the festival also plays a significant role in supporting Kampala’s hospitality and experience economy. Each edition opens up business opportunities for food vendors, grill masters, beverage partners, fashion sellers, and small businesses that showcase their products during the event.

From nyama choma vendors to lifestyle brands and craft businesses, hundreds of entrepreneurs have benefited from the platform over the years.

The festival also creates jobs for event production teams, including sound and lighting technicians, stage designers, decorators, security personnel, logistics crews, photographers, videographers, and digital content creators. This makes it a key contributor to activity within Uganda’s events and entertainment sector.

Roast And Rhyme has equally become a valuable platform for brands looking to connect with audiences. Many companies have used the festival to launch products and create interactive brand experiences. Innovations such as cashless payments and digital ticketing have also been introduced at the event, helping modernize the festival experience.

To celebrate the 10-year milestone, organizers have announced that 2026 will be a year-long celebration reflecting on the festival’s journey, impact, and the community that has grown around it.

The celebrations will begin with the Roast And Rhyme: Reggae Ragga Nyam Nyam Edition, scheduled for March 22 at the Hockey Grounds in Lugogo. The edition is expected to kick off a series of themed events planned throughout the year.

According to the organizers, the anniversary is not just about looking back at the festival’s growth, but also about appreciating the fans, creatives, partners, and vendors who have helped shape its success.

“Roast And Rhyme has always been about bringing people together to celebrate music, food, and culture. Over the past 10 years we have seen the festival grow into a powerful platform for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. This milestone is a celebration of everyone who has been part of the journey,” the organizers said.

As the anniversary celebrations unfold throughout the year, fans can expect bigger experiences, creative collaborations, themed editions, and plenty of memorable moments as Roast And Rhyme marks a decade of culture, creativity, and community.

Tickets for the upcoming edition are available through the FlexiPay App or by dialing *291#.