The fourth edition of the Jabba Festival brought together old boys from Uganda's traditional single-sex boys' schools at Zone 7 in Mbuya for a night of nostalgia, friendly rivalry, and energetic dance. The event was a celebration of the Jabba dance, a high-energy group dance closely associated with St Mary's College Kisubi (SMACK).
A Showdown of Moves
The festival was essentially a showdown of Jabba moves, with men from different generations stepping out to prove that age had done little to slow down their dancing feet. Smackists, who proudly call themselves the 'Jabba Kings', dominated the gathering in numbers, although they faced spirited representation from old boys of St Henry's College Kitovu, Namilyango College, King's College Budo, Mwiri, and other schools.
The school rivalry was evident when the evening's MC, Daniel Omara, jokingly conducted a roll call to establish whether the right people had turned up for the occasion. A few guests from schools with little Jabba history also showed up, apparently happy to enjoy the spectacle alongside their friends.
What is Jabba?
For the uninitiated, Jabba is a high-energy group dance closely associated with SMACK. It is characterised by a relatively steady upper body, rapid, vibrating and stuttering leg movements, rhythmic foot tapping and expressive hand gestures. Dancers often add chest taps, shuffling steps and animated movements, all perfectly timed to the beat. It is a dance that demands rhythm, coordination and stamina, and judging by the performances, some of the old boys have lost none of these.
Friendly Competition and Camaraderie
Hosting the night, Gaetano Kaggwa, himself a smackist, wasted little time stirring up the school rivalry. He challenged old boys from other schools to produce a cheer that could rival SMACK's. The response was underwhelming, prompting his trademark hilarious laughter and leaving the challenge unanswered. There was another amusing moment when he jokingly asked whether Gayaza High School was represented. A few cheers emerged, courtesy of some women who had accompanied their husbands to the festival.
The Jabba action kicked off with the Kitovu old boys taking to the stage. Their performance was impressive, almost as though they had come with a point to prove to the schools waiting in the wings. Their energetic moves drew applause and laughter from the ladies, who appeared thoroughly entertained by the display.
But when the much-anticipated 'Kyusa Watto' crew took to the stage, the stakes seemed to rise. As the school widely credited with popularising the dance, the Smackists had a reputation to protect, and they did not disappoint. They unleashed a series of familiar moves and impressive variations, getting the crowd involved. Those who could not leave their seats joined in with animated hand movements, while others got up to dance along.
More Than Just Dance
Beyond the friendly competition, the Jabba Festival was ultimately about reconnecting, celebrating old school memories and having a good time. There was no grand prize or multimillion-shilling reward at stake. The winning bragging rights came with a crate of beer.
The event highlighted the enduring bond among old boys and the cultural significance of the Jabba dance. It was a night where laughter echoed, friendships were renewed, and the spirit of competition was alive and well. As the fourth edition came to a close, it left a lasting impression on all who attended, promising even bigger and better celebrations in the years to come.
