It has been awhile since I came on here, so much has happened the past few weeks. I would like to first of all thank everybody that made it to the annual LABA Street art festival. It is kind of belated considering it happened right at the begining of this month but still your presence especially in our tent is something we do not take for granted. As an artist i try my best to grow through every experience good and bad because through each, marks of reference for the future are birthed. This year's edition was quite a spectacle that has left such a beautiful taste as plans for the future become more exciting. Each year artists increase in number, displaying better work. A mark of growth and improvision that comes in handy knowing that time is in short supply as everybody seeks to impress the audience in just a day. This is surely the beauty with in  for such a challenge.

The Uganda cranes vs Ginea Bissau was one of our concerns but knowing that Nambole cannot carry all of Uganda no matter how patriotic, it became rather aparent that a fair share of the crouds attended making all those fears unfounded. I mean we were all hoping and praying that the Cranes would do us proud and using one stone to hit two birds became the end result of the day to the joy of everybody.

A tribute to all that have chosen to remain creative and utilise their gifts to the full benefit of others. A tribute to those whose willingness to use such a platform knowing that strategic partnerships will lift them to heights a new as dreams come true. The beauty of a dream, It’s a vent for all the aspirations that keep building up turning fantasies into tangible goals colored by twists and turns and determined by faith as ones growth in stature is out lined by determination to beat all the odds. A journey for most of these artists begins in small crapy studios and becomes a landmark for many that appreciate beauty for thats precisely what this country and world in general is looking for. Not for the faint hearted but those whose colorful pallets will will liberate hearts and minds with creativety for a meaningful difference. I journey on, join me and i promise, this adventure is for a difference.

The 5th Annual LaBa! Street Art Festival is here again and with this year’s edition, much much bigger. Over eighty five artists from painters, sculptors, fashion designers to mention but a few as well as performing artists are expected to grace this awesome occasion. This year’s theme is “365… days of celebrating art” and is bound to reveal how art affects us all throughout the year. In every aspect of our life there is a creative force that regulates our decision making for example, what to wear and on what occasion, what color to paint on what wall and the list goes on and on.  The food we eat and all the different recipes aided by numerous advertising ideas that make such a difference in what we end up buying. As a child I was quite picky on what shoes I wore and this was simply because of the fun Bata advertising making it a house hold brand and there was no way I could accept any less. I don’t have to break down all the details as to how the shape of the shoe in relation to how whichever advertising agency made this such an appealing product. Young as I was my sense of style was building up and over the years shaped me into the person I am.

What a chance for every exhibitor to experience an occasion that will bring an all new understanding between him or her and the audience.  My introduction to this stage was two years ago and was rather hard for me to imagine what good would come out of it. Being a Sunday, and with only a few people walking though different stalls, was rather discouraging. Little did I know that in this, lay a lesson that would literally change my entire perspective about this occasion. There was for the second time last year and I know that based on that experience my confidence as an artist has improved a lot. This year is my third time and I cannot wait. LaBa! is about bringing art closer to people, engaging the audience through different creative ways from installations to performances as well. The audience gets a chance on such a big stage to interact with the artists and also purchase products at an affordable price. It is also a family day where families come together to witness numerous creatively done works that literally inspire youngsters as well as educate them. LaBa! Reveals that art is not for only for a selected few and promises yet again another celebration of creativity and passion through wonderful innovations.

Ugandan artists have realized how important they are for the social benefit of their country.  Through numerous organizations art is now used to promote a sense of freedom and also allow children to be children. Numerous creative projects that improve on the self esteem in both performing arts and visual arts through organizations like Teens Uganda www.teensuganda.org , of which I coordinate the creative arts projects will also be exhibiting. The need for the arts to be applied in lives of young people and the community is the future of this Nation. Your presence will add much needed color and encourage me and my colleagues to continue doing what we do best for the future of this Nation which is craving for creative and visionary individuals in every sector. Cheers and blessings see you there.