Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz was left awestruck upon his arrival in Rwashameire, Ntungamo District on Saturday for the groundbreaking Coffee Marathon and Concert.
The celebrated Bongo Flava artist landed at the Africa Coffee Park — the concert venue — aboard a helicopter. From there, he was chauffeured approximately 10 kilometers south to the scenic Africa Coffee Beach on the shores of Lake Nyabihoko, where he addressed a press conference.
“When I came in, I was amazed by the level of organization. Everything is on point. I saw the stage while landing, and the entire venue setup is a pleasant surprise. I did not expect it,” Diamond Platnumz remarked.
“This should make not just Uganda but the whole of East Africa proud. It shows how serious you are as a country,” he added.
The artist was joined at the press briefing by other performers featured in the concert lineup, including Rwanda’s The Ben, Uganda’s Bebe Cool, Sister Charity, and Malawi’s Truth 265.
Earlier in the day, Diamond took part in a ceremonial coffee planting exercise on a plantation overlooking the picturesque lake, highlighting the event’s agricultural theme.
The Africa Coffee Beach and the larger Africa Coffee Park are part of a multi-billion shilling agro-tourism initiative spearheaded by businessman Nelson Tugume. The expansive project includes a vast coffee plantation, luxurious cottages along the lakeshore and on nearby islands, an airstrip, and more.
Speaking at the same event, Ugandan music icon Bebe Cool praised the development, saying it should inspire Ugandans to believe in economic transformation and the potential within their country.
“I keep saying every day that Uganda is better than America, and people think it’s a joke. But it’s not,” Bebe Cool said. “What we need is a mindset change and to build confidence and trust in ourselves.”
The Coffee Marathon and Concert is part of a broader vision to promote coffee farming, tourism, and regional integration through arts and culture. The event marks a significant step in positioning Uganda’s coffee industry and natural beauty on the global stage.