Zone DeLa Rhumba Returns to Anex Lounge for a Special Night of Congolese Rhumba
Zone DeLa Rhumba Returns to Anex Lounge for a Special Night of Congolese Rhumba
Kirinya, Kampala — Saturday, 5 September 2026
The unmistakable sounds of Congolese rhumba will once again take centre stage this Saturday, 5 September 2026, as Zone DeLa Rhumba hosts its third edition at Anex Lounge in Kirinya, one of the growing entertainment destinations on the outskirts of Kampala.
The event promises another memorable night dedicated to the slow, soulful, and danceable sounds of the Democratic Republic of Congo—music deeply rooted in culture, poetry, romance, storytelling, and African heritage.
For lovers of authentic Congolese rhumba, the evening will be a journey through generations of music. The repertoire will draw from the works of legendary and contemporary artistes whose music has shaped the sound and culture of the Congo, including Franco Luambo Makiadi, Madilu System, Lassa Carlyto, Papa Noël, Josky Kiambukuta, Ferré Gola, Fally Ipupa, JB Mpiana, Werrason, Mbilia Bel, Tshala Muana, Extra Musica, and many others.

A Special Edition in Memory of Lassa Carlyto
While every Zone DeLa Rhumba gathering is built around music, dance, and culture, this Saturday’s edition carries an especially poignant significance.
The event comes shortly after the passing of Lassa Carlyto, one of the respected voices associated with the Congolese rhumba tradition. His death earlier this week has added a reflective dimension to the gathering, with the third Anex Lounge edition serving as an opportunity for music lovers to celebrate his contribution to the genre and honour his memory through the music he helped make special.
For many fans, rhumba is more than entertainment. It is a connection to memories, heritage, and a shared cultural identity. Saturday’s gathering is therefore expected to combine celebration with remembrance as the audience dances to some of the sounds that defined generations.
A Growing Rhumba Movement
The Anex Lounge event marks the third Zone DeLa Rhumba edition at the venue this year, following successful sessions in Jinja and Entebbe over the past few months.
The response to each gathering has continued to grow, with increasingly larger crowds turning up to experience the distinctive Zone DeLa Rhumba atmosphere. What began as a gathering for lovers of a particular musical tradition is steadily developing into a broader social and cultural experience, bringing together rhumba enthusiasts from different communities.
This Saturday’s edition is expected to attract an even bigger audience, with reservations already coming in from different parts of Kampala, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The DJs Behind the Sound
Keeping the music flowing throughout the night will be three familiar names who have become crowd favourites at Zone DeLa Rhumba gatherings: DJ Don Kelly, DJ Kongie, and DJ AY.
The trio will take the audience through carefully selected sounds from the golden era of Congolese rhumba to contemporary interpretations of the genre, creating a musical journey designed for both seasoned rhumba enthusiasts and newcomers discovering the sound.
Adding to the atmosphere will be renowned MC Kapitano, who will be on the microphone guiding the night’s proceedings and keeping the audience engaged.
More Than a Night of Music
At its heart, Zone DeLa Rhumba is about bringing people together through a musical tradition that has travelled across borders and generations.
From the poetic storytelling of the classics to the polished sounds of today’s Congolese stars, the genre continues to resonate strongly with audiences in Uganda and across the region. The continued growth of Zone DeLa Rhumba is a testament to that enduring appeal.
As the lights come on at Anex Lounge this Saturday, the expectation is for a night filled with slow dances, familiar melodies, nostalgia, culture, and celebration—with a special moment to remember a legend whose music remains part of the rhumba story.
Zone DeLa Rhumba—Third Edition at Anex Lounge.
Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026
Venue: Anex Lounge, Kirinya, Kampala
Music: Congolese Rhumba
On the decks: DJ Don Kelly, DJ Kongie & DJ AY
MC: Kapitano
For lovers of authentic Congolese rhumba, this is one Saturday night worth making plans for.