The Tusker Lite Neon Raves finale is shaping up to be one of Uganda’s biggest dance events of the year after organisers unveiled a high-profile judging panel that will decide the country’s best dance crew during the national showdown on July 4.
Dance Mamweta will lead the panel alongside Troy Studios founder Roy Tumwizire and veteran media personality Gaetano Kaggwa when finalists take to the stage at Next Media Park.
The trio will be responsible for selecting the winning crew after months of regional competitions that have brought together some of Uganda’s most promising dance talent.
The announcement comes as Tusker Lite Neon Raves enters its final stage, having launched in February as a nationwide dance competition aimed at discovering and promoting emerging Ugandan dancers.
Since then, regional competitions have been held across the country, with finalists qualifying from Hoima, Masaka, Mbarara, Arua, Gulu and Kampala.
Throughout the competition, dance crews have showcased a variety of styles, including amapiano, kwaito, hip hop, popping, locking, street dance and contemporary African choreography.
The performances have highlighted the depth of talent emerging from different parts of Uganda while demonstrating the growing popularity of dance as a professional creative career.
Organisers say the judges were carefully selected to ensure the finale is assessed from different perspectives within the entertainment industry.
“Throughout Neon Raves, we have seen dancers push themselves creatively and technically.”
“For the finale, it was important to have judges who understand performance from different perspectives.”
Dance Mamweta brings years of experience in choreography, concerts and music video production, making her one of the country’s respected creative directors.
Roy Tumwizire joins the panel as the founder of Troy Studios, an organisation recognised for developing young dance talent and preparing performers for professional careers.
Meanwhile, Gaetano Kaggwa adds extensive experience from Uganda’s entertainment industry, offering insight into storytelling, audience engagement and live performance.
Organisers believe the combination of their expertise reflects the standards expected of today’s professional performers.
“Dance Mamweta brings deep knowledge of choreography and stage performance.”
“Roy Tumwizire understands talent development and the discipline behind dance.”
“Gaetano Kaggwa offers insight into entertainment, storytelling and audience connection.”
“Together, they reflect the standards and opportunities that today’s dancers aspire to.”
Beyond the title of Uganda’s best dance crew, this year’s winners will receive an opportunity that could significantly raise their profile within the entertainment industry.
The victorious crew will appear in a professional music video alongside a renowned Ugandan artist, giving them exposure beyond the competition stage.
According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between competitive dance and Uganda’s mainstream music industry.
“Dance and music have always moved together.”
“We wanted the winning crew to leave with something that can help elevate their profile and showcase their talent to even wider audiences.”
The competition reflects a growing trend in Uganda’s entertainment sector, where dancers are increasingly finding opportunities in concerts, music videos, live productions and commercial performances.
By connecting the winning crew with an established musician, Tusker Lite Neon Raves aims to create a pathway that extends beyond the finale itself.
At the same time, several aspects of the competition remain undisclosed. Organisers have not revealed the identity of the Ugandan artist who will collaborate with the winning crew.
They have also not published the judging criteria, disclosed the number of finalists competing at the national finale or announced whether a cash prize will be awarded.
The order in which the finalists will perform has also not been released. Despite those outstanding details, organisers say the competition’s broader objective has remained consistent since its launch earlier this year.
“The finale is not just about celebrating a winner; it’s about creating the next chapter for emerging dance talent.”
All eyes will now be on Next Media Park on July 4, where dance crews representing Hoima, Masaka, Mbarara, Arua, Gulu and Kampala will battle for national honours.
When the curtains close, one crew will walk away as Uganda’s best dance crew, while also securing a professional music video collaboration that could open new doors within the country’s entertainment industry.
For many of the finalists, the Tusker Lite Neon Raves finale represents more than a competition, it is an opportunity to transform months of hard work into a breakthrough moment on one of Uganda’s biggest entertainment stages.
