Kenyan music star Wyre has revealed that one of his most memorable experiences in Uganda is the famous Wandegeya chicken, recalling how the popular late-night delicacy helped satisfy his hunger after performances in Kampala.
The singer, whose real name is Kevin Waire, shared the memory during an interview when he was asked what he would do first upon arriving in Uganda. His answer was immediate: “Wandegeya chicken.”
The response highlighted the connection he developed with the popular street-food spot during his time performing in Uganda as part of the East African Bashment crew.
Wyre went on to explain that the chicken was more than just a meal for him. It was part of a familiar routine after late-night shows, when he would join fellow musicians Bebe Cool, Peter Miles and Menshan for food in Wandegeya.
“We’ve got history with Wandegeya chicken. At 3 am after shows with Bebe Cool, Peter Miles, and Menshan. Trust me, that is one taste I will never forget,” Wyre said.
His recollection paints a picture of Kampala’s nightlife beyond the stage, where musicians winding down after performances could find a meal at one of the city’s well-known late-night food spots.
Wandegeya, an area near Makerere University, is popular for its affordable street food and eateries that attract students, night-time revellers and people looking for something to eat after a night out. Chicken and the Ugandan Rolex—a street-food combination of chapati and eggs—are among the foods associated with the city’s informal food culture.
For Wyre, the memory appears to be tied as much to the people he shared those meals with as to the food itself. His mention of Bebe Cool, Peter Miles and Menshan recalls a period of musical collaboration and performances that brought regional artists together in Uganda.
The story also highlights how food can become part of an artist’s lasting connection with a place. While concerts introduce musicians to audiences, the everyday experiences around those performances can leave equally strong impressions.
Wyre’s answer has given Wandegeya chicken another moment in the spotlight, celebrating a familiar Kampala delicacy through the memories of a Kenyan musician who spent time working with artists across East Africa.
For fans who know the area, his story may sound familiar: after the music stops and the crowds disperse, the night can still have one more destination.