Hollywood star Tyrese Gibson has landed in Uganda, bringing a touch of Tinseltown glamour to a growing event that aims to put the country’s coffee farmers firmly in the international spotlight.
The Fast & Furious actor and R&B singer touched down at Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday morning ahead of his headline appearance at the second Africa Coffee Marathon in Ntungamo.
Gibson was welcomed by Talent Africa Group chief executive Aly Allibhai, whose company is handling the event, as well as Uganda Tourism Board chief executive Juliana Kagwa.
The star is expected to headline the entertainment programme when the Coffee Marathon takes place in Ntungamo in October, in what organisers hope will be a lively celebration of coffee, sport, music and Ugandan culture.
The event is the brainchild of Inspire Coffee Group, founded by Nelson Tugume, and is part of an ambitious push to give Uganda’s coffee industry a bigger international profile while shining a light on the communities that depend on it.
This year’s marathon carries the theme: “Empowering the IK Community of Karamoja through Coffee Farming to End Poverty.” And while Gibson may be the Hollywood name drawing the biggest headlines, organisers are hoping the real stars of the show will be Uganda’s coffee-growing communities.
The idea is to bring together entertainment and sport with a serious economic message, showing how coffee farming can create opportunities for rural communities while giving international visitors another reason to explore Uganda.
For Gibson, the trip adds another chapter to an already globe-spanning career. He is best known for playing Roman Pearce in the hugely successful Fast & Furious franchise, while also enjoying a long career as a singer and songwriter.
His arrival is expected to generate considerable attention around an event that is rapidly becoming more ambitious.
Organisers have also indicated that other international personalities could join the celebrations, including American football star Tim Weah, the son of former Liberian president and football legend George Weah.
Last year’s inaugural marathon attracted even more attention when Tanzanian music superstar Diamond Platnumz headlined the event.
This time, with Gibson taking centre stage, organisers are clearly aiming for an even bigger international audience.
As Uganda prepares to welcome runners, music lovers and coffee enthusiasts to Ntungamo, the hope is that the buzz surrounding Hollywood’s latest visitor will translate into something far more lasting, greater attention for Ugandan coffee, tourism and the farmers behind one of the country’s most important exports.
