In a bold move, the American, Lisa Marie Panagos has challenged the Ugandan singing superstar, Sylvia Namugenyi to a no kicks barred, 1970’s style dance-off.  Panagos is a rising star who can sing, dance, and act.  She studied classical ballet for many years and has adapted many moves into her modern dance routine. 

Lisa Marie Panagos

Sylvia Namugenyi is a popular singer from Uganda known for her powerful songs and high energy videos.  Of course Namugenyi accepted the challenge.  “Ugandans are known for their dance, so bring it on.”  After-all, one of Uganda’s top singers / dancers, Phina Mugerwa is known locally as the Ugandan Shakira.

Sylvia Namugenyi

“What?” exclaimed Panagos.  “You have dancers that you compare to Shakira.  Now, that could really shake things up.”

It all started innocently enough when Panagos contacted her friend to congratulate her on being named Miss Uganda.  “What?” questioned Namugenyi.  “How could I be named Miss Uganda?  Don’t you have to be a contestant to win?” 

At least 2 on-line news services can claim credit for the mix-up. Uganda On-Line and The Observer from Uganda both listed Namugenyi as the winner, though they both correctly identified 23 year-old Sylvia Namutebi as the winner inside their articles. 

Sylvia Namutebi, and not Sylvia Namugenyi, was crowned Miss Uganda 2011 – 2012 beating out 18 other finalists for the crown.  Namugenyi had this to say about the winner, “She’s young, intelligent, talented, very attractive and has a great name.  She ought to go far!”

Sylvia Namutebi

The statuesque beauty was clearly a fan favorite from the beginning.  Namutebi was much more poised and relaxed than any of the other girls. 

Lisa Panagos also sent her congratulations to Sylvia Namutebi.  One has to wonder if this dance competition will turn into an International Dance War.

Ray Gutt is the Uganda Co-Editor for Wandering Educators

photo of Sylvia Namutebi from Ugandaonline.com