UGANDA WEEKEND NEWS

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

What makes an international artist by 1544c ssejjombwe. (+256 782233273)

With every artist I’ve interviewed, going international is the only way their goal will be achieved but little do they know about the hustle, sacrifice and determination one has to go through to be recognized as an international artist.

First and foremost, being international in musical terms simply means getting acknowledged beyond boarders or an artist widening his career to other parts of the world.Artists like Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, the Beetles, ABBA, Bony M and UB40 were among the first to achieve that goal and infact the Beetles are quoted to have said “they were more famous than Jesus Christ” basing on the fact that their music had reached all parts of the world.

In Africa, it’s artists like Lucky Dube, Akon, Chaka Chaka, Mariam Makeba, Oliver Mutukuzi and our very own Philly Bongole Lutaya the late who received that wide acknowledgement beyond boarders. Relaying a message in your song is one of the key factors an artist who wants to be recognized worldwide should look at. An example Philly Bongole Lutaya’s “Alone and Frightened” attributed to AIDS which up to now motivates many victims across the globe.

The time period of song also matters in that an artist should ensure that at least some of the songs are long lasting, for example we look at Abbas Christmas songs, Philly Lutaya’s Christmas songs. The language also matters to a certain extent because it gives the track a mark to be perceived by a great number of people. A Language like English is a bonus because it’s an international language. Good video is an added advantage to all aspiring international artists especially if the video is right on storyboard, neatly edited and good camera angles. Some of the Ugandan artists who have so far tested International applause include Maurice Kirya, Jose Chameleon, Bebe Cool, Goodlyf, Navio, Juliana, Keko and Peter Miles.

The Mwamba Children's Choir from Uganda brought African music and dance into Gilbert Town Hall, prompting a standing ovation after performing two songs during a Town Council meeting. Twelve children dressed in colorful clothing danced in near-perfect synchronicity Thursday and injected contagious energy into a generally quiet council chamber. "I think we were in awe," Gilbert Mayor John Lewis said. "We hadn't done anything like that before, and I think it was a very positive experience." The choir was among several groups that also performed Friday at Gilbert's Nights of Lights.

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

Iryn is super diva of the year by 1544c ssejjombwe. (+256 782233273)

Just like last year, songstress Irene Namubiru has yet again been crowned Super Diva of the year at this year’s Diva awards carried out Saturday evening at Theatre Labonita. The “Birowoozo artist beat off strong competition from Angella Kalule, Juliana Kanyomozi and Jackie Chandilu to win the top price. Irene was also voted R&B Diva and her “Yani” track alongside Julie Mutesasira was voted the Diva collabo of the year. Juliana scooped the Afrobeat Diva, Viva stars were crowned Diva group while Natasha’s “Butunda” was voted video of the year. In on of the stiff competitive categories, Lian of the “Singa” fame took home the Rising Diva after defeating G-Snake, Jemima, Natasha and Walden. The outstanding song which could be referred to as song of the year went to Angella Kalule’s “Katikitiki”. In their third year running, the prestigious Awards this time round saw Lady Jay D win the Tanzanian Diva, Shanelle winning the Rwanda category and STL take the Kenyan category in new amendments of involving the rest of the East African countries. In the Television category, Record Tv’s “Katogo” won the best musical programme while Miles Lwamiti of Bukedde Tv’s “Omubimba” won the best presenter category. The evening also saw performances from top Diva’s like the Viva stars, Jemima, Liane, G-Snake and Natasha Sinayobe.

Several months ago, I ordered a copy of the acclaimed British music magazine, MOJO, to be sent to me in the post.  The particular issue I ordered also came with a compilation CD featuring artists on the London music label, Communion.  Communion is of great interest to me, not only because the label was co-founded by Ben Lovett, a member of one of my favourite bands, Mumford & Sons, but also because they specialise in working with very talented singer/songwriters, many of whom I’ve recommended in previouscolumns (such as Daughter, Pete Roe, Marcus Foster, and Johnny Flynn).

Once I received my copy of the magazine and gave a cursory glance at the names on the back of the accompanying CD, I put it on, turned up the volume, and went about tidying up my kitchen.  Then, I heard a voice that made me stop dead in my tracks.  I heard this:

Bamuturaki Musinguzi

During his famous second tour of Africa 51 years ago, the great jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong, used his visit to Uganda to hit at the apartheid regime over a planned performance for whites only in South Africa. The good will tour with his All-Stars, took him to the Congo Republic, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, where he was given wild receptions. He came to Uganda under the sponsorship of the US Department of State's cultural exchange programme in cooperation with the American National Theatre and Academy and Pepsi Cola. There were conflicting reports earlier that year (1960) that Armstrong alas "Satchmo" had been refused permission to perform in South Africa, and another that he had refused to play to segregated audiences.

Thursday, December 08th, 2011

Navio releases new song

Another fresh tune from Navio to take you through the holiday season! Skamaress 256 remix featuring Madtrax. Beat and original production by Madtraxx @ Red Republic Kenya. Remix recorded and mixed by Samurae @ Talent Africa Music Studios

This year’s Buzz leaver’s rock was spiced up Angolan music sensation Cabbo Snoop who took to the stage at 6pm and straight away started off with his hit single “Prakatatumba”, followed by two other tracks before wrapping up with “Windek”. The artist, clad in a black t-shirt, orange jeans and sneakers was joined on stage by Tip Swizzy, (Uganda’s Cabbo Snoop) and both artists took the audience through a series of dance strokes that left the audience screaming their lungs out.
Despite several artists snubbing this year’s event, a few who turned up gave it their all especially Baboon Forest’s Mun G and Big Tril, Don Mc as well as Swangz Avenue’s T-Assets and Sera. 
Vampino and Jackie have a lucrative contract with Pepsi which doesn’t allow them to perform at any event organized by a rival company which in this case was Coca Cola. Navio and Keko are the other artists advertised to perform at the concert but couldn’t be part of it. Africana was this time round the venue for the annual event which saw Kats and Robin Kisti presenter Hot steps presiding over as Mc’s with Shiru, Mozelo and Rouge’s Roger as the Dj’s. Sponsored by Orange, Coca Cola, Ntv and Hot 100, the concert was organized by Buzz.