Uganda Music
The republic of Uganda is situated in east Africa. It is surrounded by Kenya,
Tanzania, republic of Congo, Sudan and Rwanda. Uganda received its name from the
kingdom of Buganda which encompassed a portion of the country. The African
country of Uganda has had a turbulent history in the twentieth century and its
music has been an integral part of the nation’s growth and development.
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The first form of music that developed in Uganda was Kadongo Kamu. It also
means single or a single guitar. In this form of musical art a single guitar
is used for playing music. Kadongo Kamu is said to be a very educative,
informative as well as an entertaining art at the same time. In 1980’s a
person named Jimmy Katumba and his band were very well known for their
Ugandan music.
Following this in 80’s and 90’s many musicians emerged that helped in
spreading of this unique art of music and helped in popularizing Uganda
music. These people were also known as the best Ugandan musicians. Not only
in home town but Uganda Music soon started influencing its neighboring
countries as well.
Some of the music albums have also received critically acclaimed awards
for the uniqueness and the message that they have spread. Lately new artists
have brought across cultural music that blends western styles with East
African rhythms which includes multi instrumentalists.
Kampana is the center of Uganda Music especially in the area of Wandegeya
which is also the home to Kadongo Kamu. Many people have contributed to
Kadongo Kamu which means a single guitar is used for the years to come. In
the recent years a new style form of music has developed in East Africa
called the takeu which comes from the first letters of Tanzania.
It includes the elements of Music of Tanzania, Kenya music and Uganda music
under one head. Another form of music that has been gaining momentum and
popularity in Uganda is Gospel Music. Some of the famous artists who have
contributed to this are Ivan Woods, Martin Seku and Betty Namaganda.
Artists of Uganda music are known to be amongst the richest people in Africa
competing with Nigerians, South Africans and Congolese.
Buganda is the central region of Uganda and the people of this area are
known as Baganda this kingdom is ruled by a king who has traditionally been
the main patron of the music in Buganda. The music here includes massive and
sacred drums and a variety of vibrant dances. There are numerous instruments
used by people of this region like ennanga harp, lamellophones and
idiophones.
Uganda music comprises of many sacred and unique forms of music and people
here are very talented. However the art of music is having a slow death.
Many musicians have stopped playing Ugandan music and those who still play
it have introduced other musical instruments besides the single guitar to
play latest tunes.
It has also been noticed that this form of music is more liked by the older
generation and the new generation especially the literate ones don’t find it
appealing.Every country has a culture of its own and its music is one way of
globalizing and reaching out to new people.
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