Ugandan composer calls for unity among musicians

"Church musicians have to work together to promote praise and worship, advance the quality of church music and the spirit of musicianship," renowned musician, Michael Mukisa has counseled.

Speaking during a concert to unveil his collection of liturgical compositions from the book of Psalms at Christ the King church in Kampala over the weekend, Mukisa remarked that by the nature of its divine mission ( praise and worship), church music should unite rather than divide people, including musicians.

Some of the choristers that sang during Mukisa's concert at Christ The King on Friday. All Photos by Mathias Mazinga

Mukisa, an accomplished composer, organist and music director lives in Boston. He recently set 150 biblical psalms to music, following requests from the clergy. He returned to Kampala recently to unveil his composition in a concert that brought together choristers from different choirs at Christ the King church.

"It has been a lot of work; it has taken me some time to accomplish," he said.  

While in the US, Mukisa endeavored to share his compositions with choirs back home, but only a few sang the music during mass.

Singing Psalms during mass in Uganda is not very common. But with Mukisa's effort, it is hoped that choirs will now consider including psalms as part of liturgy.

Several people attended the concert including famous church music composer, Fr. James Kabuye, one of the assistant priests at Christ the King church Fr. Arthur Richard Muwonge and several accomplished musicians.