Musenge's song about hope garners him honours

Oct 08, 2019

It is a journey he started at the age of 10, at an evangelical church in the Democratic Republic of Congo

 

Mwatshy Musenge has been playing music for as long as he cares to remember. His mastery of the guitar chords and effortlessness with which he sings have won him fame and many friends.

He describes his music as ‘shafrofusion,' a blend of shara, a Congolese style, and Afro-pop. With two music albums under out and one more underway, Musenge is upbeat his star is rising.

For all his exploits with sound and the rigours of a complex music industry, the Congolese-born musician has carved out a distinct niche for himself on the gospel music scene in Uganda.

Out of his many songs, Rafiki, a tune about true friendship in times of difficulty, has won him praise, at home and overseas.

"Many friends will come your way when you are wealthy. Many will give you respect because of your wealth…," Mwatshy sings.

"But when your wealth disappears, friends will run away from you. Even your own siblings will flee from you."

The song is not all about lamentation; he reassures, with a message of hope, that God will restore everything one has lost. And all those who ran away from you will run back to you, he says.

 

There are subtle references to his own life: he saw a friend's life crumble after losing everything to the machinations of his wife and children.

Then, a close relative whom he helped to start business refused to lend him a hand during a trying episode in his life.

Throughout all the setbacks, never give up, and stay away from revenge, Musenge advises in the song. Most of all, never forget that one true friend who was there for you during hard times.

Mwatshy holds on to a certificate of recognition and a plaque from VIGA Music Awards, in honour of his ‘excellent contribution to Christian music.

It is a journey he started at the age of 10, at an evangelical church in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Today, Mwatshy is a member of Watoto Church, where he plays the bass guitar.

A gifted singer and guitarist, Musenge has interacted with Rumba, reggae, jazz and afro-pop fusion, with songs in English, French, Kiswahili and Lingala.

His first album ‘Fullness of Joy' came out in 2009 and the second album Step 2 Rafiki in 2015, with proceeds from the launch concert of the latter going to a malaria campaign.

Musenge's third studio album titled God is Able is in the works. So is a music tour to Europe and the US, whose proceeds he says will go to charity.

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