The Pride of The Pearl

The line-up was convincing for the sh500, 000 price for a ticket. It had Michael Ouma, one of the very few artistes with a complete jazz album.

It had Kenneth Mugabi, the folksy singer with a growing reputation. It also had Sewa Sewa, the maker of the janzi string instrument.

That it was staged on a Sunday at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom gave it the exclusive feel it deserved. With that in place, you could not fault the organisers for the title they chose, Pride of the Pearl.

Ouma kickstarted the performances. The first songs were inspired by Acholi traditional culture. The influence of “Kiri kiri” music could not be missed.

Mugabi was the most captivating of the three.

“I had to improvise with the guitar,” he said about using a foreign instrument to create a native sound.  

Then Sewa Sewa came in with his janzi instrument. Both player and instrument still need an introduction whenever on stage.

“I created this instrument as an inspiration of my daughter Janzi,” he said.

He is often not seen on the frontline when he performs with the Janzi Band. It was why his vocals took many by surprise.

However, as far as performance art goes, Mugabi was the most captivating of the three. He started off with Cinderella. It a regal performance, with a whole ballet set as the backdrop.

The dancers were young, which gave Cinderalla the face of innocence that the song is about. After capturing attention with the dancers, he directed it towards himself.

Whenever he plays the tube fiddle, audiences are stunned. It was not any different this time. 

The show was attended by the Second Deputy Katikiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Wagwa Nsibirwa. Musicians including Maurice Kirya, Sarah Zawedde and Bebe Cool were also in attendance.