Fr Joseph Bakka, the youthful piano-playing cleric with an incredible touch

Believe him or doubt him, Rev Fr Joseph Bakka, a youthful priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Masaka (currently based at Kalungu parish) is one of the finest piano/organ maestros in the Church and the country.

The diminutive, humble but very attractive cleric has proved to be a rising bright star of the classical musical genre because of his wonder skills on the key-board.

He is generally acknowledged for his super site-reading skills which enable him to play technical classical musical pieces with marvelous agility.

He is also generally revered for his delicate and sensitive touch that enables him to produce clean/pure/awesome piano/organ sounds. Bakka is also much loved for his great power of expression. His musical admirers also give him enormous respect for his skillful organ pedal work and creativity.

Bakka is the man behind the glorious organ sounds in the music of many prominent choirs, including the Cherubim Chamber Chorale, St Maria Goretti SS Katende (SMAGOK), Masaka Diocesan Choir, and several other choral ensembles.

Fr Bakka did his secondary education at Holy Family Minor Seminary Bukalasa, where he was introduced to classical music lessons by Fr Joseph Namukangula. He continued teaching himself music as he progressed through the major seminaries, that is, Katogondo Grand National Major Seminary and St Paul’s National Seminary Kinyamasika.

Further to his marvelous skills on the key-board, Fr Bakka has also proven himself as a talented traditional dancer.

Fr Bakka in the eyes of musicians

Dr Andrew Kagumba (Ugandan musicologist and music educationist based in Canada)

Fr Bakka is one of the highly talented young musicians. He is passionate about music. He really loves his instrument; the piano.

He will become a global figure if he is not interrupted.  Surprisingly though, he is incredibly humble. He is also very loyal to the Church.

Jude Luwaga (Choral Music Conductor, Composer)

Fr Bakka is a personification of the historic musical legacy of Bukalasa Seminary.

He is very committed to the development of Church music and choral music in general. Any time you call upon him, he will show up. We thank God for his ministry.