Groovy on AIDS day
Dec 05, 2002
How does one sing and dance when the skies look so dark and forsaken?
How does one sing and dance when the skies look so dark and forsaken?
Last Sunday was World AIDS Day, when we remember all those who fall victim to this scourge, those who are living with it, and fight the stigma it brings. So how are we supposed to sing and dance?
Thirteen years ago this month, prominent Ugandan singer Philly Lutaya died of AIDS related diseases. Before he died, he wrote the song Alone and Frightened, which has become an anthem and a source of strength to all people afflicted with the virus.
On Sunday night at the Hotel Africana, at 8:10pm, all the lights were doused, everybody held a lit candle, musicians gathered and sang Lutaya’s greatest composition. It was an emotional moment, and there more than a few wet eyes in the audience.
Almost everybody in Uganda has either a relative, a close friend, or has known somebody who has succumbed to AIDS. That night, as the hundreds of candles flickered and the musicians’ voices rang out over the swimming pool of the hotel, we remembered all those who had passed on, and those still living, but are stricken with the disease.
It was a solemn moment, remembering the dead and the sick, but it was still was a time to celebrate life. And who can do that better than musicians? So they grabbed their guitars and horns, set up the drum sets and the keyboard stands, and took to the stage.
First it was the jazz-playing Misty Band which usually plays at Obbligato on Tuesdays. Moses Matovu’s haunting sax introduced the day appropriately. Then the immensely popular KADS Band was next. With Titi and Akiiki Romeo and their two monster hit songs, how can anybody go wrong? But it was much too brief, they had to go and play somewhere else.
Splash Band then took to the stage. It’s biggest claim to fame, the singer Prossy Kankunda, was missing, as she has been for a while. But Angela Kalule and Esther Mpiima did the band service, before the male members of the band took over and gave us yet another rendition of the ndombolo dance, which by now must have been danced to death.
It was then Ken Wanda’s turn, and if he had his way he would not have left the stage. He sang a very forgettable Christmas song, and then asked the crowd to buy his CD. It was only MC of the day, Andrew Luwandaga who eventually saved his day.
What must be one of the oldest bands in the Kampala, 5 Star, took the stage next. Fred Masagazi might well be into his 70s, but he showed he can still shake it like the rest of them. His songs, first sang in the 1960s, still sounded fresh and drove the crowd onto the dance floor.
Wassanyi Serukenya, composer, playwright and singer, gave a rendition of two of his greatest compositions, from the musical Amakula Ga Kulabako. Alex Mukulu, a trio knows as Crystal Singers, and a one Jane Kayanja also took their turns on stage.
The Big Five band is one that has been hard hit by the AIDS scourge, but they showed they still had it in them. Guitarist Ekodelele played what was probably his last concert, and we all wished him well.
Jimmy Katumba again took centre stage, and sang a few of Sengo’s favourite songs. Herman Ssewanyana and his Percussion Discussion wooed the audience, before Rachel Magoola did her evergreen song Obangaina.
The Senkebejje’s, Tony and Rachel, got the Mayor, Ssebaana Kizito, and his wife to dance, before Elly Wamala proved he was still everybody’s favourite singer. Viola and Twalyako Byetwalya, brought the house down, and it was fitting.
The finale was Mpe’Dembe by the Afrigo Band. And it was over till next year.
Last Sunday was World AIDS Day, when we remember all those who fall victim to this scourge, those who are living with it, and fight the stigma it brings. So how are we supposed to sing and dance?
Thirteen years ago this month, prominent Ugandan singer Philly Lutaya died of AIDS related diseases. Before he died, he wrote the song Alone and Frightened, which has become an anthem and a source of strength to all people afflicted with the virus.
On Sunday night at the Hotel Africana, at 8:10pm, all the lights were doused, everybody held a lit candle, musicians gathered and sang Lutaya’s greatest composition. It was an emotional moment, and there more than a few wet eyes in the audience.
Almost everybody in Uganda has either a relative, a close friend, or has known somebody who has succumbed to AIDS. That night, as the hundreds of candles flickered and the musicians’ voices rang out over the swimming pool of the hotel, we remembered all those who had passed on, and those still living, but are stricken with the disease.
It was a solemn moment, remembering the dead and the sick, but it was still was a time to celebrate life. And who can do that better than musicians? So they grabbed their guitars and horns, set up the drum sets and the keyboard stands, and took to the stage.
First it was the jazz-playing Misty Band which usually plays at Obbligato on Tuesdays. Moses Matovu’s haunting sax introduced the day appropriately. Then the immensely popular KADS Band was next. With Titi and Akiiki Romeo and their two monster hit songs, how can anybody go wrong? But it was much too brief, they had to go and play somewhere else.
Splash Band then took to the stage. It’s biggest claim to fame, the singer Prossy Kankunda, was missing, as she has been for a while. But Angela Kalule and Esther Mpiima did the band service, before the male members of the band took over and gave us yet another rendition of the ndombolo dance, which by now must have been danced to death.
It was then Ken Wanda’s turn, and if he had his way he would not have left the stage. He sang a very forgettable Christmas song, and then asked the crowd to buy his CD. It was only MC of the day, Andrew Luwandaga who eventually saved his day.
What must be one of the oldest bands in the Kampala, 5 Star, took the stage next. Fred Masagazi might well be into his 70s, but he showed he can still shake it like the rest of them. His songs, first sang in the 1960s, still sounded fresh and drove the crowd onto the dance floor.
Wassanyi Serukenya, composer, playwright and singer, gave a rendition of two of his greatest compositions, from the musical Amakula Ga Kulabako. Alex Mukulu, a trio knows as Crystal Singers, and a one Jane Kayanja also took their turns on stage.
The Big Five band is one that has been hard hit by the AIDS scourge, but they showed they still had it in them. Guitarist Ekodelele played what was probably his last concert, and we all wished him well.
Jimmy Katumba again took centre stage, and sang a few of Sengo’s favourite songs. Herman Ssewanyana and his Percussion Discussion wooed the audience, before Rachel Magoola did her evergreen song Obangaina.
The Senkebejje’s, Tony and Rachel, got the Mayor, Ssebaana Kizito, and his wife to dance, before Elly Wamala proved he was still everybody’s favourite singer. Viola and Twalyako Byetwalya, brought the house down, and it was fitting.
The finale was Mpe’Dembe by the Afrigo Band. And it was over till next year.