‘Kapaapala’ singer bounces back with ‘Janjaba’

Feb 19, 2009

PERHAPS the most memorable thing about David Lutalo was that he jumped out of the blue with his debut song Kapapaala and rocked the local music scene.

By Titus Serunjogi

PERHAPS the most memorable thing about David Lutalo was that he jumped out of the blue with his debut song Kapapaala and rocked the local music scene.

The song is about a man smitten by a woman’s wobbly behind. “Kapapaala became a hit because the lyrics were catchy and down-to-earth without being openly vulgar,” says Benon Kibuuka, the president of the Federation of Performing Artistes of Uganda.

Last year, Lutalo made millions by staging concert after concert. Such was his impact that he was nominated for the Song-Of-The Year slot at the 2008 PAM Awards.

For Lutalo, the experience of pop stardom and performing alongside some of the biggest names in the local music industry has shown him that he must not rest on his laurels.

With his new single, Lutalo seems poised to blaze the same successful trail he did last year. In Janjaba, Lutalo decries hypocrisy in society.

The singer expresses shock at people who can smile while hatching evil plans. This song, with its accurate insights into society, will make you smile and cry at the same time with its playful exuberance and unexpected creative flourishes in the lyrics.

“I believe Janjaba exhibits more maturity in David Lutalo than Kapapaala. The song, like Jose Chameleone’s Bayuda, might be inspired by the countless stories of domestic violence, adultery, child sacrifice and conspiracy that emerge in the press everyday,” says Kibuuka.

Janjaba is done to a blend locally called Band Music, but also has echoes of kadongokamu. Lutalo sings in a highly individual voice. His technique is crisp and loaded with ideas.

As brilliant as the music is, what really sets it apart is the production. The music soars with Mozart Studios’ trademark melodious guitar and saxophone.

Inevitably, listeners will compare Janjaba to Batusosola off his earlier album. But with a new album on the way, we can only expect that Lutalo will refine his craft into mature music.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});