Musicians fight AIDS stigma
Aug 24, 2003
IT is almost 14 years since the National Theatre based musicians Club ‘89 was started. It had one goal then and that goal, 14 years on is still on top of their agenda – to bring musicians together under one umbrella, so that their needs can be addressed
By Vision reporter
IT is almost 14 years since the National Theatre based musicians Club ‘89 was started. It had one goal then and that goal, 14 years on is still on top of their agenda – to bring musicians together under one umbrella, so that their needs can be addressed.
Since its inception, the club has assisted musicians during hard times such as bereavement and illness.
One of the club’s most famous activities is their weekly Monday night jam session, which provides a platform for upcoming musicians to perform alongside their more established counterparts. During these sessions, musicians exchange ideas and jam together in an informal atmosphere.
But there is more to the jam session than just music, such as the club’s collaboration with the Uganda Aids Commission in a concert code-named: ‘The Musifight Against the Stigma of AIDS,’ to raise money to eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
The first concert was held last year on December 1, at Hotel Africana. Afrigo, Misty and Kads bands performed, as well as Elly Wamala, Rachel Magoola and veteran musician Fred Masagazi. There was also a photographic exhibition of living and dead musicians
This year, the club co-hosted an interaction with Lucky Dube, during which they performed and benefited from a talk given by him.
Club ‘89 has also started a monthly jam session in the gardens of the National Theatre’s cultural village, a move that has helped to bring in many more musicians as well as to reach out to a more diverse audience.
Over the next few years, the club plans to buy musical instruments, buy a public adress system and to set up a music school.
IT is almost 14 years since the National Theatre based musicians Club ‘89 was started. It had one goal then and that goal, 14 years on is still on top of their agenda – to bring musicians together under one umbrella, so that their needs can be addressed.
Since its inception, the club has assisted musicians during hard times such as bereavement and illness.
One of the club’s most famous activities is their weekly Monday night jam session, which provides a platform for upcoming musicians to perform alongside their more established counterparts. During these sessions, musicians exchange ideas and jam together in an informal atmosphere.
But there is more to the jam session than just music, such as the club’s collaboration with the Uganda Aids Commission in a concert code-named: ‘The Musifight Against the Stigma of AIDS,’ to raise money to eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
The first concert was held last year on December 1, at Hotel Africana. Afrigo, Misty and Kads bands performed, as well as Elly Wamala, Rachel Magoola and veteran musician Fred Masagazi. There was also a photographic exhibition of living and dead musicians
This year, the club co-hosted an interaction with Lucky Dube, during which they performed and benefited from a talk given by him.
Club ‘89 has also started a monthly jam session in the gardens of the National Theatre’s cultural village, a move that has helped to bring in many more musicians as well as to reach out to a more diverse audience.
Over the next few years, the club plans to buy musical instruments, buy a public adress system and to set up a music school.