Elly Wamala's songs to be redone by local artistes

Aug 08, 2014

As a way to celebrate the late Elly Wamala’s life, 10 years after his demise, his family has decided to collaborate with today’s contemporary singers to redo over 15 of his songs that were popular then.

By Steven Odeke

As a way to celebrate the late Elly Wamala’s life, 10 years after his demise, his family has decided to collaborate with today’s contemporary singers to redo over 15 of his songs that were popular then.

Musicians like Jose Chameleone, Iryn Namubiru, Bobi Wine, Irene Ntale, Aziz Azion, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Judith Babirye, Rema Namakula, Mesach Semakula, Ronald Mayinja, Nince Henry, Mowzey Radio and Weasel have all been given rights to perform and record the new songs.

Already Chameleone, Iryn Namubiru, Chris Evans, Bobi Wine and Mowzey Radio/Weasel’s versions have been recorded and released to the public. Songs like “Nga Bwewakolanga” done Chameleone and “Talanta” by Iryn Namubiru are playing on the mainstream.

Julinana Kanyomozi’s version will have to wait because the recent passing of her son challenged her, while Bebe Cool has been busy preparing for his concert this weekend.

Gertrude Wamala Karugaba, the late singer’s daughter and attorney of the family’s estate, said on Wednesday that the artistes chosen for the project titled “Elly Wamala All Stars: A 10 years’ Tribute” have all the permission to perform the songs but the family will retain the copyright until 2024.

“We have selected songs my father released up to the time of his death,” Karugaba said. “Our intention with this project is to share our father’s music with younger Ugandans who did not get to hear him or see him perform. Hopefully we can get him some new fans posthumously.”

The criteria used to select these artistes were largely for their impact on the younger generation.
The family chose producer Paddy Kayiwa of Audio One to coordinate production of this project.

Artistes are permitted to perform in their own way and will join Wamala’s family for a special memorial show on august 22 at National Theatre.