Two hours of magic at the Qwela Junction: Quitar Maestros

By Kalungi Kabuye

I don't think anybody really expected what went down at the second Qwela Junction at the Serena on Sunday night.

Ugandans are very supportive people, and if many went there simply to show support to their friends, they were treated to a very pleasant surprise.

The guitar maestros in question were Myko Ouma, who we all know very well; Kaz Kasozi, who we've probably heard of but not very much; Charmant Mushaga, whom we've seen once or twice; and Ian Businge, whom we have seen several times on stage but never knew it was him.

But together they produced what you can only refer to as a night of magic. New kid on the block Solome, who has her own show this week at Golf Course Hotel, was the only 'curtain raiser', and she raised the heat well enough with three amazing songs. She has a voice, that girl.
 

Solome was the only 'curtain raiser' at the Qwela Junction: Guitar Maestros.

The Guitar Maestros in action on Sunday night:  From left, Myko Ouma, Kaz Kasozi, Charmat Mushaga and Ian Busingye.

Then it was the maestros turn. After each played part of the national anthem in their own way, it was game on. There was no obvious structure to the performance, they just played. At times one would lead and show what he can do, and then another would take over, back and forth they went, and there was not a single boring moment.

Qwela band leader Joe Kahirimbayi largely stayed in the background, and Maureen Rutabingwa showed just how far she has developed her singing abilities. Of course we all know what she can do with a saxophone.

It was amazing to see all those people turning up for what used to be dismissed as simply 'instrumentals'. It was definitely a very positive happening to Ugandan musicians, who might get to be taken more seriously.

A big up to Qwela for organising it, and we cannot wait for the next one.