Angume voice sends musicians in tears

May 10, 2014

The painful memory of his deep mellow unique voice sent musicians in tears during the last auditions for Geoffrey Lutaaya’s New Eagles at Bat Valley.

By Meddie Musisi, Steven Musoke & Ronald Mubiru

Slightly over a year ago musician Martin Angume succumbed to a long illness after being bedridden for months.

However, one thing still lingers in people's minds - the power of his voice.

It is this painful memory of his deep mellow unique voice that sent musicians in tears during the last auditions for Geoffrey Lutaaya’s New Eagles at Bat Valley.

Since the split of Eagles’ Production Lutaaya and wife Irene Namatovu who formed the New Eagles have been on a recruitment drive to start a new chapter after parting with their colleagues including Ronald Mayinja and Mesach Ssemakula.

Over 2,800 hopefuls have auditioned since March, but only 25 made the cut. The highlight of it all however came Friday when Ronnie K took to the stage to audition.

When he belted out that powerful voice the judges were awe struck. Betty Mpologoma, particularly, thought Angume’s ghost was on stage!

The unmistakable voice of Angume sent Mpologoma into tears as Ronnie K bellowed out the late singer’s song, Switch.

“My goodness this brought painful memories of Angume who just made a year on Wednesday since he passed on,” Mpologoma sobbed as tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

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Lutaaya and wife (middle) pose for a group photo with their recruits

Ronnie K could not comprehend the emotion his performance had evoked as those in attendance instead shifted their attention to the judges who joined Mpologoma as they cried together.

Those in attendance led by Mpologoma flocked the stage and gave him money in admiration for perfecting Angume’s voice.

Mpologoma started her singing career with Angume in Kato Lubwama’s drama group Diamond.

25 people finally made the cut and joined Lutaaya’s New Eagles’ band out of the fifty that had made the finals.

Selecting these, according to the judges, also proved a daunting task as each was talented. Lutaaya had previously said he wanted just 10 of them, but owing to the abundance of talent the number was increased by 15.

The judges mainly considered good original compositions, voice, rhyming with instruments; but also the girls’ looks played a big part in making the final cut.

The judges included Joe Tabula (producer and singer); Afrigo’s Eddie Yawe and Joanita Kawalya, Joseph Batte and Titie Tabel.

 

 

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