Vision Group, Bobi Wine launch Pope's song

By Jeff Andrew Lule

Vision Group has launched a song to welcome Pope Francis due here on Friday next week.

The song titled Vivas Papa (long live the Pope), was done by Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine together with Rubaga Cathedral choir.

This is yet another Vision Group initiative to publicise the Pope’s visit after the Papal Walk, sale of rosaries, messages to the Pope and daily coverage on all platforms.

The song was written by Silver Kyagulanyi, a renowned song writer/artiste and produced by Tony Houls, a local producer at Fire Records in Kamwokya, Kampala.

It is a mixture of reggae and gospel touch, with a variety of instruments and back up of female voices.

 It is mainly in Luganda with a blend of few English words predominantly in the chorus “Papa welcome to The Pearl of Africa”.

Houls said they are in the final stages of making the video and will release it before the end of the week.

While launching the song at Vision Group head offices yesterday, the deputy head of TV, Ronald Kaggwa, said the message in the song is meant to educate Christians and Ugandans at large and to further urge them to spiritually prepare for the Pope.

The song features narratives about Fr. Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Br. Delmas Amans, who introduced the Catholic religion in Uganda as well as Kabaka Mutesa I, who invited them.

Bobi Wine said he was happy to be part of the Vision Group initiative.

“The Pope’s visit is a blessing to Uganda, both Catholics and non - Catholics. Many people are coming here and they need to know the other side of the Pearl of Africa. We need to show the world what we have,” he added.

Kennedy Mwota, a member on the organising committee for the Pope’s visit, urged the public to support the project and other Vision Group initiatives towards the Pope’s visit.

Fr. Joseph Sebayiga, the assistant pastoral co-ordinator for Kampala Archdiocese, said they tried to get a professional female musician to back up Bobi Wine in vain and decided to use St. Cecilia Choir from Rubaga.

The song can be played anywhere because of its strong message.

“But I know it will also end up in discos because of the catchy beats,” Sebayiga added.