Uganda Martyrs hymns unveiled

Today as Churches swerve even more into the direction of contemporary urban gospel music, the culture of singing sacred songs in the traditional genre has continued to fade. 

But even in this circumstance, there are some people who still cherish traditional music.

One of them is Dickens Nsubuga, a lay Christian attached to St Gyaviira Catholic sub-parish, Seguku, in Wakiso district.

Nsubuga's hymn book that was launched on Friday

 
Nsubuga, who has not been known in the gospel music circles surprised many people when he produced an album of songs in commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs. The songs were launched during a concert dubbed Uganda Martyrs' Cultural evening, which took place at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Rubaga on Friday.

Although the show was poorly attended, Nsubuga managed to live up to the expectations of his fans.  

Dr Saturninus Mulindwa delivers his speech

 
Backed by a 20-member cultural ensemble, Nsubuga sang all his songs, which were in the typical Ganda style of the late Joseph Kyagambiddwa.

The songs, which included the title song, Temukyali balenzi bulenzi, muli ngwanguli (you are no longer boys, you are now great men) were spiced with traditional Ganda musical instruments like the tube-fiddle, flute, xylophones and drums.

The chief Guest, Msgr Gerald Kalumba, who represented Archbishop Cyprian Kizito  Lwanga, thanked Nsubuga and his choir for discovering his musical talent and putting it to the service of the Church. He later asked the Christians to give him moral and financial support.

Charles Dickens delivers his speech

 
Nsubuga also expressed gratitude to Archbishop Lwanga and Msgr Kalumba for giving him due support. Also during the same function, a book containing Nsubuga's books was launched and sold out.

The function was also graced by Dr Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa, the Chairman of Lubaga Cathedral National Foundation. 

Msgr Gerald Kalumba hands over a copy of Nsubuga's book to Lawrence Nsubuga