Magoola releases album

By Joseph Batte What had been a secret, before it was leaked to the press, was confirmed last Friday: That the prime movers behind Raphael Magoola were Uganda Breweries Limited, who sponsored her to produce her album, which was released that day. On that day, a long list of invited guests – which had the who-is-who in Kampala’s social, business, political and entertainment world, also witnessed the launching of her latest album, entitled Tonyiiga. Over-commercialisation of Uganda’s pop music is killing creativity. But thank God, artists like Magoola have refused to fall in the money trap, at least for now. Of course she wants to make the money but she also loves and makes music for music’s sake. She is a master at making money, using her own sweat with the assistance of welwishers. The power of the Obangaina tune (not her own composition) has kept her on top of the charts for two years running, according to polls conducted by Sunday Vision. Tiyenda wundi explained the roots of her music. Now, what has the song bird been up to? The lady is still energetically treading the same path and shows no signs of slowing down. But let us face it. after listening to her latest outing, through and through, my verdict is straight forward: Magoola’s new album does not generate as much fierce emotional heat as Obangaina or Tiyenda wundi. However, though I guess it is not everyone’s cup of tea, the album has some high points. The actual highlight is the lushly melodic zouk track Tonyiiga. This lead track is not as devilishly catchy as Obangaina. It still soars and throbs like a classic–- My best pick. Another song on the new album Tulerwani, will not only grab sisters and brothers of Samia Bugwe. by God, it will wrench their hearts out. Akiiki will certain have the Banyoro pause and listen as well. Asante Mpenzi is fascinating for its tarabu rhythmic section from the Mombasa coast. Lovers of organic Busoga tunes will fall for Vooto though the impact does diminish somehow on Akalulu where Magoola gets carried away and campaigns for her mother, Hon. Beatrice Magoola. Don’t expect her mother’s oppo- nents to touch this album, just like most of the FM radios turned their backs on Tiyenda wundi, because in it she praises Capital radio! In the search for the right balance, she went for English titles as well. However, although the effort will certainly please a few Janes, Johns and Harry, it shrivels my stomach somehow. Why? It is because though producers Andrew Kiwanuka, Charles Busuulwa, Amigo Wawawa, and Ken Lubwama certainly did a commend able job, the impression I get on numbers like I’m not a toy and Candle warmth, is that they were chart- ing unfamiliar territory. Take it or leave it Magoola seems to be hav- ing too much fun and nobody is going to spoil it for her. ends