Lubwama Shows His Lyrical Genius

His Humourous Intellect Comes Through In The Sons He Writes
By Joseph Batte
Kato Lubwama is entertainment and entertainment is Kato Lubwama in Uganda. Period. And trying to notice the audible difference between Kato Lubwama the actor, Kato Lubwama the Radio Presenter and Kato Lubwama the pop singer is like trying to figure the differences between two identical twins—there are almost no differences.
He has excelled on stage with his Diamond Ensemble Entertainment and written strong plays like Enyonta, Ekikangabwa, Bakisimba mu Dwaniro, Gwandangala’ and so on.
Every morning before we saunter off to work Kato Lubwama and his comic colleagues of the Kaliisoliiso sports programme on CBS ensure that we start off the day with a smile on our lips.
Though critics say he has a voice that falls somewhere between a croak of a frog and of a person who has swallowed a hot piece of meat, since 1994 he has penned some of the best head-nodding songs.
His Diamond Productions Band is made up of stellar musicians like Betty Mpologoma, Kabuye Semboga, Ali Yawe and Immaculate Nabiryo, who muscled their way in such irresistible form and amassed quite a following with hits like DJ, Big Daddy, Ekiri Mu Ddungu, Kirabe Ebiiso, Mukyala Neighbour, and Kaneeweeyo.
Kato Lubwama’s new album titled Omuntu, which was released Monday by the Dynamic Stereo Sound label of New Taxi Park, continues the success story of his artistic growth.
I slotted it in my cassette player and was drowned in the music because of three major points: common sense lyrics, good production and good delivery. My verdict after scanning list of songs is that they cement his reputation as a superb songwriter.
With the first track, Omuntu, Kato hits it right on the mark with lyrics about the treachery of man: “Never trust an animal called man. I was referring to Obote. Muteesa and Buganda embraced him not knowing he had a dagger in his hand,” says Kato. This is stated to satisfactory doses of reggae and rumba. The album features the sensual voice of diva Immaculate Nabiryo, a double-threat talent, who can comfortably sing two contrasting styles—kadongo kamu and pop—without breaking a sweat.
To fill you in, Nabiryo is the late Herman Basudde’s sister who first struck gold with Muluma Tonenya and Lwaki Onondoola. Picking up from where she left off, she strikes another hot groove in Mati Mati.
In this melodious number she is waxing romantic about her Biiso Kato Lubwama. Check out the drama in the song when Kato breaks down and weeps like a baby. It is a sequel to Kiraabe Ebiiso.
This track and Omutu are sure to lead the pack amongst favoured selections.
After establishing a surprisingly well-rounded fair in Mati, she believably holds her own again with Nina Ambiita before Kato Lubwama winds up the party with Sitoma.
What clearly comes to mind even after one listens to Omuntu once is not only Kato Lubwama’s earthy voice of Nabiryo’s fresh super-soprano, but Lubwama’s natural acumen for composing melodious songs built around infectious hooks.
Given those qualities, something tells me we will be hearing from this exciting, multi-talented artist for some time.
Why? Because he works hard, that is why. He rocks and is up there with the best in the business. Hardly any crime.Ends