UK artist brings fresh taste of church music
Apr 29, 2004
UK-BASED Ugandan Gospel singer, Fred Hannie is a musician steadily emerging from oblivion to the limelight of Uganda’s Gospel scene with a unique approach to gospel music.<br>
By Raphael Okello
UK-BASED Ugandan Gospel singer, Fred Hannie is a musician steadily emerging from oblivion to the limelight of Uganda’s Gospel scene with a unique approach to gospel music.
The 24-year-old artiste, who left Uganda in 2001 for the UK, merged his musical talent with a host of 10 other Ugandan musicians (background vocalists and instrumentalists) to come up with his first ever solo gospel album titled, Yaagaba (He God gives).
The instrumentation is professional in the album due to be launched by Ark Royale on May 2, 2004 at Cine Afrique at 3:00pm. The keyboard synthesiser, robust sound of the guitar strums and wailing saxophone (played by Michael J. Parlete) give the songs a curious jazzy tune.
All the songs such as Matrimony, Oliwanjawulo (you are unique), Kiringa ekirooto (it is like a dream) and Ggulawo (open up your heart ) among others come off like most secular compositions that preach eros love.
Yaagaba is Hannie’s brave act of diversion from the conventional gospel music-for-the-church that deeply advocates for a sacred relationship between God and man to one that speaks of love between man and woman.
His style might generate debate as to whether it is in fact gospel or not. But Hannie, the lead vocalist and songwriter, maintains that it is gospel because love, between a man and woman, is a gift from God, which should be shared, treasured and expressed in honesty and faithfulness.
Once a member of Kitintale-based Calvary Church choir, Hannie has created an album designed to usher in a new era where gospel music addresses social, economic and political issues. His album, however, specifically addresses the need for self-esteem, morality, tolerance, faithfulness and honesty in love.
The album, predominantly made up of slow tracks, is a unique collection of gospel music from which you might want to pick a song to dedicate to your loved one during their wedding day. In contrast, the sorrowful wail and calculated diminuendo of the saxophone is a befitting introduction of Muwe Omutima (surrender your heart).
In all his songs, Hannie piously weaves in the omnipotence of God to keep the listener reminded that it is gospel and not secular music before the slow gentle rhythms carry you away. Other gospel artistes will perform. Entrance is sh3,000.
Ends
UK-BASED Ugandan Gospel singer, Fred Hannie is a musician steadily emerging from oblivion to the limelight of Uganda’s Gospel scene with a unique approach to gospel music.
The 24-year-old artiste, who left Uganda in 2001 for the UK, merged his musical talent with a host of 10 other Ugandan musicians (background vocalists and instrumentalists) to come up with his first ever solo gospel album titled, Yaagaba (He God gives).
The instrumentation is professional in the album due to be launched by Ark Royale on May 2, 2004 at Cine Afrique at 3:00pm. The keyboard synthesiser, robust sound of the guitar strums and wailing saxophone (played by Michael J. Parlete) give the songs a curious jazzy tune.
All the songs such as Matrimony, Oliwanjawulo (you are unique), Kiringa ekirooto (it is like a dream) and Ggulawo (open up your heart ) among others come off like most secular compositions that preach eros love.
Yaagaba is Hannie’s brave act of diversion from the conventional gospel music-for-the-church that deeply advocates for a sacred relationship between God and man to one that speaks of love between man and woman.
His style might generate debate as to whether it is in fact gospel or not. But Hannie, the lead vocalist and songwriter, maintains that it is gospel because love, between a man and woman, is a gift from God, which should be shared, treasured and expressed in honesty and faithfulness.
Once a member of Kitintale-based Calvary Church choir, Hannie has created an album designed to usher in a new era where gospel music addresses social, economic and political issues. His album, however, specifically addresses the need for self-esteem, morality, tolerance, faithfulness and honesty in love.
The album, predominantly made up of slow tracks, is a unique collection of gospel music from which you might want to pick a song to dedicate to your loved one during their wedding day. In contrast, the sorrowful wail and calculated diminuendo of the saxophone is a befitting introduction of Muwe Omutima (surrender your heart).
In all his songs, Hannie piously weaves in the omnipotence of God to keep the listener reminded that it is gospel and not secular music before the slow gentle rhythms carry you away. Other gospel artistes will perform. Entrance is sh3,000.
Ends