Who has the best voice?
Ugandan music is on a healthy upturn. Everyday, it seems a new pop star is born. So, while some melt our hearts with sweet singing of their recorded music, some artists who growl like lions have also managed to capture our attention. Our music critic <b>Joseph Batte</b> has scrutinised the voices he
Ugandan music is on a healthy upturn. Everyday, it seems a new pop star is born. So, while some melt our hearts with sweet singing of their recorded music, some artists who growl like lions have also managed to capture our attention. Our music critic Joseph Batte has scrutinised the voices he believes have stood out and captured fans today
The Best Male Voices in the Pop category.
No.1. Geoffrey Lutaaya:
After listening to his debut album Bamimwa Gyabwe right through to his latest outing Omulyammamba, I rank him top of the singing crop in this category. His strong, lilting tenor voice that has Sammy Kasule and Philly Lutaaya’s styles wrapped together, carries more soul-tinged feelings that are smooth as a baby’s perfumed behinds — sweet-smelling with the capacity to leave you helplessly happy. If this man does not move you, then you are already dead.
No. 2. Mesach Semakula:
Today, what makes his hits like Ebituwasisa, Tukwegomba bangi and most recently Teriyo alumirirwa sizzle is not only good productions or his heartfelt singing, but also that mesmerising smoky/husky tenor voice. When it wafts into the audience’s ears, I have seen ladies scream at top of their lungs in frenzy, falling short of flinging their underpants at him.
No.3. Kabuye Semboga:
He is one of the stalwarts of Diamond Production band who also ranks as one of the best songwriters in the country as we got to learn through his classic Ebisanyi. Though he has mastered the late Philly Lutaaya’s wailing style of delivery after singing with him in Elly Wamala’s Mascots band, lack of attendant soul molasses relegates him to this position.
No.4. Sammy Kasule:
This Sweden-based Ugandan is the proud possessor of some of the best bass guitar chops and nice tenor vocal chords as we discovered through his hits like Nyimbo zetu, Ekitobero, and Njabala. He propelled Kenyan/and Ugandan listeners to delicious trippy realms while still with Orchestra Jambo Jambo. His voice is also the reason why Maddox Sematimba included him on the peerless 10-man band that accompanied him when he performed here on Valentines Day at Didi’s World and Nakivubo.
No.5. Titan Takuba:
You don’t need any convincing if you have listened to his releases like Mukwano jangu. You agree with me that this handsome Belgian-based singer’s other name could have been ‘The Voice.’ It is oiled slick and steeped in the classic multi-layered soul style that has the capacity to groove hearts, any hearts. When he sings, the sound is as sweet innocence itself. The only technical drawback is: it is a little bit weak.
No.6. Ronald Mayinja:
The beauty of this Eagles Productions Band director is in the word play found in songs like Claire, Necklace and Njakulondoola, which he infuses with haunting melodies. Originally everyone was of the view that his beautiful singing voice suspiciously begged comparison with Elly Wamala’s
tenor. But over the years, he has proved so versatile thus in the course developing a style all his own.
No. 7. Elly Wamala:
Through his most contemporary composition Ebinyumu byaffe (Twalyako bye twalya) I came to the conclusion that he has a unique voice. He has enchanted the young and old since the ‘60s with his churchy style of music that was, in most cases, written in minor keys. At the age of 68, his tenor voice is not as strong as it used to be, but he somehow still manages to pull off an enchanting melody when he begins to sing.
No.8. John Kahwa:
Forget about his deep love for a chilled bottle of beer. You have listened to his Lunyoro songs Webale Adyeri, haven’t you? Then you know that when this veteran musician sings in his deep rumbling bass voice, most of his fans confess they grow goose pimples on their skins. His swaggering flow is simply a pleasure to listen to, and seductive.
No.9. Maddox Sematimba:
The Sweden-based reggae star swept us off our feet with Namagembe. He is a tenor whose relaxed singing and voice pays tender homage to Jamaican reggae star Gregory Isaacs. He thanks his former choirmaster at Makonzi Boarding Primary School called Cornelius Higenyi for shaping him into a star he is today.
No.10. Tony Senkebejje:
Now, here is an accomplished guitarist and singer who still draws inspiration from the late Jazz great Louis Armstrong. This was after his dad took him to Nakivubo stadium in the early ‘60s to see the America jazz great in a live concert. I for one has been hit right between the eyes by the oftentimes-gravel-and-sometimes smooth texture of his voice. Check the smooth flow of Eyali Akwagala.
No. 11 Mike Musoke:
This schoolteacher started out by singing commercial jingles in Hope Mukasa Bava studios. Remember this one? “Bakuweeee Ohhh Bakuwee Uganda wa......, Uganda wa...... Uganda Waragi†that shot its demand high and prices skyrocketing? His gut-wrenching soulful voice comes out easy, smooth and controlled. No wonder it earned him a place as the lead singer of high-riding folk band, Percussion Discussion Africa, led by Sewanyana.
No.12. Jimmy Katumba:
He was formerly a member of Abbey Kibalama’s Eschatos Brides choir in Jinja before going mainstream with the Ebonies band that has since flamed out. Reason? Because the music developed and the Ebonies failed to develop with it. But when we listen to the band’s classics like Twalina Omukwano, Kinawataka and Congratulations we are still touched by the sheer intimacy of his golden voice, though it was a blatant aping of the legendary Jim Reeves. Nonetheless, it earned Katumba the enviable nickname, the ‘Ugandan Jim Reeves.’ And his singing style gave birth to a number of imitators who are now pop stars in their own right.
No.13. Don Canta:
He has assumed all those pompous airs of Congolese musicians and even carries himself around the city like one of them — nose pointing in the sky and trouser belted in the rib cage. Although he is relegated to singing only back up vocals and copyrights like Late Franco’s Mario and Sammy Kasule Asante in Afrigo band, believe me his powerful tenor, even if not amplified, can cut through the heavy fog of Afrigo’s big-band sound.
No. 14. Frank Mbalire:
Today, he appears retired from active singing. He prefers playing guitar with the misty jazz, Afrigo, or sitting behind the knobs of the Afrigo recording studio in Kibuli. Those who have heard his track like Sirikusuula during his days with Peterson Mutebi and the Tames and later with the famous Rwenzori Band agree his smooth voice, that is full of passion tends to grow on you like a rash.
,b>No.15. Richard Kaweesa:
He sang Omulunyanja and East Africa Hakuna Matata. But I first saw him distinguish himself on the anthemic millennium song Together as one, a recording project that brought artists together to pray for this troubled nation. His warm soulful voice stood out on the duet with late pop diva Carol Nakimera. Today he prefers the nasal folkie style that he always delivers with fire in his belly.
No.15. Ronnie Kavuma:
OK, he might have stolen Samputu’s chorus of his Mwijje Tubyine and made it his own, so what? What he never stole from the Rwandan is the beautiful voice. The sweet agony of love found is his tender voice fuels the mini epics of desire and heartaches as we gladly found out in the ‘borrowed’ Mwijje Tubyine.
No.16. Akiiki Romeo
This bespectacled young man has muscled his way in the top ranks of best vocalists in the country. What we learn from him is that each of us, regardless of singing experience or ability, has a voice hidden deep within our bodies. When these voices are given the gifts of breath and permission, they are granted the opportunity to be heard.
No. 17. Charles Senkyazi:
He is one of the founding members of Afrigo band. Though he prefers to stay away from the glare of the spotlight, his smooth tenor always stands out in the band’s tight harmonies as it meanders sweetly alongside Moses Matovu’s. His voice easily sticks out for example when he sings the main melody of Olumbe Lwobwavu.
No.18.Sophie and Sam Gombya:
In the track Ngugumuka ekiro, Sohie sounds like she got honed in a church choir, which is a perfect breeding ground for musicians, while Sam spent some good part of his free time listening to the old classics of Jimmy Katumba.
No.19. Moses Matovu:
Though his voice has little sparks of flair, mind you it has enough edges and angles that give character to his music and an identity to Afrigo band.
No. 20 Ali Yawe:
Though he is a Moslem, this member of Kato Lubwama’s Diamond Production band displays some rich choral-like vocal chords and singing as we heard on his mammoth Abawala bensi eno.
No. 21. Eddy Yawe:
Spends most of his time in his Firebase studio concocting beats for his younger ‘rude bwoy’ brother Bobi Wine. Very few, not even his brother, can dare touch him in the singing department.
No.22. Bernard Munyigwa:
Big and tall he is, what has pleased us is his powerful voice that has sliced through our hearts like butter.
No.23. Fred Masagazi
The star of Alulullu, Atanawa musolo certainly belongs to a by-gone era, however, I have seen him melt young hearts during jam sessions at the Musician’s Club, National Theatre, with his lazy, smooth Ganda folk-flavoured voice which is still in fine form.
No. 24. Martin Angume
His is the only one from northern Uganda I have heard singing in flawless Luganda. He seems to have borrowed his style of writing and singing from glancing into Jimmy Katumba’s songbook. The same can be said of Silver Kyagulanyi and Fred Seruga. Though these dudes’ style lack those golden nuances that distinguished Katumba, they have done justice to the now flamed-out Ebonies. By so doing they have helped keep memories of that era flooding back, especially for nostalgic freaks.
No.25. Hope Mukasa
He might be earning is living by making people drunk at his Sabrina’s pub. Unknown to many is the fact that this handsome businessman is talented musician graced with a balmy voice. He was formerly a member of the Blazing Beats, then moved to Sweden where Philly Lutaaya joined him. Together, with other Sweden-based Ugandans, they formed the Savannah band that shook Scandinavian countries to the chore with its rich repertoire of Afro beats. The last time we heard him sing was on the single Ebyaffe.
Top Contemporary Female Vocalists
No.1 Phoebe Nassolo:
She is a superb soprano who is currently riding on top of her game with her biggest hit Kwata Wano. Her success has something to do with a shaking effect in her voice called the Vibrato, very typical with Seventh Day church choirs in Uganda.
No.2. Sophie Natongo:
I got to know her through her Binyuma. I caught her live on stage and her affectionate soprano, one of those that come breezing, had all of us hanging our jaws in wonder.
No.3. Joanita Kawalya:
This singing bird that kick-started her career with Mirembe Family Choir led by Diplock Segawa, obviously inherited her singing talent from her late dad, the incomparable Ecclas Kawalya. Her alto is commanding without necessarily being forceful. It is also rich and wholesome. When you listen to her sing her father’s adaptation Ofunda n’omubi or Godfrey Mwambala’s Jim, you got to bow down in respect, please.
No.4. Katherine Kusasira:
This bootilicious sister has that nice schoolgirl chorister voice that would please any music teacher. Though not very adventurous, it is difficult to hear her sing her Ekitibwa kya baami or Society and not like her voice which falls somewhere between soprano and alto. It is not surprising also that her debut album blew her up. It was the best selling music item last year, according to a market survey.
No.5. Mariam Ndagire:
This beautiful pop singer actress with wondrous eyes and an enchanting toothy smile is leader of her Trends band that is growing in stature. Her powerful alto kind of penetrates and lodges itself under the skin, because it carries more ingredients of love as can be evidenced on all her love ballads.
No.6. Immaculate Nabiryo:
She is late Herman Basudde’s sister. But unlike his elder brother who often had this false assumption that he was the best Kadongo kamu vocalist, Nabiryo is graced with a sweet voice that can comfortably sing two genres of music — the folksy Kadongo kamu and mainstream pop.
No. 7. Betty Mpologoma:
This church-bred, Phoebe Nassolo’s sister not only has a pretty face, she has a set of sweet soprano vocal chords as we discovered to our delight when she belted out Big Daddy.
No. 8.Mariam Mulinde:
Whoever has listened to her Nsanyuse nyo Mwagalwa not only applauds the beauty of this song, but also lauds her sweet delivery as well.
No. 9. Titi:
Whatever made this former Kads band lead singer leave the band? I guess one of the reasons is because this South African-born Ugandan believes she is a very good singer. Well, I can only agree up to a certain point. The fact is there is drama (and naughtiness) in her style of singing and writing as we found out on Nesiga ani, Makanika Wange and Segwanga. But other than that there are no spectacular gymnastics in her voice to make her top of the female bunch.
No.10. Yvette Seguya:
She first distinguished herself a Gospel singer at Miracle Centre Church in Rubaga, then on other artists’ works like Tempra Omona’s Nena Awene as back-up vocalist, then as a member of Kads band and now she is pursuing solo recording career. Her only flaw now is that she seems too obsessed with making her voice sound like a Muzungu’s.
No. 11. Prossy Kakunda:
She is a distinguished member of Kads Band. It is beca-use of the passion of her voice she displayed while singing Akalulu, that makes it one of my favourite hits.
No. 12. Juliet Ssesanga
This sister belongs to the top class of female artistes with strong voices that come wrapped in real passion. She has made a good account of herself with the Big 5 band, especially on her Kangende nga Munonya song.
No. 13. Omumbejja Nvanungi
This actress/ radio host who spends a good deal of time on the airwaves teaching women how to bewitch their husbands using different love portions, added another hat to her blooming career in showbiz. We have fallen in love with her plain alto voice found on her Doctor album.
No. 14. Stella Nanteza
Though she is a Gospel artist living in London, this former Ebonies deep alto voice, now a contra-alto, held us prisoner in a vice-like grip those yesteryears while belting out goodies like Emitima Egilwadde Okwagala. She displays gentle yet strong, confident vocal expressions —a style that has her still stuck somewhere in our gray matter even if she is long gone from the local scene.
No. 15. Irene Namatovu:
She is a member of the Eagles Productions Band. She has a good voice to match her pretty face. She ably showed it while belting out Love e’yo Kuvuganya.’
Top Female RnB Vocalists
No.1 Julianna Kanyomozi:
Until some body else comes up to claim this spot, she is the best RnB singer on the local scene. Discovered by Hope Mukasa, proprietor of Sabrina’s pub, during a karaoke contest at the same venue, she went to develop a beautiful soprano voice that begs comparison with her idol Mariah Carey.
Top Male R n’ B Vocalists
No. 1 Michael Ross:
He first waltzed on the scene by blatantly aping Usher’s dance moves, but now Steve Jean has helped him earn his bread and butter as a singer by turning his single Senorita into a big hit.
No. 2. Luther Martin
This press-shy man certainly has a goldmine in his Luther Vandross-like voice. Whatever happened to him? We no longer hear him. I guess his fat ego, that saw him fall out with his colleagues of Swahili Nation, might have gotten in the way of his singing.
No. 3. Charlie King Todwong:
First time he joined Diplock Segawa’s Wrens band he was turned away because his singing was not compatible with the band’s choral-style singing. When he decided to go it alone and staged a concert in Lugogo, nobody turned up. He did not give up, later he went on to establish himself in Sweden as one of the best producers and best black vocalists.
No. 4. Steve Jean:
This super producer is an enigma that only doctors can explain. While speaking, he stammers so pathetically you want to shut him up. Paradoxically, that handicap instantly disappears the moment he starts to sing. He flows very fluidly with hardly a trace of a stammer. Though in the beginning his delivery was often characterised by flat notes, years of voice training have made him a good singer.
Best Gospel Vocalists
No. 1. Rosebud Masaba:
Not many of you know this diva. She is both in the choral and gospel categories. She composed the ageless, enchanting church hymn in Lugisu titled Balinikabi Baddamba, that renown Anglican church choirs — from Namirembe, Bunamwaya in Wakiso District and St Andrews Church choir in Mbale — has performed. Above all, Masaba has a soaring soprano voice that can force whole congregations to give her standing ovations.
No. 2. Pastor George Okudi:
This versatile singer and winner of two Kora Awards can comfortably sing like Yousou Ndour of Senegal, Selif Keita of Mali or in a high-pitched Akogo style of Teso herdsmen or in the throaty Akembe singing style from northern Uganda.
No.3. Betty Namaganda
and Betty Nakibuuka:
These two born-again singers will compete with the mainstream singers any day, any time and come out with flying colours. It is something to do with their catchy danceable beats, clean voices and spirited singing.
No. 4. Fiona Mukasa
Her powerful alto does not have those unique vocal gymnastics. It sounds very plain but don’t forget she made a singing point with Yanyamba Nansumulula that you cannot easily ignore.
Kadongo Kamu vocalists
No. 1. Fred Sebatta:
Purists accuse him of diluting Kadongo kamu music. Progressives like me say by employing modern recording techniques, he took it to the 21st Century. But still his best instrument is still his rich voice wrapped in a rich traditional Luganda vocal flavour called ‘Eggono’ that he delivers in a conversational way.
No.2. Paul Kafeero:
Though he tends to be so wordy in his compositions like Walumbe Zzaya and sometimes the lyrics just stumble in the chords, his relaxed dramatic singing has won him thousands of fans.
No.3. Harriet Sanyu
She is Sebbata’s madam. If you listen to her duet with Sebatta on their epic Dolly W’omwana or Gologosa, then you will agree with me that she is in a class of her own. She comes relaxed and natural.
Hottest Raggamufin voices
No.1. Jose Chameleone
and Bebe Cool
You may hate one for his rude bwoy persona and like the other for his quite clean image. These two stars, however, tie at this top spot because of identical qualities found in their voices. Both growl like lions, or angry dogs, having shaped their chords around the equally gruff voice of Jamaica’s Buju Banton. Their voices however have an earthy quality of their that is very charming and makes them hard to dislike.
No.2. Menton Kronno
He is the other half of dynamic duo that gave us that big hit Mugulu Teriyo Mwenge. He is not only a good producer, but also does good vocal arrangements; sings lead vocals and returns to add harmonies. He has a sweet tenor
No. 3. Chagga:
Chameloene’s sidekick is emerging as a singer in his own right. My only worry is that he might destroy his soulful voice because of too much booze and smoking. For now, we are hooked to his Yonno single that is off Chameleone’s Bei Kali album.
No.4. Ragga Dee
The godfather of ragga music in Uganda has a husky voice that hints at certain self-importance. His Kamukube Empeta, made him the best ragga toast of the year 2003.
No.5. Bobi Wine
He might have what many perceive to be a cocky attitude and loves women with big bums. Although he is under-rated, I consider him to be a year-to-year performer on the line up of top dancehall artistes in the East Africa region.
No.6.Emperor Orlando
Fans love his fluid singjaying style and throaty hiccups.
No.7. Red Bunton
Of late he was being stalked by trouble wherever he went, you would think the angry ghosts of his ancestors were demanding that he exorcise them with sacrifices. Not long ago, fellow artist Gertrude Nalule chewed a small piece of his flesh of his nose, and then he was thrown behind bars for turning his girlfriend into a helpless punching bag. Though the hits have not been forthcoming of recent, his sing-jaying style in a lower tenor register, that is found on ‘Nonya Money and Kivebulaaya won him many fans.
The Best Male Voices in the Pop category.
No.1. Geoffrey Lutaaya:
After listening to his debut album Bamimwa Gyabwe right through to his latest outing Omulyammamba, I rank him top of the singing crop in this category. His strong, lilting tenor voice that has Sammy Kasule and Philly Lutaaya’s styles wrapped together, carries more soul-tinged feelings that are smooth as a baby’s perfumed behinds — sweet-smelling with the capacity to leave you helplessly happy. If this man does not move you, then you are already dead.
No. 2. Mesach Semakula:
Today, what makes his hits like Ebituwasisa, Tukwegomba bangi and most recently Teriyo alumirirwa sizzle is not only good productions or his heartfelt singing, but also that mesmerising smoky/husky tenor voice. When it wafts into the audience’s ears, I have seen ladies scream at top of their lungs in frenzy, falling short of flinging their underpants at him.
No.3. Kabuye Semboga:
He is one of the stalwarts of Diamond Production band who also ranks as one of the best songwriters in the country as we got to learn through his classic Ebisanyi. Though he has mastered the late Philly Lutaaya’s wailing style of delivery after singing with him in Elly Wamala’s Mascots band, lack of attendant soul molasses relegates him to this position.
No.4. Sammy Kasule:
This Sweden-based Ugandan is the proud possessor of some of the best bass guitar chops and nice tenor vocal chords as we discovered through his hits like Nyimbo zetu, Ekitobero, and Njabala. He propelled Kenyan/and Ugandan listeners to delicious trippy realms while still with Orchestra Jambo Jambo. His voice is also the reason why Maddox Sematimba included him on the peerless 10-man band that accompanied him when he performed here on Valentines Day at Didi’s World and Nakivubo.
No.5. Titan Takuba:
You don’t need any convincing if you have listened to his releases like Mukwano jangu. You agree with me that this handsome Belgian-based singer’s other name could have been ‘The Voice.’ It is oiled slick and steeped in the classic multi-layered soul style that has the capacity to groove hearts, any hearts. When he sings, the sound is as sweet innocence itself. The only technical drawback is: it is a little bit weak.
No.6. Ronald Mayinja:
The beauty of this Eagles Productions Band director is in the word play found in songs like Claire, Necklace and Njakulondoola, which he infuses with haunting melodies. Originally everyone was of the view that his beautiful singing voice suspiciously begged comparison with Elly Wamala’s
tenor. But over the years, he has proved so versatile thus in the course developing a style all his own.
No. 7. Elly Wamala:
Through his most contemporary composition Ebinyumu byaffe (Twalyako bye twalya) I came to the conclusion that he has a unique voice. He has enchanted the young and old since the ‘60s with his churchy style of music that was, in most cases, written in minor keys. At the age of 68, his tenor voice is not as strong as it used to be, but he somehow still manages to pull off an enchanting melody when he begins to sing.
No.8. John Kahwa:
Forget about his deep love for a chilled bottle of beer. You have listened to his Lunyoro songs Webale Adyeri, haven’t you? Then you know that when this veteran musician sings in his deep rumbling bass voice, most of his fans confess they grow goose pimples on their skins. His swaggering flow is simply a pleasure to listen to, and seductive.
No.9. Maddox Sematimba:
The Sweden-based reggae star swept us off our feet with Namagembe. He is a tenor whose relaxed singing and voice pays tender homage to Jamaican reggae star Gregory Isaacs. He thanks his former choirmaster at Makonzi Boarding Primary School called Cornelius Higenyi for shaping him into a star he is today.
No.10. Tony Senkebejje:
Now, here is an accomplished guitarist and singer who still draws inspiration from the late Jazz great Louis Armstrong. This was after his dad took him to Nakivubo stadium in the early ‘60s to see the America jazz great in a live concert. I for one has been hit right between the eyes by the oftentimes-gravel-and-sometimes smooth texture of his voice. Check the smooth flow of Eyali Akwagala.
No. 11 Mike Musoke:
This schoolteacher started out by singing commercial jingles in Hope Mukasa Bava studios. Remember this one? “Bakuweeee Ohhh Bakuwee Uganda wa......, Uganda wa...... Uganda Waragi†that shot its demand high and prices skyrocketing? His gut-wrenching soulful voice comes out easy, smooth and controlled. No wonder it earned him a place as the lead singer of high-riding folk band, Percussion Discussion Africa, led by Sewanyana.
No.12. Jimmy Katumba:
He was formerly a member of Abbey Kibalama’s Eschatos Brides choir in Jinja before going mainstream with the Ebonies band that has since flamed out. Reason? Because the music developed and the Ebonies failed to develop with it. But when we listen to the band’s classics like Twalina Omukwano, Kinawataka and Congratulations we are still touched by the sheer intimacy of his golden voice, though it was a blatant aping of the legendary Jim Reeves. Nonetheless, it earned Katumba the enviable nickname, the ‘Ugandan Jim Reeves.’ And his singing style gave birth to a number of imitators who are now pop stars in their own right.
No.13. Don Canta:
He has assumed all those pompous airs of Congolese musicians and even carries himself around the city like one of them — nose pointing in the sky and trouser belted in the rib cage. Although he is relegated to singing only back up vocals and copyrights like Late Franco’s Mario and Sammy Kasule Asante in Afrigo band, believe me his powerful tenor, even if not amplified, can cut through the heavy fog of Afrigo’s big-band sound.
No. 14. Frank Mbalire:
Today, he appears retired from active singing. He prefers playing guitar with the misty jazz, Afrigo, or sitting behind the knobs of the Afrigo recording studio in Kibuli. Those who have heard his track like Sirikusuula during his days with Peterson Mutebi and the Tames and later with the famous Rwenzori Band agree his smooth voice, that is full of passion tends to grow on you like a rash.
,b>No.15. Richard Kaweesa:
He sang Omulunyanja and East Africa Hakuna Matata. But I first saw him distinguish himself on the anthemic millennium song Together as one, a recording project that brought artists together to pray for this troubled nation. His warm soulful voice stood out on the duet with late pop diva Carol Nakimera. Today he prefers the nasal folkie style that he always delivers with fire in his belly.
No.15. Ronnie Kavuma:
OK, he might have stolen Samputu’s chorus of his Mwijje Tubyine and made it his own, so what? What he never stole from the Rwandan is the beautiful voice. The sweet agony of love found is his tender voice fuels the mini epics of desire and heartaches as we gladly found out in the ‘borrowed’ Mwijje Tubyine.
No.16. Akiiki Romeo
This bespectacled young man has muscled his way in the top ranks of best vocalists in the country. What we learn from him is that each of us, regardless of singing experience or ability, has a voice hidden deep within our bodies. When these voices are given the gifts of breath and permission, they are granted the opportunity to be heard.
No. 17. Charles Senkyazi:
He is one of the founding members of Afrigo band. Though he prefers to stay away from the glare of the spotlight, his smooth tenor always stands out in the band’s tight harmonies as it meanders sweetly alongside Moses Matovu’s. His voice easily sticks out for example when he sings the main melody of Olumbe Lwobwavu.
No.18.Sophie and Sam Gombya:
In the track Ngugumuka ekiro, Sohie sounds like she got honed in a church choir, which is a perfect breeding ground for musicians, while Sam spent some good part of his free time listening to the old classics of Jimmy Katumba.
No.19. Moses Matovu:
Though his voice has little sparks of flair, mind you it has enough edges and angles that give character to his music and an identity to Afrigo band.
No. 20 Ali Yawe:
Though he is a Moslem, this member of Kato Lubwama’s Diamond Production band displays some rich choral-like vocal chords and singing as we heard on his mammoth Abawala bensi eno.
No. 21. Eddy Yawe:
Spends most of his time in his Firebase studio concocting beats for his younger ‘rude bwoy’ brother Bobi Wine. Very few, not even his brother, can dare touch him in the singing department.
No.22. Bernard Munyigwa:
Big and tall he is, what has pleased us is his powerful voice that has sliced through our hearts like butter.
No.23. Fred Masagazi
The star of Alulullu, Atanawa musolo certainly belongs to a by-gone era, however, I have seen him melt young hearts during jam sessions at the Musician’s Club, National Theatre, with his lazy, smooth Ganda folk-flavoured voice which is still in fine form.
No. 24. Martin Angume
His is the only one from northern Uganda I have heard singing in flawless Luganda. He seems to have borrowed his style of writing and singing from glancing into Jimmy Katumba’s songbook. The same can be said of Silver Kyagulanyi and Fred Seruga. Though these dudes’ style lack those golden nuances that distinguished Katumba, they have done justice to the now flamed-out Ebonies. By so doing they have helped keep memories of that era flooding back, especially for nostalgic freaks.
No.25. Hope Mukasa
He might be earning is living by making people drunk at his Sabrina’s pub. Unknown to many is the fact that this handsome businessman is talented musician graced with a balmy voice. He was formerly a member of the Blazing Beats, then moved to Sweden where Philly Lutaaya joined him. Together, with other Sweden-based Ugandans, they formed the Savannah band that shook Scandinavian countries to the chore with its rich repertoire of Afro beats. The last time we heard him sing was on the single Ebyaffe.
Top Contemporary Female Vocalists
No.1 Phoebe Nassolo:
She is a superb soprano who is currently riding on top of her game with her biggest hit Kwata Wano. Her success has something to do with a shaking effect in her voice called the Vibrato, very typical with Seventh Day church choirs in Uganda.
No.2. Sophie Natongo:
I got to know her through her Binyuma. I caught her live on stage and her affectionate soprano, one of those that come breezing, had all of us hanging our jaws in wonder.
No.3. Joanita Kawalya:
This singing bird that kick-started her career with Mirembe Family Choir led by Diplock Segawa, obviously inherited her singing talent from her late dad, the incomparable Ecclas Kawalya. Her alto is commanding without necessarily being forceful. It is also rich and wholesome. When you listen to her sing her father’s adaptation Ofunda n’omubi or Godfrey Mwambala’s Jim, you got to bow down in respect, please.
No.4. Katherine Kusasira:
This bootilicious sister has that nice schoolgirl chorister voice that would please any music teacher. Though not very adventurous, it is difficult to hear her sing her Ekitibwa kya baami or Society and not like her voice which falls somewhere between soprano and alto. It is not surprising also that her debut album blew her up. It was the best selling music item last year, according to a market survey.
No.5. Mariam Ndagire:
This beautiful pop singer actress with wondrous eyes and an enchanting toothy smile is leader of her Trends band that is growing in stature. Her powerful alto kind of penetrates and lodges itself under the skin, because it carries more ingredients of love as can be evidenced on all her love ballads.
No.6. Immaculate Nabiryo:
She is late Herman Basudde’s sister. But unlike his elder brother who often had this false assumption that he was the best Kadongo kamu vocalist, Nabiryo is graced with a sweet voice that can comfortably sing two genres of music — the folksy Kadongo kamu and mainstream pop.
No. 7. Betty Mpologoma:
This church-bred, Phoebe Nassolo’s sister not only has a pretty face, she has a set of sweet soprano vocal chords as we discovered to our delight when she belted out Big Daddy.
No. 8.Mariam Mulinde:
Whoever has listened to her Nsanyuse nyo Mwagalwa not only applauds the beauty of this song, but also lauds her sweet delivery as well.
No. 9. Titi:
Whatever made this former Kads band lead singer leave the band? I guess one of the reasons is because this South African-born Ugandan believes she is a very good singer. Well, I can only agree up to a certain point. The fact is there is drama (and naughtiness) in her style of singing and writing as we found out on Nesiga ani, Makanika Wange and Segwanga. But other than that there are no spectacular gymnastics in her voice to make her top of the female bunch.
No.10. Yvette Seguya:
She first distinguished herself a Gospel singer at Miracle Centre Church in Rubaga, then on other artists’ works like Tempra Omona’s Nena Awene as back-up vocalist, then as a member of Kads band and now she is pursuing solo recording career. Her only flaw now is that she seems too obsessed with making her voice sound like a Muzungu’s.
No. 11. Prossy Kakunda:
She is a distinguished member of Kads Band. It is beca-use of the passion of her voice she displayed while singing Akalulu, that makes it one of my favourite hits.
No. 12. Juliet Ssesanga
This sister belongs to the top class of female artistes with strong voices that come wrapped in real passion. She has made a good account of herself with the Big 5 band, especially on her Kangende nga Munonya song.
No. 13. Omumbejja Nvanungi
This actress/ radio host who spends a good deal of time on the airwaves teaching women how to bewitch their husbands using different love portions, added another hat to her blooming career in showbiz. We have fallen in love with her plain alto voice found on her Doctor album.
No. 14. Stella Nanteza
Though she is a Gospel artist living in London, this former Ebonies deep alto voice, now a contra-alto, held us prisoner in a vice-like grip those yesteryears while belting out goodies like Emitima Egilwadde Okwagala. She displays gentle yet strong, confident vocal expressions —a style that has her still stuck somewhere in our gray matter even if she is long gone from the local scene.
No. 15. Irene Namatovu:
She is a member of the Eagles Productions Band. She has a good voice to match her pretty face. She ably showed it while belting out Love e’yo Kuvuganya.’
Top Female RnB Vocalists
No.1 Julianna Kanyomozi:
Until some body else comes up to claim this spot, she is the best RnB singer on the local scene. Discovered by Hope Mukasa, proprietor of Sabrina’s pub, during a karaoke contest at the same venue, she went to develop a beautiful soprano voice that begs comparison with her idol Mariah Carey.
Top Male R n’ B Vocalists
No. 1 Michael Ross:
He first waltzed on the scene by blatantly aping Usher’s dance moves, but now Steve Jean has helped him earn his bread and butter as a singer by turning his single Senorita into a big hit.
No. 2. Luther Martin
This press-shy man certainly has a goldmine in his Luther Vandross-like voice. Whatever happened to him? We no longer hear him. I guess his fat ego, that saw him fall out with his colleagues of Swahili Nation, might have gotten in the way of his singing.
No. 3. Charlie King Todwong:
First time he joined Diplock Segawa’s Wrens band he was turned away because his singing was not compatible with the band’s choral-style singing. When he decided to go it alone and staged a concert in Lugogo, nobody turned up. He did not give up, later he went on to establish himself in Sweden as one of the best producers and best black vocalists.
No. 4. Steve Jean:
This super producer is an enigma that only doctors can explain. While speaking, he stammers so pathetically you want to shut him up. Paradoxically, that handicap instantly disappears the moment he starts to sing. He flows very fluidly with hardly a trace of a stammer. Though in the beginning his delivery was often characterised by flat notes, years of voice training have made him a good singer.
Best Gospel Vocalists
No. 1. Rosebud Masaba:
Not many of you know this diva. She is both in the choral and gospel categories. She composed the ageless, enchanting church hymn in Lugisu titled Balinikabi Baddamba, that renown Anglican church choirs — from Namirembe, Bunamwaya in Wakiso District and St Andrews Church choir in Mbale — has performed. Above all, Masaba has a soaring soprano voice that can force whole congregations to give her standing ovations.
No. 2. Pastor George Okudi:
This versatile singer and winner of two Kora Awards can comfortably sing like Yousou Ndour of Senegal, Selif Keita of Mali or in a high-pitched Akogo style of Teso herdsmen or in the throaty Akembe singing style from northern Uganda.
No.3. Betty Namaganda
and Betty Nakibuuka:
These two born-again singers will compete with the mainstream singers any day, any time and come out with flying colours. It is something to do with their catchy danceable beats, clean voices and spirited singing.
No. 4. Fiona Mukasa
Her powerful alto does not have those unique vocal gymnastics. It sounds very plain but don’t forget she made a singing point with Yanyamba Nansumulula that you cannot easily ignore.
Kadongo Kamu vocalists
No. 1. Fred Sebatta:
Purists accuse him of diluting Kadongo kamu music. Progressives like me say by employing modern recording techniques, he took it to the 21st Century. But still his best instrument is still his rich voice wrapped in a rich traditional Luganda vocal flavour called ‘Eggono’ that he delivers in a conversational way.
No.2. Paul Kafeero:
Though he tends to be so wordy in his compositions like Walumbe Zzaya and sometimes the lyrics just stumble in the chords, his relaxed dramatic singing has won him thousands of fans.
No.3. Harriet Sanyu
She is Sebbata’s madam. If you listen to her duet with Sebatta on their epic Dolly W’omwana or Gologosa, then you will agree with me that she is in a class of her own. She comes relaxed and natural.
Hottest Raggamufin voices
No.1. Jose Chameleone
and Bebe Cool
You may hate one for his rude bwoy persona and like the other for his quite clean image. These two stars, however, tie at this top spot because of identical qualities found in their voices. Both growl like lions, or angry dogs, having shaped their chords around the equally gruff voice of Jamaica’s Buju Banton. Their voices however have an earthy quality of their that is very charming and makes them hard to dislike.
No.2. Menton Kronno
He is the other half of dynamic duo that gave us that big hit Mugulu Teriyo Mwenge. He is not only a good producer, but also does good vocal arrangements; sings lead vocals and returns to add harmonies. He has a sweet tenor
No. 3. Chagga:
Chameloene’s sidekick is emerging as a singer in his own right. My only worry is that he might destroy his soulful voice because of too much booze and smoking. For now, we are hooked to his Yonno single that is off Chameleone’s Bei Kali album.
No.4. Ragga Dee
The godfather of ragga music in Uganda has a husky voice that hints at certain self-importance. His Kamukube Empeta, made him the best ragga toast of the year 2003.
No.5. Bobi Wine
He might have what many perceive to be a cocky attitude and loves women with big bums. Although he is under-rated, I consider him to be a year-to-year performer on the line up of top dancehall artistes in the East Africa region.
No.6.Emperor Orlando
Fans love his fluid singjaying style and throaty hiccups.
No.7. Red Bunton
Of late he was being stalked by trouble wherever he went, you would think the angry ghosts of his ancestors were demanding that he exorcise them with sacrifices. Not long ago, fellow artist Gertrude Nalule chewed a small piece of his flesh of his nose, and then he was thrown behind bars for turning his girlfriend into a helpless punching bag. Though the hits have not been forthcoming of recent, his sing-jaying style in a lower tenor register, that is found on ‘Nonya Money and Kivebulaaya won him many fans.