Introducing Chance Nalubega’s Gomiba
Jan 29, 2004
Everybody knows songbird Chance Nalubega. But how many know her band Gomiba? <br>Nalubega with her pretty dimpled cheeks has become an endearing icon on the pop circuit in Uganda
By Joseph Batte
Everybody knows songbird Chance Nalubega. But how many know her band Gomiba?
Nalubega with her pretty dimpled cheeks has become an endearing icon on the pop circuit in Uganda.
Of course she is not a top-notch vocalist and writes music that is too simplistic for the sophisticated musical ear, yet every now and then she somehow manages to score a hit.
Such is her popularity that she has spawned a number of imitations. But her first disciples are, of course, her Gomiba band.
I arrived at this conclusion after listening to Gomiba’s Mukyakale album that was released last week on compact cassette by Lusyn Enterprises of Market Street.
Gomiba is made up of Jeniffer also known as ‘Full Figure,’ Justini Namuddu, Swabra Lubega and Dan Bazaawe.
You would have hoped that the foursome would carve out an identity of their own – they don’t. But who cares?
The album has six tracks. ‘Mukyakale,’ penned by Jennifer ‘Full Figure,’ is my favourite. It is one of those happy go-lucky-songs that advises us to live and enjoy life to its full – boozing, partying all night et cetera, because you never know when that wily, old fox called Mr Death will come knocking at your door.
Not so long ago, we heard this same warning issued by Chance Nalubega in her song Mwenywere. Many have since followed.
On this track ‘Full Figure’ tries to get a bit more melodic not just in the lyrics, but in the delivery and beat as well.
The beat itself is a mixture of keyboards, a rumbling raggaeish bass with an electric lead guitar that give it a Caribbean, light-hearted feel. The delivery is not bad at all. With some singing, ad libbing and rapping all mixed together.
Skipping ahead we get to the next highlight, which is a love song, Leero Kanyimbe.
Ninze gwe by Justini Namuddu is also one of those love songs I believe every one can enjoy especially the fans of a mid-tempo love ballads wrapped in a cross-fertilised rumba /reggae beat.
Swabra Lubega is charismatic on Omuzadde. It is designed to pump sense into some nut heads that neglect their parents. “Love them,†she advises, “for they brought you in this world. Buy them meat, milk and a gomesiâ€.
On Singa, Lubega lambasts unfaithful men who promise heaven to their partners, but deliver hell.
Leero Mbaga by Dan Bazaawe is wedding anthem through and through.
The album starts off with intense, simple, music but on closer inspection there is an awful lot going on.
Mukyakale a simple, happy beat – a one way ticket to local stardom.
In the world of pop music it does not matter if you sing like an angel, croak like a frog or growl like a lion. Just ask Chance Nalubega and Jose Chameleone.
Welcome aboard Gomiba!
Everybody knows songbird Chance Nalubega. But how many know her band Gomiba?
Nalubega with her pretty dimpled cheeks has become an endearing icon on the pop circuit in Uganda.
Of course she is not a top-notch vocalist and writes music that is too simplistic for the sophisticated musical ear, yet every now and then she somehow manages to score a hit.
Such is her popularity that she has spawned a number of imitations. But her first disciples are, of course, her Gomiba band.
I arrived at this conclusion after listening to Gomiba’s Mukyakale album that was released last week on compact cassette by Lusyn Enterprises of Market Street.
Gomiba is made up of Jeniffer also known as ‘Full Figure,’ Justini Namuddu, Swabra Lubega and Dan Bazaawe.
You would have hoped that the foursome would carve out an identity of their own – they don’t. But who cares?
The album has six tracks. ‘Mukyakale,’ penned by Jennifer ‘Full Figure,’ is my favourite. It is one of those happy go-lucky-songs that advises us to live and enjoy life to its full – boozing, partying all night et cetera, because you never know when that wily, old fox called Mr Death will come knocking at your door.
Not so long ago, we heard this same warning issued by Chance Nalubega in her song Mwenywere. Many have since followed.
On this track ‘Full Figure’ tries to get a bit more melodic not just in the lyrics, but in the delivery and beat as well.
The beat itself is a mixture of keyboards, a rumbling raggaeish bass with an electric lead guitar that give it a Caribbean, light-hearted feel. The delivery is not bad at all. With some singing, ad libbing and rapping all mixed together.
Skipping ahead we get to the next highlight, which is a love song, Leero Kanyimbe.
Ninze gwe by Justini Namuddu is also one of those love songs I believe every one can enjoy especially the fans of a mid-tempo love ballads wrapped in a cross-fertilised rumba /reggae beat.
Swabra Lubega is charismatic on Omuzadde. It is designed to pump sense into some nut heads that neglect their parents. “Love them,†she advises, “for they brought you in this world. Buy them meat, milk and a gomesiâ€.
On Singa, Lubega lambasts unfaithful men who promise heaven to their partners, but deliver hell.
Leero Mbaga by Dan Bazaawe is wedding anthem through and through.
The album starts off with intense, simple, music but on closer inspection there is an awful lot going on.
Mukyakale a simple, happy beat – a one way ticket to local stardom.
In the world of pop music it does not matter if you sing like an angel, croak like a frog or growl like a lion. Just ask Chance Nalubega and Jose Chameleone.
Welcome aboard Gomiba!