By Elvis Basudde

Today promises to be another explosive evening on Kampala’s entertainment scene as Measach Ssemakula, the male artist of 2004 and one of Uganda’s leading pop singers launches yet another hit ballad album, Abakazi Abaguma.

The MTN/Nile Special-sponsored concert takes place at Hotel Africana today starting at 7:00pm.
In the line-up of the extravaganza is the king of,i> kadongokamu, Paul Kafeero, Sheila Nvannungi, Mariam Ndagire, Ragga Dee, Abdu Mulasi and the entire Eagles Production band.

Apart from performing his popular old music, Ssemakula will perform all the six tracks on his new album. The tracks are: Abakazi Abaguma, Onsulirira nnyo, Beekengere, Siggwe Ansimira, Kamutendereze and Nkugambe ki.

The album title, Abakazi Abaguma is a tribute to women who persevere untold problems in their homes. The other tracks are all a mark up for women though two of them are also critical of their behaviour. The album, which was released by Kasiwukira Studio, retains the genre that fuses rumba, reggae and some Zouk.

Ssemakula of the Eagles Production band has the kind of vocal range and expression that makes an immediate and lasting impression on everyone.

Nevertheless, his breakthrough has been far too long in coming. His odyssey of enduring popularity and star status starts from a very humble beginning, almost from zero.

Ssemakula was catapulted into the limelight in 2002 with his hit track Tukwegomba Bangi off the album Ebituwasiza. The hit earned Ssemakula a PAM Award nod at the inaugural gala of 2003.
Kulika Baby, his most recent hit is a stirring tribute to women in labour which Ssemakula composed basing it on his real life experience. “My wife went through a lot of complications when she was pregnant, so much that I thought she would die. The song was the only conceivable way I could thank her for the pains and for anything she endured for the sake of our baby,” Ssemakula says.

Abakazi Abaguma is pop ballad at its best. It is indeed a landmark album, and Ssemakula himself says with characteristic confidence that it is the best album he has ever conjured. His colleagues nod in agreement.
Ssemakula has written songs for such stars as Mariam Ndagire, Sheila Nvannungi, Sophia Nantongo, Betty Mpologoma, Phoebe Nassolo and his latest protégé Haruna Mubiru of the Ekitooke fame.

Holding audiences at ransom with his live performances is this artiste’s trademark, his outstanding display of range and precise command of notes is what star are made of. He has star quality in abundance, and the sky is the limit.