Kigali’s Mako eyes PAM Awards
Aug 03, 2006
<br>Rwandan-born Mako Ntikoshwa is certainly not your big name on the Ugandan music scene. <br>
By Gilbert Mwijuke
Rwandan-born Mako Ntikoshwa is certainly not your big name on the Ugandan music scene.
However, in Kigali, he is a musical icon with one of the biggest names in Rwanda’s music industry.
For those who have listened to Agaseko, an intriguing Rwandese tune, Mako is the chap behind it.
Agaseko (Rwandese for your smile) topped Kigali’s 2005 hit list. The song could be heard on different chart shows at the same time.
In polls conducted by different FM radio stations in Rwanda, Agaseko was voted 2005 song of the year. And if the PAM Awards had been regional by last year, Mako would have perhaps scooped an accolade for best Rwandan artiste.
At the beginning of the year, the hoarse-voiced singer went to BK Studio with two back up vocalists, Trishillah and Sarah Ndagire. Aided by producer Agustine Matu, Mako came out with a six-track album, Hora.
From the opening mournful Hora to the shuddering strings of Kaza Kazi, one listens to a consistent and complete record.
Powered by the beautiful back-up vocals of Sarah Ndagire, the title track, Hora (Rwandese for stop crying) has soaring vocal gymnastics that offer sublimity. It is a low-tempo chilled out track and a perfect tune to listen to when one is feeling disheartened.
Kaza Kazi, a Swahili tune, is another stand-out track. One doesn’t need to understand Swahili to fall in love with the song. It has a captivating beat that will make you tap a leg, however low you are feeling. In the song, Mako advises the youth to work as hard as possible to sustain themselves.
The other tracks on the album are; Utaha Abatalye, Nyegera, Twende kwa Floor and Mbabazi.
Rwandan-born Mako Ntikoshwa is certainly not your big name on the Ugandan music scene.
However, in Kigali, he is a musical icon with one of the biggest names in Rwanda’s music industry.
For those who have listened to Agaseko, an intriguing Rwandese tune, Mako is the chap behind it.
Agaseko (Rwandese for your smile) topped Kigali’s 2005 hit list. The song could be heard on different chart shows at the same time.
In polls conducted by different FM radio stations in Rwanda, Agaseko was voted 2005 song of the year. And if the PAM Awards had been regional by last year, Mako would have perhaps scooped an accolade for best Rwandan artiste.
At the beginning of the year, the hoarse-voiced singer went to BK Studio with two back up vocalists, Trishillah and Sarah Ndagire. Aided by producer Agustine Matu, Mako came out with a six-track album, Hora.
From the opening mournful Hora to the shuddering strings of Kaza Kazi, one listens to a consistent and complete record.
Powered by the beautiful back-up vocals of Sarah Ndagire, the title track, Hora (Rwandese for stop crying) has soaring vocal gymnastics that offer sublimity. It is a low-tempo chilled out track and a perfect tune to listen to when one is feeling disheartened.
Kaza Kazi, a Swahili tune, is another stand-out track. One doesn’t need to understand Swahili to fall in love with the song. It has a captivating beat that will make you tap a leg, however low you are feeling. In the song, Mako advises the youth to work as hard as possible to sustain themselves.
The other tracks on the album are; Utaha Abatalye, Nyegera, Twende kwa Floor and Mbabazi.