Nvannungi makes passionate comeback

Apr 27, 2006

Save for Eriiso and Bambi Kiriza, her two singles released last year, Princess Sheila Nvannugi has largely been absent from the music scene.

By Sebidde Kiryowa

Save for Eriiso and Bambi Kiriza, her two singles released last year, Princess Sheila Nvannugi has largely been absent from the music scene.

Nvannugi says she was taking her time to produce something quality and to avoid competing with herself. Her new album, a seven-track project that is yet to be titled, will be released in May.

Two weeks ago, Nvannugi released two singles on radio off the album. Nahotha, the first single is potentially a surefire hit in the captivating league of Doctor. Nvannugi is back to her graceful and lull style of singing with her deep, but furry royal voice. The mid-tempo zoukish flavour, produced by Joe Tabula, features ace guitarists Matu and Charles from Afrigo Band.

The success of this song is pegged largely on the skillful production of Tabula, but most of all, Nvannugi captures the upbeat, lively and happy mood of a woman in love.

Nvannugi wrote the song in English and Ruth, a relative of hers and Nvannungi’s mother, translated it into Swahili.

“It is a love song about a ship captain and myself on a love voyage. He is the epitome of the perfect lover. However, like in any relationship, there are many obstacles in our voyage.”

Why sing in Swahili? “I wanted to reach out to those who don’t understand Luganda. Most importantly, Swahili is becoming a bigger language in Africa. I want a share of that market.”

Nvannugi says she is optimistic about the song because fellow artistes seem to be impressed.

Guba Mukisa is a wistful treat that whisks us off back to the old rhumba-infused rhythms of the 70s. It comes, therefore, as no surprise that veteran musicians Frank Mbalire and Moses Matovu of Afrigo Band produced the song, which was written by Silver Kyagulangi.

The mellow treat sounds fresh and organic with live instruments. Mbalire is brilliant on solo guitar while Charles Busulwa’s bass guitar adds clout to the song. In this mix comes Moses Matovu’s tasteful saxophone while Kaggwa handles the keyboard with as much zeal.
The song laments the fact that men are increasingly losing grip of what it means to love. They are not romantic, often killing all the fun in a relationship with their serious disposition. Laughter, jokes and playfulness make it easy on a woman Nvannugi advises.

She says she was looking for a ‘quiet storm’ mood and figured these were the right people to go to. She could not have been more right. The song also makes for easy listening and will make you feel like getting up and swaying, perhaps do a little twist with your partner.
And, Nvannugi finally gets to do reggae! The song, Wanaichi, is sung in Swahili with a political message yet it is easy on the ear and loses none of its aesthetic attributes.

Written by Nvannugi and translated by Ruth and her mom, the song is mellow root reggae dipped in sweetness. All thanks to Afrigo guitarist Matu who edits it, Joe Tabula who produces it and Winston Mayanja who programmes it.

And that political message? “I cry out to African leaders on behalf of the common man (hence the title ‘wanaichi’) to forget empty talk and over ambitious projects and get back to the basics of life —schools, drugs in the hospital, power and food. That is what the common man needs,” she says.

The album also includes a yet-to-be titled tribute to a friend and Olusinka, an appeal to couples to avoid bottling up disgruntled feelings because it is dangerous. Ensulo y’omukwano talks about how sweet a relationship gets when love overflows. The song was produced by Paddy Kayiwa in Dream Studios.

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