Namubiru beats own standards with ‘Y’ono’

Aug 02, 2007

OVER the years, local artistes have learnt that it is easy to score a hit with a debut album. However, following it with another hit is difficult. <br>

By Joseph Batte

OVER the years, local artistes have learnt that it is easy to score a hit with a debut album. However, following it with another hit is difficult.

More often than not, the artistes recycle what they perceive was the winning formula and end up with the same beats and melodies. There are many examples out there, but do not count Iryn Namubiru among that poor pack.

After winning the Female Artiste of the Year award at the PAM Awards last year, Namubiru has bounced back with a 16-track CD titled Y'ono thats better than Nkuweeki. If you don’t buy my argument, let’s clinically examine ‘Nkuweeki.’

Although Nkuweeki was a good record with good melodies on tracks like Nja Kunoba, Sembera and Lwaki Onzanyirako, it was one-dimensional. Basically, it came across as a collection of songs that were firmly grounded in one common theme — love.

It also offered little in terms of variety. For example, the only track with a danceable rhythm was Simbalala, a duet with Bebe Cool.

However, Y'ono is totally different. While many local musicians are intent on just recording a ‘good’ album that will earn them millions of shillings, Namubiru’s goal this year was to make an artistic statement with an outstanding album that was both gorgeous and beautiful to listen to. And she has done it.

What makes Y'ono a top cut is its unexpected deepness. It boasts a vast range of textures and rhythms as it takes detours into different music territories — zouk, proto soukous, RnB and Afro-pop.
To achieve that, Namubiru hired producers Ted Josiah (Kenya) to work on Wanipa Hamu and Tugume; Daudi Kitasimbwa (Do you?); Henry Kiwuuwa (Nsonyiwa, Newaddeyo, Tugume, Osindise Asitamye and Surprise); Andrew Kiwanuka (Abakadde); Paddy Kayiwa (Mbyogere Ntya, Waniinza) and Julien Groult from France on Ngenze, Ca Bouge and Waniinza (remix).

Namubiru also revealed another side of her — she is a talented songwriter. Besides Nsonyiwa and Tugume which were penned by Silver Kyagulanyi and Do You by David Kitasimbwa, the rest of the songs on the album were either written by her or she shares songwriting credits with others.

The title track Y'ono is a true rocker, although not with aggressive energy that can punch you in the face.
On the track, Namubiru goes with nursery rhyme simplicity that characterised Simbalala.

Wanipa Hamu and Nikikuona will certainly win her hordes of Swahili-speaking fans.

However, the centrepiece for me is Philly Lutaaya’s Empisazo. The song is part of a project by the late singer’s family to raise funds for the Philly Bongoley Lutaaya Memorial.

In my intuitive understanding, Lutaaya might have penned Empisazo Zikyuseeko for Namubiru. Namubiru not only belts it gorgeously, she owns it.

Although the old version was entirely sketched by keyboards it sounds livelier because the synthesizers are used as independent, expressive instruments.

Namubiru will launch Y'ono on August 10 at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds. Entrance will be sh20,000 and at Sese Gateway Beach, Entebbe for sh5,000.

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