Simbar oars with ‘ekiggunda’

Jul 02, 2007

WITH the apt organisation of Radio Simba, backed by MTN, the fifth edition of the Ekiggunda Ky’omwaka at Nakivubo Stadium last Sunday was right on the beat. That raised the spirits of artistes and fans. So every artiste was out to out do the other and the impressive sound got many touts in the nea

By Emmanuel Ssejjengo and Alex Balimwikungu
WITH the apt organisation of Radio Simba, backed by MTN, the fifth edition of the Ekiggunda Ky’omwaka at Nakivubo Stadium last Sunday was right on the beat. That raised the spirits of artistes and fans. So every artiste was out to out do the other and the impressive sound got many touts in the nearby New Taxi Park dancing and singing instead of calling for passengers.

The eulogies of fallen artiste Paul Kafeero came in from different artistes. Willy Mukabya’s brought some tears, but Moses Nsubuga’s bordered on the comic. That his widows cried as they performed his songs was proof that Kafeero’s spirit is still effectual and his art is very alive.

The music extravaganza had a musical spiral movement. Bobi Wine’s early afternoon performance got the audience excited instantly.

The kadogo kamu session was the cooler. Germany-based Omuana Isaacs, though clad in white, was hardly visible. Sarah Zawedde got the crown singing to her Kambere Nawe like it was an anthem.

The ladies’ session that had the likes of Blu3 (featuring Chagga), Obsessions, Priscilla Kalibbala and Juliana Kanyomozi made some men slip towards the out-of-the-way stands to get a clear view of the action on stage though some had ill-intentions. The ladies got the women in the audience chorusing to each of their old songs until Juliana shut them up by sampling a new song unknown to them.

The presentation of Radio Simba presenters again cooled down the atmosphere. Eagles’ Productions this time did not fly up to the sky though Mesach Ssemakula tried. Bebe Cool, who performed after them did fly though. First, he stood on top of his “Baffudde” Range Rover, then he climbed up the speakers before dashing to the stage like a meteorite. His other flashy performances were with Sweet Kid and Iryn Namubiru, who returned from France for the show.

From then on, the heat had been turned on that even the fading Jose Chameleone got cheers. Then it did not matter who performed as it was a party to dance vigorously to anything ranging from love ballads to fast- paced lingala music. With the Simba MCs constant reminder that there will be no rain as long as there is still a soul in the stadium, there was a reasonable number making their way in at midnight.

Save for former Member of Parliament Ken Lukyamuzi and her daughter Hon. Susan Nampijja, there was a notable absence of politicians. So the platform was left to only mainstream entertainment, a relief to many who turned up.

The Ekiggunda organisers have managed to get their patrons used to fireworks and there was hardly any scampering for safety during the display this year. The event doubled as Radio Simba’s ninth anniversary celebrations. That these celebrations went on until working time on Monday proves that both the station and Ugandan music are much revered.

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