The men behind kampala’s great hits
Feb 01, 2007
The increasing number of musicians has brought about a new breed of producers. Gilbert Mwijuke looks at those who have produced many of Kampala’s hits.
Tony Houls – Dream Studios
Houls, Dream Studios’ sound engineer, has crafted beats for most of the popular hits that come out of the Kamwokya-based studios. However, he has not got all the credit he deserves because the studio has many producers.
His hit list includes Lwaki Temmumatira (Buchaman), Adam ne Kaawa and Omwana Wabandi (Bobi Wine) and Taata W’abaana (Bobi Wine and Juliana Kanyomozi). Although most of the hits from Dream Studios are attributed to executive producer Eddie Yawe, Houls remains one of the most accomplished producers in the land.
Ngoni (Pato and Aydee) – Goodenuff Studios
Gifted producers cum artistes, the duo shot to fame about two years ago with an instant hit, Digi. Extraordinarily talented, the lads have written and produced all their hits including Nasiima Gwe and Bigula.
The duo is also responsible for Priscilla Kalibala’s Mwana Gwe, Birungi (Chagga), Yo Da One and It’s all Over Now (Michael Ross). Other songs are Yo Ma Lady and Mumulete (Benon and Vampos) and Narudi (Lyrical G’s PAM Award winning Hip-Hop hit).
The Ngoni’s strong point is their ability to produce a wide range of music genres.
Didi Mugisa — Home Studio (Najanankumbi)
Mugisa is a brilliant producer with a wide range of knowledge of studio acoustics.
However, Mugisa criticises other producers for relying too much on the computer. “Most producers don’t use live instruments; they craft their beats on the computer. But it is necessary to know how to play musical instruments too,†he says.
He has produced songs like Si Muyaaye (Diamond Oscar), Sodom (Peter Miles and Crystal Fabulous), Mwatuwamba (Small Axe) and Mpisa Zo (Thunderman and Mr. Hursh).
Isaac Katerega —Hypercom
Because of him, Hypercom Studio on William Street in Kampala has become every upcoming artiste’s hub. Katerega has excelled in making a name for unknown artistes. He produced DJ Michael’s Wandekera Omwana album, which catapulted DJ Michael into the limelight. Katerega also produced Junior Pliers’ groundbreaking hit, Sugar Mummy.
Allan Okia — D Records
Based in Nakasero, Okia is responsible for raising artistes like Sweet Kid to the top. He produced Sweet Kid’s 2005 chart-topping Kankutwale and Brenda. The latter won Sweet Kid a PAM Award for the best new artiste. Okia also produced Sweet Kid’s Sirikyusa album. The title track and Tobesiga are dominating our local airwaves. He has also worked on Buchaman’s upcoming CD.
Paul Kim — First Love
He is a member of the US-based gospel group, First Love. Together with his group mates, they set up the First Love Studio in Ntinda. The studio has churned out hits like Kid Fox’s Love is a Good Feeling and Luganda Nemikwano, Sarah Zawedde’s U Got My Heart and several RnB songs by upcoming artistes, including new group, Able 4.
Houls, Dream Studios’ sound engineer, has crafted beats for most of the popular hits that come out of the Kamwokya-based studios. However, he has not got all the credit he deserves because the studio has many producers.
His hit list includes Lwaki Temmumatira (Buchaman), Adam ne Kaawa and Omwana Wabandi (Bobi Wine) and Taata W’abaana (Bobi Wine and Juliana Kanyomozi). Although most of the hits from Dream Studios are attributed to executive producer Eddie Yawe, Houls remains one of the most accomplished producers in the land.
Ngoni (Pato and Aydee) – Goodenuff Studios
Gifted producers cum artistes, the duo shot to fame about two years ago with an instant hit, Digi. Extraordinarily talented, the lads have written and produced all their hits including Nasiima Gwe and Bigula.
The duo is also responsible for Priscilla Kalibala’s Mwana Gwe, Birungi (Chagga), Yo Da One and It’s all Over Now (Michael Ross). Other songs are Yo Ma Lady and Mumulete (Benon and Vampos) and Narudi (Lyrical G’s PAM Award winning Hip-Hop hit).
The Ngoni’s strong point is their ability to produce a wide range of music genres.
Didi Mugisa — Home Studio (Najanankumbi)
Mugisa is a brilliant producer with a wide range of knowledge of studio acoustics.
However, Mugisa criticises other producers for relying too much on the computer. “Most producers don’t use live instruments; they craft their beats on the computer. But it is necessary to know how to play musical instruments too,†he says.
He has produced songs like Si Muyaaye (Diamond Oscar), Sodom (Peter Miles and Crystal Fabulous), Mwatuwamba (Small Axe) and Mpisa Zo (Thunderman and Mr. Hursh).
Isaac Katerega —Hypercom
Because of him, Hypercom Studio on William Street in Kampala has become every upcoming artiste’s hub. Katerega has excelled in making a name for unknown artistes. He produced DJ Michael’s Wandekera Omwana album, which catapulted DJ Michael into the limelight. Katerega also produced Junior Pliers’ groundbreaking hit, Sugar Mummy.
Allan Okia — D Records
Based in Nakasero, Okia is responsible for raising artistes like Sweet Kid to the top. He produced Sweet Kid’s 2005 chart-topping Kankutwale and Brenda. The latter won Sweet Kid a PAM Award for the best new artiste. Okia also produced Sweet Kid’s Sirikyusa album. The title track and Tobesiga are dominating our local airwaves. He has also worked on Buchaman’s upcoming CD.
Paul Kim — First Love
He is a member of the US-based gospel group, First Love. Together with his group mates, they set up the First Love Studio in Ntinda. The studio has churned out hits like Kid Fox’s Love is a Good Feeling and Luganda Nemikwano, Sarah Zawedde’s U Got My Heart and several RnB songs by upcoming artistes, including new group, Able 4.