Orlando’s star rises as he unveils ‘Nsonyiwa’
BEFORE Jose Chameleone, Bobi Wine and Bebe Cool, there was Emperor Orlando. Orlando is one of the artistes who has helped shape Uganda’s contemporary music, that type which is easily accessible, repetitive, yet easily disposable.<br>
By Joseph Batte
BEFORE Jose Chameleone, Bobi Wine and Bebe Cool, there was Emperor Orlando. Orlando is one of the artistes who has helped shape Uganda’s contemporary music, that type which is easily accessible, repetitive, yet easily disposable.
In 2006, Orlando gave his appearance a complete overhaul by chopping off his dreadlocks in favour of a bald head. Unfortunately, his music remained the same because he sang in the same key, which made him sound monotonous.
Yet you cannot wish Orlando away. His style of music has a way of tugging at our heartstrings. This goes back to 1996 when he released Kyana. Do you remember the power of Sirika Baby (with late Menton Summer) in 1997? Ensi Eno followed it in 1998.
Then there was Kagutema (2000), Nakonkona (2003), Ffa Kumudaala Gwo (2004), Sembera (Piga Makofi) (2005) and Sinsonga (2007). His profile rose when money man Mike Ezra paid $10,000 for his CD at a launch at Hotel Equatoria.
Orlando hopped onto a plane to the US to buy equipment for his Fat Drums Studio in Najjanakumbi and it was money well-spent. Early this year, he went on a music adventure.
His collaborations with Tanzanian singer Saida Karooli produced what I rate as one of the best songs of this year — Nsonyiwa, which he will be launched tonight at Hotel Equatoria.
The video clip of the song was also
clever — Karooli weeping at the outside of the wall, while Orlando pranced about on the side, refusing to let her in for breaking his heart.
Karooli will perform alongside Orlando at the concert, which will feature top local artistes. The duo will also stage shows at Pearls’ Restaurant in Jinja on Saturday and at Lido Beach in Entebbe on Sunday. Entry fee is sh10,000.
BEFORE Jose Chameleone, Bobi Wine and Bebe Cool, there was Emperor Orlando. Orlando is one of the artistes who has helped shape Uganda’s contemporary music, that type which is easily accessible, repetitive, yet easily disposable.
In 2006, Orlando gave his appearance a complete overhaul by chopping off his dreadlocks in favour of a bald head. Unfortunately, his music remained the same because he sang in the same key, which made him sound monotonous.
Yet you cannot wish Orlando away. His style of music has a way of tugging at our heartstrings. This goes back to 1996 when he released Kyana. Do you remember the power of Sirika Baby (with late Menton Summer) in 1997? Ensi Eno followed it in 1998.
Then there was Kagutema (2000), Nakonkona (2003), Ffa Kumudaala Gwo (2004), Sembera (Piga Makofi) (2005) and Sinsonga (2007). His profile rose when money man Mike Ezra paid $10,000 for his CD at a launch at Hotel Equatoria.
Orlando hopped onto a plane to the US to buy equipment for his Fat Drums Studio in Najjanakumbi and it was money well-spent. Early this year, he went on a music adventure.
His collaborations with Tanzanian singer Saida Karooli produced what I rate as one of the best songs of this year — Nsonyiwa, which he will be launched tonight at Hotel Equatoria.
The video clip of the song was also
clever — Karooli weeping at the outside of the wall, while Orlando pranced about on the side, refusing to let her in for breaking his heart.
Karooli will perform alongside Orlando at the concert, which will feature top local artistes. The duo will also stage shows at Pearls’ Restaurant in Jinja on Saturday and at Lido Beach in Entebbe on Sunday. Entry fee is sh10,000.