Tshaka scoops Arts press award
Nov 08, 2009
TSHAKA Mayanja, ‘Jazz’ and ‘Uganda’ were rarely used in the same sentence until recently when he celebrated 20 years in music in a show dubbed the MTN Jazz Safari ‘09.
By Alex Balimwikungu
TSHAKA Mayanja, ‘Jazz’ and ‘Uganda’ were rarely used in the same sentence until recently when he celebrated 20 years in music in a show dubbed the MTN Jazz Safari ‘09.
For someone who had previously been known as reggae music’s best kept secret, Tshaka’s successful switching of genres from reggae to jazz, where he has made a huge impression already, earned him the UBL-sponsored Arts Press Association (APA) award for October 2009.
Tshaka beat a veritable shortlist that included Miria Matembe for her book, Woman in the Eyes of God; Reclaiming a Lost Identity, Charles Peter Mayiga for the book, King on the Throne, Charles James Ssenkubuge, (Magumba play) and the producers of the NTV local drama series Kakibe Ki.
“Honestly, this is the first ever local award I’ve received. I am honoured and humbled,†he said.
He defended his journey into Jazz. “I am now into jazz music because it is the epitome of all music. If you can conquer jazz with your instrument all the other genres become easy.â€
Bebe Cool also picked up his September award in absentia.
Steak Out bar, the venue for the ocassion, was alive with chatter and excitement as the award coincided with the recently reloaded UTAKE night sponsored by Uganda Waragi.
Judging from the way people downed Uganda waragi cocktails, it was more than just celebrating Tshaka’s deserved win.
It appeared they were celebrating the return of Uganda Waragi tot packs. Some danced on tables and even ignored the match between Arsenal and Wolves.
The distinct smile on Phoebe Nakabazzi, Uganda Waragi’s brand manager told. Joseph Masembe of Mase Consults, organisers of the event, was equally elated.
There were performances from a bevy of artistes who were out to clearly impress the scribes.
TSHAKA Mayanja, ‘Jazz’ and ‘Uganda’ were rarely used in the same sentence until recently when he celebrated 20 years in music in a show dubbed the MTN Jazz Safari ‘09.
For someone who had previously been known as reggae music’s best kept secret, Tshaka’s successful switching of genres from reggae to jazz, where he has made a huge impression already, earned him the UBL-sponsored Arts Press Association (APA) award for October 2009.
Tshaka beat a veritable shortlist that included Miria Matembe for her book, Woman in the Eyes of God; Reclaiming a Lost Identity, Charles Peter Mayiga for the book, King on the Throne, Charles James Ssenkubuge, (Magumba play) and the producers of the NTV local drama series Kakibe Ki.
“Honestly, this is the first ever local award I’ve received. I am honoured and humbled,†he said.
He defended his journey into Jazz. “I am now into jazz music because it is the epitome of all music. If you can conquer jazz with your instrument all the other genres become easy.â€
Bebe Cool also picked up his September award in absentia.
Steak Out bar, the venue for the ocassion, was alive with chatter and excitement as the award coincided with the recently reloaded UTAKE night sponsored by Uganda Waragi.
Judging from the way people downed Uganda waragi cocktails, it was more than just celebrating Tshaka’s deserved win.
It appeared they were celebrating the return of Uganda Waragi tot packs. Some danced on tables and even ignored the match between Arsenal and Wolves.
The distinct smile on Phoebe Nakabazzi, Uganda Waragi’s brand manager told. Joseph Masembe of Mase Consults, organisers of the event, was equally elated.
There were performances from a bevy of artistes who were out to clearly impress the scribes.