Katumwa takes another step

Jul 23, 2009

I scoffed at Jazz for making me miss out on lyrics to my favourite song whenever Sanyu FM played its Jazz version. Then I met Jazz Maestro, Isaiah Katumwa, popularly known as Uganda’s Sax Wizard, a title he got at the age of 20 for his distinguished ski

By Nigel Nassar
I scoffed at Jazz for making me miss out on lyrics to my favourite song whenever Sanyu FM played its Jazz version. Then I met Jazz Maestro, Isaiah Katumwa, popularly known as Uganda’s Sax Wizard, a title he got at the age of 20 for his distinguished skill with the saxophone.

The passion with which Katumwa talked about Jazz made me have a second thought. I listened more and paid attention to detail. His first album, Coming Home, converted me into a Jazz enthusiast.

I have his second, the 10-track Another Step, which he is launching in concert on July 31 at the Kampala Serena Hotel, for sh50,000 at 6:30pm, thanks to Vision Voice 98.4 FM.

And once again Katumwa has made a statement - he is a genius. The title track, Another Step, is premised on his musical journey. “It has been good and exciting, and now it’s taking another step, an even better one,” he says.

The track’s touch of Zouk is addictive, especially if you liked My Joy, the Zouk hit off his previous album, also featuring on this album as a bonus track.

Nsiima, his favourite, picks an afro beat, punctuated by a jubilant African sax code that summons celebration; a light chorus skimming off the package: “Nsiima Katonda Waffe.” Incorporating a vibrant praise-and-worship tone, Isaiah, in Nsiima, thanks God for his talent.

“I am not where I would want to be yet, but then again, I am not where I used to be. That’s why I thank Him for helping me beat the odds,” says Katumwa.

Juliana Kanyomozi’s fans also get to hear her trademark harmonizing complimented by a rich flow of romantic saxophone, in the wedding hit, Nnonze Ggwe.

It simply says: “Of all men, I have chosen you.” It is a hit you will want playing in the background when you are saying your vows. Just when you think you have mastered how Katumwa sounds, Nobody Like You comes on and makes you think you are listening to Dave Koz.

Then there is Wagulu, Sunrise, All You Do, Suddenly and Arise Africa, songs guaranteed to strike a cord with you and carry you into the Isaiah Katumwa fan base. Go see Katumwa for a change from the usual.

Tickets are on sale at Uchumi - Garden City and Game Stores, Lugogo. His music is available at Music Land – Kampala Road, La Fontaine on Collin House - Speke Road and Uchumi – Garden City.

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