Who will rock the music scene in 2009?

Jan 01, 2009

THE year 2008 saw newcomers on the music scene like Desire Luzinda, Grace Nakimera, Tonics and Moze Radio and Weasel dominate the airwaves. Established singers like Mariam Ndagire and Iryn Namubiru made tactical withdrawals from the scene.

THE year 2008 saw newcomers on the music scene like Desire Luzinda, Grace Nakimera, Tonics and Moze Radio and Weasel dominate the airwaves. Established singers like Mariam Ndagire and Iryn Namubiru made tactical withdrawals from the scene. Joseph Batte and Gilbert Mwijuke predict the new acts to watch out for and the veterans who could bounce back in 2009.

Aziz Azion
His debut hit, Nkumira Omukwano, grabbed our hearts and threatened to wrench them out. The song enjoyed heavy rotation on the airwaves, which subsequently cultivated a fan base for him. This firm foundation gives him an edge over other newcomers in 2009. The Jekaki Band singer plans to hold his first major gig soon.

Apollo
‘Apollo who?’, you might ask. Apollo Kagimu is his full name. He is emerging as one of the best reggae artistes. He has a charming voice, a unique tonality and a bag full of hooks that will capture lovers of good music.

He deployed all three on O’womukwano and Oh Baby. The stylistic fidelity of reggae shone through all his songs. Vision Voice listeners picked them as the brightest reggae songs of the year and Apollo as the best new reggae artiste. Watch out for him this year.

Jamal
Jamal Waswa learned the trade by singing karaoke. From then it was basically hit-and-miss. In 2005, he recorded his first song, African Girl, which featured Mr. Mosh but hardly sold. He recorded a couple more songs, but none of them gave him a breakout hit.

But as fate would have it, last year, Jamal teamed up with Us-based producer Moses. The result was the R&B-tinged Oba Wuwo, which zoomed straight onto local radio countdowns and into our hearts.

Jeniz
If you are looking for something fresh, new and distinctive, this 24-year-old is it for you. Jeniz’ debut song, Salawo, has an attractive sound, which you will instantly enjoy. Salawo is a well-composed song, with a sound that soothes the ear and uplifts the soul.

DJ Michael
Muko Muko was one of the songs that hit us in 2008. And as the curtain was raising on the year, he dropped Kwata Kwata. With these two tracks DJ Michael proved to us that he cannot only spin discs, he can also carry a tune.

Moze Radio and Weasel
Although they walked away with the Best New Artiste award, they are by no means novices in the game. In 2008 they forced song after song down our throats, without caring that each new song they were releasing was overshadowing the previous one. Their music suggests they are already thinking about booking their place in the history of Ugandan music.

Wafagio
This trio of Deyna Keitesi, Esther Nalubega and Jackie Nakitende were explosive in 2008. They have been touted as Uganda ’s version of TLC. Currently, their most popular song is Mukidongo. Anyone with an ounce of musical taste will enjoy this song.

Iryn Namubiru
She has one of the most expressive voices and for some she is a better singer than Juliana Kanyomozi. She made a tactical withdrawal in 2008 to have a baby. Then she reminded us she was still around when she teamed up with Chameleone for Samwa Samwa.

Muddy Boots
The musical mix on their Muddy Music CD suggests a group that means business. They have all the right ingredients to help them muscle their way into the mainstream.

GNL Zamba
Hip hop was a recurrent theme on our local pop music scene in 2008. GNL Zamba gave notice that rap was on its way to mass acceptance in Uganda. By blending cultural sensibilities into his rap, he made us fall in love with this music. In 2009, our predictions are that he will keep Lugaflo flowing steadily.

Omulangira Sunna
He has been around for sometime and proved that he too can carry a tune. He ‘illegally borrowed’ two songs, Hero by Iglesias and ‘Kat de Luna’s Am I dreaming and made one song out them. He is a formidable composer though, and we are yet to listen to his best. Could 2009 be the year he claims his spot in the light?

Kid Fox
This young ‘fox’ made some good music noises via songs like Buusu. In his music, there is an overlay of dancehall, reggae, and Afro pop. Throw all that together with his voice and you begin to grasp the appeal of the young singer. He is destined for greater things in 2009.

Toniks
He has an amazing voice. While the country was going mad over the bubble gum beat, he embraced Zouk music. It was fascinating to hear Tonics, with the shimmering vocal sound and zouk style of Ngoni. He is a terrific singer whose wailing voice struck a chord with us. In 2009, his signature zouk sound will remain intact.

Malaika
She is young, beautiful, hip and has an angelic voice. Malaika has recorded a couple of tracks, but her most coherent work so far is Njagala, an R&B-tinged offering that should hold interest after a few listens. Malaika looks like a good bet to join the ranks of sassy ladies set to dominate 2009!

Flavia Nyonza
Like most great singers, Nyonza began her career singing in church. She appears on this list courtesy of her debut track, Bwolintuma Etaala, which is fast climbing local radio charts.

Cindy
Yes, she left Blue 3*. But she did not lose her singing talent. In 2008 she rode on the strength of one track, Nkoye Okuyomba. Expect her to try stamp her authority in 2009-she has a pair of powerful lungs. What music direction will she take in 2009?

Red Banton
In 2008 he bounced from self-imposed ‘retirement’ back with ‘Kikumi Kinaana.’ Laying off for a while helped him recharge his dying batteries. If he keeps sober and stays away from illegal substances he will regain his lost glory.

Mariam Ndagire
She was quiet in 2008. It was probably intended as she plotted her comeback. She has a single out and going by what we have heard, 2009 might be her year.

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