Orlando Back In The Limelight
May 13, 2003
He’s been missing from the contemporary music scene since he released Kagutema in 2001.
By Denis Jjuuko and Sebidde Kiryowa
He’s been missing from the contemporary music scene since he released Kagutema in 2001. Emperor Orlando, 29, is a DJ in Ange Noir Discotheque. But Ange Noir patrons might have noticed that for about a year or so, Orlando had also been performing a new dancehall tune entitled N’akonkona, a catchy up-beat song in which he employs clicks to simulate knocks on the door. Two and a half months ago, the song hit radio and has garnered such heavy rotation on air that Orlando has virtually become a household name. DJs spin Orlando’s jam to shrill screams and ululations of approval. On Thursday night at Club Obligatto, Orlando launched the full eight-track album, N’akonkona.
The show, slated to begin at 7.30pm, kicked off a whole 90 minutes late. The first lot of curtain-raisers did little to stir the crowd, which comprised mainly radio personalities, DJs and musicians. But the crowd was not easy to move either. They sat on either side of an empty dance floor, content to sip their drinks without expressing concern at what was happening. But wacky MC Robert Segawa did his best to save the first half of the night. He poked fun at virtually anyone that was anyone in the house. However, there were some note-worthy curtain-raisers.
Phoebe Nassolo and Karim Nsubuga were the first silver lining of the night, charming the audience with their lovey-dovey antics as they performed the hugely popular Kwata Wano. Rudeboy Devoy, the ragga artist-turned band singer, was the first opening act (with the exception of Segawa’s mock performances) to utilise the back-up Afrigo Band, who performed live. From Bulianyinawo E’kyana, through to Salamagezi Tugende, he was cheered all the way, just like as it was for Sam and Sophie Gombya. Whereas vivacious Acholi DJ Laguma (Angela) and dancer Roge (whose singing stint left a lot to be desired) only attracted our attention to their dancing skills, Red Banton worked hard to prove his rhyming skills were far from corroded.
It was after midnight that Juma Seiko officially announced the album launched. His speech was short and punctuated with praises for Orlando, though the singer was nowhere to be seen. Seiko and wife Rukia bought the CD at sh550,000. The auctions started with MP Dan Kidega buying off Orlando’s portrait at sh400,000. Jose Chameleon threw in sh600,000. Bebe Cool and Zuena Kirema offered 500,000, while army commander Major Gen. James Kazini promised to double whatever was raised. John Katto paid 100,000 in cash for the CD. Others included Super FM-sh1.3m (in ads and pledges); Siasa-sh200,000; Trends Band-sh100,000; DHL-sh200,000; Halima and son Hemdee-150,000 and Star FM-320,000. More contributed in cash and pledges.
Bebe Cool performed for a minute and said girlfriend Zuena was not feeling OK. Due to public demand, Chameleon was called to perform. The lanky musician sang the lyrics of Beyi Kali and Nekolera Mali without instrumentation and the dance floor was filled as hordes of women who rushed to hug him and give him money. It was in the wee hours of Friday morning that Orlando finally appeared on stage. He did N’akonkona straight away. Patrons jumped on stage and wiggled their waists. Couples got entwined like Siamese twins. Those who could not stand the drizzle remained in the thatched shelters and clapped as the main act went through his album non-stop.
He even performed old hits like Sirika Baby and the crowd still loved it. Kagutema saw revellers come on stage to try out the traditional Kiganda dance. Orlando leaped off the stage onto the dance floor to appreciate the support of his fans. When he eventually ran out of steam, he vanished, leaving the crowd to dance to Bobi Wine’s Kagoma hit. Soon it was all over. Now it’s official. Orlando is back in the limelight. The question is, for how long? Ends
He’s been missing from the contemporary music scene since he released Kagutema in 2001. Emperor Orlando, 29, is a DJ in Ange Noir Discotheque. But Ange Noir patrons might have noticed that for about a year or so, Orlando had also been performing a new dancehall tune entitled N’akonkona, a catchy up-beat song in which he employs clicks to simulate knocks on the door. Two and a half months ago, the song hit radio and has garnered such heavy rotation on air that Orlando has virtually become a household name. DJs spin Orlando’s jam to shrill screams and ululations of approval. On Thursday night at Club Obligatto, Orlando launched the full eight-track album, N’akonkona.
The show, slated to begin at 7.30pm, kicked off a whole 90 minutes late. The first lot of curtain-raisers did little to stir the crowd, which comprised mainly radio personalities, DJs and musicians. But the crowd was not easy to move either. They sat on either side of an empty dance floor, content to sip their drinks without expressing concern at what was happening. But wacky MC Robert Segawa did his best to save the first half of the night. He poked fun at virtually anyone that was anyone in the house. However, there were some note-worthy curtain-raisers.
Phoebe Nassolo and Karim Nsubuga were the first silver lining of the night, charming the audience with their lovey-dovey antics as they performed the hugely popular Kwata Wano. Rudeboy Devoy, the ragga artist-turned band singer, was the first opening act (with the exception of Segawa’s mock performances) to utilise the back-up Afrigo Band, who performed live. From Bulianyinawo E’kyana, through to Salamagezi Tugende, he was cheered all the way, just like as it was for Sam and Sophie Gombya. Whereas vivacious Acholi DJ Laguma (Angela) and dancer Roge (whose singing stint left a lot to be desired) only attracted our attention to their dancing skills, Red Banton worked hard to prove his rhyming skills were far from corroded.
It was after midnight that Juma Seiko officially announced the album launched. His speech was short and punctuated with praises for Orlando, though the singer was nowhere to be seen. Seiko and wife Rukia bought the CD at sh550,000. The auctions started with MP Dan Kidega buying off Orlando’s portrait at sh400,000. Jose Chameleon threw in sh600,000. Bebe Cool and Zuena Kirema offered 500,000, while army commander Major Gen. James Kazini promised to double whatever was raised. John Katto paid 100,000 in cash for the CD. Others included Super FM-sh1.3m (in ads and pledges); Siasa-sh200,000; Trends Band-sh100,000; DHL-sh200,000; Halima and son Hemdee-150,000 and Star FM-320,000. More contributed in cash and pledges.
Bebe Cool performed for a minute and said girlfriend Zuena was not feeling OK. Due to public demand, Chameleon was called to perform. The lanky musician sang the lyrics of Beyi Kali and Nekolera Mali without instrumentation and the dance floor was filled as hordes of women who rushed to hug him and give him money. It was in the wee hours of Friday morning that Orlando finally appeared on stage. He did N’akonkona straight away. Patrons jumped on stage and wiggled their waists. Couples got entwined like Siamese twins. Those who could not stand the drizzle remained in the thatched shelters and clapped as the main act went through his album non-stop.
He even performed old hits like Sirika Baby and the crowd still loved it. Kagutema saw revellers come on stage to try out the traditional Kiganda dance. Orlando leaped off the stage onto the dance floor to appreciate the support of his fans. When he eventually ran out of steam, he vanished, leaving the crowd to dance to Bobi Wine’s Kagoma hit. Soon it was all over. Now it’s official. Orlando is back in the limelight. The question is, for how long? Ends