Jaguza children's choir glorify God through cultural vibes

Feb 26, 2015

Jaguza Children’s Choir has positioned itself comfortably as one of the favourite children’s gospel musical group.

By Mathias Mazinga

Jaguza Children’s Choir has positioned itself comfortably as one of the favourite children’s gospel musical group.

Through their music, Jaguza children highlight the pathetic conditions of most orphans in Uganda. But they also show with absolute clarity that even the most destitute children can lead a successful/productive life, if the Church, the state and civil society paid due attention to them.

If you see their infectious smiles, the joy and energy with which these beautiful children execute every stroke on stage, it will be unbelievable for you to imagine the stories of suffering behind them.

Their music is knitted within the fabric of deep African classical/cultural rhythms. But they also unleash a unique touch of modern musical styles, which enables them to maintain their contemporary relevancy.

It remains amazing how these children effectively project the uniqueness of the various African cultures.

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Background

Jaguza children’s choir is an affiliate musical group of Jaguza children's minisrty.

The Jaguza children's ministry was started by a group of people from Annointed upper room church in 2008, in response to the challenge of armies of destitute/needy children, who flocked the compound of the church, on a daily basis, for financial and material assistance.

The Jaguza children's ministry welcomed the children and also attended to their needs, which included school fees, food, accommodation among others.

Eventually some potential musical talents were identified among these children. The Jaguza children's ministry team opted to form and ensemble, Jaguza children’s choir.

One of the team members, pastor Steven Mutesasira explained: “Jaguza children’s choir is an awareness arm of Jaguza children's ministry, a registered NGO.

It comprises of formerly neglected children from all over the country although majority of them come from Kamwokya, one of the ghetto suburbs of Kampala.

These children have had their hope restored, which is why they can afford to rejoice.”

“Many of the children that Jaguza children's ministry takes care of lost their parents to HIV/AIDS.

Some of them came by themselves. Others were just abandoned at the Church. Jaguza team resolved to embrace them and give them the love of God.

Also mindful that God gave each of them some unique gifts, we decided to help them develop their talents, so that they can subsequently use them to project their plight.

'Jaguza' is a Luganda word for 'celebrate'. These children celebrate their deliverance from a life of destitution to a life of joyous hope."

Sarah Zawedde, a member of the choir testified: “Jaguza Children’s Ministry has been a great blessing to me. I had been left with no one to look after me after losing my mother. But today I am in school. Jaguza choir has also empowered me to be an ambassador of other destitute children.”

Jaguza Choir, which was started in 2009, has performed at various levels, to different audiences.

The choir has staged awesome performances in Churches, Schools, crusades, weddings and other formal/informal functions.

Its prowess in Ugandan local vibes like Baakisimba Muwogola (from Buganda), Ekitagururo (from Western Uganda) and Larakaraka (from Northern Uganda) is even more amazing.

Jaguza Children’s Choir recently won the National Youth Forum Award (2014) for the most creative cultural musical group).

The function at Lugogo’s UMA Conference Hall gave Jaguza Choir the opportunity to perform before Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Kataha Museveni.

Jaguza kids have just released their maiden album, Thank you, which has six gospel tracks. Probably the most moving song is Was it Love?, which tickles the listener to ponder about the right of children to parental love and care.

Some parents batter their children. Others throw their new-born children on garbage pits. So, do such parents produce their children out of love?

The song Munsi Mulimu Ebirungi shows the futility of worldly things/pleasures, as it also presents God, the giver of eternal life as the supreme good.

Other songs on the album include Yesu Mwesigwa (Luganda for Jesus is faithful) and Thank You (title-track).

Jaguza kids bracing for international musical tour

Jaguza Children’s Choir is currently preparing for a musical tour to the United States of America, to spread further the message of love and hope, as they also highlight the plight of vulnerable needy children in Africa.