Coke Studio producer Mpho Pholo to train Uganda musicians ahead of New York festival

DIASPORA- Award-winning music producer and director Mpho Polo has been asked by the UNAA Causes to prepare Ugandan artistes ahead of the Uganda festival in New York.

Famed for producing Africa's biggest music shows such as Coke Studio (Kenya,) Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards (South Africa,) Glo Caf Footballer Awards (in Nigeria,) among others, Mpho Polo will be flying to Kampala (from South Africa) to prepare a host of Ugandan artistes for the Uganda Festival scheduled for August 29 to September 2, 2019 in New York.

Speaking to the New Vision about the show, Mpho Polo said he is excited about the opportunity.

"I am coming for a few days to Kampala in June to hold rehearsals for the New York UNAA Causes' Uganda Festival. I will be working with Cindy, Vinka, Fik Fameica, Spice Diana, Mina Izah, Rema Namakula, Joseph Sax and Myko Ouma," Pholo explained.

Asked if he would consider working with any Ugandan musical artiste on merit, the producer explained that he loved Myko Ouma's music.

 
"One of my favourite musicians in Uganda is Myko Ouma. I think the Ugandan music scene is very vibrant. From the times I have visited Kampala I have seen various acts performing in clubs, live venues, and their own gigs. I have followed some artistes' music because of my work at Coke Studio. But Myko is gifted. He wields an exceptional talent, yet at the same time, plays multiple instruments and is very connected with the pulse of the culture. That makes him very special and I would so love to work with him on a record," Pholo emphatically relayed.

The music producer also said he has gotten a chance to work with Ugandan talent at Coke Studio.

"I definitely think it's more than possible to record and produce Ugandan talent. I have recorded a song with YKee Benda, Bebe Cool, Lydia Jazmine so far. I have had the pleasure to produce and direct Rema Namakula, Sheebah Karungi, Radio & Weasel, Bushington, to name a few. I would definitely love to work with more Ugandan talent. They should feel free to hit me up on social media," resounded Pholo.

Pholo will also be in charge of producing the Uganda Festival's exclusive Black or White dinner cruise which will be sailing at sunset in New York.  The festival will also have a couple of other events including entertainment, a glamorous fashion showcase, dinner, business expo, and community engagement.

The organizer of the festival also dubbed Summer's Ultimate Event 2019 commended Pholo for accepting to work with the team.

"We are blessed to have one of Africa's most accomplished and talented music producers of our time lead our music team," said UNAA Causes CEO David Muwanga

 
Who is Mpho Pholo

Mpho Pholo is a record producer, pianist, and composer who specialises in hip hop, rhythm and blues, drum and bass and house music.

When he learnt how to play on his own in 1991, Mpho Pholo's parents decided to nurture his talent by enrolling him to music school.

"During high school, I learnt classical piano, sang in the school choir and also played trumpet in the cadet band. My professional career started in 2004 when I joined Ghetto Ruff as one of their producers and songwriters. I have had two songs on the Tsotsi movie soundtrack, and various theme songs for TV shows in South Africa.

In the last three years I have been the resident music director for Coke Studio Africa, music director for Mzansi Viewer's Choice Awards,  and assistant music director on Glo Caf Footballer Awards in Nigeria," Pholo said.