Born 1929 Christopher Ssebaduka is the oldest and arguably best folk music singer, revered as Jjajja w’abayimbi (grandfather of Ugandan singers) with thousands of lyrics on his record. He started kadongokamu (solo guitar) Cultural Society in the 1960s where he recruited and trained musicians. He was one of the few musicians to perform on Independence Day at Kololo airstrip.
He was also the main entertainer when Uganda National Theatre was being inaugurated in the late 1950s. People described Ssebaduka as Uganda’s Kenny Rogers. He recorded his first songs in 1955, Omukazi Malaya and Nakawama. His second song, Eddame lya Chwa recorded in 1957 was an instant hit. It earned him a big reward from the Kabaka.
In his mid-life career, Ssebadduka played significant roles training musicians and defining what kadongokamu music is in Uganda today.
His music is still relevant to date although it was recorded many years ago. Some of his greatest hits include Nantondo, Kodikodi and Tereza owebina eddene.
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