“[katogoaward]”
By Ian Nkera Ford
In one scene was a shell-shocked Juliana Kanyomozi stepping out of backstage to face a mammoth expectant crowd for the first time in six years at Hotel Serena. In the other scene was a rookie in the person of Rema greeted by the adoring fans at Hotel Equatorial.
If you had asked if I could have predicted such, I could never have guessed. The idea of both artistes drawing big crowds was something of a surprise to many people.
Juliana is a legend in her own stride after headlining an era as one of the most gifted female voices to have graced our music industry with accolades to prove it. Even with a dismal past couple of years, a mere mention of her name is bound to warrant respect. And trust her fans not to forget that and turn up in massive numbers to witness their princess serenade the crowds and take them on a musical journey that spans over a decade. Talent always stands out.
For the young and untested Rema, it was always going to be difficult. With a career that has barely gotten off the blocks, having a concert on the same day as Juliana Kanyomozi was, to put it rightly, career suicide. Rema is a very talented lady with a decent resume of hits but to be pitted against Juliana was just too unfair.
The pessimists didn’t give her a chance knowing she would only perform for a sizable crowd but she pulled off a success of a concert and the doubters were seen lost for words.
This gives us an insight into our very young and growing industry. The Ugandan fans have opened their ears and hearts to Ugandan music and the more accomplished artistes are getting as much recognition as the young ones.
The true Ugandan fan can now appreciate talent and follow it wherever it goes. A simple case of Rema and Juliana Kanyomozi. Personally, I think it is a victory for Ugandan music.
