Uganda has been through a lot in the last 34 Years. Find out here

By Staff Writer

If you happened to pass by Kampala in the early 80s, you would find a country completely conquered by Congolese music and South African music. But even this was hard to come by, not many people had access to radio or television. For those who had access, there weren’t many options to juggle with. It was almost likely, the official national broadcasters at play. You were never sure when they opened or closed, or perhaps, when a new president would take over and announce their ascent to power. 

Comedy, music, everything art and entertainment was regarded as the last resort for those whom life had taught the most stringent of lessons. You could bet that there may not be a local Ugandan music video that was shot pre-1986. While there was a liberation war on the political front, the entertainment industry was fighting for its own liberation. 

And as they say, the 1986 revolution was as alive in the entertainment industry as it was in other arenas of the country. Afrigo Band, one of Uganda’s most timeless bands would go on to record its first music videos in 1988 at Bat Valley theatre. 

The country would go on to extend the popularisation of its own genre aka Kadongo-kamu. At the frontiers of this genre were men such as Paul Kafeero, Fred Ssebatta, Herman Basudde, Livingstone Kasoozi. Not to say that Kadongo-kamu started then, but it’s to say, that post-86, artistes had the ability to sing on a number of subjects. Unlike in the 70s when they had been barred from political commentary. It was a steamy affair in the early nineties as Kadongo-kamu fought its ground with Kidandali that was freshly coming to play. 

Entertainment places such as Bat Valley, Pride and National Theatre would get a chance to come back to life. It was a country that would accommodate each according to their interests. 

On the streets of DV8, the music artistes of the future were hustling for the stage. Girl groups such as Prim n Propa were changing the style of music. One cannot forget to credit Namasagali college that had influenced many of these music artistes. Juliana Kanyomozi and Iryn Namubiru for example had created the famous I-Jay. 

Time forward to the 2000s when Bebe Cool and his Kenyan apprentices chose to return to Uganda setting us into a new system of things. Within these musical returnees, you had the beginning of showbiz as we now know it in the music industry. It was Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine and Chameleone. Newspapers would go on to have entertainment pullouts to satisfy this new growing interest in local celebrities. Instantly Uganda would then have a social industry that created the socialites, and brought a token to fame. 

With this 2000 group, congolese music became history, Ugandans would go on to open up to their own music and support it to the fullest. With the exception of Philly Lutaaya who had organised the mega concert at Nakivubo, concerts were not a usual occurence. Today, one can’t keep track of the music concerts. As though that’s not enough, festivals have also taken over the country. 

Different music genres are now at play in the industry. If one thinks of pop. there will be numerous artistes in that category, same for RnB and Hiphop. 

Where Ugandans waited for months before one of the groups announced their new play, now, one is served to weekly doses of comedy by different groups on different days. To imagine that things like Comedy Store are a normal occurence is something that’s news in the ears of the pre-86 generation. 

On all aspects of the entertainment industry, it’s post 1986 that did build what we call today’s entertainment industry. We call it an industry because you have different arms contributing to the value chain and eco-system of this product and service called entertainment. 

Uganda Revenue Authority can attest about the cut they get from the gate collections at concerts. You now have music video producers, sound engineers, events managers, artiste managers, mention them all, feeding from this ecosystem of an industry that’s been a result of over 30 decades of work. 

Perhaps this January 27th, the country more than ever needs to celebrate the revolution of the Uganda Entertainment Industry. It’s also important to mention that these industries can only rest on foundations of peace and stability, but above all, economic growth to fuel the entry and exits of these industries. 

Uganda has been through a lot in the last 34 Years. Find out here

Rema is planning a concert for Valentine’s Day.

By Our Reporter

As we bid farewell to ‘Janworry’ and welcome the month of love, some of Uganda’s top entertainers are up for a Valentine’s Day battle. It being one of the most celebrated days, the unofficial lovers’ day has this year attracted several major events.

From soulful singer Rema Namakula to Salvador’s Africa Laughs to one of Busoga’s finest artiste Maro and not forgetting Nigeria’s Rude Boy, the celebrities are set to celebrate the lovers’ day with each promising a thrilling show.

Rema’s “Hottest 2020” show will be held at Hotel Africana, Maro will hold his Anjagala concert at Hotel Mestil, Nigeria’s Rude Boy will be at Lugogo Cricket Oval while celebrated Comedian Salvado who is bringing the famous duo Chaka Demus and Pliers plus a few other comedians is challenging himself and going for a bigger venue, Kololo Airstrip. The revellers will be tasked to choose which show to attend.

Although the four events target different age groups and different audiences, Rema’s show is expected to be one of the most attended event on the day since she has several love songs, a big attraction for lovers on Valentine’s Day.

Uganda has been through a lot in the last 34 Years. Find out here

By Guest Writer

My lovely girlfriend decided to steal my new Premio car which I had just bought from a bank loan.

The lady asked me to give her my Toyota car which she wanted to use to travel to Mombasa to check on her mother who lives there.

It was on a Saturday when I gave her the keys. I was not worried since she is a good driver.

She safely drove to Mombasa and confirmed to me she had already joined the mother there. We kept conversing and updating each other the whole day until next day when she suddenly went silent.

Her phone was not going through, I started becoming worried not sure what had happened. This silence from her was not normal and the day went without her mobile getting through.

The following day, I woke up early having been disturbed all through the night, tried to call her with hopes that this time I will get her online but the same thing repeated, “Nambari ya mtenja uliopiga haipatijknani kwa sasa,”

There is nothing in this world as worse as calling someone for two days without getting her. I started thinking deeply what had happened only to learn that she had run away with my car.

I went to Mombasa but never got her and neither the mother. They had moved to somewhere different. I decided to report to Mombasa Police to help trace her.

They asked me to record a statement which I did and promised to help trace her. Left helpless and dejected, I then returned to Kakamega.

Stressed, I remembered a traditional doctor called Mugwenu who stays in Vihiga. I called him and narrated what had happened to me. He asked if the car was really mine and told him “yes it is belonged to me”
He called to meet me in town where he gave me some pieces of chains which I hanged on my neck as you will do a necklace and ordered me to go back home and relax.
In just four days, I couldn’t believe that police in Mombasa had arrested some individuals who they believed were involved in a series of car robbery in Mombasa- and guess what? They called me and told me my car had been found in their possession.

I knew wow! Mugwenu was perfect. I thanked him and went to pick my car leaving the suspect rotting in jail.
Just like a medical doctor, Dr Mugwenu does a diagnosis on his clients by asking a few questions for self-introspection in the area of one’s life such as obstacles, challenges in financial and physical aspects, among others. “I am taking this opportunity to tell anyone on this blog having similar problem to visit Dr Mugwenu at https//:www.mugwenudoctors.com and your problems shall be solved.

Dr Mugwenu says his spell casting powers work within 24 hours, mostly happening the same day they are released, and also handles general problems ranging from winning court cases, winning the lottery, protection of family and property, as well as accurate foretelling of one’s future.”

You can get the help you need wherever you are through distance healing. Mugwenu Doctors say one of their greatest attributes is distance healing: They will work together with you, but detachment is the key to success during this healing process. You must be in a quiet place and detach yourself from everything around you. This is very important because your body must connect with the healing elements.

Should you find that things are not working as you want them to, just connect with Mugwenu Doctors. Call – +254740637248. Website – www.mugwenudoctors.com. Email: mugwenudoctors@gmail.com