THE music industry in Uganda is becoming more unpredictable by the year. One day Lady Mariam is hot, the next day its Weasel and Mowzey. This year is not likely to be any different. However, some artistes have already started grabbing headlines, writes Michael Kanaabi
Jose Chameleone The heavyweight started 2009 with a mega launch of Bayudda with big hits like Nkwagala Nyo Munange and the hit song Vumilia. He has proved to the world that he can release hit songs without former Leon Island crew members, Mosey and Weasel.
He has featured in a remix of Bebe Cool’s Bogolako, and launched his largely successful Basima Ogenze album mid last month. His yet-to-be released collaboration with Beanie Man and the hits off the Basima Ogenze album will continue to dominate the local music scene this year.
Mesach Semakula Not a serious follower of Uganda’s music industry and its trends can write off Semakula and his Eagle’s Production colleagues. Semakula ruled the scene between 2005 and 2007 when he dropped hits like Kulika Baby, Tompalampa and Kankutendereze.
He launched a new album, Taliyo in February with a huge turn up.
The crowd he pulled shows the stand of Semakula and his larger Eagles family. This show made it clear that even though, Semakula and his Eagle’s colleagues are not as big as they once were.
Juliana Kanyomozi The last we heard from her was the rendition of the late Philly Bongole Lutaya’s hit, Diana, that rocked the airwaves throughout 2008 and early 2009. It is one of the songs that contributed to her being the last Pearl of Africa Music Awards artiste of the year.
She is back with Hatarudi, a song she sang with Kidum from Burundi. It has hit the local airwaves and her new album will be dropped anytime soon.
Jamal He broke out last year with his hit song, Abasinga Bayaye, followed by Oba Wuwo and Mbayita Bazira, in late 2009. He recently dropped another song, Ononsonyiwa which is steadily gaining momentum.
Cindy We are still dancing to Ayokyayokya, the hit that made Cindy big in 2009. It won her the Diva of the year award in the inaugural Diva Awards last year. She has made a hit of her new song, My One and Only Lover, which is enjoying massive airplay on local FM stations.
Rabba Daba He broke out with Mr. Deejay, a club banger, then hit us with Mukyamu and appeared on the successful Ability hit. He is behind the hot jams Bwekiri and Bampita Ani that are rocking FM radio airwaves.
Mosey and Weasel They are the biggest new kids on the block, thanks to the many hits they have done since their hit, Zuena, in 2008.
They have proved to us that the generation old trick of rivalry sells if you get it right.
This year, they will stamp their position among the big guns provided they continue churning out hits as they have in the past.
Other artistes to watch include Bobi Wine, Bebe Cool, Grace, GNL Zamba, Desire Luzinda and Irene Namubiru. If this group rides on the momentum they created in 2009, they could have a big come-back in 2010.
Aziz Azion It was in our faces and everywhere. The Nkumira Omukwano hit has kept Aziz in the limelight for two years. He had almost failed to overcome the ghost of being a one hit wonder until he dropped Njagala Wampisa.
The song has virtually stamped his place among the big names and a follow up of a full album is the next big thing for him.
