26/11/2021
WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT MUSIC IN EASTERN REGION OF UGANDA
Eastern region has several tribes namely Bagwere, Basoga, Banyoli, Bagisu, Jopadhola, Iteso, Sabin, and Basamya among others. Each tribe has its kind of music from across several districts.
In the 90s these tribes used to produce music using their own made instruments like the Bagwere had an instrument called kongo, Basoga had xylophones (mbeire/amadinda), Jopadhola and Banyoli had fumbo, Iteso had adungu. So during that time their music was different in production and composition according to which tribe was singing.
The invention of music recording technologies massively expanded the audience for music. Music was generally only experienced in live performances. Many tribes have tried to adopt to modern production and still they make their songs in their native languages according to their tribes. Each tribe got many artistes with different music genres.
Basoga have Crazy Mc, Racheal Magola, Sylivia Kyansuti, Maro, Menton Ras, Irene Kayemba, Cool Demus, Don Meddy, Land Sijja, Dosol Man, Roo Ya Simba, Sandra Sanja, Geobless etc. Most of these artistes started their music career in Jinja city, the artistic capital of Eastern Region where most composers and producers gather.
Bugisu principally Mbale, is brimming with thoroughbred musical talent. Pick of the bunch artists like Idi Masaba, Nutty Neithan, Titus Vibes, Betty Salima Nafuna, San Crazy, Inspector Jil, Juliet Mugirya, Elukana Wanzala, K-mas, Tom Weboya, B.B Jimmy, Ben, San Sea, etc are all household names in their own right despite the lack of support. Legendary Idi Masaba's claim to fame has mostly been Imbalu folk songs. It is also during Imbalu season that his songs get some fair share of rotation on some radio stations in Bugisu.
Iteso have Davido Spider, Yona Chan lee, Kelton Gervas, King Jeboi, Rody Gavana, Genious Drey, Tyra Nana, Karah Gloria, Vin Jaguar, Job Naffz, Vipa, Simple Bullet, Abwalet Silver
Uncle Ben, Apolo Wilson etc. Most of them gather in their main towns Soroti and Palisa.
Japadhola have Fairman who incorporates Adhola, English, Kiswahili and some Luganda to come up with a diffused blend of zouk and afrobeat sound. Other Japadhola artistes include Apio Moro, Akongo, Artshan Lee, Queen Labonita, Beatrice Owor, BRG Souja, King Zara, Master Eagle, Tonny Preacher, Young B44, etc. Most of them originate from Tororo and Busia districts.
Bagwere have Waisana, Benenego, Rapper Sky Dee, Area B, Waikere, Bluzman etc,
Most of these tribes have kings that have helped in the promotion of culture and music at large, the Bagwere king is called Ikumbania, the Bagisu king is called Omukuka, the Basoga king is called Kyabazinga, the Iteso king is called Emorimori.
I am Fred Muzik Promoter
C.E.O Star Link Promotions, Gen Secretary at Uganda Music Promoters and Suppliers , Member at Uganda Talent Managers Association (UTAMA).
