Topic summary
Music of Uganda
The music of Uganda is broad and diverse, ranging from traditional indigenous music to Ugandan versions of many contemporary genres.
In Africa, Uganda is now ranked third when it comes to music, comedy, nightlife and entertainment at large. Ugandan musicians have embraced digital music platforms such as Spotify, iTunes and DJ Erycom - a local music promotion platform. Uganda is home to over 65 different ethnic groups and tribes, and they form the basis of all indigenous music.
The first form of popular music to arise out of traditional music was the Kadongo Kamu style of music, which arose out of traditional Kiganda music. From the 1980s to early '90s, Kadongo Kamu was influenced by musicians such as Peterson Mutebi, , Sebadduka Toffa, Fred Ssonko, Livingstone Kasozi, Fred Masagazi, Baligidde, Abuman Mukungu, Gerald Mukasa, Sauda Nakakaawa, Matia Luyima, Herman Basudde, and Paulo Kafeero. Music genres drew from Kadongo Kamu, making it the most influential style of music in Uganda. In the late '80s, the late Philly Lutaaya released his Born In Africa album that would later dominate the airwaves. Lutaaya also released Merry Christmas that consisted of eight songs. This album is still popular and many of Philly Lutaaya's songs are now anthems amongst Ugandan music lovers.
In the early 1990s, a new music genre – afro ragga, locally called Kidandali – was formed by Rasta Rob, , Ras Khan, Messe, Shanks Vivid, Menton Summer, Ragga Dee, Bebe Cool, Jose Chameleone, Bobi Wine and Steve Jean - who would later produce their songs. In 1997, Emperor Orlandoh and Menton Summer were the darlings after their song "Sirikawo Baby" becoming a national hit.
In 1998, Red Banton rose to fame with his album Noonya Money. He became the first Ugandan artist to travel to the United Kingdom on an Artist Visa.
Because of the effects of globalization, Uganda, like most African countries, has seen a growth in modern audio production. This has led to the adoption of western music styles such as Dancehall and Hip Hop.
Uganda's most travelled and popular DJ, Erycom, real names Mutebi Erycom, was the first Ugandan to own a Youtube channel and is one of the first two Ugandans to make Ugandan music circulate online digitally.
DJ Erycom has used the availability of the internet to promote Ugandan music and Ugandan artists, hence the reason as to why Ugandan music has reached every corner of this digital world.
A number of performing artists have joined the Uganda Performing Right Society which has furthermore improved Uganda artists music and benefits through its role as copyright administrator.