GENRE: Evolution, Growth, Top Artists and Latest Trends in Uganda’s Kadongo Kamu Music

[Photo  Credit: Freeboy Instagram]

By Gloria

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Kadongo Kamu is a popular musi genre in Uganda. It dates back to the 1960s and was pioneered by a number of artists namely; Fred Masagazi, Elly Wamala, Dan Mugula, Fred Sebatta and Job Paul Kafeero.

Kadongo Kamu is a style of music that is hugely dependent on an acoustic guitar and a dry non - electric six - string guitar. 

The rhythm is set by the guitar.  The person plucking the guitar is the one who also does the singing. The genre is generally characterized by melodic story lines meant to entertain the listener.

It is widely described as the ‘real music’ by some commentators and stakeholders in the entertainment industry due to the way it delivers the message to the fans.

‘Kadongo Kamu' is one of Uganda's oldest music genres. It shares issues around real life experiences and carries a lot of wisdom in the lyrics.

Due to the development and adoption of new music genres, Kadongo Kamu appears to be neglected.

“Kadongo Kamu has been relegated to second fiddle status and the net effect of that has been reduced media traction, but the genre’s shine in terms of message-driven songs will invariably remain second to none,” said Ziraba Muzaala, a radio host in Mbale.

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Artists like Paul Job Kafeero released a number of deep Kadongo Kamu songs over the course of his remarkable music career. The songs have remained relevant and are still a source of inspiration for many even after Kafeero’s death.

Thanks to Kafeero’s songs like; ‘Walumbe Zaaya’ and Obulamu Bwebutyo’, people learned how to live through the harsh realities of death. His other songs like ‘Bulandina’ have been used in introduction ceremonies during 'Senga' sessions.

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Currently, Fred Sebatta is one of the surviving Kadongo Kamu legends. He enjoys a huge following in Uganda as it can be seen when he stages a show and thousands show up in support.

The genre has been evolving with the current crop of artists attempting to modernize it and create a new generation of Kadongo Kamu musicians.

The artists who make up the new generation Kadongo Kamu musicians include; FreeBoy Adams, Mathias Walukagga aka Mr. Smart, Willy Mukaabya, Gerald Kiweewa, Abdul Mulaasi among others.

As the music industry keeps changing, it is clear that Kadongo Kamu is aging like fine wine. Other music genres may be enjoyable but the Kadongo Kamu stands out especially because of the deep messages.