Maddox Ssematimba
Everywhere you go, people relish music and its power to change the society.
Many have reformed from their previous traits after listening to some songs and others have used music as a tool to celebrate and communicate to their loved ones.
Ever since Tugende Mukikadde loosely translated as ‘Back To My Roots’ music celebrations was introduced among Ugandans three years ago, Serena Hotel has been a bee-hive for music and culture lovers.
The annual event has been a success and it has given music legendary; Afrigo Band, Fred Ssebatta and Kabuye Ssemboga and several others a huge platform to showcase and market their talents to higher masses.
According to organisers Sprout Africa Limited, the Third Edition of Back To The Roots music celebrations this year is back and will be graced by legendary musician Madox Semanda Sematimba, come May 4 at Serena Hotel in Kampala.
Banding on his longevity, demeanour and experience in the music industry that has seen him release songs like; Nakatudde and Namagembe in 2015 which caught everyone’s attention, the soft-spoken Ssematimba, 47, has been chosen with no doubt.
Sematimba will amalgamate with artists; Angella Kalule, Chance Nalubega and Willy Mukabya and softly gifted singer Betty Mpologoma to entertain the audience.
Since 2000, Sematimba has been driving the music industry through his Reggae genre mostly singing in Luganda after rising with his first album titled Tukolagane with singles “Omukwano Gwaffe” and “Eddembe”.
He later rose up in 2006 with the album Abato, with singles like “Leka Nkulage”, “Easy” and “Wansonyi.
All these songs are based on real-life true stories but mostly loved by ladies.
According to singer Angella Kalule who started singing in 1997 as a backup vocalist for Diamond Ensemble group, being part of this event is a huge achievement.
“It’s a pleasure for me to be part of this lovely event that tends to recognise and appreciate our God-given art,” said Kalule, who rose with songs like Katikitiki and Malaika.
The music concept, Tugende Mukikadde was established three years ago as a way of appreciating and celebrating the life of legendary artists who dominated the music industry in Uganda since 1970.
