Over 23 years have elapsed since the late Job Paulo Kafeero, a legendary Ugandan Kadongo Kamu singer, released Kampala Mu Kooti, one of his rollercoaster singles. This marked Kafeero’s 15th release out of the 21 albums he produced, and the title track was crafted at Kasiwukira Studios, making its debut in 2000.
Known for addressing societal issues in his songs, Kafeero’s Kampala Mu Kooti, loosely translated as “Kampala in Court” was no exception.
In the tradition of the time, artistes, particularly those in the Kadongo Kamu genre, skillfully wrapped their lyrics, concealing the true meanings behind their words and showcasing their lyrical maturity.
Kafeero, like many others, had a penchant for composing songs that allowed one to dance without fully grasping the subtle implications directed at the listener or even the artiste himself.
Much like an art form, Kafeero’s Kampala Mu Kooti carried a cryptic message that eluded many. The distinction between hearing and listening became evident—those who merely heard the song believed Kafeero was singing about Kampala as a capital city. However, those who truly listened understood that he ingeniously intertwined the Buganda Kingdom, the Parliament, and the entire nation of Uganda, cryptically portraying the Kampala he sang about.……CONTINUE READING……