Despite producing several memorable songs, it is Walumbe Zzaaya that stands out most from Paul Kafeero (L). Photo | File
Nothing evokes nostalgia like the music that defined our past, childhood, and social lives. Ugandan music, woven into the country’s social fabric, has reflected its journey since gaining independence. While the country’s music industry has evolved tremendously, several iconic songs stand out-resonating through time and becoming a lasting part of Ugandan culture.
Although the roots of Ugandan modern music stretch back to the 1950s, Elly Wamala’s Nabutono is often considered the first commercially successful record. Over the decades, many hits have graced the airwaves, but a few songs have transcended their time. These tracks have influenced social narratives, contributed to the growth of the music industry, and are still cherished today.
Veteran musician Daniel Kazibwe, famously known as Ragga Dee, explains that while many songs are considered hits, only a select few achieve true timelessness. According to Andrew Jedidiah Ssebagala, Programmes Director at Uganda National Theatre, Uganda’s classical music may not fit the traditional western definition of the genre from the 1750–1820 era. However, the country’s enduring music serves as the ‘classical’ of Ugandan society, marked by its cleaner sound, clearer divisions, and memorable melodies.
Elly Wamala’s Ani Yali Amanyi
Towards Uganda’s independence, musician Elly Wamala had found his footing with a number of songs, although his 1951 record, Nabutono, stood out.
Shockingly, with a number of albums and singles, the song that is synonymous with his name is Ani Yali Amanyi, which came way later in 2004 after he had been hospitalised due to cancer.
Ssebagala agrees that Wamala produced a lot of amazing music but Ani Yali Amanyi, which is also the title track of his album, will always stand out.
“Wamala was in hospital and rumour spread that he had passed on. He then shared his pain through a song that mirrors hope,” Ssebagala explains.