Singer Eddie ‘Aydee’ Dumba, one of the members of the singing group Ngoni. Photo/COURTESY
During the golden era of Uganda’s music industry, one duo stood out not only for their catchy tunes but also for the behind-the-scenes magic they created. Eddie Dumba, better known as Aydee, and Elvis Patrick Nyanzi aka Pato, made up the iconic music group Ngoni—a name that once ruled the airwaves with hits like Digi, Sirimba, Bigula, Nasima Gwe, and Kampala City.
More than just performers, Aydee and Pato were also trailblazing producers, contributing significantly to the rise of Uganda’s urban sound in the early 2000s. Their influence extended beyond their own careers, mentoring future heavyweights in the industry, including the renowned Benon Mugumbya.
After over a decade of making music and shaping the industry, the duo eventually stepped away from the limelight in search of greener pastures. But as the saying goes, “passion never dies”—and in Aydee’s case, it’s making a strong comeback.
Sources reveal that Aydee is preparing to reopen Goodenuff Studios, the same creative space where many of Ngoni’s hits were born. But this time, he’s not just stopping at music production. Aydee plans to launch mentorship programs aimed at nurturing a new generation of artistes and producers, passing on the knowledge and experience that helped shape an era.
With Aydee’s return, fans and aspiring artists alike can look forward to a revival of that classic Ugandan sound—infused with fresh talent and guided by one of its original architects.
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