Africa-Press – Uganda. CHRISTMAS MUSICChristmas, just like all the other Christian events, has songs that convey its messages and also puts the people in the festive mood. Besides the classical works and hymns of world musicians, such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, David Willcocks, Peter Warlock and John Rutter, Christmas also exposes beautiful pieces written by local musicians. We bring you some of the local musicians and their rocking Christmas ballads._________________________Philly Bongoley Lutaaya
Although he was a secular musician, reggae music maestro Philly Bongoley Lutaaya stands out as one of the local musicians who have produced the most interesting Christmas musical pieces. Through his songs, Lutaaya brings out with utmost effect the events of the birth of Jesus. One of his most popular hits is Ssekukkulu Eyasooka, a slow-tempo heavy-vibe song done in the country-walk movement. Banking on his ultra-fine vocal power, Lutaaya tells the story of Jesus’ birth with absolute clarity. He also succeeds in projecting the celebratory mood of the event by invoking the song’s Alleluia chorus, which gives the musical piece added beauty. His other exciting Christmas songs include Katujaguze, Glory be to Jesus and Zuukuka, a reggae-tinted song that invites people to wake up and meet the born-child Jesus.
Father Anthony Okello
Fr. Anthony Okello (left) was a priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gulu. He was a seasoned organist and choral conductor. He composed many hymns in English, Latin, Swahili and Acholi. He also harmonised several songs of the White Fathers.
Msgr Epedito Magembe
The Rt. Rev Msgr. Expedito Magembe of Mount Zion Prayer Centre, Bukalango, is one of the highly revered Church musicians, with a wide range of Christian hymns. Many of Magembe’s songs are in the Ganda style.
Rev. Engineer Emmanuel Mwesigwa
Rev Engineer Emmanuel Mwesigwa is the Anglican chaplain of St Kakumba Chaplaincy, Kyambogo University. He is a solo guitarist, pianist, choral conductor and music composer. His musical repertoire also has a number of Christmas hymns. Mwesigwa is also a music philanthropist. He organises special musical services, in which he recognises and rewards musical ministers.
Fr. Dr Joseph Namukangula
The Rev Fr. Dr James Namukangula (pictured left), 82, is a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Masaka, based at Bukalasa Minor Seminary. He is acknowledged as one of Uganda’s most celebrated sacred music gurus. In his repertoire of over 1,000 Christian songs are also Christmas hymns, such as Azze omwagalwa waffe and Tugend’e Betelemu. Namukangula has also harmonised a number of Christmas hymns that were introduced by the White Fathers subsequent to their arrival in the country in 1879.Rev. Bonaventure Kasaija Amooti Msgr. Bonaventure Kasaija Amooti, was a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal. His songs, in Runyoro-Rutooro include Christmas songs such as Mwebingwa Ohaangaale (long live the comforter) and Christ nuwe Kyererezi Kyenganda (Christ the light of the nations).
Prof. Simeon Kayiwa
The pastor of Namirembe Christian Fellowship, also has a good number of Christmas songs in his 200-acapella-hymn repertoire. The songs include Obulamu Bwange Mutendereza (based on Luke 1:46), Hallelluiah, and Lwaki Eruuyi Eri Bagenda. Kayiwa composed his songs in the typical acapella style, which gives them perpetual relevancy.Samuel Kimuli
Currently based in the UK, Kimuli is a super organist, pianist, arranger, performer and tutor of music technology and music production. He has immense expertise in musical genres, such as classical, gospel and jazz. He is also acknowledged for his great improvisations on organ and piano. Kimuli composed a number of Christmas songs, including the descant of Hark! The herald angels sing, a popular congregational Christmas hymn.
Rev Fr. Dr James Kabuye
A priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana, has always stood out prominently among the local sacred music writers. His incredible 5,000-song repertoire also includes several hymns that narrate the account of Jesus’ advent. Kabuye’s Christmas songs are in classical (western) and Ganda musical styles. Some of the songs fuse the two genres. Kabuye’s most interesting Christmas piece is arguably the tuneful Noel Noel, a simple mid-tempo hymn which proclaims the birth of Jesus. Kabuye uses his born-virtuoso technique of imitative passing notes to bring out the joy that the birth of Christ brought to the world. Kabuye uses his musical contemplative technique to explain the messianic prophesies of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ. In the last stanza, the 85-year-old priest invites people to accept the newborn child Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, in order to be made worthy for the heavenly kingdom. The song has an over-running celebratory element, which makes it an appropriate hymn for the festive season. Kabuye also composed songs such as Tulabakuki Azze Ssabalangira (Ganda), Leero Azaaliddwa and Kigambo eyaliwo obwedda.The White Fathers
The Catholic Missionaries of Africa, popularly referred to as the White Fathers, are widely acknowledged for their pivotal role in the introduction and development of Christian music. Among the beautiful songs they introduced are harmonic Christmas songs such as Omulokozi Azaaliddwa, Bwali Kiro and Wulira Bamalayika (Gloria in Excelsis Deo). The hymns, in the Western musical style, have organ accompaniment.
