Melody Uganda carries the name of their country as part of their band, but throughout their performance at the ongoing International Indie Music Festival (IIMF) at the Kerala Arts and Craft Village and their discussions, they strive for a broader representation of the whole of the African continent. They’re a band that makes it difficult for us to pin them down to a specific genre, seamlessly transitioning from Afropop to reggae or folk and Congolese rumba-influenced varieties.
Their sound speaks to the varied influences of each of the members with Kakooza Manson, the band’s frontman and founder, bringing his roots to reggae and Afropop, while drummer and music programmer Rako has folk influences and guitarist Erick, citizen of Uganda. Congolese origin has his rumba influences. In their hometown of Kampala, they all live in the same neighborhood.
“We’ve all been friends for a long time, but I was playing solo until two years ago. Then we decided to come together and create something that has the mark of all our influences. We don’t focus on one genre of music, as long as we deliver our message with positivity and love. Even here in India, we’re learning a lot of things that we want to take back and bring to our music,” says Manson, in an interview with The Hindu.
The band Melody Uganda with its crew | Photography: SR Praveen
Manson, who also writes lyrics for other artists, says he grew up listening to his mother, who was a regular singer in the church choir. In 2013, he ran for a music competition to promote ghetto talent and won it. Much of his original lyrics are in Luganda and English, but in the band’s concerts, they include some songs representing all regions of Africa.
“I would love to sing in an Indian language that would be easier for me, but I was told that the Kerala language is too harsh,” she says.
Among the artists who have inspired them are Jose Chameleone and the Afrigo Band, who were once favorites of ousted Ugandan president Idi Amin.
Although they are in a good place with their music, the band members all do other jobs for their daily survival. Manson is engaged in farming and videography, while Rako creates smart bags and works as a sound producer.
“Our government has not done much to help the music industry. However, we musicians are united as a community and form a common voice, which can help others as well. The government is trying to improve the situation of children living on the streets. Some of these children may have musical talents. The government needs to nurture the talents of these children, who can in turn lift a lot,” says Manson.
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