Chano8
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VOL.1 ISSUE NO. 007 JANUARY 2015
LEVIXONE DAISY EJANG EXODUS FASHION EXCLUSIVE FASHION
SPECIAL
EDITION
SHOOT
Gospel ROCKING
Fashion
Music
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Contents 131
INTRODUCING SIFA KELELE
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THE OBSESSIONS ARE BACK
10 98 100 105 110
Parties and events We have exclusive coverage of the exciting end of year parties. Ask Rwamiti Our columnist discusses the reasons behind many gospel artistes straying into the secular world. GOSPEL OR SECULAR? We have a detailed easy-to-read analysis of artistes crossing gospel and secular paths. SPECIAL FEATURE Our special feature is on singing pastors and thier mega projects. SPECIAL TRIBUTE The music industry lost a legend in Andrae Crouch who died at the age of 72 this month.
CAREER CORNER: RUYONGA
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LYRICS CORNER You can sing along to Big Godo by Cooper and G-Way this year. STUDIO DIARY Nungamya by Brian Lubega is the biggest hit of the moment. We share the story behind this song SONG REVIEW What is the magic behing Shugga by Levixone and Daisy Ejang? GADGETS AND STYLE Award winning singer Exodus reveals it all. You just have to check this! STAR PROFILE All you need to know about the ptoducer of most songs DKing
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INFORM. ENTERTAIN. EXCITE
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THE TOP GOSPEL HITS 2014
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RISING STAR He is only 19 years of age. Ladies and gentlement introducing Rapper, Songwriter and producer Lyriczz FASHION SHOOT Hawa Musa Abale is not only a singing queen, but she is also a fashion icon. COUNT DOWN We present to you the top gospel hit songs that rocked the year 2014. REVIEWS corner All you need to know about the all girl Sifa Kelele band. The movie Noah, music videos and albums WHAT'S ON All the major upcoming events and parties in the entertainment scene.
Chano8. January 2015
HAWA IN SPECIAL FASHION SHOOT
FORWARD
PUBLISHER’S CREDITS
Chano8
DIGITAL MAGAZINE
CREATIVE EDITOR
FOREWORD
I
t’s a brand new year and we have new and exciting ideas to share with you our ardent readers. To start with, due to public demand we dedicated the January issue to gospel music and the stars that rock it.
Many of you raised the issue of minimal coverage of Gospel music, events and the artist’s stories in main stream media and we have responded with a comprehensive detailed coverage. We have exclusive interviews with some of the stars like Daisy Ejang, Levixone, Exodus and Rap wordsmith Ruyonga who share their stories to stardom and the journey to revolutionalize the music industry in general. There was excitement all over the world as the people bid farewell to 2014 and ushered in 2015. We bring you all the highlights and epic images from the coverage of the parties. There are also lots of other interesting stuff to keep you tickled in our countdown of top gospel hits from last year, Fashion, Reviews, behind the scenes highlights and special features and ananlysis. For now we wish you a prosperious Happy New Year. Enjoy your reading.
The Chano8 Team
Ruva Roy Collins ruva@chano8.com
staff writer
Gloria Batuta
staff writer
Kahuma Walter
managING DIRECTOR
David Mushabe
DIRECTOR FINANCE BUSINESS DEVelopement
gloria@chano8.com
walter@chano8.com
david@chano8.com
Elizabeth K. Mushabe
elizabeth@chano8.com
Noreen Munabi
noreen@chano8.com
Chano8 Magazine is a brand of Speeda Mobile Ltd All rights reserved. Plot 1-3 Coral Crescent Lower Kololo Terrace P. O. Box 25780 Kampala Uganda, E. AFRICA
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Chano8
Chano8 DIGITAL MAGAZINE
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Chano8 CHRISTMAS CANTANTA
CANT WATOTO CHURCH
W
atoto Church Kampala, one of the most vibrant and youthful churches in Uganda always gives back to the city of Kampala in what the highly popularized Christmas Cantata. 2014 was a big year in their calendar with the church bringing American Grammy winner, Israel Houghton in what they dubbed The Big Party. That aside, when the Cantata dates were announced, those who have come to know the excellence that Watoto Church puts in their productions started planning to attend. After beating the mammoth crowd that gathered to catch the premier of the Cantata themed, "When Dreams Come True," I secured a seat in the Central celebration point auditorium. I could not help but wonder, "How exactly will these guys tell the same
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Christmas story differently this year?" The choir enters the stage, then their pastoral team leader, Gary Mark Skinner leads us in a Christmas carol and welcomes us for the year's production. When he exits the stage, our focus is directed to a carpenter's shop erected to the right of the stage and Joseph is with his three friends who make fun of the beauty and the beast getting married. The scene is laid back and funny. Then, we are taken to the far left where an excited Mary with her friends are talking about her forthcoming wedding. Mary, played by a beautiful Watoto singer is the epitome of brilliance and talent. She would portray a highly spiritual and obedient girl. One who would later catch her friends gossiping about her
CHRISTMAS CANTANTA Chano8
ANTA
In a Christm as Pla y
pregnancy and how Joseph could have had a hand in it but let it pass without a fuss. She would pray, or rather sing of how God should help an angry and disappointed Joseph understand her predicament. Yes, she was an amazing singer. Joseph, played by Watoto Church Worship pastor Brian Abaho, is the main character and the story is told from his perspective. He shifts from an excited young man to one who is almost insecure of his place in Mary's heart to the humble man who apologizes to Mary after a dream that happens on stage on a raised platform above the carpenter's shop. Brian is an exceptional singer who delivers stellar performances while backed up by the huge choir that sung so gracefully. It is hard to single out the best moment seeing as every bit of drama, music, dance and world class lighting
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worked together to create a feeling that I did not find anywhere this Christmas. The production successfully takes you through phases of calm, as the story is being set, to a good amount of humor, then nostalgia and the thrills when angels (in this case, singers) announce to shepherds of the birth of a king. The savior was born in Bethlehem, the shepherds followed his star, the wise men brought gifts, and Pastor Gary, came back to tell us about Joseph finally getting in line with and owning the dream of fathering the savior of the world. When the final act, a black gospel song was delivered, I am sure the audience was grateful they braved the city jam and all obstacles to make it for the Cantata show. With that, I was officially in the Christmas mood, thanks to Watoto Church.
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Chano8 CHRISTMAS CANTANTA
Music Dance & Drama
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Telling the Christmas story in a creative way every year. The Cantanta is a combination of music dance and drama. Chano8. January 2015
CHRISTMAS CANTANTA Chano8
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Chano8 FAITH WALKS
FAITH PHILA IN GOSPEL T
he Faith Walks concert was splendid, it’s one of those shows you attend and be left completely astonished by the amazing prowess of the musicians. With dancers from Kawempe curtain raising, new kid on the block Levixone then had a rather breath taking performance as several fans just stared in disbelief. He was later joined by Daisy Ejang and Jackie Okello, who simply turned it up a notch. There was then Jremiah, who performed next and treated the crowd with his 'Repent' song which got the crowd on their feet before Patrick Nyanzi
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FAITH WALKS Chano8
WALKS RAGGAE CONCERT former Ngoni member brought the roof down with his performance, he received a standing ovation from the fans. When Phila’s younger brother Richy Kaweesa a nominee of the RFI Discoveries Award stepped on stage, he displayed talent with his soulful touch to music. To crown the evening was the man of the hour, Phila who just brought Jamrock to Labonita. We had heads jamming to his every reggae bit.
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Chano8 MAVUNO YETU
Five
STARMadness
The 5 star madness which was hosted by Anne Kansiime and the Fun Factory last month at Imperial Royale was simply breathtaking.
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he night started off with a soulful performance from Mo Roots, which got fans in a groovy mood. From the sounds of Bob Marley to Beyonce’s XO people couldn’t help but give a round of applause. At one point Anne Kansiime jumped on stage and showcased her singing capabilities which was only filled with humor. The show was started off with the comedians doing a repeat of the Museveni – Janet renewal of their marriage vows, their facial expressions and the songs they sung along to, were simply mind blowing, one couldn’t help but wonder how these comedians come up with these jokes. The show focused mostly on the highlights of 2014 and with the major one being Desire Luzinda’s nude photos. When Anne Kansiime who was one of the sponsors of the night, stepped on stage, she couldn’t help, but crack jokes about the ‘Ekitone’ star. She said it’s not easy being Desire Luzinda, do you know how it feels like not to have private parts, some people like Zari have tried, but she ended up being called a desert. I would probably go on and on about the jokes these comedians had in store, but instead will just leave it at that. Their rib cracking show, which lasted about four hours was sold out and that was amidst all the many parties that were happening yesterday.
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MAVUNO YETU
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Chano8 FIVE STAR MADNESS
FIVE STA
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Chano8 FIVE STAR MADNESS Chano8
R ACTION
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Chano8 FIVE STAR MADNESS
An d th e n Fi v e
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Chano8 FIVE STAR MADNESS Chano8
Sta r Laught e r
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Chano8 ONE MILLION, ONE MAN
Chameleone's ONE MAN ONE MILLION CONCERT
"We Made it", Doctor Cries Jose Chameleone was almost in tears as he concluded his 'One Million One Man' show at Kampala Serena Hotel. He kept thanking his fans who had turned up in big numbers.
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he truth is, no one has ever doubted Chameleone’s talent and ability to perform on the big stage. However the question that continued lingering in many people’s minds and lips was whether he could actually pull off a concert whose charges were out of this world for a country dominated by extremely poor citizens. Well the answer was a big yes as the crowds finally filled Serena’s Victoria hall to capacity. It wasnt an easy task though. The tension was palpable. By the time the chief guest, First lady and Mininster of Karamoja affairs Mama Janet Museveni gracefully walked into the hall it was almost empty. Mama Museveni who is known to be a good time keeper, walked into the
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hall on time but was too early for the average Ugandans who had not turned up by then. Jose Chameleone was under intense pressure to perform because the chief guest was only at the concert for a ‘limited time’
And after Chameleone had sang a few of his old songs, Junior minister for Karamoja, Barbara Oundo was called to make a brief remark before inviting Chief guest Janet Museveni to officially open the concert and thanked Chameleone for organising a concert for a good cause. By the time the chief guest was leaving around 9:30PM, there were long queues outside with many fans still coming in. Chameleone then performed many of his big hits over the years like gimme gimme, Shida Za Dunia, Vumilia, Bei Kali, Nekolera Mali, Kipepewo, Kwagala, Tuonge, Nkoye Okwegomba Bayuda, Valu Vlu and many others before handing a Christmas gift of a painting(Portrait) to Janet who left with her entourage. Soon all the people who were being held by security checks outside poured in and the concert came to life with Chameleone’s spirit sky rocketing to the delight of the fans who kept singing along to his songs. He then concluded by saying 'we made it', Team Chameleone we made it to a fully packed Victoria Hall. He later took to social media
Reknown events MC Isaac Rucci who was the host almost went into stammer mode while announcing the presence of the chief guest and you could sense panic as the band started getting ready for the evening’s performance with the hall half empty or half full depending on which side you see fit..
“Thanks to everybody that believed In the dream to this bright up the night. Most especially the Guest of Honour First Lady of the Uganda Republic. It was a long anticipated!!!!! ONE MILLION NIGHT EXPERIENCE!!!!!
Chameleone the man of the night gathered his courage and confidence and straight away went into business with his block buster hit song Wale Wale to kick start the evening and was joined by a team of Karamojong dancers who represented their homeland. They were the intended recepients of the charity proceeds.
We made it!!!! Thanks to every Artiste that honoured the Cause from. Home to neighbourhood!!! LEONE ISLAND TEAM!!”
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Chameleone battles a dancer
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Chano8 ONE MILLION, ONE MAN
And then P The Band was in top form
Smart and sweet he backup singers
Sheila and dad Frank Gashumba look bemused
Afande Kawesi was in the house
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ONE MILLION, ONE MAN Chano8
erformances With love from Russia
New Rich gang member? Meddie Sentongo
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Chano8 ONE MILLION ONE MAN
Star Studd ONE LOVE: Bobi Wine and wife Barbara Kyagulanyi showed Chameleone support.
Royalty represented: Prince Wasajja and friends were among the first to show up for the concert.
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Lessons learnt: Singer King Michael takes his musical lessons during at the show.
KAGUSUNDA: Nile Breweries' Shem Semambo and a friend
ONE MILLION ONE MAN Chano8
ed Audience Bukedde TV's Flavia Namulindwa flanked by singer Big Eye give Chamelone the props he deserves.
spotted and snapped. These female fans were spotted taking a memento of their own.
Music taste for the rich: Tycoon Charles Mbiire visibly impressed by Chameleone's performance.
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SOLIDARITY : Mc katts and Douglas put on a united front
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PURPLE PURPLE PARTY Chano8
PARTY
Douglas Lwanga Hosts Fans It was indeed a Purple party!! The house was full of revellers clad in purple and high spirits ready to close the year in style. Almost all the big name artistes were in the house. Sitya Loss singer Eddie Kenzo took time to lecture the
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he 3rd Annual Purple Party was successfully held on Saturday 27th December where party goers closed the year in style at the biggest-end-of year party sponsored by SMS ONE. The event had all kinds of partiers from socialites to artistes and local celebrities to wannabes. The rich Gang which is an association of South Africa based businessmen, were the highlight of the night as they stormed the club in a big entourage led by Zari's estranged husband Ivan Semwanga and splashed cash all over the place. On stage, the artistes led by Bebe Cool who made the crowd go wild with his blockbuster hit song 'Love you everyday' were in high spirits putting up com-
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mendable electric performances. Ghetto president Bobi Wine wrapped it up at about 3AM. The house was full by 10PM and Club Venom was filled to the brim by midnight with other revellers enjoying from the comfortable confines of the Garage Bar just next to the stage where the singers were chilling back stage. Eddie Kenzo took time to lecture the audience about supporting local talent and accused the media of not doing enough to promote local talent. Our cameras captured all the exciting moments and we share some of the beautiful photos from the night hosted by NTVs Douglas Lwanga. With MC kats as emcee for the night.
comedian Amooti performed a poor man's version of Salsa.
Chano8 PURPLE PARTY
PURPLE PARTY
DJ NIMROD flanked by two beautiful and smart female guests.
Playful in purple: These female guests chose to make faces during the photo shoot.
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Fraternity support: Dancehall stars, KS Alpha and Dan Fleva smart in purple.
Best foot forward. They mixed, matched and nailed the look at the purple party.
LOGGED ON. NTV's Log in presenter, Robin Kisti gets the attention of male revellers.
DAT DAT. Singer Cindy matched her micro mini shorts with matching lipstick, purse and head gear.
PURPLE PARTY Chano8
RED CARPET
SALUTE: Coco Finger and back up dancer Salute represted the one-soldier-one army crew.
Naughty boy: He smuggles the Desire Luzinda nude pose to the red carpet, no wonder she looked away.
Resplendent in purple: The retro-themed ushers lived up to the purple dress code.
Solidarity: Some of Douglas Lwanga's fashion forward friends were in attendance.
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Fashion conscious Sheila Gashumba and friends forgot about the purple outfit but they still looked hot.
Purple and polka dots match well. This smart couple couldnt resist a selfie moment.
Chano8 PURPLE PARTY
And it's a purple
Bebe Cool was there
Sheba and Pallaso get lovey dovey
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Spice Diana
Maro
Leila Kayondo got cash from the rich gang
PURPLE PARTY Chano8
stage performance
Nince Henry
Proffesor Big Eye
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Aziz Azion
Electric: Phina Mugerwa
Chano8 PURPLE PARTY
LWANGA HOSTS
Brian of Abryanz collection joins Lwanga and other fans
This is my swag
Soupy: Douglas Lwanga pulled fans from all corners
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PURPLE PARTY Chano8
FANS AT PARTY
Lwanga with Rich gang members King Lawrence (L), Ivan Semwanga and Ed Chaune (R)
Eddie Kenzo with his Big Talent crew in the audience
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Chano8 OBSESSIONS BACK
OBSESSIONS ARE BACK
EXCITE FANS WITH NEW MUSICAL DRAMA With the sex-oozing Obsessions back, audiences will get back the much needed optical nutrition and energetic performances missing on stage.
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he sexy music and dance group that wowed Ugandans with jams like Jangu and Pollination not so long ago, are at it again. This time in a captivating theatre play entitled ‘Goddess of the Nile’.
This must-watch show will continue live at National Theater until 4th January, 2015. The lively stage play is also flanked by the musical prowess of the sex-oozing Jaki-O and SharonO, both members of the original Obsessions group as well as Harry Lwanga, one of Uganda’s hidden, but talented Afrobeat guitarists.
Goddess of the Nile is an African music drama based on a society that is looking for an heir to the throne after the sudden death of the king.
Word on the street has it that Obsessions recently signed with Sound Prints, a record label whose ownership we are yet to establish.
The Obsessions yet again dug deep into their bag of “nine lives” and with flair and glamour sent a loud message that they are still alive and relevant in Uganda’s entertainment industry.
If this is anything to go by, then “Lokodo willing,” 2015 might just be the year that Uganda gets back the much needed optical nutrition we used to enjoy from the energetic performances of these divas.
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Chano8 OBSESSIONS BACK
Obses
They Are Back
After the split of the original Obsessions group only two girls from the original members remained Sharon 0 and Jackie O. After failed attempts to reignite the group, they decided to rebrand to Obsessions Africa a dance and drama group made up of six boys and three girls.
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OBSESSIONS BACK Chano8
sions
With A Bang
Obsessions Africa premiered their new play dubbed 'Goddess of the Nile' at the National Theatre auditorium on recently in a big come back. The play was written and directed by Ronnie Mulindwa who is also the lead actor.
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Chano8 ALL WHITE PARTY
ZARI'S CIROC
All WHite
FUTURE RICH GANG: These friends were the toast of the night only that they never spent like the Rich Gang. Here for the Beer: Denzel Mwiyeretsi of X-FM and Urban TV represented.
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Together yet Apart: This smart couple seemed nervous as the cameras flashed away. ouch!
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Party This couple was determined to steal the shine from Zari and Platinumz, it was hard to ignore them.
Best Dressed? Julie Underwood of the Ebonies dazzled at the party
Behind the Lens: Celebrated lensman Natty Dread Barbara joins MC Kats and pals for a kodak moment
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With love from Bongo: Zari and Platinumz
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Fashion forwards: Kim Swagga and Abryanz with a female friend.
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Chano8 ALL WHITE PARTY
The couple joins the ushers to display the Ciroc
Say Cheers: Its Selfie time
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Chamelone was there too
ALL WHITE PARTY Chano8
Sylvia Owori(R) Joins Zari and DiamondPlatinumz
MC Kats works the crowd
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UG MIX PARTY Chano8
UGANDANS WELCOME 2015
EXCITED REVELlERS swarm SHERATON
Every year excitement fills the air especially at the stroke of midnight when the New Year is being ushered in. Ugandans congregate in and around the Sheraton Kampala Hotel to share in the excitement of welcoming the New Year. The main attraction being fireworks displays at the top of the 5-star hotel.
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ow Kampala Serena Hotel just a few minutes away has joined the euphoria of the multitude of Ugandans ululating, blowing whistles and Vuvuzelas as well as burning Christmas trees (although this practice has been banned by police) and loud music that is booming all over the place. Welcoming the new year 2015 has not been any different with the now annual UG Mix two year party taking place at the Sheraton gardens as revellers filled the place as early as 6PM. The party sponsored by Uganda Breweries is organised by Balaam Entertainment.
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A star studded line up of performers is ready to entertain the revellers from big names Bebe Cool and on and off friend Jose Chameleone. Their music blaring through the mega base speakers strategically placed at various corners of the hotel Chano8. January 2015
works up the crowd. They kept the crowd on their toes as they sang their hit songs one after the other with fans singing along. Other artists like on demand diva Desire Luzinda of the Ekitone fame joined them alongside the likes of Sheeba, Pallaso, Iryn Namubiru and Chameleone’s son Abba Marcus. The MCs of the night, Kats and Esco warmed the crowd. Nile Avenue, which hosts most of Kampala’s most prestigious hotels, including Sheraton Kampala Hotel and Kampala Serena Hotel was the centre of activity with couples, families and youth pouring onto the streets in a beehive of erratic activity towards midnight. Many other Hotels were not left out in the frenzy of excitement neither were the clubs, shopping malls and private homes which lit the skies with colourful fireworks displays that painted the skies of Kampala city with millions of color combinations. Some key places like Centenary Park, Garden City, Acacia Mall, Village Mall, Hotel Africana and Golf Course Hotel were busy too.
In Chameleone's big shoes : Abba and brother singing.
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Bebe Cool shows vocal and body flexibility
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Sheebah of Team No Sleep gyrates on stage
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Iryn Namubiru serenades the attentive crowd
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Chano8 UG MIX PARTY
AND THE PERFORMANCES
Kadongokamu style: She got the crowd excited
Hand inna di air: Khalifa Aganaga put up an impressive performance
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David Lutaalo tries to engage the charged crowd with his thoughtful lyrics.
Young guns: Abba Marcus takes over from dad Chameleone
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WERE MASSIVE TOO
King Saha was his usual melodious self as he performed Mulilwana and Gundeeze.
Family affair: Jose Chameleone joined by sons on stage.
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UG MIX PARTY Chano8
Chano8 UG MIX PARTY
Happy New Us: models at Sheraton usher the New Year
Love You Everyday: Bebe Cool took time off stage to cozy up to wife Zuena.
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UG MIX PARTY
Getting Jiggy with it: These two ladies lost in deep dance as Bebe Cool sung Love You Everyday
BESTFOOT FORWARD; stunning models pose for the cameras
Ebony and Ivory: This besotted couple had most of the time to themselves as the artistes performed
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Kigozi welcomes guests at the annual Diaspora Social networking gala
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DIASPORA GALA Chano8
THE 4TH ANNUAL
UGANDAN DIASPORA
SOCIAL networking GALA Ugandans living and working abroad unite to celebrate achievements Wednesday 30th was a night to remember as the Ugandans living and working abroad organised the 4th edition of the annual The Ugandan Diaspora Social Networking Gala at Kampala Serena Hotel Victoria Hall.
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he Gala which was preceded by a breakfast meeting on Tuesday 29th pulled together a host of high profile Ugandans living and working abroad as well as those in Uganda looking to network and share ideas and opportunities with potential partners and clients. This event now a fixture on the Ugandan annual calendar was hosted by Professor Maggie Kigozi who is the patron of the group. The former chairperson of Uganda Investment Authority who presided over the breakfast meeting also welcomed guests at the main gala in her capacity as Patron. This special moment brought together The Uganda Investment
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Authority, the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ugandans in the Diaspora to celebrate and share ideas and business opportunities. The Gala which kicked off a few minutes after 8PM, was hosted by Ernest Wasake as MC who took over from a live band performance led by Sandy Soul who entertained guests with some smooth soothing Afro-Soul Jazz music. Professor Maggie Kigozi then welcomed guests and introduced a few guests with success stories from Ugandans working abroad some of who were awarded for their outstanding contributions to the nation. Those who received special awards included, Business man Dr. Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige also
known as BMK founder of Hotel Africana, Dr Margaret Mungherera, Head of the World Medical Association who received the Diaspora Medical Award 2014, Elijah Kitaka (Google) co-founder at FEZAH was recipient of Diaspora Technology Award and Musaazi Namitit(Al-Jazeera) recipient of Diaspora Journalism Award. The spirit of the evening was lifted by Charlie King Todwong and Swahili nation with some angelic smooth RnB sounds and Teacher Mpamire (Mendo) who entertained guests together with Dolibondo and Extreme performers. Martha Jabo, Solome Katongole and Rahel Nakimera showcased some exquisite fashion styles. The guests then retired to an after party at Club Guvnor to dance the night away
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Maggie Kigozi announces the winners
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Chano8 DIASPORA GALA
BMK addresses the audience Musaazi Namiti-Head AlJazeera Africa Online
Sam Biraaro-Boeing Seattle
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Dr. Margaret Mungherera
Guests share ideas at the cocktail
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DIASPORA GALA Chano8
Taga Nuwagaba-Totems of Uganda
The Awadees at the ceremony
Chano8 DIASPORA GALA
Colorful dance by the Extreme dancers
Gue
tel
erena Ho
gala in S sts at the
Models and designers pose for a photo
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Dolibondo doing his thing Chano8. January 2015
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Models dance backstage
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Chano8 FASHION AT DIASPORA GALA
Rachael Nakimera
Showcasing Her Vintage Collection
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achael Nakimera is a Fashion Designer who studies Industrial art and Designing at Makerere University. Some of her works were featured at The annual Ugandan Diaspora Social Networking Gala held at the Kampala Serena Hotel on the 30th of December. Rachael whose love for Fashion developed from seeing the way her mum wore her clothes gets her materials from Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria, while she collects some of her materials from Uganda.
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FASHION AT DIASPORA GALA Chano8 She says, the industry is growing so fast and if only designers stick to what they are doing, the future will be bright. What we can do best. She likes old styles with a modern interpretation and she says has been her inspiration to merge color with a traditional fresh look. When asked about what legacy she would want
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to leave behind she says, "The legacy I am leaving is the VINTAGE combination of old and a traditional modern stylish look for everyday fashionistas." she continues to say, "I see myself global and I am looking forward to starting schools. God willing, a university for only Fashion and Art here in Uganda (east Africa).� According to Rachael Nakimera of the Rachael collections, one
of the biggest hindrances is the fact that many Ugandan Fashion designers don't believe in themselves. Here is your chance to have a taste of Rachael's designs. The other Fashion designers who showcased their designs were Solome Katongole, and Martha Jabo, while Brenda M. Lubega was the makeup artist.
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Chano8 FASHION AT DIASPORA GALA
Rachel's Debut
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Chano8 PEACE MBABAZI
Meet
PEACE MBABAZI
With Wilson Bugembe
Displaying certificat
es of recognition
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PEACE MBABAZI Chano8
of the Rukundo Egumeho fame
Peace shares a light moment with Nandujja
m Judith Babirye
Peace Mbabazi performs
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fro She gets a big hug
Chano8 PASSOVER AT NAMBOOLE
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015 Powerful Praise And Worship In Namboole
New Years Eve has always been a time for celebration and prayer as the world over people gather in many different public places and places of worship to usher in the fresh year.
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ts not different in Uganda particularly in Kampala where places like Sheraton gardens, Kampala Serena Hotel and Centenary Park are filled with excited peo-
ple.
This year, just like in recent years Namboole joined in welcoming the year with a passover prayer of Praise and worship as well as entertainment. Led by Born Again Faith leader Dr. Joseph Serwadda, the mammoth crowd sang and danced as the fireworks display went off at the clock of midnight. Serwadda who was joined by singing pastor Wilson Bugembe preached forgiveness, repentance and peace. He urged government to pardon some political prisoners who have been in prison for a long time. Many senior pastors from abroad like American Pastor Tom Mahairas were in attendance as the colourful choir entertained.
Elizabeth Mushabe talks to staff
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Pastor serwadda commended the Inter-religious Council of Uganda for bringing the Born Again Faith on board and recognising the leader just like those of other major religions
NEERA CONCERT
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Chano8 PASSOVER AT NAMBOOLE
RECEIVING THE
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PASSOVER AT NAMBOOLE Chano8
HOLY SPIRIT
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Chano8 SMS ONE RETREAT
WELCOMING And forwarding
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SMS ONE RETREAT Chano8
THE NEW YEAR prayers for 2015
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Chano8 ASK RWAMITI
Q& A
why most gospel a to secul Miles Rwamiti is a presenter on NTV’s program ‘Kona ne NTV’. He is an authority on music and Ugandan celebrity lifestyles. Every month we select questions from the public about the music industry for him to answer.
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irst of all I would like to wish all our readers following chano8 a happy new year everywhere you are. Back to business when is comes to music it is all about money! Whichever category you are, it is about money. Unfortunately, as I always say Uganda does not have a properly structured music industry, if we did, we would have a secretary general, a chairperson and coordination with the largest music entities. What we have are musicians pretending this is an industry. Because of this lack of organization, the gospel industry faces numerous challenges. People here listen to gospel music, mainly when they are in need of guidance, inspiration mostly when they are going through a tough time, but when people are happy no one listens to it. In my opinion that is why they have a few people listening to it, hence it won’t make money. Most of our great artistes here started out in gospel , but when they realize they need to make money, they turn to secular music.
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Sometimes it’s the atmosphere and society. The Strong gospel artistes have been forced to by their listeners to open up and start holding shows in other places other than church, these include places like Serena Hotel. These include artistes such as Bugembe and Judith Babirye. When Judith started out she never wanted to perform out of church, but it was not until she opened up and to new audiences that the revenues started coming in. Another
ASK RWAMITI Chano8
rtistEs transition ar music you would think they can’t be in a bar or do some kind of shows yet when they get into secular music they make many changes. They have to promote their music in bars and hang with their fans.
Judth Babirye performs at Serana
example is Revival band, this is a gospel band, but they perform anywhere and have songs of love, relationship issues and politics. You know it is very easy for secular artists to turn to gospel in tough times. Artists like Chameleon, Cindy, Bebe Cool, Geofrey Lutaya and Mesach Semakula, have had to diversify to make money. They have to keep changing to adapt to the listeners. To make a living you change the way you look at things. The percentage of gospel artistes is getting smaller because of financial challenges-they have to pay for a studio, improve their image, make videos, promote their songs, yet
they can't perform in bars. Bugembe used to sing in the church, but he only had to diversify now he organizes events like celebrity Sunday, which pulls a lot of people even the non celebrities just to rub shoulders with their favourite celebrities. I have been to one of these events and it was so much fun, you have lunch together and meet people. I would suggest they do it more often like twice a year. Internationally all great artists we have started out in church like Mariah, Whitney and so many more. Having started out in gospel music,
You change how you look, where you hang and carry yourself. An example is Samali Matovu who was a good gospel music artiste 3 to 4 years ago then she moved to secular music and did a song named ‘Omukwana gunyuma’, it had a lot of airplay but she failed to get what she expected out of it because she wasn’t able to take on the new persona, she lacked a good manager to help her transform, conduct interviews and turn her image around. I believe that for the gospel artiste to make it successfully they need the support of the church. Making good music is expensive, the church needs to help its artistes with recording fees, shooting a video, producing and marketing the music and promoting it at concerts too. Exodus is managing well because he uses his ambassadorial role to promote his music, enabling him to do collaborations from South Africa and all over Africa, but many gospel artists don’t have those resources. The church needs to step in and financially support and guide these artiste on how to fit in and grow bigger.
You can also join the debate on facebook/chano8 Please send your entertainment and gossip inquiries to askrwamiti@ chano8.com and I will respond to them in the next issue twitter: @mrwamiti
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Chano8 SPECIAL FEATURE
Quiters? Why Gospel music is losing stars to the secular world
“The pressure is always high on artistes from fans. Expectations sky rocket after a hit or two hit the airwaves but the most pressing thing is maintaining presence in the game. So what is next?".
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or many years, singer of the moment, Irene Ntale serenaded the congregation at Victory City Church Ntinda with her angelic voice. With the innocence of a fresh-faced virgin, the shy girl then in her senior four vacation rose to become the lead singer at the Church. Her mastery of the guitar was bedazzling too. Fast forward....Irene Ntale is the brand ambassador of a beer company (Uganda Breweries Limited). She has been to more night clubs than some local DJs and she has been branded by born again Christians as “the one who went away". She continues to rake in the plaudits and music critics have since described her as the songbird with a succulent melody and flow of lyrics. At just 24 years, Irene Ntale is one of the best young voices this country. Ever since she broke out of Church
Chano8. January 2015
Irene Ntale was a 'Church girl'
with the song, “Love letter” which featured Bebe Cool, she continues to enjoy a meteoric rise in the secular circles. She has few regrets. In her interview with Chano8, she reckons that the Church should ‘live and let live’. She is aghast that many in Church are judgemental. “I’m com-
fortable doing love songs,” she says. Crossing to secular music in January 2013 wasn’t as easy decision for her. She is however determined to live with the tag “lost sheep” and has learnt not to care. In her estimation, salvation is personal and everyone
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Samalie Matovu came from Gospel to secular then back
In her interview with Chano8, she reckons that the Church should ‘live and let live’. She is aghast that many in Church are judgemental. “I’m comfortable doing love songs,” she says. will be held accountable personally, not as a group,” After tasting the secular world doing acoustic nights at top hotels, she never needed second invitation when record label, Swangz Avenue baited her. The rest are hits and musical gigs. Just to spite her detractors, she has released a gospel song, Something about You Jesus, which already has over 5,000 YouTube views. In a thinly veiled dig at her ‘haters’, Irene says:
Chano8. January 2015
“ Everyone needs love in their lives be it pastors; they are married men and when they are in their bedrooms with their spouses, they listen to our love songs, which they call secular music I make songs to help instill love, honesty, faithfulness and communication back into relationships.” She argues.
Samalie Matovu runs back to Church. American- accented Samalie Matovu epitomised the church influence in secular sounds, her accidental hit, Omukwano Gunyuma was a love an-
them for the haves and the have-nots. It serenaded us from 2010 to 2012. Then she seemed to run out of steam. Joseph Batte, a music critic says she set the bar too high with her first song; she failed to meet those high standards with a follow up song. For someone who privately bemoaned the fact that the Church was “too judgemental” on her music and dress sense, she failed to make it in the secular world. Early this month (January) Samalie crossed back to Church. A solo musician, who also tried out with Haruna Mubiru’ s Kream Production and David Lutalo’s Hare Production, she bemoaned the witchcraft she encountered. Whether it is a case of being deluded or not, it never worked out. She is now recording a gospel album after the Truth Gospel Church Kampala welcomed her with open arms.
The quitters lack focus - Music director. Ken Simbwa a multi-talented gospel
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Exodus recieves an Award at the VIGA Gospel music Awards
“When you have not found yourself as an artist, you lack a vision. Chances are that you are easily swayed by any circumstance. Most of these musicians that cross from gospel to secular were not gospel at heart from the beginning but they found it easy to have a platform in gospel,” singer song writer and music director, brands Samalie Matovu among gospel musicians who haven’t found a niche. “When you have not found yourself as an artist, you lack a vision. Chances are that you are easily swayed by any circumstance. Most of these musicians that cross from gospel to secular were not gospel at heart from the beginning but they found it easy to have a platform in gospel,” He argues.
Chano8. January 2015
He admits that gospel music per se doesn’t pay so well, which is why those swayed by finances find it easy to leave. Prince Nicholas Nyombi the organizer of the Victoria Gospel Awards (VIGA Awards) a former singer with Echoes of Grace says that Christian music today is not the same as a generation ago, with some easily crossing over to the secular realm without attracting
the wrath of fellow believers. “Gospel should compete seriously with secular music. It costs the same to produce good music, shoot good videos and promote both the artiste and his or her music,” he explains. According to Nyombi, it is high time gospel musicians stopped thinking like Church ministers, but rather as professional artistes. He explains that, international artistes like Kirk
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Isaiah Katumwa
Franklin went that direction and haven’t looked back. Since Franklin’s 1997 hit “stomp” others have followed suit. Notable among them are, TobyMac, Deitrick Haddon, Mary Mary and Israel Houghton. These have made young Christians feel comfortable with combining the latest dance beats to their favourite gospel song. "Jesus didn't hang out in the church. He hung out with the people, where they were. And that's to me where Christian music should be." TobyMac, one of the artistes argued.
Pastor Bugembe, Judith Babirye biggest culprits? Pastor Wilson Bugembe of Light the World Church and Judith Babirye have chosen middle ground. They are both in the secular and Christian world yet most believers believe that Darkness and light should never share a place. Some of Bugembe’s biggest songs are collaborations with secular artistes like Bobi Wine. Many have predicted that he would end up like pastor Okudi who fell off the rails after going secular. Bugembe and Babirye raised eyeChano8. January 2015
Judith Babirye
brows when they featured at several music concerts popularly known as ‘bivulu’. Incidentally, Babirye had some time refused to perform at a beer-sponsored PAM awards. Today, she has no qualms singing at the notorious Busabala beach known for harbouring weedsmoking goons. Bugembe’s response is one of a bitter but stubborn man. “I know what ministry is all about,” he starts. According to Bugembe, if someone has fallen in the lake and you want to save them, you have got to get there. You can’t stay on dry land and pretend you are saving them “My message is intended for non-believers and not believers,” Bugembe tells Chano 8. Judith Babirye, who came under scrutiny for separation with the husband Samuel Niiwo and new found love for makeup isn’t bothered. On her presence at ganga-totting crowds, she echoes Bugembe’s sentiments albeit using another verse. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. Through song, I minister to them,” she says. She is aware of 2 Corinthians 6:1, which says: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers? For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or
Wilson Bugembe
what fellowship can light have with darkness?” She however believes that the times have changed.
The others who went away. There are quite a number of musicians who have toyed with both worlds and they are branded the ones who went away. Among these is saxophonist, Isaiah Katumwa and Tusker Project fame star Daisy Ejang. Also prominent are Richard Kaweesa who abandoned Church for his World Music projects, Isaac Ruccibigango a son to Rev. Leo Ruccibigango, Isaac had a strong spiritual backdrop as a youth. His father was the first senior pastor of Makerere Full Gospel Church. Despite a religious upbringing; Isaac lived his life differently as his friends influenced him to go to discos. From childhood, Isaac loved music and at one time, he joined the Afrigo band (that band that recorded Amazi g’enyama). He, however, returned to God in 1987 and joined Pastor Robert Kayanja’s Miracle Centre choir. Together with friends, he started LIMIT-X and ministering in Pentecostal churches in London and later moved to America. Today he hosts Betting shows and is seen in the company of Rastafarians.
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Chano8 DAISY EJANG
DAISY EJANG From Humble Beginings To Tusker Project Fame It is a hot Wednesday afternoon and we are at Daisy Ejang's residence in Naalya. We are there to talk to her about her music and life especially after having a successful 2014.
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he singer who says she actually joined Tusker Project Fame as a by-theway directs us to have a seat with her under a tree shade in the compound. When asked a bit about the singing competition, she says, "I had actually gone to 'escort' a friend, Sitenda and ended up auditioning. The rest is history." We then dig in to her musical achievements to date. She tells of the Unveiling Daisy concert that took place mid 2014 at Gatto Matto, an EP with songs like Mia Teko, Amari, Yawa De, Incredible, Lady and Fire. She has released videos for Mia Teko, Fire and Yawa De. She was quick to add that she has just released a new single and a video is to follow shortly. This new one is called Sweetie. "That one," she says, "is a love song. It is very cultural. It is mixed with Gishu kadodi beats," The song was produced by her only producer, DKing. The much talked about Shuga song was next on our discussion and she says she had written that song for a Namibian artiste who would record it as a collaboration with another artist. However, when D - King worked on the song beats, she liked the beats and Levixone was in studio. So, the two recorded the song as a demo to be used by the Namibian artiste. When the recording was done, her producer told them not to let the
Chano8. January 2015
song go. He encouraged them to release it as a collaboration. They did and that's how it all happened. When we finished talking about the collaboration she instantly knew the direction of our little chat would take. She was already smiling and probably preparing a response. Of course, we had to ask about their alleged relationship with Levixone. She smiles and says, "Levixone and I are an item. I really love him as a brother but there was really nothing sexual or intimate about our friendship. He is one artist I have really connected with." We wondered loudly about how what she says were rumors started. She says it all happened during Levixone's birthday when she decided to tease Levixone on the social media platform Facebook.
The much talked about Shuga song was next on our discussion and she says she had written that song for a Namibian artist who would record it as a collaboration with another artist.
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DAISY EJANG Chano8
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Ejang (C) dances in a music video Unfortunately, some people picked it up. Here, we may need to mention that much later on, Levixone would visit and find us at Daisy's apartments. We will leave that for another day. Daisy says this year she is focusing on winning the hearts of Ugandans and that she will work closely with an East African charity organization Umaliza Masikini which works with the underprivileged in Kenya. She refuted the earlier rumors of her signing on to Clear Sight. Also, a concert is in the works and that is to be revealed soon. "All I want is to produce great music that can play anywhere," she says when we asked about the genre she wants to focus on. Daisy Ejang told us of the girl before Band Aroma and Tusker Project fame. She lost her father earlier on in life and later lost her mum too. She then started living with friends and at time sleeping in church. She recollects with difficulty and gratitude expressed by her sudden slight emotional tone that it was not a simple journey. She believes God has a great future for her and she intends to leave a legacy when she is long gone. True to her third name, Hope, Daisy's Chano8. January 2015
As I have said before, it has not been an easy ride. When i started as an actress with Fun Factory, we would have shows at National Theatre and get some little money that was not even enough to cater for transport back to University or home.
journey is one that should inspire her listeners. In fact, she sung a bit about her life in the song Incredible which is topping Christian charts. She told us during our visit to her apartment that, she does not believe it is necessarily wrong for a Christian to sing a song of love. "After all," she says, "God is love and when I love someone I would not want to dedicate to them the Christian song Draw Me Close To You." She said that most of her love songs are inspired by the Bible book Songs of Songs. She faults our predecessors
for installing in most people that, if the song does not direct talks about God, then it must be evil. She speaks of music as an art and as a way of communicating feelings. However, she was quick to suggest that the music should not be filled with profanity. It needs to be something that God is comfortable with you singing. After wishing her the best in the year and thanking her for accepting us invade her privacy, we stayed a little longer to talk about many other random things.
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Chano8 TRIBUTE
Andrae
crouch Veteran Gospel Singer Dies Age 72, Remembered Andraé Edward Crouch (July 1, 1942 – January 8, 2015) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, record producer and pastor. Referred to as "the father of modern gospel music" by contemporary Christian and gospel music professionals.
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ospel Legend and seven time Grammy Awards winner passed away on the 8th of January after suffering what his sister Sandra Crouch referred to as complications. He had earlier battled cancer, diabetes and pneumonia. He is credited for shaping the current urban contemporary gospel music through his breakthrough in the 60s, 70s and 80s. His influence trickled to the secular with many mainstream artists including Elvis Presley recording his songs in their albums. Andrae Crouch who was also dyslexic and often formed word shapes and drew simple pictures to help him write and remember lyrics also won 4 dove awards and many other awards. He was the third artist to join Hollywood's Hall of Fame. As a composer and music arranger he worked with Michael Jackson on Man in the Mirror and worked with Madonna on Like a Prayer. When he passed away, Ugandan Gospel Singer Jackie Senyonjo said, “Bambi kitalo! Very inspirational songs thru the years. Will be dearly missed. R.I.P" In response to Andrae's death, VIGA
Chano8. January 2015
Awards nominee Benjaah Edwards said, "I got to know Andrae Crouch through TBN. The way many musicians talked of his song writing and his ability to write deep lyrics is what made me want to listen his music. My favorite from him would be the song Nothing But The Blood...... He impacted the world. May his soul rest in eternal peace." Ever since his passing Bishop T. D. Jakes, Cece Winanas, Kirk Franklin, Ricky Dilliard, and many international Gospel musicians have sent in their deepest condolences. Gospel music and the world has lost another great man especially after just a few months since Myles Munroe passed on with his wife and others in a plane crash. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
SOME OF HIS HIT SONGS
l The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" l My Tribute (To God Be the Glory) l Soon and Very Soon l Just Andrae l I'll Be Thinking of You
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Andrae Crouch Chano8. January 2015
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In Entertainm BLANKETS AND WINE
...There are no permanent enemies
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ent...
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CelCARTOON e Minob Too Abdu ns Chano8
In this business when you have permanent enemies, you can‛t survive
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FASHION SHOOT
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Hawa Musa Abale is not only a singing queen, but she is also a fashion icon. She owns Abale Fashions that is a fashion house that deals in classy and trendy African garments, shoes, bags and fabrics. All photos: Stellar from Sanyuka Photography Model: Hawa Musa Abale
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Chano8 SPECIAL FEATURE
Singing past Are These TheChurch’s New Money Spinners?
The music (worship) ministry of a church is important for the entire congregation. For the unsaved, it sets the mood for them to hear the gospel and receive the gift of salvation.
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or the newly saved, music should be exciting enough to awaken them to hear the Word of God for instruction. For the more mature, music sets the mood for praise and worship of the Lord. While the right music cannot save a dead service, the wrong music could seriously injure a living one. The music can be either a vitamin or a tranquilizer. That said Worship ministry (music) seems to be the money-minting spin in Ugandan churches. It appears that for a pastor or priest to have a huge congregation or mega church, they have to achieve this through music. Religious personalities like Pastor Wilson Bugembe (Light the World Ministries), Pastor Augustine Yiga (Revival Christian Church in Kawala), and Pastor William Muwanguzi “Kiwedde” of Holy Fire Church and Ministries, Charismatic priest Father Anthony Musaala and John Baptist Mukajanga and Fr. Magembe Expedito of Mt Sion Bulakango are some of those forward thinking who have fully exploited the prospect of music to grow their congregations. These among others are trailblazers in worship ministry and seem to have struck the right chord. This development however caused some friction in the gospel circles. Many people love to hate them. “A worship pastor has very big impact in
Chano8. January 2015
Church because music plays a very big role in attracting crowds,” according to Pastor Augustine Iga of Revival Christian Church. He explains that music has the biggest impact on the congregation sometimes even more than the sermon, which is why he has vowed never to look back ever since he started the Revival Band. The band that once had an ensemble of only gospel artistes led by Maggie Kayima (Nabbi Omukazi) now comprises mainly secular artistes like Buchaman, Berna Namisinga, and Hassan Ndugga among others. “I am planning on building the biggest Church in East Africa and I can assure you most proceeds will come from the Revival Band. Music in Church is a business” He admits. Even though he came under attack by Christian faithful for sponsoring a secular music show, Full Doz on Bukedde TV, he argues that it is all part of the business. Catholic priests criticized. George Michael Kizito, a known catholic blogger argues that Magembe Expedito and J B Mukajanga continue to be used by Satan to keep Catholics deceived through their hideous ‘lingala music’. The two are said to work in close partnership with renowned gospel artiste and preacher who was suspended from the church.
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Fr. Anthony Musala is into music
“The catholic church is under panic. Many of its former faithful like myself have fled. Something needs to be done to stop these people who are confusing unsuspecting people through music,� He writes. As the two continue to get the praises and criticism in equal measure, many cannot easily forget Fr. Anthony Musaala The Catholic Church was once caught in the middle of a storm whipped up by the popular musical priest. Up until the Church put a halt on his popularity by outlawing him, Musala had injected life into the Catholic worship with his hot gospel pop. After his suspension by the Arch-
Chano8. January 2015
The Catholic Church was once caught in the middle of a storm whipped up by the popular musical priest. Up until the Church put a halt on his popularity by outlawing him, Musala had injected life into the Catholic worship with his hot gospel pop. bishop of Kampala, Musaala who ap- undoing. pealed to the Pope through the Apostolic Nuncio said the Church was Is Bugembe practicing spiritual hyjealous of his fame and money! pocrisy? Easily the most charismatic and best known Catholic priest in Uganda, you would think Fr. Anthony Musaala would be the last person the Church would want to suspend, but it happened. His fame was his
Pastor Bugembe is not the one to be slowed down. When he was being hounded for singing in ghettos like Busabala, he went one better and invited music celebrities to his Church. In-
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viting celebrities was okay but the wrath of believers was the fact that Bugembe gave secular musicians like Bebe Cool the chance to ascend the pulpit and preach. It was hypocritical; they bayed.
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At the annual Celebrity Sunday service, Cindy took a reading from the bible while Bobi Wine and wife Barbie also preached. Others in the audience were Jose Chameleone, Desire Luzinda, Peter
Miles, Kato Lubwama, Mesach Semakula and Kickboxer Ronald Mugula. Amid the affront, Bugembe’s reasoning was simple, “I intend to bring all Ugandan celebrities together since it is sometimes hard for most of them to attend
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Dr Jose Chameleone and wife Daniella listen to Pastor Wilson Bugembe
Church due to busy schedules,” He said.
‘Kiwedde’ gave bad example.
When we contacted Pastor Bugembe on phone, he admitted that the presence of celebrities brought with it a surge in the number of faithful thronging Light the World Ministries and he has no regrets.
Pastor William Muwanguzi popularly known as ‘Kiwedde’ was among the first pastors who swayed crowds through music and celebrities.
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He wooed the likes of singer Titie Tabel, CBS FM’s Sheila Nvannungi and Radio Simba’s Omulangira Ndausi to his Church. The rest were followers.
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Chano8 THE LYRICS
Big God Cooper and G-Way
"Cooper and G-Way continue to show why they are one of the major sounding voices in terms of Urban Gospel music, and still reaching out to even the local masses. They have been successful over the years in engaging people’s hearts and mind and they remain as one of the finest groups out there. This song Big God also produced by D-King came onto the scene and immediately stamped its foot in the media. It has received massive airplay and is a favourite of many. The afro pop hit was followed by a wonderful video which has performed well on YouTube. It was in the top charts of 2014."
Cooper and G-Ways song Big God has been a revelation across Africa Intro Ha-ha d-king on the beats Introducing without any further ado Big big Godo Straight out of G-Way God’s avenue aww Chorus You took the pain in my life N i will be faithful to God You broke the chains in my life And i will be faithful to God Cause you’re my big big Godo My big big Godo x3 Raise your hands in the air Chano8. January 2015
Just like you don’t care You’re my big big Godo My big big Godo Verse1 Merry merry here i am Prepare the music here I am i feel the music not like some Who cannot see what the Lord has done Hmmm may may or may I mean look at what it is i am Compare it all with what i was You’ll get the reason for my rapping Haa otamugaya ebyakukolire olabimanya
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THE LYRICS If you stepping low better step higher Put your pride so low gisibe wire Now make a step step to the left Shake your shoulders and move to the front Nod your head and you look to the right Stretch your arms and put ‘em up in the air Get down on the floor and you get back up Feel what you feel and you feel the beats kolaekyolakole omushemeze Glorify his name every night and day Chorus Verse 2 In Christ am a rock star I know who i am am a master Am heading to the top like a fighter Faster faster like a shooting star Hakuna matter I wake up and pray to my tata Lord i love you mwahhhh Nakudata this really sounds awesome Bintokota nkuba omuziki ngunsakata I pray to the most high yambita Figure out the truth oba nukwe data I change all the souls like a converter When am falling down Christ you raise me up Up in the air When am crawling down Christ you get me high High in the air Cuffs off my hands I can stretch them high Up in the air Stretch you’re the out fit Stomp the pulpit Christ motivates me i Ts what the bible tells me
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Chorus Verse 3 Eh ma big big Godo Tanga nyoso azali nzambe Kitoko tous le temps nakoyemba nakoganga Ehhhhhh avandi na kembo, Monsanto Monsanto mbala misato Seyemoko asimbi bomoi ya bato Big big Godo Maboko likolo Likolo likolo likolo Pona Jesus!! Your love makunale x3 Ey ey ey Your love makunale x3 Ey ey ey Your love is my light my light x2
Cooper Performing the big hit Big God Click here to Watch Video
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DIARY Chano8 STUDIO BLANKETS AND WINE
Nungamya Studio Diary
Brian Lubega
Brian Lubega, a very humble Christian artist whose focus is to draw people to God decided to tell us about the processes leading to the production of the one of the biggest songs last year. He says he had years of silence. Years of being trained, training others while sitting under another leader.
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he singer who was not even a music lover had a shift in interest when he gave his life to Christ. "When I sung for the first time," he says when we met, "I saw a shift in the atmosphere. The people who had visited our secondary school prophesied over me. They said I would be a huge artist. How that would happen I did not know." "I have always been challenged by the fact that most Worship songs are from the western world." As he had limited vocabulary when it came to Luganda especially since he had just returned from the UK with a degree in Theology. He was taught songwriting in the UK. Nungamya for him started with prayer and fasting. He held his guitar and strummed away. He was reading about what the people of Israel went through in the Bible account. He wrote the chorus in July 2012 and started singing it. A few months afterwards a friend revealed to him that the song was spreading in churches. "Someone
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called me and told me that there was a certain lady singing Nungamya at a crusade. The person told me to rush and have it recorded." He was therefore forced into getting to the recording the song in October before someone else did. The song was recorded by Sam Bisaso at Black Smith Studios and the backup vocal arrangements were done by Brian Sevume. Charmant Mushanga, popularly known as Shalma played the guitar for the audio recording and his music director Brian Sevume told him Nungamya would be a hit. He did not know what it meant for a song to be a hit, but all he knew was that when God puts a song in his heart, he sings it. Nungamya was recorded with backup vocalists from Blended band and a few from his church choir. He had been a member of Blended Band but had taken a break from being a member of the band. Upon the release of the song to the radio in June 2013, it received no immediate attention. He was constantly requested for a 'soda' and he did not want to start what he could not finish. He resisted all requests for cash or anything in exchange for
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To his utter surprise, a radio presenter from Sprit FM called to tell him a nonPentecostal Christian took Nungamya to their radio station and ever since then they started playing it, the listeners had been requesting airplay. He therefore sat back, a resolve to use the song in church ministry and not attempt to us it for the media. He continued in prayer for his music but was really not focusing anymore on promotional activities. To his utter surprise, a radio presenter from Sprit FM called to tell him a non-Pentecostal Christian took Nungamya to their radio station and ever since then they started playing it, the listeners had been requesting for it daily. It was at that point that he discovered Nungamya had become a big song. "Before Nungamya, no one Chano8. January 2015
wanted to hear my song. Whenever I went to radio stations they would say I did not look like an artist. But with Nungamya I have been able to have an album launch that took place at my church. I was also the artist Power FM introduced to their listeners in what they called Power FM Presents. Nungamya has provided for me and as a matter of fact some of the people who have contributed for my wedding are my fans because of Nungamya." It will be surprising to you that Nungamya which Brian Lubega had written and planned to place in his second album somehow made its way into the first album and be-
STUDIO DIARY Chano8
came the title track for his first musical project. When asked about his future in music and whether the fact that he would soon be a married man should make him take a rest from music, he said he has big things in the pipeline. Nungamya was his prayer and many have connected with it for the honest lyrics, beautiful instrumentation and interpretation that makes the song appeal to both the local music lovers and the urban contemporary worship music listeners. We can only wish for a lot more music that will take us to such heights as Nungamya did.
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Chano8 CAREER CORNER
RRUU
RUYONGA
Ruyonga is an award winning Ugandan hip hop music and spoken word artist whose former moniker “Krukid� was fondly given to him in high school after a basketball accident left his face temporarily disfigured. He was one of the pioneering hip hop acts back in Uganda, He has three albums to his name selling on iTunes and other platforms.
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uyonga is an artist who currently needs no introduction. He is a hot cake. Last year he was the only artist to feature on both the secular cypher and the Christian Hip Hop all-star The Real God which was engineered by WeMix Entertainment and produced by WordXclusive of the Fame Records. That meant, he was and still is having the best of both worlds as some would say. We got to talk to him about his career, vision for 2015 and got to probing him about some questions that we warned him were quite tricky but needed to be answered.
of their best, either I beat them or we come out on the same level." Ruyonga said this in response to our question of whether he has succeeded because the secular side looks at him as their prodigal child who may go back home to doing secular music.
Ruyonga formerly known as Krukid who first made an appearance in the Gospel Music scene with his S.O.S (Songs Of Success) album has become one of those artists whose music reaches both to the Gospel music fans as well as the secular music fans. Recently in an interview with Chano8 he said, "Most people's problem with me is that they cannot categorize me." He cannot be put in a box. "I am one of those people who God has blessed with a unique gift. I don't think the world can claim to own my success. They are not responsible. First of all, they knew that if they put me with any
"In 2013," he says, "I did a lot of things. In 2014 I did a lot but could not operate the same way I did in the previous year. Last year I was growing and I feel I need to continue growing. 2014 I became a better man and managed to let out many songs and collaborations." This he said when we told him that we thought 2013 was a better year for him than 2014. This is not to say he did not have a great 2014. Muhulire, Crossfire with Zimbabwean rapper Courtney Antipas (formerly known as Ill Ceey), Ride featuring Richy, Proud to Be Ug where he features on a Kimera song, together with Benezeri, Mun G, Levixone and Kenganzi.
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During our chat we came to what he thinks are the five most important things for making it big in the industry, he says. "Number one, PRAY. Two FAST. Three, PRACTICE. Four, PRACTICE. And finally, PERFORM." He highlights prayer, fasting and makes a mention of practice twice on the top five things to do. Ruyonga is at the verge of releasing a new banger called, Rruu. Yes...... You read it right. The song is to be called Rruu. And we think it will rule the airwaves this year. You heard it here first.
After that S.O.S album he announced his arrival in a song in which he features Don MC on the chorus. Tutuuse was the song that got him the most airplay because it managed to speak to everyone. With that Ruyonga ceased to be the Ugandan artist who had spent a bit of his life abroad. He became our The rapper who says the only entity own and was singing something we responsible for his success is God could all relate to. In 2013 he successfully released his Victory Music album Continues to Next Page at a concert that was one of the most successful that year.
He cannot be put in a box. "I am one of those people who God has blessed with a unique gift. I don't think the world can claim to own my success. They are not responsible.First of all, they knew that if they put me with any of their best, either I beat them or we come out on the
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HAIR STYLES
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WORD SMITH He was one of the pioneering hip hop acts in Uganda and he has three albums to his name selling on iTunes and other platforms. His Song Muhulire is a big hit dominating airwaves across Uganda.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 132 and neither secular nor Gospel, has promised his fans great music this year. He said there is a possibility of having tours and an album. There is also a rise of a movement that he told us should be saved for another rainy day. He mentions Christian artist Pompi, Somi (his cousin who is signed on to Sony), Lyriczz of the Elevator Music Empire, WAKE, J-Givens (who says Ruyonga taught him how to rap though Ruyonga thought J - Givens only studied him), J Cole (who Ruyonga loves for some of his lyrics), Eshon Burgundy, WAKE, K.A.R (Kings African Rifle) make it to the artists he listens to and would love to look out for. He also talked about Barna, C Flow a Luga Flow rapper signed onto S4J's Kunta Music and new rapper on the scene Ernest Rush among his favorite from Uganda.
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About whether he is a Christian Rapper or rapper that's Christian. "I am a believer that Jesus is the son of God and that's what I believe. Whatever that makes me. I am that. I can put it like this, I may stop rapping tomorrow. What will that mean? What will that change about the statement? I sometimes don't understand what they want." He says those attempting to categorize him should ask God what he is. He says he is one of a kind. Ruyonga is not about to go slow on his music career and as much as he hints of doing a few other things in his lifetime. The greatest challenge for him is being the man he is. Fame he says, can make ladies throw themselves at you and make your head swell, but he keeps himself focused on God. And as a family man he feels happy when he gets himself active and working on things. Let us wish Ruyonga a prosperous musical year.
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CAREER CORNER Chano8
137 SNAP OR SHARE AND WIN Have you come across something funny? Take a picture or a screenshot and share it with us on our facebook page @chano8 to stand a chance to win prizes
GRAFFITTI Chano8
WORLD WELCOMES NEW YEAR 2015
GRAFFITTI
Chano8. January 2015
Chano8 GADGETS AND STYLE
Favourite Gadgets
Exodus real names George Lubega Timothy is an Award winning Ugandan Gospel Artist. Chano8 exclusively asked him about his favourite gadgets
EXODUS
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GADGETS AND STYLE
Favourite Gadgets
EXODUS
After a good day of planning a few things we set off to meet multiple award winning singer Exodus at Silver City. We arrive and find him sipping on his drink and on his immediate left is his brother Motta Gilbert a rising Gospel Singer, and further left is Dancehall/ Ragga singer Generale Versetile. Exodus had come with his G.E.A.R ENT crew. In my view Generale is one of the next big acts to look out for, and his Rise Above Dem song is doing rounds on Christian radio and has crossed over to the neighboring Kenya. After exchanging pleasantries, we get to talking to the hit singer and this is how it went down. We're always on the lookout of things, we noticed you were at the Abryanz Awards. Were you nominated this time? No, no, no....... Not this year. I have been nominated for it before, but this year, I was skeptical about attending. I didn't know whether I'd be around or not but, I performed at the event and gave out an award.
What would be your favorite kind of wear? I love all designer wear as long as it looks good on me. You know, uhh.... Every person has a kind of personality..... Ah! A kind of look. If I look at it and it suits me, I'll wear it. Right now, I am wearing G - Star. I am wearing Gucci. I am wearing Cartier (he shows his hand) I just love a brand if it looks good on me. I am not so into, "This is my main brand." But, I wear brand.
Haha, (yeah, yeah) anyway, You are one of those artists who we believe has seen it all. Can you compare the state of Uganda's state of the industry with other places? You can't compare Uganda to all the other industries because America's industry grew like 20....30 years ago. (How about Africa) Africa. (Yes) when you talk about Africa, I applaud Uganda so much because we are inclined North. East Africa has the best voices in Africa.
Now, we get into Gadgets. What would be your ideal Phone. Tell us the functions, and features you'd love the most and the make. I am a Mac products person. I don't want to be downloading my apps and worrying about viruses and the like. I also love a phone with a good camera.
Okay. So where do you normally buy your things. Ah.... Mostly when I travel. (Uhhh! Okay. Why is that so.?) Because, there's not a lot of genuine things around. And, if you are with people who know brands, if you're wearing something that is a fake, they will spot it right away. (We burst into a moment's laughter at this comment before he continues) And, I am an excellent artist and an excellent guy and I don't want that to happen to me. If I am wearing Mosley Tribes, like my glasses (shows me his glasses), it has to be the real deal. This Mosley Tribes sunglasses were bought at USD 650, and my Cartier is was at about USD 17000. But, well, let's not get into the cash details.
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Let's leave the phones and talk cars. Which car model do you desire the most. My uhhhhh..... My dream car is a Rolls-Royce Phantom and.... And, I have two dream cars models. I want a Bugatti too. The Phantom is mostly for the class and el-
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egance. It depicts personality as well. The Bugatti is mostly for its speed. I am a fast driver. I am crazy like that. The car I am driving now is a 2007 X5. Its safety measures are like high up there. It is very fast, comfortable and has great safety features.
When your video shoots, what gargets are a must on set for you.
their friend, what gadget would you want for a gift.
That's a bit too technical. I shot my first technical video with Igwe and what I learned from Clarence Peters is that you don't need the best equipment. You just need to master the gadget you have.
I love smelling nice. I love perfume. I think the kind of gift I want for myself, I can't buy it for myself. (Let's say the person can buy you that gift. What would it be?) Then it would be the the Rolls-Royce Phantom would be the ultimate gift.
Do you wish to give some messages to your fans? Where do you get your jewelry? I often buy my jewelry when I am on tour.
What's the best gadget your wife has ever bought for you? I am very vain. If my wife wants to buy me something, she normally gets me the money and then I buy for myself.
If someone wanted to appreciate you for being Chano8. January 2015
I just want to tell them to never lose your self-esteem. That is the greatest gift of life. Once you've lost it, you've lost everything. Many people can tell you who you are not, but what do you tell yourself about who you are? Believe in yourself and believe in God. The sky will only be the beginning and not the limit.
Thanks for having us.
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Chano8 STAR PROFILE
D- KING PRODUCER
D-King Is Behind Most Of Exodus' Hit Songs
“We got the opportunity of meeting with a music producer who has become a household name because of his major hits in Uganda. He just recently got nominated for the Hipipo Music Awards in the category of Audio Producer of the year. When we met with him, he said the nomination should not define anyone as a great producer. He says there are many other great producers who have not been nominated. That aside, this is how our interview with him went down.r”
I was taught by two people. One of them is a guy called Kimera David a producer and Steve Jean of Fenon records.
Where did your inspiration come from? Just the love of music. That's all.
Do you have a studio of your own?
Oh. Okay. So, you started out as an instrumentalist, right! (He nodes), which instruments do you play?
Yes I do. I produce from my own studio called Neutriq Town. Of course I sometimes work with other producers too at their studios but I do most of my works at my studio.
Mostly keys and the bass guitar. Apart from producing, you do other things, right. What are those things? I do the directing of production of music events and I am a farmer. Which big music events have you worked on as the director? I did the Igwe concert of Exodus at Kampala Serena Hotel, Namalayo Concert by Mun G and together with Michael Ouma we directed Juliana's Serena con-
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Something about last year. Which are some of the biggest songs you worked on? Mention like ten of them! cert. And others too... Can't mention all really. You've played for many events. Right? No. I actually don't do that anymore. (You don't!) I don't do it anymore but I used to. Okay. Who taught you how to produce music.?
First of all, I rarely listen to radio. But, I have worked on all the songs by Naava Grey. I did the Gyobera and Olindaba for Irene Ntale. I worked on all of Daisy Ejang’s music including Mia Teko, Yaw De and the rest. I also worked with Levixone for his Jungle hit. I work on Exodus' songs. Eh..... They're so many. Currently I am working on something for Juliana. I did Sitaki, Deep In Love both by Rema.
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STAR PROFILE Chano8
What qualities do you love from an artist you are working with? Spontaneity. (Spontaneity and then what else?). Seriousness (and....). Friendship (and what else). I don't remember. (We laugh at this point as he says I am asking him many questions. I tell him I must ask him all the questions like I have no clue of what he is saying) Where do you see yourself as a producer like in the next five years? Of course I would say.... far! Uhmmm.... Far. Maybe, inspired a couple of guys to do great production. I want to have a couple of international hits. Not only in Africa. Africa is not my aim. Of course I have to go continental and then international but yes, that is what I am looking at. I noticed from your production that there is a way you interpret songs that is simply unique to you and some of the artists you've worked with always want to continue working with you. How did you manage to build such a brand that is unique to you?
Taking a risk. (uh.?) Do what other people do not do. For example when someone comes to me with a zouk song. I will not try to produce it the way everyone else does zouk in Uganda. I will give it a new dimension. Something unique. Use new instruments. Arrange vocals differently. What would you say to the person who is looking up to you? They shouldn't be me. (No. No. No. They don't want to be you but are inspired by you.) They should learn. Learning doesn't stop. Experiment new things with instruments. New samples. Do music when you like it. Don't do music to make money or as only a job. Of course you have to be paid for your services
as a producer. You have to pay your bills. Do you music because you are inspired to do it. We are not really here to compete and if someone thinks it is a competition they're misguided. What course did you do at the University and do you practice it? Business Computing. I apply it because I am a businessman. How I handle business is different from how those who may have not done my course would handle it. However, I am not practicing it as a profession. But I apply it. Who would be your 5 favorite Ugandan music producers? Michael Fingers from Fenon Records, Samuel Bisaso, Allan Okia, Nessim. Let me see. Who would be number five? I am forgetting. Who? Ah! Let's add Paddyman to the list. How about from out of Uganda? Which producers do you look up to?
D-King has produced many songs for new stars Irene Ntale and Naava Grey
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Dark Child, R Kelly, Timberland, and Pharrel. (Those are four. Let's make it five), Don Jazzy who has produced for Tiwa Savage. What would be the ingredients that would make a big song? A big song is not done by one producer by the way. That's what
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I should let you know. People can come to me to produce a song but I normally don't work alone. I sit down, do my tracks and let other professionals come in to listen. As long as the artist doesn't put me on pressure to release the song, because there are those walk-in artists who
say, "do my song, I want it tomorrow." Those are the kind of songs you listen to and they are clichĂŠ in terms of production. If an artist understands what they want, you will call them when you are done. A good song is not done by you alone.
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Of course you are the main man but people get ideas even if someone doesn't know music. They can correct you. They can tell you, "Ah.! Bro, that needs to be changed." Or they may say, do this or that! By the time a good song comes out, at least a minimum of five people have heard it.
STAR PROFILE
Of course the writing, recording and production, sequencing and stuff like that are important. And a good voice is important too. What about from the artists' point of view? They have to be able to interpret music and be able to be dynamic.
While we were in studio musician Exodus and Kenyan Gospel artist Ringtone walked into Neutriq Town studios to do their recording of what they told us is a collaboration that will take East Africa by storm. We finalized our pleasantries and let the music professionals get into their work.
Paddyman at Audio One Studios Chano8. January 2015
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Chano8 WORSHIP HARVEST CHOIR
WORSHIP HA
It’s quite difficult to talk about choir music in Uganda and the name Worship Harvest doesn’t pop up in the conversation. The contemporary style of worship they have embraced and perfected over the years needs for an ear to tend to it. We caught up with the team to find out more.
I
t’s quite difficult to talk about choir music in Uganda and the name Worship Harvest doesn’t pop up in the conversation. The contemporary style of worship they have embraced and perfected over the years needs for an ear to tend to it. We caught up with the team to find out more.
Chano8: How many albums has Worship Harvest
done?
We have done 5 albums altogether; Chano8. January 2015
1. Come As You Are - 2001 (As ComeAlive Ministries) 2. At You Throne - 2004 3. Voice Of Triumph 4. Anjagala - 2011 5. Celebrate - 2014 Chano8: When did you start the musical journey, how
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has it been till this point and major milestones?
son of their lives.
Wow! It's hard to tell the story minus the beginnings of 1989 with The Rev Canon Benoni Mugarura窶信utana (Uncle Ben), Chaplain at St Francis Chapel, Makerere, starting Come Alive, a gathering of S.6 leavers, to explore their gifts and ministry during vacation.
The nature and sound of music over time has changed. Also, with the growth of skill and support and availability of dynamic studios, there are things that are happening now easier and better than before.
Moses Mukisa joined Come Alive 96 and eventually became group leader in 2000. On Dec 1, 2000, he and others began ComeAlive Ministries, to call past ComeAlivers and others to a vision of community transformation using music and other gifts. The ministry was renamed Worship Harvest in 2003. So considering the number of years, certainly changes have happened. Careers, families, moving to countries and so on, means people will be around for a certain seaChano8. January 2015
Some of the major milestones have been the birth of Worship Harvest Ministries, AliveFests over the years, the 5 Albums, 2 Album Launch concerts...and counting, God's name being proclaimed, lives changed, communities transformed. Chano8: Who writes the music? Over the years it has been members in the team. Of course there are some that have now made it a habit to write songs and therefore most of their songs will be sang because they have a bank. Sometimes one of
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us will write a part and as the song is being 'workshopped' it takes beautiful other magical and dynamic shapes. Actually we encourage everyone to do so and eventually the culture is turning into each of us developing it and is becoming part of what makes each of us Worship Leaders.
First of all it was a delayed project, having taken two years in creation.
Chano8: What are the 2015 plans?
Most of the studio work was done but time seemed to move so fast for the Concert. We technically had 1month - September 2014, to bring it together.
We have loads of music not yet recorded, and we sing it during church plus music that the Music Team knows and some of it written and stashed away. So you can be sure we are hitting studio anytime now and that certainly means an album this year. Chano8: The Celebrate album and concert seemed to be your most successful projects. What do you have to say on that? We were really honored and privileged to just avail our talents and abilities and time to do 'Celebrate'.
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Partly, because of so many moving parts within us but also as a fast growing church, we found ourselves postponing its release again and again.
Even then..., yes we did lots of rehearsals, pushed tickets, raised within ourselves and sought financing and all other forms of help, took time to pray and a lot more sacrifices here and there... still that could not come close to God's in on this. He was more than ready, His grace and favor present, power to heal, His love drawing men to Himself.... we just went in with what we had and boom!!! Honestly, that was God. When you hear the response from 9th October 2014..., that was God!
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Chano8: The band and choir is so strong on musical perfection, do you think the lack of that in the Gospel industry has contributed to its failure to compete with the mainstream in Uganda? When you say 'musical perfection', much as it sounds uuuhhh...it’s not really what we aim for... We simply draw out the very best from one another, giving 100%. Perfection is good, but also has ways of stifling movement because it demands that you must sound straight and so do it one...more...time...again and again. We would love some more agains truthfully to have it much better yet again we are working, studying, family folk and time might not allow so. That aside, its healthy to also have some room for expression and diversity.
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WORSHIP HARVEST CHOIR Chano8
Also we have seen power in having one goal, one drive, one purpose and becoming a group of people that are headed the same direction. There is power in numbers! That said, the Gospel Industry has actually grown in Uganda. 'We have come from far' :-) The challenge to us is if we are willing to push the limits, expand our thinking and go all out. Are we thinking 'World-view' or is it just another 'gig'? There is more to the 'Gospel Industry In Uganda' considering the wealth and diversities of culture and music we have. Chano8: What would be the advice that you would
give to live performance musicians?
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Chano8 RISING STAR
Rising Star
LYRIC
"Lyriczz ia a 19 Year old Rapper and Producer from Elevator. He recently worked on his solo hip hop project the Gold EP painted with masterful lyricism and a wealth of feeling attached to each of the songs and an arrangement of captivating production handled with a mature perspective from EVM records. The multi-talented artist is working hard to change the face of gospel music in Uganda. "
Qn: The name Lyriczz how did it come? Who are you?
cause they wanted to run different things that we didn’t want.
I am very weird, very different in the way I do many things, and all my friends will tell you that am a very weird person. I wanted something simple, and something that would describe what I wanted to do in the industry. I was praying one day and Lyriczz came to me, simple, and it describes how I want people to pay attention to the lyrics in music, especially in Gospel music. And so even my name, people will hear Lyriczz and they will want to listen to my lyrics.
Qn: You are a founder or co-founder of Elevator Music?
Qn: You are 19? How does that feel for you? You doing music at such a young age, doing big things… It feels like it’s what I was supposed to be doing. It just comes natural, I feel like I was born to do this. God put me on this planet to do something, and this is what am doing. You shouldn’t just be rapping for rapping, or just being in Gospel music for just to be a star, for me it’s about living for what God called me to do.
Qn: As a new artist, acceptance is a challenge, so do you feel the need to compromise to make it?
We have been friends…since long time ago…our parents knew each other. I remember when where at church, Covenant Nations Church was opening where their new church was going to be. And we thought it would be cool if we could change hip hop in Uganda, and the name Elevator Music came in. I, Radioactive, Static and DOA and now we are 8 members.
Qn: Who is your inspiration? Lecrae and Andy Mineo. Andy Mineo was on a BET cypher all the other guys on it were saying this and that and cussing and Andy Mineo came on last and represented the Kingdom. What Lecrae has done with his latest album, he has been nominated in the BET hip hop awards for the accolade of Best Performing Artist alongside Drake, Eminem & Kendrick Lamar. Why should Christian music be any lesser? It’s got to be better and that’s what I have seen from those two artists.
Qn: Define your music.
I won’t lie, Am a human, I do. It would be abnormal to say I didn’t. I always think that am here for something bigger and that’s doing God’s will. To throw that away for people to know me is a way lesser thing for me to do. Fr me it’s all about living out what God told me to do. When I get to heaven, I want to be told “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Am an eclectic person. I listen to so much from hip hop, to rock, to some Indian music...I can listen to almost anything. You will hear my diverse sound in something I am planning for the end of this year
Qn: Haven’t there been people who have approached you, to sign you?
Forty, Drake’s producer. He has come out with his own style. He has taken his sound to another level. And a guy from Kenya called Jaaz Odongo and another guy called PLAY.
No. May be one time, we (Elevator Music) were approached, I won’t mention who, we didn’t take it on, be-
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Qn: As a producer…whose work out there are you a fan of?
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LYRICZZ Chano8. January 2015
RISING STAR Chano8
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RISING STAR Chano8
Rising Star LYRICZZ Qn: What do you think about the industry? We are stuck. Uganda music especially rap, has been at the same level for such a long time. There are people that won’t listen to Ugandan rap let alone Gospel rap, and so they are not many people that have been reached. The production is in one place, everyone is trying to copy someone else’s style. If the Gospel rap can break through the ceiling and take the game to another level and get everyone organized, we will be the ones leading the industry because we are the ones who have broken through.
Qn: Lyriczz in the next 5 years? I want to have broken through in Africa, and possibly on the world. To have my music affecting people from all over the world. And am building a plan towards that. I am tired of having Christian Rap and other rap in different categories, like Christian Rap is less, it’s not, if anything it’s better for it affects you positively.
Qn: Any major challenges you’re facing on this journey? Some people say am too western, I have not heard it a lot though, and my style is not Ugandan. I don’t even know Luganda. It’s not because I don’t want to, I lived my life a lot in Kenya so I know Swahili. That is a major challenge, you don’t want people to judge you before they listen to it.
Qn: Who would you love to work with? Ruyonga (we are currently also working on something), Pompi, Andy Mineo, Lecrae, Hillary Jane mostly Christians because they understand what I really want to talk about. It all depends on who God tells me to go work with.
Qn: You’re still in school how is that working for you? Am about to finish home school. At the end of this year am going to do Audio Engineering in Australia, and Film as well. Actually if I wasn’t doing music, I would be doing film. I want to have a label that can make music, do videos, designers to do artworks and animators.
Qn: What made you realize that you want to pursue a career in music?
Chano8. January 2015
I woke up one morning, literary, and I knew this is what I was supposed to be doing. And the way things have happened it’s just been God re-assuring me that this is what is what I want you to do.
Qn: You talk a lot about your faith, it has a very big impact on your music? I don’t write a song unless God tells me to. God has to be the center.
Qn: Any Plans for 2015? We are turning EVM into a label. I am working on something with two other people Kensheko and Radioactive, we are calling ourselves The Avenue and we will be releasing an album by the end of this year.
Qn: When you release your music do you consider to distribute to local radio stations? I have taken them to Power FM, XFM, and HOT 100 it’s because I know people there. For me it’s annoyingly hard to get onto radio. They should be working to put more good Ugandan music out there, this must be another reason why I haven’t heard a lot of other good Ugandan music out there especially the Gospel artists.
Qn: Any major places that you have performed? Performed at all of Benezeri’s concerts, we performed at St. Lawrence’s prom, and we were also in Kenya at Mamlaka Hill chapel for the Radicals Revolution concert.
Qn: Any competitions or battles that you have taken part in? I am not a freestyle person, I sit down and think about my rhymes. I have not taken part of any competitions because I have not been led to it. The only thing I have entered is the wemixent.com remix battle for Ruyonga’s Muhuliire remix.
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Chano8 RELATIONSHIPS
Her View
Relationship
“ I have something bothering me and need some advise from you, I am dating a man who broke up with his wife like 6 years ago but they have 3 kids together, what bothers me so much is they are still communicating, I landed on a message when the Ex wife was like #thanks for today mukwano# Do you think I am safe in this relationship???"
Gloria Batuta
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hen involved in a situation like that you have to trend carefully because your boyfriend has other relationships to consider such as the relationship with his 3 children, which am guessing is super important. Also there is the relationship with the mother of his children, which am guessing is the root of the issue here but remember this relationship is important for the children essentially to the environment in which the children grow. When you got into a relationship with him, you accepted the man and his baggage, by the baggage I am talking about the ex wife and children but then that shouldn't make you feel inadequate in your relationship. You need to understand your place, you are his girlfriend she is his ex. Communicate. Open up and explain to him, but mind how you approach him
Chano8. January 2015
Ask him to place some boundaries with their relationship and restrict it to children needs. As his girlfriend, he should be able to accommodate your needs too. and ensure not to ask him to stay away from his family because that will explode in your face. Politely tell him how you feel and point out that his children are important to both of you, but the closeness with his ex is uncomfortable. Ask him to place some boundaries with their relationship and restrict it to children needs. As his girlfriend, he should be able to accommodate your needs too. Don’t give up on your relationship, if he wanted to be with his ex wife then she would'nt be his ex. Be content in his love for you and talk to him. Don't just pack up and walk out because of a text message that might have been sent with the intention of messing up with you. It is a simple matter, resolve it and find ways to enjoy your relationship and new family.
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RELATIONSHIPS Chano8
His Take
ell people that have been married and ‘break up’ have a tendency of not entirely cutting the ties they once had. You see marriage creates a bond that is not very easy to break. This is because these couples have probably shared their lives for a long time and literally become one. A man can claim to have left his wife yet it is very easy for him to get back with her simply for sessions of intimacy. The fact that they have children further cements this bond because like it or not, his ex wife is the mother of his children. It is very easy for you to assume sole ownership of this man but this may hardly be the case as you go along. Firstly he may have to educate and take care of his kids even if they are living with the other woman. He has that obligation so please don’t think that you are all he has to focus on. Incase one of the children is really sick then their father will be called upon to come to the rescue and pull out his wallet. He is their father and that’s what father’s do. Also realize his involvement with his children will inadvertently bring him into contact with their mother so their lines of interaction will cross. The text in his phone saying ‘thanks maukwano’ could mean many things. It could be for some form of financial assistance he has given his ex wife possibly for childcare so she is her expressing thanks. It could also be a thank you note for some ‘good time’ that your man has had with his ex wife. This possibility is likely to hold more water since not many ex wives are likely to refer to their former partners as mukwano. This is due to the feelings or resentment that normally accompany marriage break-ups.
Mark Kawalya You realize his involvement with his children will inadvertently bring him into contact with their mother so their lines of interaction will cross. But other than this, you need to ask yourself if he has been acting suspiciously of late. If has then something has probably been going on between him and his ex wife. I am a firm believer in getting into a relationship with as little excess baggage as possible. A divorced man with three kids that he has to cater to feels a lot like borderline excess baggage. His past relationship will inadvertently have effects on your relationship with this man. Since you are already involved in this relationship, then you should be prepared for such scenarios. If you cannot handle them then this is not the relationship for you. May 2014
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Chano8 BEST OF THE YEAR
TOP GOSPEL Hottest Gospel Songs & Artistes #1 Nungamya Brian Lubega This song by Brian Lubega is number one on our Countdown. When you talk mileage and things like the song breaking beyond genre, this worship song did that and more. Actually, he had a concert in 2014 and was also the artist at Power Fm presents. And well, we might just add that the hit singer is soon becoming a married man. Congratulations Brian Lubega upon your forthcoming wedding and topping our list of the best done songs of 2014.
#2 It's My Turn Wilson Bugembe Wilson Bugembe is no surprise to this list. He has been at it for a while with his amazing lyrics and storytelling. This one may not fall in the category of songs like Kani but it sure did hit this year. The Afropop song produced by D King did rule the airwaves in town. It is number 2.
To comment on stories and countdowns please visit our facebook page chano8 or send an email to info@chano8.com
Chano8. January 2015
BEST OF THE YEAR Chano8
SONGS 2014
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We present the hottest songs and artists that dominated air waves
#3 Big GOD COOPER AND G-WAY Gospel music is saved from the lack of as many and longstanding groups by G Way. These guys are amazing. They worked together on something that sounded more Nigerian or rather should we say African because it seemed to have a bit of Lingala. It was a hit. Gospel music loving fans feasted on it like honey.
#4 Jungle Levixone This song had a tight race in our opinion poll with the number 3 song but well, it comes in forth. The reggae song that soon became an anthem and also highly hyped by a concert wad on every DJs playlist and was one of the most requested songs from one of Uganda's top stations. It needs no defense.
To comment on stories and countdowns please visit our facebook page chano8 or send an email to info@chano8.com
Chano8. January 2015
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Chano8 BEST OF THE YEAR
Hottest Gospel Songs & Artistes #5 Mia Teko Daisy Ejang This artist was a big surprise to those who saw her perform at Tusker Project Fame. We thought she would go BeyoncĂŠ on us. She went African. The sound was perfect and the many who became her loyal fans were treated to nice music throughout the year. She is number five.
#6 Muhuliire Ruyonga He makes it to the list as an only rapper. He released songs like Crossfire with Zimbabwean artist COURTNEY ANTIPAS, Ride ft. Richy, Proud To be Ug with Kimera, Mun G, Levixone, Benezeri and Kenganzi. As much as all these were great songs, Muhulire was the biggest of them all. Yes, we've heard.
#Repent Jremiah He is the new kid on the block who came up with a dancehall tune that urban Gospel music fans loved with a passion. This song makes it to the top ten at number seven because it registered in many people's hearts as an easy to sing to kind of song and the beats and Jremiah's singing was mature. 2015 is here and we've heard rumors of a new single called Undisputed Love.
To comment on stories and countdowns please visit our facebook page chano8 or send an email to info@chano8.com Chano8. January 2015
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BEST OF THE YEAR Chano8
We present the hottest gospel songs and artists that dominated Ugandan air waves in 2014
#8 Happy Exodus Exodus who is a seasoned hit maker released a song called happy. I think this is like the African version of Pharrel's Happy song. The afro pop song with catchy lyrics was a major song in 2014. It does not go on record as one that is dynamic vocally but the song rode on its simplicity.
#9 Daddy Phila Kaweesa He is described as one of Uganda's easiest Reggae dancehall artists to sell to the world. After the duo Kinsley and Phila disbanded and both pursued solo careers, he released the Faith Walks album. Daddy is a great single that he released and received high praise from Uganda's Gospel music critics and was a DJs' favorite.
#10 Onsalangako Coopy Bly Finally but not least, Coopy Bly's Onsalangako song was a major song during the first half of the year. He has worked on some of the greatest songs last year. On an individual song basis, Onsalangako made it to the list because of its authority on Christian radio and the video which further helped in promoting this effortless hit. And there you have it.
To comment on stories and countdowns please visit our facebook page chano8 or send an email to info@chano8.com Chano8. January 2015
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Chano8 COUNT DOWN
International Every month we compile the top international hits dominating Ugandan airwaves in our international countdown. Checkout who’s in and who’s not..
Count
Ariana Grande,Jessie J & Nicki Minaj
1. 1. All about that bass – Megan Trainer
3. 12. Chandelier - Sia
2. 2. Black Widow – Iggy Azelea ft Rita Ora
1. 13. Tchelete- Davido feat Mafikizolo
1. 3. Shake it off - Taylor swift
1. 14. Maps - Maroon 5
2. 4. Bang bang - Ariana Grande,Jessie J & Nicki Minaj
1. 15. Rude- magic
3. 5. Anaconda - Nicki Minaj 1. 6. Habit(stay high) - Tove Lo 2. 7. Don’t tell ‘em - Jeremih feat YG 3. 8. Animal - Maroon 5 1. 9. Stay with me -Sam Smith 1. 10. Break free - Ariana Grande feat Zedd 2. 11. Boom clap - Chalie xcx Chano8. January 2015
1. 16. Hot boy - Bobby Shmuda 1. 17. Steal My girl - One republic 1. 18. Don’t - Ed sheeran 1. 19. Cool kids - Echosmith 2. 20. Burning it down – Jason Aldean 3. 21. WREAKING BALL - MILEY CYRUS 1. 22. TOUCHING MA BODY - J.MARTINS
Down
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COUNT DOWN Chano8
East Africa Top 10 Hits 1. LOVE YOU EVERY DAY - BEBE COOL 2. NEERA - RADIO & WEASEL (UG) 3. BLACK STAR - OCTOPIZZO ( KE) 4. Nishike - SAUTI SOL (KE) 5. NUMBER ONE - D.PLATINUMZ 6. QUALITY KA HIZO - MEJJA FT. PIZO DIZO (KE) 7. BUTTERFLY - NAMELESS (KE) 8. WALE WALE - JOSE CHAMELEONE (UG) 9. POSA YA BOLINGO - ALICIOUS (KE) 10. SEREBUKA-MWASITI (TZ)
1. 23. ALL OF ME- JOHN LEGEND 1. 24. DARK HORSE –KATY PERRY FT.JUICY J 1. 25. JAMBO – ICE PRINCE 1. 26. WAKE ME UP- AVICII 1. 27. DEMONS – IMAGINE DRAGONS 1. 28. NOT A BAD THING- JUSTINE TIMBERLAKE 1. 29. TALK DIRTY TO ME-JASON DERULO FT 1.
11. DEEP IN LOVE- REMA (UG)
Chano8’s top 10 hits of East Africa have been decided upon by a panel of professional judges well equiped with statistical data based on TV and radio air play, CD sales, club play and requests received for the respective songs.
2 CHAINS
1. 30. CAN’T REMEMBER TO FORGET YOU1. SHAKIRA FT RIHANA
Chano8. January 2015
To comment on the countdown, please send an email to info@chano8.com or go to our facebook page @chano8
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Chano8 MUISIC VIDEO
ONSALANGAKO
Coopy Bly
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nsalangako music video presented to you by Events Garage and Seasonz pictures is set in one of the Kampala slums. It starts with the village children playing soccer, a dog scratching itself and Gospel Singing star Coopy Bly standing near a ramshackled structure near a Levixone concert poster. Then comes in the dancers who meet at a different location probably in the same slum to dance on their knees with humorous head twists and turns. The song itself takes on the Afrobeat genre popularly known as 'kidandali.' By the nature of his message and plea to God, it is obvious that the video producers chose the right setting for the video. You will see Coopy Bly who often sings about his love for the Ugandan delicacy known as 'rolex' in many songs pick his order together with the local fruit drink, omunanaasi. He walks away while he sings the words of verse one and he is praying that one day his situation will change. He continues on his journey to an unknown location while eating on the road. He finds these two kids a boy and girl who join him in shaking his bones to this danceable tune. He surrenders his 'rolex' and 'munanaasi' to the kids as if to say, "Thank you for dancing in my music video." In the meantime, our dancers who were originally on their knees are up and dancing to very easy to do dance moves. Why the dancers are on uneven ground is what I have failed to grasp. Anyway, maybe they wanted to highlight the gravity of the situation. The video keeps alternating scenes from Coopy Bly singing alone, with the dancers, and the dancers alone. Also, it occasionally brings scenes from the people he makes mention of in the song like boda boda men, a woman with her twins and many others to rhyme with what he is sayin in the song. The picture quality was at 70 % if you ask me, but this video completely manages to carry the message home. For that, we applaud Coopy Bly and his video producer for pulling this off.
Chano8. January 2015
Music Video
MUSIC VIDEO Chano8
Coopy Bly has put in alot of work in this video and it paid off
The video keeps alternating scenes from Coopy Bly singing alone, with the dancers, and the dancers alone. Also, it occasionally brings scenes from the people he makes mention of in the song like boda boda men, a women with her twins and many others to rhyme with what he is saying in the song.
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Chano8 MOVIE REVIEW
Enjoy Life
Movie Review
Russell Crowe stars as Noah in the film inspired by the epic story of courage, sacrifice and hope. Directed by visionary filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (c) Paramount
Now Showing In Cinemas
Noah
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hen God decides that mankind has become too sinful and must be wiped off the Earth, he chooses Noah (Russell Crowe), a pious man, for a great task. Noah must build an ark large enough to hold his wife (Jennifer Connelly), adopted daughter (Emma Watson), sons (Logan Lerman, Douglas Booth, Leo McHugh Carroll) and their wives -- plus breeding pairs of every animal. When the task is completed, Noah and his family witness God's wrath in the form of an apocalyptic flood. A flood of publicity has already was created around the movie and its impressive $130 million budget. With many religious and faith based themes always stiring controversy, this has not been any different. The picture is visually stunning with massive artistic liberties taken in creating details not found in the biblical narrative though. Darren Aronofsky of “Black Swan� fame directed the movie. Many critics have passed it as OK.
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SONG REVIEW Chano8
Song Review
SHUGA
Levixone & Daisy Ejang
Levixone and Daisy Ejang
“Daisy Ejang who had been releasing singles and had only worked with Phila Kaweesa on a song called Sweet Jesus needed more collaborations. It was Levixone whose music has quickly rubbed onto thousands and is continually spreading, with a musical style that comfortably fits in Reggae, Afro Pop and RnB that she would work with. "
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he two teamed up for "Shuga", to create the perfect combination, this is a lover’s ballad, something that only the two could do in this momentous time. The collaboration with the Tusker Project Fame runner up results into a lovey dovey song, where both Daisy and Levixone portray a conversation between a man and a woman declaring their undying love for each other, with the casual sweet nothings. The song comes across as a 'Let's sing along' kind of song. The lyrics are simple. You may have expected Daisy and Levixone who are both great vocalists to do a lyrically complex and melodically
Chano8. January 2015
diverse song, but that is not the direction they took, after all, Ugandans want something they can sing to. It worked for their fans. Within a few weeks of its release there were rumors on social media that there was something brewing between these two which has greatly contributed to the success of this project, since Ugandans love things attached to controversy. They have performed this song on a number of events around town and everyone loves it, whenever they hear it, they can’t help but get onto their feet. The song is produced by the hit maker, the man himself
D-King. It’s fused with afro Pop/soul dance sound that is marinated with Daisy's sweet voice as Levixone's strong voice adds the icing to the cake. It’s not just a groovy song but also laced for easy listening. It has topped the charts with a couple of rounds on the airwaves and become a highly sought after companion by DJs. You would only want to see what these two could do more musically together, and if the rumors were true we shall be treated to a lot more music from the two. Well done Levixone and Daisy.
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Chano8 SIFA KELELE
Live Music Scene
Band Review Sifa Kelele Band “Sifa Kelele is an all girl band, the latest revelation in the now male dominated trade. Sifa Kelele comes with a unique touch to live music. Sifa Kelele is Kiswahili for “praise noise”, which suggests, the band has its roots in church. Mary Ssebunnya, the band leader, used to perform with the worship team at Watoto Church. "
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e caught u p with t h e band members for an exclusive interview in which the group revealed their journey from humble beginning to a unique established and recognized band. They also share their plans for the future and a sneak peek into 2015 Hey: How is Sifa Kelele the Band. Sifa Kelele is alright… here and there. And at present geographically dispersed. So, "Sifa Kelele," for a name! What exactly does it mean and how did you get to agreeing on it as a name? Sifa-Kelele is a Swahili word that would be translated directly as ‘praise noise’. We believe that we have been blessed with the gift of music and we want that reverberate through the earth hence the word ‘noise.’ Our tag line is Ps 66:1… make a joyful noise…
Chano8. January 2015
If someone is not into being out at night for some of your gigs or has not had the pleasure of encountering Sifa Kelele. Describe Sifa Kelele for them. Sifa kelele in definition…wow! SifaKelele music is a fusion of Ugandan rhythms and genres from all over the world. Our music carries a message of inspiration, unity, hope, and love. We are predominantly female, but we love the guys so we have 3 males on board. We managed to release our Naalinya EP this past September 2014…hooray! Call 0775412292/ 0771675187 and order copies.
So, 2015 is here. If you were to reflect on your lives as a band, what are the five major Highlight. We have been around since April 2011… that’s phenomenal, considering the ups and downs in the industry. Our major highlights since then have been two self sponsored successful concerts (Beautiful You concert at Sheraton and Boogie Woogie at Golf course hotel, the release of Naalinya EP (a celebration of what we believe in), making music with females (not so many bands in East Africa have as
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We have been around since April 2011… that’s phenomenal, considering the ups and downs in the industry.
many females as we have on one stage who sing and play), Performing on Bayimba stage (that was huge!) and definitely holding the fort while Mary is away (she is the founder and it’s different without her). How do you ladies manage to keep it together? For sure, holding it together is not easy considering that we all either have full time jobs or are full time students. We have to juggle our lives in such a way that there’s a good balance between our careers and music. It’s our passion for music that keeps us going… there are some tough times but hey…music is food for the soul! Now that some people are going to know about you through our magazine, Chano8. January 2015
where else can they find you? (Do you have like weekly or seasonal gigs or something coming up?) You can find us on Facebook, twitter and can throw us an email at sifakelelemusic@gmail.com. We are currently working through some stuff so we can only perform at private functions. However, we do have seasonal gigs and we should cook up something this year! Should we expect an album this year? If yes, can you share details? If no, why not? We do have many songs (not yet in studio), but sadly we won’t have an album out this year. And as soon as one is ready, we’ll let you know first!
SIFA KELELE Chano8
Does being an all-female band have any unpleasant effects or it plays well with your reception? (Just curious really) Being a predominantly female band has perks to it… the audiences are always amazed and sign you up for other gigs. However, the downside is its not easy keeping the female instrumentalists together mainly because they move on and when they do, replacements are not easy to come by. Females playing instruments is still new on the Ugandan scene…there are not so many out there willing to put in the hours or keep up with the schedules of the industry. Okay. Any last remarks? Music is a powerful tool that we believe can be used to change the community, so it’s important what musicians sing about and how they lead their lives. They basically are trend-setters! So we will keep making positive music. We would love to have more female instrumentalists join hands with us.
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HANG OUTS Chano8
Hangout Uganda
THE SOUND CUP Garden City Roof Top
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he Sound Cup is one of the best places for one to dine or enjoy a coffee in Kampala and will probably be one for a while. The Sound Cup which is owned by one of the leading soulful singers Maurice Kirya, attracts all sorts of races and several celebrity friends. The Garden City based restaurant occupies a portion of the third floor and also has extra space on the outside giving it enough room to handle a big crowd of people. It's vast menu makes some people serenely accustomed to ordering different specimen of food. There burgers that are built on a tender
crust, are freewheeling, like the very good ones with chicken and soft cheese, you name it, they will keep you wanting. The interior is lined with a shelf of novels that gives people a chance to read or peruse as they wait for their orders. There free wireless connection has also helped attract more people who seek to just be away from all the city noise, enjoy a cup of coffee and go on about on the internet. The Sound Cup is also known for hosting musical or art events every first Thursday of the month that tends to attract a lot of party goers and celebrities within town.
Do you want your favourite hangout to be featured on this page? Please tell us about it on our facebook page @chano8 so that we can check it out and share it with the world.
What’s On! DAVID LUTALO David Lutalo presents the AKANTU Album launch Come Friday 30th January he will be launching his full debut album at Hotel Africana. Entry Fee for the launch is set at 20,000/= for general happiness and 50,000/= for VIP.
FRIDAY NIGHT Jazzville Bugolobi presents Friday Night Live every Friday. There is classy entertainment of live band by Code 9 led by Chris Ireland. Entrance Fee is 20,000/= and action kicks of at 9;00PM
Gagamel Bebe Cool (Big size) together with the Gagamel Band performs live every Tuesday at Club Amnesia starting at 7:00pm A Night of Live music and fresh Vibes FREE ENTRY Nile Gold @ 3,500/=
LAFTAZ Comedy LAFTAZ Comedy night every Wednesday at the Laftas Lounge in Centenary Park. Show starts at 8:00pm with a collection of high profile comedians ENTRANCE is 10,000/=
What’s On! Campus Night Angenoir presents the “The original” Campus Night every Thursday! Ladies with University ID’s get in free before mid-night and gents, only 6k! Buy Club beer at only 2k all night long!!! FEE6,000/=
Jazz Night For those who love Jazz there is Jazz Night at Emin Pasha every Friday Night. Come and enjoy some quality live music. From 7pm. Entrance is free.
Spicy Divas Every Wednesday is Spicy divas at Club Amnesia Music By DJ POFIA FREE ENTRY Happy Hour All Beers @ 3,000/= Till 9:05PM
Fun factory Funfactory comedy show at National Theatre every Thursday. Lots of fun and guest performances from artistes.Rib cracking jokes. ENTRANCE: 10,000/=