Uganda music reviews
Music reviews for "Uganda" sorted by average review score:
Beat the Border
Released in Audio CD by Real World (05 November, 1993)
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Artist: Geoffrey Oryema
Tracks:
- The River
- Kel Kweyo
- Market Day
- Lapwony
- Umoja
- Gang Deyo
- Hard Labour
- Payira Wind
- Lajok
- Nomad
Average review score: 
Very strong CDThis is a very good example of world music; Oryema has integrity and his music is both fraught with feeling and charged with the masculine strength of African beats and rhythms. Perhaps no better example of this exists anywhere than in the opening track "The River," which offers gripping backup vocals and a powerful sense of place. The entire CD follows up well, particularly with the moving "Hard Labor" that touches effectively on the various walks of life in a damaged African society. An exile from Uganda, Oryema displays a greater sense of time and place than most Western musicians. this one is a hands-down winner, and I will be buying more of Oryema's work.
If you want to get away, here is a good place to startLike many of the reviewers I discovered G through a music sampler. Market Day was the song (also on this record). Oryema's voice really caught my ear with his awesome lows. There is a somber tone to most of his songs here, but they are very captivating and powerful in a empathetic way. You can feel the hurt/pain in his voice sometimes. Some songs are in English, others are in Acholi, which the book notes kindly translate. Though I only have this cd, I anxiously await the others I have already ordered! This guy has me hooked. I don't have a vast knowledge of contemporary African music, but I enjoy his mixture of traditional and modern sound/technology. I would recommend this CD to anyone who want ot hear something new and unique from the doldrums of the garbage the radio churns out on a daily basis.
BEAT ALL BORDERS WITH ORYEMAYou never forget your first one, right? This was my intro to Geoffrey Oryema and I loved the song, "The River" so much that it was several weeks before I could bring myself to play the others, all sublime. You can do it. Go for it.
Beat the Border
Released in Audio CD by EMI/Real World (19 August, 1999)
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Artist: Geoffrey Oryema
Tracks:
- The River
- Kel Kweyo
- Market Day
- Lapwony
- Umoja
- Gang Deyo
- Hard Labour
- Payira Wind
- Lajok
- Nomad
Average review score:
Very strong CDThis is a very good example of world music; Oryema has integrity and his music is both fraught with feeling and charged with the masculine strength of African beats and rhythms. Perhaps no better example of this exists anywhere than in the opening track "The River," which offers gripping backup vocals and a powerful sense of place. The entire CD follows up well, particularly with the moving "Hard Labor" that touches effectively on the various walks of life in a damaged African society. An exile from Uganda, Oryema displays a greater sense of time and place than most Western musicians. this one is a hands-down winner, and I will be buying more of Oryema's work.
If you want to get away, here is a good place to startLike many of the reviewers I discovered G through a music sampler. Market Day was the song (also on this record). Oryema's voice really caught my ear with his awesome lows. There is a somber tone to most of his songs here, but they are very captivating and powerful in a empathetic way. You can feel the hurt/pain in his voice sometimes. Some songs are in English, others are in Acholi, which the book notes kindly translate. Though I only have this cd, I anxiously await the others I have already ordered! This guy has me hooked. I don't have a vast knowledge of contemporary African music, but I enjoy his mixture of traditional and modern sound/technology. I would recommend this CD to anyone who want ot hear something new and unique from the doldrums of the garbage the radio churns out on a daily basis.
BEAT ALL BORDERS WITH ORYEMAYou never forget your first one, right? This was my intro to Geoffrey Oryema and I loved the song, "The River" so much that it was several weeks before I could bring myself to play the others, all sublime. You can do it. Go for it.
Stars to Share
Released in Audio CD by Windham Hill Records (13 July, 1999)
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Artist: Samite
Tracks:
- Tindiba
- Esawayo
- Bring Back The Music
- Old Man's Wisdom
- Sala Endongo
- Stars To Share
- Cradle With Love
- Having A Good Time
- Siwa
- I'll Be Strong
- Mountains Of The Moon
- Night Stories
Average review score:
Not World MusicEh, it's OK I guess. A pretty new age album that I would play if I ran a day care center.
Samite strays farther and farther from his roots. If you are lookiing for the african touch, you won't find it here, but you will find typical Windham Hill tinkly piano et. al. that you'd expect from that label.
An Evolving ArtistThis lastest Samite recording shows an artist who is evolving and refining his craft. To compare his earlier music to this CD is like comparing a street performer to a polished stage act. Kudos to Windham Hill for taking a raw gem and polishing it so that it can shine brightly! The music is fresh and raw, yet refined.
pretty sounds to shareAt first listen this pretty and soul enriching album is soothing and filled with lullabies. But each time I play Samite's Stars to Share I discover new sounds and complexities. For a listenner addicted to the raw guitar sounds of Mali (for example Habib Koite and the regal Ali Farka Toure) this more polished "Windam Hill," Africa-Merican album, (by a Ugandan who now calls the U.S. his home,) is a welcome surprise. I have done many sessions of Yoga and meditation to these heartfelt and well-composed tunes. I highly recommend it as a gift to a young child, or for anyone looking to open up to other worlds of music. Africa is, afterall, where it all began. Why not go back, if only through music, once in awhile? No world music collection is complete without it. (Great bass playing and backup vocals by guests!)
Kambu Angels
Released in Audio CD by Wind Over The Earth (27 November, 2001)
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Artist: Samite
Tracks:
- Tokido
- Zenina
- Dodo
- I Talk to Children
- Kambu Angels
- Nsongaki
- Abazira
- Sunrise
- Mirembe
- Buli Muntu
It's ironic that Samite's music is an express train to peacefulness, given that so much of his inspiration is drawn from the suffering and separation associated with his being a Ugandan refugee who grew up during Idi Amin's reign. In fact, Samite's brother was killed during that country's struggles. Samite only returned there a few years ago, and much of the music on Kambu Angels is drawn from that experience. It's this undertow of pain that lends even Samite's sweetest, most childlike songs an emotional depth. Singing in his native Lugandan tongue, Samite's songs are like lullabies. He layers his voice into gentle choirs and hymnlike rounds on "Tokido" and "Zenina." He does the same thing with the electric kalimba and percussion with which he accompanies himself, making a hypnotic African minimalism. His instrumentals are equally captivating. The title track is a trancelike piece with cycling kalimba and wood flute blown across the top like an African breeze. --John Diliberto
Average review score:
His hopes for world peace and prosperity shine throughSamite is one of the few African artists occasionally listed under 'new age' in cd stores, yet few new age music haters can resist his music: yes, it's gentle - but it moves.
Samite started out as a traditional flute player in Uganda, studied classical Western flute, and added kalimba (aka Mbira) to his arsenal of instruments.
Samite started out as a traditional flute player in Uganda, studied classical Western flute, and added kalimba (aka Mbira) to his arsenal of instruments.
big samite fanI own all of Samite's CD's and each one of them is worth owning. I've been to his concerts and talked with him afterwards - he is a truly talented and inspirational individual. Kambu Angels is a back to basics approach following "Stars to Shine". It seems to me that Samite was going back to his roots as a child in Ugunda to create music which invokes the feel of his homeland in a very simple and unadorned way. The overall effect is simply beautiful. I can't wait until the warm weather arrives so that I can put it on and enjoy a pleasant summer evening with Kambu Angels on the stereo. Peace, inner calm and serenity are what you will feel if you buy this outstanding album. I realize this might sound like some lame new age cliche, but Samite has a gift to actually evoke these feelings in a true and profound way. So do yourself a favor and buy his music, see him perform, and sit down and talk with him. You will not be disappointed.
Samite is superbKambu Angels is a wonderful combination of mellow treats, sexy rhythms and sweet inspiration. Samite's artistry on this album illuminates a complicated yet gentle, full-of-life Africa; he makes it more than apparent that there are great people on that continent, and he pays tribute. His music is upbeat, soulful, insightful; and often it just provokes you to get up and DANCE DANCE DANCE to the joy of life. This is definitely one of my favorite albums of all time.
Night to Night
Released in Audio CD by Real World (11 March, 1997)
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Artist: Geoffrey Oryema
Tracks:
- Sardinia Memories (After Hours)
- Medieval Dream
- At My Window
- Careless World
- Miracle Man
- Naa Dream
- LPJ Christine
- Dancing Steps (Ballad)
- To The Metro
- Gari Moshi
- Passage At Dusk
- Sardinia Memories (Early Evening)
- On This Night
- Bye Bye Lady Dame
Average review score:
Quite different from his previous two albumsGeoffrey Oryema's third album continues to develop his personal style - somewhere between Afro-pop and Brian Eno-esque ambient music, without the cliches of either.
As always, Geoffrey's voice is the most essential component, floating here above a more electronic soundscape than he's employed previously.
Not as compelling as his second album (Beat the Border), Night to Night remains in frequent rotation through my CD changer. A great album.
Just GreatWhat a voice. I now own all 4 of his albums and each one adds something new. Night to Night has a bit of a rock feel to it (just fine by me), but it's still Geoffrey's voice that carries you from song to song. Geoffrey seems to have no bounderies. I can't wait for his next album.
NIGHT TO NIGHT: PLAY THIS ONE TONIGHTThis Oryema recording, on Peter Gabriel's Real World label, is like running into a good friend. Reminiscent of time spent in cafes, Oryema's dream-like storytelling is the perfect match for his superb musicianship and emotional depth. Listen to his music first for the magnetic attraction and then allow yourself to be reeled in by a person whose life has been carved by tragedy that has been parlayed into pure beauty.
Abayudaya - Music from the Jewish People of Uganda
Released in Audio CD by Smithsonian Folkways (21 October, 2003)
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Artist: Various Artists
Tracks:
- Psalm 136
- Katonda Oyo Nalimana (God Is All-Knowing)
- Hiwumbe Awumba (God Creates And Then Destroys)
- M Wana Ta Li Tambula (The Child Wi Ll Never Walk)
- M Wana, Ngolera (Baby, Keep Quiet)
- Tulo, Tulo (Sleep, Sleep)
- I Am A Soldier
- Mi Khamokhah (Who Is Like You [, O God]?)
- Kabbila (The Patch Of Forest)
- Twagala Torah (We Love The Torah)
- We Are Happy
- Adon Olam (Master Of The World)
- Lekhah, Dodi (Come, My Beloved)
- Psalm 92
- Psalm 93
- Kiddush And Motzi (Sabbath Blessing Over Wine And Bread)
- Psalm 121
- Maimuna
- Hinei Ma Tov (Behold How Good [It Is For Brothers To Dwell Together])
- Ali Omu Yekka (My Only One)
- Psalm 150
- Deuteronomy 32:8, Song Two (Selection)
- Deuteronomy 32:3943, Song Eight
- Psalm 130
No one's ever going to accuse Smithsonian Folkways of not practicing niche marketing with Abayudaya: Music From The Jewish People Of Uganda. Currently a community of 600 people, the Abayudaya developed their faith in relative isolation since converting to Judaism in 1919 under the guidance of Semei Kakungulu, a military leader who fought Muslims and Catholics for control of Uganda. Consequently, these 24 songs are distinctly African, often with polyphonic vocal harmonies (of men, women, and children) that joyfully soar in Hebrew, English, and several Ugandan languages. There are also touches of celebratory Afro-pop with rudimentary electric keyboard and guitar and a handful of more personal solo vocal performances. While some of this was recorded in a makeshift studio, the field recordings are what capture this unique culture's essence, as crickets (and once even a goat) providing ambient coloring. One of the most interesting international and religious albums of the year, this music transcends its ambition of being Jewish music by and for Jews. --Tad Hendrickson
Average review score:
Worst CD I have ever been suckered into buyingI almost never get inspired to review a product, but the Abayudaya music so moved me. Not only is the recording on this CD unlistenable, but the vocal stylings, and music is horrible. The CD is basically sacrilege wrapped up in poorly produced music. The songs were bad but at least the music was awful. If you want to play a practical joke on someone you might want to consider buying them this CD.
EerieStrange to hear familiar religious chants sung by African voices in beautiful melodies. Highly recommended
This CD was just nominated for a Grammy!I know the producer of this album, and just received word that it was nominated for a Grammy Award in the World Music Category! I have listened to several tracks and it is gorgeous.
Obuganda Abwetisse
Released in Audio CD by A.C.P. Records (16 April, 2002)
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Artist: The Afrigo Band
Tracks:
- Oswadde Nyo
- Obuganda Abwetisse
- Entegeka
- Maria
- Jimmy
- Ssirikusuula
- Ffena Tusobola
- Oswadde Nyo (Remix)
Average review score:
Its goodSince the Afrigo band has been my best musicle group at the moment i think they deserve recorgnision.First of all the way they mix the locle falk songs with a western beat realy makes me want to listen to there cd all day long.I congratulate them upon it.
Nico.L.M
Nico.L.M
Royal Court Music from Uganda
Released in Audio CD by Sharp Wood Records (14 December, 1999)
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Artist: Various Artists
Tracks:
- Okwagala Omulungi Kwesengereza
- Gganga Alula
- Osenga Omwami Tagayala
- Okuzanyira
- Asenga Omwami Tagayala (Song With Flutes & Drums)
- Katego
- Kalagala Ebwembe
- Nandikulamudde
- Basiibira Malaika
- Kyuma
- Nsiriba Ya Munange Katego
- Sewaswa Kazalabalongo (Harp Song)
- Oyagala Nkole Ntya
- Lulangalanga
- Bwemba Nkwagala Nkugamba
- Akasozi Bamunanika
- Mulamu Namala Ampita Erinya
- Irambi
- Rwakanembe (Horn Ensemble)
- Ntajemerwa
- Speech by the Omukwama [Speech]
- Okuturukya Omukama
- Ntimbo
- Aramutanga (Flutes)
- Kitwetkize Kya Winyi [Song]
- Rukidi (Song With Drum Ensemble)
- Kyebambi
- Kotabijuba/Abagenyi Baizire
- Obw'omugabe Gasyonga II Yagwara Ekirunga [Song]
- Entoro Y'omuhogo [Song]
Average review score: 
mulamu namala ampita erinyaThe songs are all traditional and used traditaional instruments
Frenetic and UrgentV/A, "Royal Court of Uganda", SWP 1998
These Ugandans play like their pants are on fire. It's rare that African field recordings -- or any recordings, for that matter -- have this much fire, verve, and urgency. These field recordings by Hugh Tracey in 1950 and 1952 document the playing of royal instruments, most of which have been destroyed when Prime Minister Obote "fell on the traditional monarchies of Uganda" in 1966 (according to the liner notes on the back cover). This collection of recordings is definitely not for everyone. The music had a tendency to be a little rough and extremely frenetic, constantly surging forward with remarkable intensity. Field recordings are definitely not for everyone, and within this genre, this recording is certainly unique. However, if this description piques your interest, I would not hesitate in checking this out.
Frenetic and UrgentThese Ugandans play like their pants are on fire. It's rare that African field recordings -- or any recordings, for that matter -- have this much fire, verve, and urgency. These field recordings were made by Hugh Tracey in 1950 and 1952, and document the playing of royal instruments, most of which have been destroyed when Uganda fell to the traditional monarchies of Uganda (according to the back notes). This collection of recordings is definitely not for everyone. The music had a tendency to be a little rough and extremely frenetic, constantly surging forward with remarkable intensity. Field recordings are definitely not for everyone, and within this genre, this recording is certainly unique. However, if this description piques your interest, I would not hesitate in checking this out.
Asante
Released in Audio CD by First Love ()
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Artist: First Love
Tracks:
Embalasasa
Released in Audio CD by Triloka Records (28 February, 2006)
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Artist: Samite
Tracks:
- Embalasasa 4:04
- Olusoka 4:43
- Nawe Okiwulira 4:14
- Kakokolo 5:09
- Look For The Sunset 3:51
- We Can Do Better 5:25
- Nalubale 6:38
- Not Alone 3:04
- Olugendo 5:42
- Setula 6:37
Some African-music purists complain about Samite's polish and Western pop leanings, but the Ugandan-born singer and multi-instrumentalist is simply searching for connections with people of all kinds. Here he shares stories (the liner notes explain his native lyrics) about the ravages of AIDS in Africa and its effect on the children while somehow still managing to sound hopeful. His yearning and breathy mid-range voice isn't particularly dynamic, but it fits his subdued arrangements. The music is mostly a spare blend of acoustic guitar and flute as well as kalimba and other African percussion instruments. The tempo picks up to a gentle gallop on "Setula" and the hypnotic instrumental "Nalubale," which is driven by an interlocked tapestry of percussion and electric guitar. The title track is equally compelling, but with a Western slant that recalls the acoustic fusions of Paul Simon or Vusi Mahlasela. Simmering with emotion and ideas, Samite gently leads listeners along a path noteworthy for its message and beauty. -- Tad Hendrickson