By Iminza Keboge
Published June 17, 2020

On the opening track of Nva K’la, an album by James Ssewakiryanga (aka Ssewa Ssewa) of Uganda, you hear lulling, baritone vocals soar over upbeat, rhythmic African beats as the artist denounces anyone who objects to the pleasure of others while indulging themselves.London (UK)-based ARC Music is set to release two music albums from Uganda and Zimbabwe on June 26, 2020.

On the opening track of Nva K’la, an album by James Ssewakiryanga (aka Ssewa Ssewa) of Uganda, you hear lulling, baritone vocals soar over upbeat, rhythmic African beats as the artist denounces anyone who objects to the pleasure of others while indulging themselves. ‘Tell the hypocrites to let me drink, let me eat my share before I am gone,’ Ssewa Ssewa sings on Abalangila, the first of the 13-track recording.

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Abassese, the second track, takes a nostalgic turn with xylophone and percussion setting the scene of canoes floating through a breeze while Ssewa Ssewa sings the song of fisherman and agricultural craftsmen canoeing on the lake.

Ssewa Ssewa says Mwagala, the ninth song,is a celebration of his devotion and love to his wife.

‘She loves me, she’s mine, I love her, she’s mine… everything that I know, I’m blind to the rest’ is sung to a more funky, soulful backing.

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UManyanyatha, Mkhaya's third solo album, puts his ‘favourite instrument’ - the human voice - centre stage again. Rooted in Southern African tradition, the warmth of solo vocals and imbube harmonies groove to the colourful pattern of modern instrumentation.The music of Ssewa Ssewa, who seeks to promote Ugandan traditions while modernizing and interweaving them with other international genres to renew the spirit of his indigenous culture, is a cross-cultural marriage between Uganda and the world.

“I have been entrusted with a tremendous heritage,” says Ssewa Ssewa who was born and raised in a musical family in Kampala and whose childhood immersion in music and rhythm has made him the inspirational leader and teacher he is today.
And Nva K’la, his debut recorded album, reveals the musical culture, songs and stories he grew up with, weaving these traditions together with a modern and global sound.

“The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be captive of the environment you find yourself in”, says multi-instrumentalist Ssewa Ssewa, reflecting on the day he was prompted to invent the Janzi, a 15-string, non-magnetic instrument after a fellow musician was unable to pass through airport security metal detectors with his traditional adungu. The Janzi is now celebrated by local learning musicians and is the only patented string instrument in Uganda.

I guess this is enough about Nva K’la and Ssewa Ssewa?

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Being released alongside Ssewa Ssewa’s Nva K’la is Umanyanyatha: Songs from the Soul of Zimbabwe, an hour long album by a musician called Vusa Mkhaya.

UManyanyatha, Mkhaya’s third solo album, puts his ‘favourite instrument’ – the human voice – centre stage again. Rooted in Southern African tradition, the warmth of solo vocals and imbube harmonies groove to the colourful pattern of modern instrumentation.

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The music of Ssewa Ssewa, who seeks to promote Ugandan traditions while modernizing and interweaving them with other international genres to renew the spirit of his indigenous culture, is a cross-cultural marriage between Uganda and the world.The opening choral track Mayibabo sets the scene with a heartfelt tribute to Vusa Mkhaya’s inspiration, his grandmother:
“Though she had no formal education she was an amazingly intelligent woman… She taught me a lot. I am forever grateful for her teachings,” Mkhaya says.

Africa, the rhythmic buoyancy carries messages of hope and unity for the people, sung in English: ‘Hold on, Africa, one day everything is going to be alright. So many things are said about you. We love you the way you are. One day you will smile. Hold on, my Africa!’

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Ubuntu layers Vusa’s melodic vocals over piano, bass-riffs and evocative harmonies. The wholesome lyrics are poignant against a song that is both delicate and resounding in its message: ‘I am who I am because of my history and background. We must always be proud of who we are, where we come from’.

Uthando (Love) takes a cheerful turn with percussion and guitar lending a summery vibe to soft, breezy vocals.

Vusa Mkhaya’s artistry is driven by an unquenchable thirst for sound.Mkhaya’s artistry is driven by an unquenchable thirst for sound. At the onset of his professional career he ventured from Bulawayo in Zimbabwe to Vienna in Austria with his a cappella group, Insingizi. It was while here that he discovered a deeper connection to classical, jazz and the many musical avenues the city had to offer. He has since enjoyed fusing these styles with his own music. He has worked with a wide range of musicians and productions, amassing a hugely impressive body of work.

“I have some friends that inspire me to do better and to be always hungry for knowledge. I like learning, I like discoveries,” he says.

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Vusa Mkhaya has pushed the boundaries of world music with an ongoing soul-search inspired by life’s questions. His ability to communicate his journey so beautifully through song is what gives him his signature sound.

“Art is a spiritual necessity. You have more inside you than you ever thought. All you need is to put yourself out there and see where the journey takes you.”