ESSENCE KASOZI: UGANDA’S AFRO-POP PRINCESS

BY BAMUTURAKI MUSINGUZI

ALTHOUGH Essence Kasozi, Uganda’s Afro-pop princess has been accepted in the United Kingdom where she is based - she is a disappointed that her music is virtually unknown back home. She is seen in a photo at a recent performance.

“I have been accepted because there’s already a tradition of World Music in London and people appreciate it. London is somewhat of a centre for this music. Audiences here are more open-minded and there tends to be an enthusiasm for something different,” she says.

“I feel disappointed my music is not appreciated in Uganda but also I still have hope that people will begin to open their ears to other styles of music; this is always a slow process. The media has also a role to play to do something about this to make people aware just as this interview is seeking to reveal artists like us to the general public,” Kasozi said.

Although Essence commends the recording industry in Uganda for sustaining the music sector she observes that there is room for improvement. “The producers have to start getting musicians to play live instruments and also to get musicians who are experts on their instruments because when you get different musicians each one brings their own feeling to the music and this creates a much more solid work with more originality rather than everything from one studio sounding the same.”

She recognizes that live music is still dominated by men in Uganda but adds that this is changing. “I think women are mostly interested in singing/dancing but also there’s no tradition of teaching music. So, most women don’t get the chance to get involved in the other aspects. They have been mostly dancers apart from a few. Recently this has begun to change though and it’s encouraging.”

Regarding the impact of latest technologies like computers on the development of playing musical instruments in Uganda she notes, “It has killed the ambition of learning to play live instruments, which is a shame but they will snap out of it with time hopefully because technologies change and with that fashions fade.”

Neither is she pleased with the CD generation of musicians, observing that: “I guess singers becoming celebrities for just one or two songs and going on tours for that. They even go abroad to perform that one song using CDs - amazing. However, the CD track and miming performers’ days are numbered because as is notable, there are many live bands cropping up because audiences are tired of being hoodwinked.”

Essence‘s advice to young musicians who would wish to take up music as a career is, “Love the art first before thinking of money, learn the trade and get training in music theory and practice. Play one or a few instruments then you will be better set for a music career.”

Essence who sings mainly in Luganda fuses Afro-beat with Reggae and Afro-pop. With her soulful vocals she tackles issues related to love, advice to fellow women and social evils.

Essence first got into the entertainment business as an actress on the Ugandan scene. She performed with the Kayaayu Film Players, which was one of the leading theatre groups in Uganda in the 80s. She has appeared in several Ugandan TV soaps by the Ebonies group including "That's Life Mwattu" in which she played the character of ‘Anita.’

She later ventured into music with the release of her debut album 'Obukoddo' (Selfishness) in 1998. The 'Obukoddo' album is still awaiting reissuance by the Madhead Kitchen Records.

In 2001 she followed it up with the album Ekiseera mu Biseera (Time within time) under the Hans Records label. The album has ten tracks that include the title track Ekiseera mu biseera, Kuuma line, Nakamatte, Mwanyinaze. It was a top seller in the East African section of CD baby for over 6 months and number 3 in the Afro-pop top 10.

Ansudde Ddalu (He has made me go crazy) released in September 2007, under the Madhead Kitchen Records label is mainly blended in Afro-pop crossing from the Kalimba/Akogo rhythms and melodies to funky dance grooves and slices of Latin. The ten-track album that was inspired by love has songs including the title track Ansudde ddalu, Nkwagala nyo, Wotoli, Nsaliddewo ddala and Gwe weka. The album was number 8 in top selling Afro-pop albums at CD Baby.

Asked as to which of her two released albums is her best, she says, “My second one “Ansudde Ddalu” although I must say a lot of people appreciate “Ekiseera mu biseera” I guess it’s a little raw and that quality can also have its own appeal.”

Essence’s fans should expect her next album next year because at present she is working on a musical film project.

She says her best moments of her musical career when she played live at the BBC World Service in 2004 and the first time she performed at the National Theatre in London, “it was a thrill and an honour. The audience was very vibrant and they received my performance very well; I loved it.”

In September 2003, Essence was one of the Ugandan artists who were recognized for their contribution to the Ugandan community in the U.K. at the inaugural Ugandan Music Awards. The South Bank Arts Centre in England has described her as an Afro-pop princess from Uganda.

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