Janzi Band, sometimes simply Janzi, is a Ugandan afro-fusion, contemporary and world music group formed on 27 August 2009 by Ssewa Ssewa and friends Abraham Sekasi, Jackson Kirya and Steven Oundo. The band has a hybrid repertoire of music, including notable covers as well as an original ethno-pop discography. The band has worked alongside a number of Ugandan musicians, including Lilian Mbabazi and A Pass.
Janzi Band | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Kampala, Uganda |
| Genres |
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| Instrument(s) | Janzi, Akogo, Adungu, Endongo, Endigidi, Amadinda, Engoma, Mbira and percussions |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels | Janzi Music |
| Members | Ssewa Ssewa
|
| Past members |
|
They are known for the creation of a new Ugandan harp-like instrument, the Janzi.
Their first album, Eka (Home) was released in on i-Tunes in 2017.
Background
editJanzi is a Luganda word that means grasshopper, which according to the founders Ssewa Ssewa and friends Abraham Sekasi, Jackson Kirya and Steven Oundo,[3] means that Janzi Band flies like grasshoppers. In 2009, Ssewa Ssewa and Abraham developed an idea to start a project that could aid cultural development through music. Their ambition was to unite cultures of different regions in the world through combining music of different ethnic origins.[4]
Career
editSince its inception in 2009, Janzi Band has steadily grown and has performed at different gigs in Uganda such as Zone 7 in Bugolobi, Club Amnesia, Big Mikes at Acacia Avenue and several casual and corporate functions.[5][6][7] They have also performed at the annual Blankets and Wine festival, Milege World Music Festival in 2013 and 2015, Pearl Rhythm Festival, Bayimba Festival and others.[citation needed]
In 2016, they headlined the Tokosa Food Festival with Ugandan musician Lilian Mbabazi,[8] and in the same year collaborated with A Pass at the Chronixx Show.[9]
As of April 2019[update], their music is described on their Facebook page as "all-acoustic, all-traditional ensemble" as well as "an electric Afro-beat fusion band for festivals, weddings and concerts". They like the music of Afrigo Band, Morgan Heritage, UB40 and Salif Keita.[10]
Band members
editCurrent members
editAs of April 2019[update] the band has nine members:[10]
- Ssewa Ssewa (founder, African traditional instrumentalist, vocalist, percussionist)
- Abraham Ssekasi (traditional instruments, vocalist and percussionist)
- Trevor Muhumuza (music director, keyboard and vocals)
- Kevin Sekasi (drums and vocals)
- Jimmy Lubwama (lead vocals and guitar
- Allan Okia (bass guitarist and music producer),
- Joseph Kizito (saxophonist)
- Hakim Kiwanuka (percussionist and African instrumentalist)
- Michael Ssebulime (lead guitarist)
Past members
edit- Jemimah Sanyu
- Jackie Akello
- Jacinta [11]
- Brian Gideon (lead vocalist and guitarist)
- Jackson Kirya
- Steven Oundo
- Joshua Maggwa
- Hazel Granger
- Buko Bright
- Claudia Namazzi
- Brenda Birungi
Discography
edit| Eka | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by Janzi Band | ||||
| Released | May 7, 2017 | |||
| Genre | World, Folk music | |||
| Length | 37:21 | |||
| Label | Janzi Music | |||
| Producer | Various
| |||
| Janzi Band chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Alternative cover | ||||
| Singles from Eka | ||||
| ||||
Albums
editEka (2017)
editEka is Janzi's first studio album and was officially released on iTunes on 7 May 2017. All the songs on the album were co-written and co-produced by the band's members. The songs on the album have however been played live by the band for many years. Eka was released under the band's label, Janzi Music.[12]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Label | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Eka" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 3.20 |
| 2. | "Afrika" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 3:16 |
| 3. | "Just a Dream" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 3:55 |
| 4. | "Ngaali" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.19 |
| 5. | "Njabala" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 5.30 |
| 6. | "Omwana Wabantu" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.29 |
| 7. | "River Road" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.22 |
| 8. | "Zimbabwe" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.56 |
| 9. | "Ekili" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.24 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Jacinta quits Janzi band". Matooke Republic. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
- ^ "Musicians jump onto the band wagon". Sqoop.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Janzi Band changing the shape of band music in Uganda". The View Uganda. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Overview & Features". The Pearl Guide. Archived from the original on 2017-08-19. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
- ^ "UGANDA: Janzi Band fills Thursday gig slot". Mdundo. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
- ^ "Janzi Band to launch Band Night at Diners Lounge". Red Pepper. 25 November 2015.
- ^ "Janzi band to headline annual Rotary celebration of women meet at Sheraton Hotel". Matooke Republic. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "Lilian And Janzi Band To Headline This Year's Tokosa Food Festival". Chano 8. 25 March 2016. Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- ^ "Video: A Pass rehearses with Janzi Band ahead of Chronixx Show tomorrow". Big Eye. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ a b "Janzi Music: About". Facebook. Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
- ^ "Jacinta quits Janzi band". Matooke Republic. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
- ^ "Eka by Janzi on itunes". itunes.