1 on 1 with John Segawa
The film industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the entertainment industry. Very many people have contributed to this sector; Music Uganda gets an up-close from John Segawa, who tells us about his journey through acting and his latest movie premiering this week “Once Upon a time”
John Segawa started acting in 1994 while in school, he later on met Abbey Mukiibi and asked him and he was part of cast for the play “Order”, a play commissioned by the Military. It was basically PR for the military showing the role of the soldier. After that he with acted Afri-talent in plays like Safari, Ensitaano, Sebalamu tebesigwa, and many more. In 1996, Afri-Talents teamed up with Diamond Ensemble with Kato Lubwama and did Maswanku, kikunta, Ekongo e.t.c. In 2000, acted Kiribubi, Omwana Wengoma.
About Afri-Talents
Afri-Talents started in 1994, at this time they had to particular home (theatre) where they would act. They would go to different theatres around the country. They started out in YMCA because they were members but late left because the theatre there was too small. They later secured a place at the former “officer’s mess”. Later in 1996 that they secured former Theatre Excelleisure now Bat Valley which was the former home to the Ebonies. At Bat Valley, there are plays showing every weekend Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 and 7:30 PM respectively.
About some of the plays
Ensitaano: It was on TV for roughly four years. It was a social play about family intrigue, relatives. It as about a man not happy with the choice of wife and therefore wanted to fail the marriage.
Maswanku: It was about the wrangles in the royal families
Sebalamu Tebesigwa: About Relationships at the work place. A law firm where the partners are dating and because of their relationships it fails the company because everyone is fighting for space.
Kikunta Ekungu: Its about struggles between the central government and the kingdomship.
Kiribubi ku goal ya mutungu: Its about how Kampala was during the later years of the if Black.
Omwana wegoma: There were a lot of rumours when the Queen of Buganda was pregnant. This play is basically about the outsiders pretending to know more than the insiders.
Writing
John has been writing for the past 4 years now. Unlike other pieces of writing, writing a script is a whole different process. First you get a concept, form a technical group and you discuss that theme, the lessons one would like to derive from the whole idea and what one would like to achieve. Then you will leave it to the final writer to put it on paper for you.
Current Project; Once Upon A time
John Segawa started working on this movie 3 years ago, came up with the idea and decided to put it in a movie and people were not satisfied with what was being put out in the market. In a discussion, they asked themselves what for theatres and yet they were considered flag bearers, so he decided to start working on the movie.
They formed a company called Suubi Arts with Abbey Mukiibi,James Ssenkubuge, Andrew Ben Kibuuka, Mariam Ndagire and came up with the project called “Once Upon a time’. Mariam and Ssenkubuge started on the writing, Kibuuka directed. It was a big project but they managed to complete it in time.
The movie has an interesting story, had a better Ugandan touch andoffers something different. Their target audience is anyone who watches TV, anyone who listens to Luganda radio stations and not to forget anyone who loves movies.
It’s briefly about family lives and extended families, the struggles, marriage, education and poisoning. It’s 1 hr and 40 minutes long. It was written by Mariam Ndagire and James Ssenkubuge, Directed by Abbey Mukiibi and finally produced by John Segawa. It will be premiering in Uganda for the first time on 6th February, 2009 at Theatre La Bonita.
ONCE UPON A HOME
Synopsis:
Mr. Mugalu (Andrew B Kibuuka) is a wealthy man happily married with two children.
To further his education, he secures a scholarship to a prestigious university in Canada. This comes with restrictions as it is only awarded to married couples and becomes a problem because Mr. Mugalu can’t attend with his wife Peace Mugalu (Jennifer Busuulwa) as she is only a P.4 drop-out. So not to lose this opportunity, the family decides to send Mrs.Mugalus young sister Doreen (Mariam Ndagire) instead.
But on coming back after the course to the astonishment of the entire Mugalu family, these are no longer in laws but man and wife.
What happens to what used to be home!
If you wish to buy all the arts of Afri-Talent;
In London: @ Pascal opposite 19A in East London
Contact No: +447957553644
In Uganda: Bat Valley Theatres
Contact no: +256-372-02850
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