U4ria

By Music Uganda reporter

U4ria is a new Kampala band that was formed last year by a group of Ugandan instrumentalists, singers and rappers that wanted to feel free to create their music and have all embraced each other's styles to make music which anyone can find a tune, a kick and snare sequence or a rhythm to relate to. They have influences from Rock, Reggae, Hip-hop, Jazz, Blues and Afro music.

What about the Tsunami song? The Tsunami catastrophe has reached unimaginable proportions. The first reports from the Indian ocean states that were affected by the gigantic waves stated that 8,000 people were feared dead but the Indonesian authorities in the latest report say that 220,000 are confirmed dead in Indonesia alone. This means that the total death toll from the disaster is about 280,000 and the way things are going, this could still rise.

There has been unprecedented support from all nations for the affected region and Uganda's U4ria have come up with a song for the Tsunami titled 'Big wave breaking', which they hope, in their words, will "help draw more attention to the plight of many that suffered tremendous loss when the big wave broke". It has active participation from all members of the band and was recorded live by The Blood Brothers at their studio in Bukesa. It was digitally mastered by The Goodenuff studios in Makindye.

The lead vocals were written and performed by Ben Cruise who also doubles as an acoustic guitar player for the group. Other members are Maurice Kirya, a vocalist who did the backups for this piece and Papito of Klear Kut, who's the Swahili and French rapper and Hip-hop influence for the the band.

Others are Michael Nsubuga on the lead and syncopation guitar, Harry II Lwanga on the bass guitar, Festo Mugumbya on the keyboards, Eric Sabiiti on drums and Ali Mukiibi on the percussions.

Now as you surf, the song is being distributed to all the leading radio stations in Uganda and very soon, it shall be premiered on our songs page for you to listen online

The group are regular performers at Blue Mango in Ntinda every Friday from 8:30 PM. Previously, they run a Jazz Nite at Steak Out and they also do performances at other places.