The Observer (Kampala)
David Tash Lumu
27 August 2008
opinion
With a clean shaven head, an all-white outfit - oh yes, down to white shoes - Wilson Bugembe looked every inch an angel. Dazzling and joyful, the celebrated gospel icon unmasked his expected deep, but soft voice: "I am excited, a bit nervous."
Those were the words of the gospel sensation in town just before he stormed the already ecstatic stage. Ecstatic because of the impressive performances by Keno Musanyusa, Grace Morgan, Wasswa Kiyingi, Judith Babirye, Mesach Ssemakula and Silver Kyagulanyi.
Bugembe sang every song. From Yellow, Nvunnama, Bibuzaabuza, Wandibadde Mufu to Mukama Njagala Kumanya. And the excitement was just beginning. It never seemed to wither, for revelers remained overjoyed and anticipating the Komawo Eka magic. Fans, both Christian and secular kept on flocking to the venue. They were in hundreds and Hotel Africana gates were kept busy. The big question was 'where are the seats?'
People plainly outnumbered the seats. And when Komawo Eka was unveiled, the audience was pushed to another level. They stood up and swayed their arms in the air and sang along to his latest gospel classic.
It was all joy...ask Father Musaala, MPs Susan Nampijja, Rose Namayanja and Rosemary Senninde. And for Bugembe, it was one of his best moments, I believe. He had given the right Panadol to his supporters.
It was his fifth album, and Bugembe indeed brought them home. They stood in praise and chorused alongside Pastor Bugembe's choir backed by live band. "I want to thank everyone who has come for this launch. And I know some people here are not born-again Christians but they have come because of love. It's love," he said.
Indeed, the concert was a collision of classes. From beer drinkers, Bible totters, businessmen, secular artistes like Sam and Sophie Gobya, to film producers like Mariam Ndagire, everyone seemed to have come back home as Bugembe sang.
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