The Observer (Kampala)
John Vianney Nsimbe
10 September 2008
The Kingdom Dancers quietly celebrated eleven years of existence this year. In their meek way they have decided to undertake a music risk by moving away from the customary Afro-Beat that has won several Ugandan musicians a lot of plaudits at home and lots of money abroad.
Richard Mwebesa, a Kingdom Dancer said: "We want to be big and appreciated by a world audience and not just a national or regional one. It can be traditional music where unknown instruments are used but fused with other music brands including Afro-beat."
Mwebesa explained that musicians like Isaiah Katumwa or Omega Bugembe Okello can be appreciated anywhere in the world.
The Kingdom Dancers have evolved from a two-man dance group of Mwebesa and Julius Matovu, to a singing/dance group of more than 14 members.
Having won the Victoria Gospel Music Award (VIGA) for the best Gospel dance group in 2007, they have not sat on their laurels. They are holding their first Gospel Music album launch backed by creative dance on September 14 at Entebbe Cinema Hall.
This is being driven by a vision to become internationally renowned.
Suzan Kerunen sings secular music fused with soul, traditional folk, R'n'B, but nevertheless, she inspired the Kingdom Dancers according to Mwebesa, because she performs in Europe and is a nominee for the Kora awards.
Mwebesa told The Weekly Observer that what is important for them now is to think outside the box and not allow to be influenced by the bandwagon. Music tastes vary and it is unlikely that a low class individual will appreciate classical or choral music.
As such Mwebesa added: "Our music brings forth a new style that is not common here. We are going to do world music with a fusion of different brands like Hip-Hop, Jazz and Blues, Latin plus the salsa-rumba rhythms and bossa-nova beats like the music of Gloria Estefan to meet the needs of different social groups."
Their new album has sounds of the saxophone, piano and a host of music styles and instruments to satisfy different people.
The sound of this latest produce is so good and fine.
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