Qwela ~ The Rhythm of Uganda

Originally published August 18, 2013

This is another article largely rewritten. During the launch of the new book of poetry, I was honored to work with the leader of the Ugandan band, Qwela, from Kampala, Uganda. they have a “unique afro-fusion flavor of music.” Qwela means pure in rukiga, which is one of Uganda’s ethnic languages. Selecting one of their original songs for the video shared in this post was nearly impossible.

Although influenced by western culture, members of the band were raised in traditional African families. Their work is original and it fuses the traditions of their culture with western styles such a jazz and reggae. The mix is their own special interpretation of Uganda and its people.

Qwela formed in 2007 and started their career by producing their own versions of popular contemporary music. As they grew in their art, so did their repertoire. Now they produce their own music and are a featured act with a following. In addition to the influence of jazz and reggae, the band draws on inspiration from rumba, blues, gospel and afro-soul rhythms and sounds. The band’s music blends African rhythms and melodies with socially conscious lyrics that support and illuminate stories with a message.

Qwela’s mission is to help bring about positive change in the hearts of those living in Uganda and those around the world.  I highly recommend their page on Reverbnation. Their music speaks directly to the lives, dreams, hopes, and needs of the children in Uganda. Selected music, lyrics and videos can be found on Reverbnation, Qwela.

One of the songs that was a high contender for the video linked in another post was the story of Okello, a child kidnapped from a burning village to become a warrior in a war that is not his. The tale and the music are haunting.

His little feet are burning
On the hot desert soil
barely hours since the village burnt down
and now he’s taken prisoner
this little dreamer village boy
dreamt of being a football star
now marched by army rebels
to fight a war that is not his

Okello Okello
Imitu bedingo
Okello Okello

Forced into brutality
He was a child no more
He learnt to kill
learnt how to fight
learnt how to survive
but deep in his heart remains
the dream that would not die
and every day he went to sleep at night
he could hear the voices in his mind
they’re saying

First chance to be free
should I run or should I stay
but his little feet start running
cuz he can hear his mama say

“Ati na ba
wi pe wiliba
Akaniyo diluni
dwong pachuba

Okello Okello
Running through the night
Okello Okello
Oh he ran with all his might
Okello Okello
running for his life
Okello Okello
and now he’s free
Okello Okello
free to run
Okello Okello
free to live
Okello Okello
to live his dream

Another of my favorites is a beautiful song written in the native tongue. The video shows a family day of being together, enjoying the outdoors, a picnic, just being family. The chorus soothes with the sounds of a lullaby,

Don’t you cry, Mama tokaaba saying, everything is gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be okay.