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Going back in time with the unforgettable tunes of soul
Previous Safari have brought together a number of celebrated musicians such as Eric Marienthal (above) Darlene Moreno, Arlington Jones II, JJ Williams, Ricky Lawson who was once Michael Jacksons’ drummer, Denis Bovel. PHOTO BY ISIMAIL KEZAALA
Soul music is a music genre that has its origins in the United States (in the inner cities like Chicago, New York) within the black populace. It combines elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. The likes of Ray Charles, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown can be credited for being the poster children of this music genre and are responsible for exporting it outside the United States. This year’s Nile Gold Jazz safari slated for October 7 at Serena Hotel will bring one of the legends of this music genre, Howard Hewitt to our soil.
Hewitt first came onto the scene as a singer for the post disco group of the 80’s entitled Shalamar. He was one of the founding members of the band, later becoming a formidable composer of many of their hits such as A Night to Remember, I can make you Feel Good and many more.
But why choose soul and R&B as the theme of the jazz festival?
“Ugandans have grown up to this music. The niche crowd that understands jazz have always danced, hummed and played such classics either at home, work place where. Soul has a special place to many Ugandans music lovers so we thought it appropriate to tap into that and give it a jazz twist to it,” said Tshaka Mayanja, one of the organisers of the Nile Gold Jazz Safari.
The main headliner of the Jazz Safari is jazz saxophonist, Gerald Albright. His jazz influence can be heard on the works of legends such as Anita Baker, Ray Parker Jr, The Temptations, Patrice Rushen Quincy Jones, Phil Collins, Jonathan Butler and many more. His pedigree is unquestionable, but do Ugandans relate to the Albrights and Hewitts?
“Personally I grew up on Soul music,” says Peter Byengoma, the Regional Director of Voice of America (VOA) East Africa. “However, music has changed its face and so have we. Much as I appreciate Gerald Albright, I also have gotten should I say “acquainted” to the likes of Goodlyfe crew and the lot. But a jazz festival makes me reminisce about my days growing up. It’s the only time I listen to my kind of music which sadly is not played nowadays,” he says.
The concert also features lead guitarist Ricky Watford who has worked with the likes of Luther Vandross, Yolanda Adams and Cece Winans) and will be an avenue of exhibiting a music genre that has so far disappeared from our music radars, yet it’s so rich in style and history.
