Janzi Band
Janzi Band | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Kampala, Uganda |
| Genres |
|
| Instrument(s) | Janzi, Akogo, Adungu, Endongo, Endigidi, Amadinda, Engoma, Mbira and percussions |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels | Janzi Music |
| Members | Ssewa Ssewa Abraham Ssekasi Trevor Muhumuza Kevin Sekasi Allan Okia Joseph Kizito Hakim Kiwanuka Jimmy Lubwama Michael Ssebulime |
| Past members |
|
| Website | www.janzimusic.com |
Janzi Band, sometimes simply Janzi is a Ugandan Afro Fusion, contemporary and world music group formed on 27 August 2009 by Ssewa Ssewa and friends Abraham Sekasi, Jackson Kirya and Steven Oundo.[3] The band boasts a hybrid repertoire comprising notable covers and cuts from its ethno-pop discography. The band has worked with a number of Ugandan musicians such as Lilian Mbabazi,[4] A Pass[5] and many others.
Background
Janzi is a Luganda word that means grasshopper, which according to the founders means that Janzi Band flies like grasshoppers. In 2009, Ssewa Ssewa and Abraham developed an idea to start up a project that could favour cultural development through music. They had an ambition to unite cultures of different regions in the world through combining music ethnics was greatly looked upon as it was a sign of creating international relationship between nations.[6]
Career
Since its inception in 2009, Janzi Band has steadily grown and has performed at different gigs in Uganda such as Zone 7 in Bugolobi, Club Amnesia, Big Mikes at Acacia Avenue and several casual and corporate functions.[7][8][9] They have also performed at the annual Blankets and Wine festival, Milege World Music Festival in 2013 and 2015, Pearl Rhythm Festival, Bayimba Festival and so many others.
Band members
Current members
The band currently has seven members: Ssewa Ssewa (band leader/founder/vocalist), Abraham Ssekasi (guitarist, harp player and percussionist), Trevor Muhumuza (music director and keyboard player), Allan Okia (bass guitarist/music producer), Joseph Kizito (saxophonist), Hakim Kiwanuka (percussionist), Jimmy Lubwama, Kevin Sekasi and Michael Ssebulime.[10]
Past members
- Jemimah Sanyu
- Jackie Akello
- Jacinta [11]
- Brian Gideon (lead vocalist and guitarist)
- Jackson Kirya
- Steven Oundo
- Joshua Maggwa
- Hazel Granger
- Buko Bright
- Claudia Namazzi
- Brenda Birungi
Discography
| Untitled | |
|---|---|
Albums
Eka (2017)
Eka is Janzi’s first studio album and was officially released on itunes on 7 May 2017. All the songs on the album were co-written and co-produced by the band’s members. The songs on the album have however been played live by the band for many years. Eka was released under the bands label, Janzi Music.[12]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Label | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Eka" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 3.20 |
| 2. | "Afrika" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 3:16 |
| 3. | "Just a Dream" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 3:55 |
| 4. | "Ngaali" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.19 |
| 5. | "Njabala" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 5.30 |
| 6. | "Omwana Wabantu" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.29 |
| 7. | "River Road" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.22 |
| 8. | "Zimbabwe" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.56 |
| 9. | "Ekili" | Janzi | Janzi Music | 4.24 |
See also
References
- ^ "Jacinta quits Janzi band". Matooke Republic. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
- ^ "Musicians jump onto the band wagon". Sqoop.
- ^ "Janzi Band changing the shape of band music in Uganda". The View Uganda. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Lilian And Janzi Band To Headline This Year's Tokosa Food Festival". Chano 8. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- ^ "Video: A Pass rehearses with Janzi Band ahead of Chronixx Show tomorrow". Big Eye. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ "Overview & Features". The Pearl Guide.
- ^ "UGANDA: Janzi Band fills Thursday gig slot". Mdundo. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
- ^ "Janzi Band to launch Band Night at Diners Lounge". Red Pepper.
- ^ "Janzi band to headline annual Rotary celebration of women meet at Sheraton Hotel". Matooke Republic. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "Janzi Band Back To Rock Revelers At Zone 7 Tonight". Chano 8. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
- ^ "Jacinta quits Janzi band". Matooke Republic. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
- ^ "Eka by Janzi on itunes". itunes.
