Caesar Kajura proves he is a jazz force to reckon with

Caesar Kajura’s performance of his City Life album last Saturday was soulful, energetic and dynamic. His former school, Hill Preparatory School Naguru, made for the perfect venue to celebrate his success, having been key in his journey to cope with autism. The 25-year-old Afro jazz artiste showed his gratitude by donating the proceeds of the concert to the school for the construction of a special bathroom.

The team
Solomon Kisakye played the keyboards, Jovan Kiyingi the percussions, Ronnie Mubiru on the drums, Hakim Kiwanuka took on the traditional instruments, Matthew Ngoriwa on the guitar, Lawrence Matovu on bass and Julie Ssesanga on vocals.
Loud cheers filled the venue from guests that were applauding Kajura’s melodies and sweet harmony as he performed his innovative compositions off his albums like Treadmill, Katitira, Suzanna, Night Patrol, Sunday Morning, Enemy Song, Batembeeyi, Northern Bypass, Friendship and Ggaba Beach.
The evening closed by 10pm with Kajura playing a gripping freestyle on his saxophone that left guests nodding their heads and clapping in amazement.

Kajura’s musical journey

Kajura started singing eight years ago while in Zimbabwe, but he came back in Kampala in 2012 where he got an opportunity to perform at Silver Springs Bugolobi with Julie Ssesanga, a renowned vocalist in Kampala.
In a course of two years, he joined Auto Spa Munyonyo, where he and other friends formed CitiBlend Band.
On why he opted for jazz other than other genres, Kajura says: “I thought in Uganda, jazz was hardly played. Very few people knew it and appreciated it. That is why I opted to send the message through my saxophone,” Kajura says.
Afrigo Band’s Moses Matovu (pictured right) is his musical mentor because of his mastery of the saxophone. “When I was young, my parents took me to Club Obligato and the way Matovu played motivated me.”

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