Princess Katrina Ssangalyambogo and the Nabagereka of Buganda Slyvia Nagginda (Left) arrive for the celebrations. PHOTOS | EDGAR. R. BATTE.
Memories of 47 years are three years shy of half a century. The Ebonies’ theatre outfit chose to toast to 47 years this year at a colourful event held at Kampala Serena Hotel. There, many memories came alive as new, old and former members came together.
The departed Dick Katende, Cissy Muwanga and others were eulogised. Some of the group’s members share their memories of when they joined and their big highlights with one of Uganda’s longest standing theatre production outfits.
Fauziah Nakiboneka is one of the popular actresses with The Ebonies. She has been with the group for 23 years.
“It has been like an academy where I have learnt so many things from all spheres of life. I have been raised by The Ebonies, disciplined by it, acquired good work ethics and skills in stage/screen production and directing. My screen/Stage character name Sarah Gava has opened doors for me; it has landed me opportunities which I have seized and propelled my career,” she narrates.
She has won accolades within The Ebonies and outside including two big nominations of ‘Best Actress’ in a feature film Ikons awards 2024 and UFFs 2024, same category.
“My highlight was during those years when we used to travel abroad to do international shows in London, Dubai and the USA. We used to have collaborations with different artists esp singers who would be incorporated into our dramas and we would act together. It would boost our productions including Jose Chameleon, Bobi wine, Catherine Kusasira, Ragga Dee,” she adds.
Kwezi Kaganda Ruhinda joined The Ebonies in 1989. He’s grateful for the opportunity that introduced him to professional acting, and his first big role as ‘Inspector 002’(Oyet Otim). He was still at university at the time and the role set him on a good pace in stage acting.
Part of the Ebonies cast of the day pose for a photo after the show.
Kwezi considers ‘The Dollar’ his best Ebonies’ production because it gave him a chance to explore his exciting abilities. David Kunya who is commonly known by the alias ‘Corporal Kute’ also considers The Dollar his best highlight with The Ebonies.
Kute joined the group in May 1983 on recommendation of his former head teacher, Father Damian Grimes, of Namasagali College. The reverend recommended the youngster to Professor Rose Mbowa who was Kute’s lecturer at Makerere University’s Music, Dance & Drama department.
“Professor Mbowa introduced me to Mr. JW Katende. At the time, we used to act at The Centre which is currently known as Watoto Church. Today, I am the ‘first born’ of Mr. Katende,” Kute explains.
Isaac Muwanga, a founding member of The Ebonies, saw it camouflage to life under Jimmy Katumba, and recounts the journey of its founder, John Katende, having initially been a patron who supported their outfit known as ‘Abagole ba Yesu’ and later ‘Estatos Brights’.
Last Friday, Muwanga was in the audience and smiled with glee, as a witness The Ebonies toast to 47 years where the Nnabagereka, queen Sylvia Nagginda was guest of honour.
The stars of the evening were clad in outfits designed by UK-based fashion designer, Josè Hendo’s avant-garde and innovative designs added a layer of sophistication to the performances.
