Rhythms from Africa, Europe
South African Will Ramsay blows the saxophone. Photo by Michael Kakumirizi
Orquésta Chungu delivered a fine music menu last Thursday at Aliance Francaise, spiced with tasty grooves from Mozambique and Ethiopia.
It was a blend of African music with classical jazz. Orquésta Chungu, an international line-up consisting of South African Will Ramsay on the saxophone, Germans Martin Lillich and Dietrich Woehrlin on bass and drums respectively, and Ethiopians Girum Mezmur and Abiy Woldemariam on guitar and keyboards, the group had a distinct urban flavoured laid back sound perfect for a chill out after a stressing Thursday’s work. It was so sophisticated that revellers cared less about the pieces done by this visiting musical group.
At some point, the murmurs in the crowd swallowed the band’s music performance. Only a few revellers, who stood at the fore front, were keen and paid a lot of attention to the band. The rest enjoyed their beer as they interacted.
The musical blend of our very own Rachael Magoola, Frank Mbalire, Charmant Mushaga and Kaz Kasozi made the night’s performance more soothing, groovy and lively.
Magoola stole the show with her Lusoga lyricism. The soft voice, coupled with classical instrumentation, sent the crowd into cheery musical interlude. Many of us waited for her famous Obagaina oldie in vain.
