Ssewa Ssewa

James Ssewakiryanga Junior,[1] professionally known as Ssewa Ssewa,[2] is a Ugandan live performing musician, multi – instrumentalist, founder of Janzi Band and inventor of Janzi, a musical instrument.

Ssewa Ssewa
Birth nameJames Ssewakiryanga
Also known asJames Ssewa
Born (1987-06-25) 25 June 1987
Kampala, Uganda
Genres
  • Folk music, World music
Occupation(s)Musician, Instrumentalist, Music entrepreneur
Instrument(s)Janzi, Akogo, Adungu, Endongo, Endigidi, Amadinda, Engoma, Mbira and percussions
Years active2000–present
LabelsJanzi Music

Career

Son of a traditional drummer and a dancer, Ssewa Ssewa has never had any professional training. His first instrument was a xylophone, taught by his mother. He started studying business at university, but after being encouraged and taught by members of his father's band, decided to pursue music.[3]

Ssewa Ssewa started playing music professionally in 2000. He co-founded Janzi Band[4] along with his friends in 2009 and has been the director since then.

He plays nine instruments, eight of them African,[3] and is a professional percussionist.[5]

Ssewa Ssewa has frequently performed live. He has performed on many stages both in Uganda and abroad and has worked with many musicians including the Quela Band,[6] Navio, A Pass, Isaiah Katumwa, Suzan Kerunen, Mame Ndiak, Giovanni Kiyingi and Hugh Masekela. He was one of the main performers at World Music Day in Uganda in June 2017 alongside Apio Moro, Haka Mukiga, Mame Ndiak, Jackie Akello and many others. He performed with Giovanni Kiyingi, a fellow multi-instrumentalist.[7]

Janzi (Instrument)
Main article: Janzi (Musical Instrument)

The janzi is a string instrument invented by Ssewa Ssewa. The instrument has been used on all Janzi Band and Ssewa Ssewa’s setups since its inception. The janzi is a based on the traditional harp-like Ugandan instrument called the adungu, but the janzi is different in several ways, unique and patented as a separate instrument.

The name originates from the name of the band.[8]

Discography

Ssewa Ssewa has worked with Janzi Band since its inception and has also worked on his solo projects.

Albums
  • 2017 - Down in Uganda
  • 2018 - Tuwaye
  • 2020 - Nva K'La - Grooves from Kampala, Uganda

Songs
  • Nsangi (feat. Pages)[9]
  • Akabengeya (feat. Abraham Sekasi)
  • Africa
  • Hybrid
  • At Thirty
  • Down in Uganda (feat. MoRoots)
  • Bajajja
  • Journey

See also

References
  1. "Ugandan artist Ssewakiryanga's musical journey with Janzi Band". Music in Africa.
  2. "About Ssewa Ssewa". Janzi Music.
  3. "Uganda has a new musical instrument" (audio). BBC News. 18 April 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  4. "Ssewakiryanga's musical journey with Janzi Band". Daily Monitor. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  5. "A Look At James Ssewa's Favourite Gadgets". Chano 8. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  6. "Qwela live in concert "Rhythm & life"". Music in Uganda.
  7. "PHOTOS: Fête de la Musique 2017 Closes With Massive Main Concert". The Tower Post. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  8. Batte, Edgar Raymond (7 October 2015). "Ugandan artist Ssewakiryanga's musical journey with Janzi Band". Music in Africa. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  9. "Ssewa Ssewa music". Janzi Music.
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