By Dennis Matanda  |   I am a most critical person. I cannot, for the life of me, stand tardiness! And anyone who knows me knows that I like music. I love music and use my instinct to judge songs I listen to. Which is why I was pretty pleased that my editor asked me to review George Mulindwa’s ‘Sophia.’

First and foremost, George Mulindwa has such a silky smooth voice! If you were one of those who was around when Ugandan music was making a resurgence under Peter Sematimba’s Dungeon Studios – with Simon ‘Base’ Kalema, Perfect Generation, Shanks Vivie Dee, Prim ‘n’ Propa and even Rasta Rob, you will see the clear lines of similarity. Although there was some kind of voice processing on ‘Omukazi Gwe Wampa’ [literally translated The Woman You Gave Me], which is the first track, there is no doubt that there is talent in this here artist’s abilities!

Tracks 2 and 3 [‘Luno’luyimba lulwo’ and ‘Ndi Wuwo’] can be classified as ‘Ugandan Lovers Reggae.’ I can actually imagine our parents getting up onto the dance floor at a kwanjula and into each other’s arms to dance their nights away. There is the slight trace of live guitar that, I believe, is played by Blaise Tongelo in ‘Ndi Wuwo’ and this is what makes the song much better than Maddox Ssematimba’s ‘Munakyalo.’

Interestingly, these songs prepare you for ‘Sophia’ the title track. I cannot help but say that this is one of the most touching songs I have ever listened to by a Ugandan artist. There is a line about ‘America jjyo manyi mu filimu … eno ndala …’ It’s a beautifully delivered line to say something to the effect that the Diaspora that people in Uganda see in the movies is so far from the rosy picture painted. The storyteller is giving advice to all the ‘Sophias’ who want to leave Uganda for the United States. He is basically telling them/her not to come because although he does not come back home, this is due to his personal circumstances. After telling Sophia that you need to have ‘papers’ to work in the United States and also saying that the joy of getting here stops at the airport and forewarns them that they might end up sleeping outside in the cold, he delivers another classic line: about the pictures that people in the US send being just representatives of their senders and not the reality! I do not want to spoil this song for you – but make sure you listen intensely to the message. It is outstandingly delicious!

Tracks 5 [‘Wanjogelera Bingi’] and 6 [Will Be Alright] are just filler songs to show that George has both an alto and tenor voice – and of course, a little bass which can be heard in other songs. They are also, like the other songs, very reggae driven. In Track 6, one could imagine Mr. Mulindwa dancing in the studio while he sings with his eyes closed. In ‘Dingi Dingi Dole,’ which is Track 7, do not be surprised to find yourself thinking that Ngoni who did popular songs like ‘Digi’ were imported to help out with this well engineered dancehall song. Of course, the beautiful vocals of Connie Aku-Asei juxtaposed with some Jamaican sounding man make for good bedfellows.

At this juncture I must confess that I did not give Track 8 ‘Leka Ssi Ka Bufumbo’ as much time as I should have because I wanted to hear what George was going to say about his dearly departed sister Joan. And although I was a little disappointed with the ragamuffin who starts off the song, the beautiful live guitar and the general cursing against Walumbe [who took his Joan in May 2010], make up for so many things. I would, however, have recommended that the entire song be delivered in Luganda. The English parts are a little shaky and like I said about ragamuffin, he did not seem to give Joan the worthy send off she deserves.
So … Go out and find George Mulindwa’s ‘Sophia.’ I liked it.

Here is a link to George Mulindwa’s Album | http://www.reverbnation.com/georgemulindwa

UNAA Times Online | Dennis Matanda | dmatanda@morgenthaustirling.com

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