Uganda’s musical archives have registered more lyrics as more artistes release songs of solidarity with incarcerated Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine.
Kyagulanyi was arrested last week together with other MPs Francis Zaake, Gerald Karuhanga, Paul Mwiru, MP-elect Kassiano Wadri and former MP Mike Mabikke and close to 30 others and have since been charged with treason. The arrest followed the violence that preceded the by-election, eventually won by Kassiano Wadri.
Around the world, the public is screaming for his freedom, using the hashtag #FreeBobiWine, on social media, random graffiti paintings and placards. But like they say, “Music is the greatest communication in the world. Even if people don’t understand the language that you’re singing in, they still know good music when they hear it.”
Pius Mayanja, known by his stage name Pallaso, a Ugandan recording artiste, together with traditional dancer, composer, singer and Annet Nandujja are some of the artists who added the voice to the call for Bobi Wines Freedom.
Singing in Luganda, a local dialect Pallaso uses the song ‘Bamuleke‘ literally meaning, let him be freed, to speak against the arrest, detention and alleged torture of the Legislator. He says the Ghetto Children are also crying for Bobi Wines freedom.
The ghetto is one of the places that Bobi Wine holds so dear. To many, he is the Ghetto President, and has often used his music to advocate for the well-being of slum dwellers. It’s not surprising therefore that Pallaso builds this song based on the outcry of the Ghetto children.
Pallaso concludes his song with a statement; “May your choices reflect your hopes. It always seems to be impossible until it’s done. And the winner is a dreamer that never gives up dreaming.”
In her song titled ‘Empologoma Y’emagere,’ Nandujja praises Bobi Wine as a Lion from Magere, a young promising musician who has given youthful Ugandans hope of better leadership. Magere is a village in Wakiso district, where Bobi Wine stays.
In another thrilling music track, upcoming artiste Bulega James Ssenyonjo popularly known as Jim Nola MC Abednego reproduces Bobi Wine’s 2009 reggae song dubbed; ‘Ayagala Mulaasi’ titled ‘Twagala Mulasi‘ in which he defiantly sings about the love of Bobi Wine. He states that even in the face of money, setbacks and pounding, Bobi Wine remains their choice.
The craze has also gone beyond the music lyrics to voice overs in translated movies. Marysmats Matovu best known as VJ Junior, has a new sign-out statement, shielded with words of comfort and sympathy for Bobi Wine.
Meanwhile, Bosco Sserunkuma of the Evabos Arts has offered to print free banners to all artists who intend to hold shows in support of Bobi Wine.
– URN
