Isaiah Katumwa

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Isaiah Katumwa
Born
Uganda
NationalityUgandan
Musical career
GenresJazz
Instrument(s)Saxophone
Years active2001–present

Isaiah Katumwa is a Ugandan jazz musician[1][2] and saxophonist.[3] He presents a weekly program on NTV Uganda,called "Jazz with Isaiah".[4] He is credited for turning many people in Uganda into jazz enthusiasts.[5] He has been hosted on BBC, Africa Magic TV, DSTV’s Studio 53 and on Mnet. He has shared a stage or opened performances for Manu Dubangu, Jonathan Butler, Miriam Makeba, Chaka Chaka, Oliver Mtukudzi, Phil Driscoll, Alvin Slaughter and The Flecktones.[6]

Early life and education[edit]

Katumwa was born to the late Samalie Muwanga Kisakye.[7] He had a difficult childhood. By the time he was twelve, he was working to raise his school fees.[8] He went to Rev. John Foundation School and did a music dance and drama course at university. He proceeded to the United Kingdom where he qualified as Sound Engineer.[9]

Music[edit]

Katumwa is a self-taught saxophonist[10] who made a breakthrough in music through his album Sinza in 2006 which featured on the BBC.[11] He has performed alongside popular Ugandan musicians/outfits like the Afrigo Band, Eagle's Production, Ndere troupe, Crossroads Band, Fred Sebatta, Paul Kafeero, Juliana Kanyomozi, Mariam Ndagire and Steve Jean. Katumwa has also worked in conjunction with actors like Alex Mukulu, Kato Lubwama, and Abbey Mukiibi.[12]

Katumwa's musical journey started when he was 10 years old while at Rev. John Foundation School. He was involved in a lot in the school music activities and inter-school competitions. The school director taught him how to play different musical instruments like the guitar. He was actively involved in the school brass band while doing folk music on the side. He taught imself how to play the saxophone while still in Primary school. When he went to secondary he started studying music while playing in the Primary school Brass Band. This became a job for him and that is where he would get the money that would pay for his secondary School fees. He joined the "Waka Waka" band that used to play at the Sheraton Hotel. He also joined other bands like "Light Rays Band" that played at Grand Imperial and "Afri-Diamonds" that became Diamond Productions and consisted of the members of the Eagle’s Productions.

In early 2002, he traveled to the United Kingdom to study sound engineering. He recorded all his albums in the UK. “Sinza” was featured on "BBC focuss on Africa" and opened doors for him in different countries. “Tumusinza” was the biggest hit on the album because its sound appealed to many different countries. He later recorded “Coming Home”. It earned him invitations to perform in Geneva, USA and South Africa.[9]

Discography[edit]

  • Will worship you, 2001
  • Saxo hymns, 2002
  • We three kings, 2003
  • Sax worship, 2004
  • Celebrate Africa, 2005
  • Sinza, 2006
  • Coming Home, 2007
  • African Smoothy, 2011

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Isaiah Katumwa To Rock Jazz Lovers". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  2. ^ "Uganda: Isaiah Katumwa Reopens Jazz Ville". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  3. ^ "The Kenny G of Africa? Fans say it's saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  4. ^ "Jazz live with Isaiah Katumwa". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  5. ^ "Isaiah Katumwa Crestfallen After Mum's Death". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  6. ^ "Isaiah Katumwa". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  7. ^ "Isaiah Katumwa's mother dead". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  8. ^ "Leading Ugandan Jazz Musician Isaiah Katumwa Speaks About His Life and Career". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  9. ^ a b "A cup of tea with Isaiah Katumwa". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  10. ^ "Isaiah Katumwa breaks lengthy hiatus". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  11. ^ "Isaiah Katumwa for Classic 105 Jazz Night". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  12. ^ "1 On 1 With Isaiah Katumwa, The Saxophone Wizard Of Uganda". Retrieved 26 December 2014.
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