One of the highlights of 1999’s WOMAD UK and various USA festivals was Ugandan guitarist Bernard Kabanda. Born and nurtured in the harsh environment that surrounds Kampala, Bernard was king of Kadongo Kamu, a reinvention of an old African tradition of teaching by singing stories.
Swedish producer Sten Sandahl discovered Bernard Kabanda’s music in 1996 and took him to Europe to perform at the prestigious WOMAD world music festival in the UK in 1997. He returned in 1999.
AIDS was everywhere in Uganda, and Bernard’s songs offered comfort and advice for better living.
Shortly after his WOMAD tour, Bernard died tragically of AIDS. He was only 40 years old.
Discography:
Olugendo (Womad Select, 1999)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
