Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Uganda

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Justinian Tamusuza was a Ugandan composer and musician who was born on August 5, 1951, in Bugerere, a small village in the central region of Uganda. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a traditional healer who played the ngoma, a traditional drum, and his mother was a singer. Tamusuza's interest in music began at a young age, and he started playing the ngoma when he was only six years old. He later learned to play other traditional instruments such as the adungu, a stringed instrument, and the akogo, a thumb piano. Tamusuza's musical talent was recognized early on, and he was selected to join the Uganda National Theatre as a musician when he was only 16 years old. In 1972, Tamusuza was awarded a scholarship to study music at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. He later went on to study at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music in 1979. Tamusuza's studies in the UK exposed him to Western classical music, which had a significant influence on his compositions. Tamusuza's music is a fusion of traditional African music and Western classical music. He was one of the pioneers of the East African contemporary music movement, which sought to create a new style of music that was rooted in African traditions but also incorporated elements of Western classical music. One of Tamusuza's most significant works is his opera, "The African Renaissance," which he composed in 1991. The opera tells the story of a young African man who travels to Europe to study but returns to Africa to help his people. The opera is a reflection of Tamusuza's belief in the importance of African culture and the need for Africans to take control of their own destiny. Tamusuza's other notable works include "Mu Kkubo Ery'Omusaalaba" (On the Road to Golgotha), which is a musical interpretation of the Stations of the Cross, and "Ekivvulu Ky'Ennyimba" (The Song Weaver's Loom), which is a collection of traditional Ugandan songs arranged for Western instruments. Tamusuza was also a teacher and mentor to many young musicians in Uganda. He taught at Makerere University in Kampala, where he helped to establish the Department of Music, Dance, and Drama. He also founded the Kampala Contemporary Music Ensemble, which was dedicated to promoting contemporary African music. Tamusuza's contributions to the development of contemporary African music were recognized both nationally and internationally. He was awarded the Golden Jubilee Medal by the President of Uganda in 2012 in recognition of his contribution to the arts in Uganda. He was also a recipient of the Prince Claus Award in 2005, which is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to culture and development. Sadly, Tamusuza passed away on August 15, 2015, at the age of 64. His legacy lives on through his music and the many young musicians he inspired and mentored. Tamusuza's music continues to be performed and celebrated both in Uganda and around the world, and his contributions to the development of contemporary African music will always be remembered.

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