Friday, August 10, 2007

Uganda: Benon Kigozi Returns With Instrumental Gospel CD

Uganda: Benon Kigozi Returns With Instrumental Gospel CD


Mathias Mazinga
Kampala

BENON Kigozi rose to fame in the 1990s, when he established himself as a notable musician of international repute.

He extended his influence in church, at KPC, where his magical expressiveness on the piano won him immense admiration.

He had earlier on been identified and engaged by Sheraton Hotels around the world, including Doha, Djibout, Dubai and Kampala.

His popularity increased even further when he formed a music company, MusiConnexions Uganda, to provide professional entertainment. But at the height of his fame, Kigozi left the country in 2003 and not much was heard about him.

Recently, he returned to the country and he is currently lecturing at Makerere University School of Music, Dance and Drama.

He says: "I consider myself a blessed person and as such, I would like to share my blessings with people back home."

He says he wants to fill the gap in professional music services for various events and training in jazz and gospel music."

Kigozi has come back with a Gospel CD, Piano Praise and Worship, Wipolo, which contains a mixture of instrumental jazz and gospel tunes.

"When I completed my master's degree course in Music at Pretoria University, the university invited me back for a doctorate," Kigozi explains.

He says during his doctoral studies, he spent a substantial amount of time at Zimbabwe's Africa University as head of the Department of Music and the university choir.

As director, he led the choir to the US tours between 2004 to 2006, where he won two awards. His music research culminated into his recognition as an accomplished academician, a doctor of music, which he so rightly deserved.

Kigozi has travelled widely and held workshops at international music conferences in Spain, Malaysia, England, Norway, US, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Despite his significant achievements over the past years, Kigozi has not lost his attractive character. He is still simple, humorous and friendly.

He has also maintained his unique, flashy hair-cut, his trademark.

Yes, with Dr. Kigozi in the country, no doubt, the musical trend will not remain the same.

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