Jimmy Katumba (1955 – 13 August 2006)[1][2] was a Ugandan popular music singer.[3] Starting out as a singer of gospel music in his early years, he rose to fame as the country's premier pop star from late-1970s to the 1990s. Jimmy Katumba helped shape popular music in Uganda and has earned a place among the country’s leading music artists. His band, The Ebonies, dominated the Ugandan music scene in the 1980s and 1990s.[4][5]
Jimmy Katumba | |
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Born | 1955 |
Died | August 13, 2006 | (aged 50–51)
Nationality | Ugandan |
Early childhood
editKatumba was born to Reverend Blasio Katumba and Alice Nakyagaba. His music career started in the numerous church choirs to which he belonged. He attended eight schools including Makerere College School and Lubiri Secondary School.[6]
Music
editKatumba started his music career as an eight-year-old singer in Mukono Church of Uganda where his father was a preacher. In 1977, he formed the Light Bearers, which he renamed Jimmy Katumba and the Ebonies. Popularly known for his baritone voice, Katumba became celebrated for songs like "Twalina Omukwano," "Drums of Africa" and "Fa Kukyolina." He left for the UK in 1990. He went to the United States in 1992 and returned in 1995.[7][8]
Discography
edit- Atalina Kigere
- Congratulations
- Usiuwe Tembo - 1990
- Queen of Love - 1981
References
edit- ^ Jimmy Katumba dead
- ^ Mulumba, Abu-Baker. "The Observer". www.observer.ug. Retrieved 2016-08-10.
- ^ "Tribute to Jimmy Katumba". new vision. Archived from the original on 15 December 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
- ^ "Jimmy Katumba Rests his Voice". ugpulse.com. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
- ^ "Farewell to our black Jim Reeves". new vision. Archived from the original on 7 August 2009. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
- ^ "Katumba's journey through the years". sikia.com. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
- ^ "Jimmy Katumba dead". new vision. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
- ^ "Jimmy Katumba gets his groove back". new vision. Archived from the original on 15 December 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.