Bernard Kabanda
International Touring
1996 European Tour with Albert Ssempeke1997 European Tour with Albert Ssempeke
1999 UK and US WOMAD Tour with Samuel Bakkabulindi
Recordings
Music from Uganda 2. Modern Traditional (Caprice Records CAP 21553). A compilation CD recorded in Uganda, including three tracks of Bernard singing with his home-made guitar.Bernard Kabanda - Olugendo (Womad Select WSCD106 )
An appreciation of Bernard Kabanda
For many, one of the highlights of WOMAD UK and USA festivals in 1999 was Ugandan guitarist Bernard Kabanda and percussionist Samuel Bakkabulindi. Sadly, Bernard fell ill at the beginning of the tour, and doctors diagnosed a serious infection. He recovered, and courageously continued the tour - Bernard was happiest when playing the guitar. Shortly before returning to Uganda, his health deteriorated, and tragically on Saturday 4th September, Bernard Kabanda died. He was only 40 years old.
Bernard was a shining star of African creativity, born and nurtured in the harsh environment that surrounds Uganda's capital Kampala. Bernard left school at Primary 1. After trying his luck with a one-boy street theatre show, Bernard took his first guitar lesson, aged 13. He built his own guitar and began composing.
As many witnessed in the summer of 1999, Bernard's style was unique! With the guitar held horizontal, he maintained a steady drum beat with his elbow, whilst picking out ever changing bass lines, riffs and cross rhythms to accompany his sweet singing voice and mischievous story telling.
Bernard once said that the guitar has changed people's lives in Uganda. "Kadongo Kamu" is really a re-invention of an old African tradition of teaching by singing stories. Today's stars have full backing bands and sell out theatres. Kadongo Kamu is heard everywhere in Uganda, in matatus, bus parks and markets.
Bernard was content to play solo or with tin-can percussion in the pubs around Kampala's suburbs. It is clear from his songs that Bernard lived life to the full - hilarious stories of misadventures with women and alcohol, and recollections of Uganda's liberation struggle (Bernard fought for several years with Museveni's forces). AIDS is everywhere in Uganda, and Bernard's songs offer comfort and advice for better living.
Thanks to WOMAD Select for releasing a wonderful CD of Bernard's songs. As Sten Sandahl described in last July's issue of "Songlines", it was luck and outstanding talent that quickly brought Bernard international success. It is a tragedy that he enjoyed this success for only a short time. Bernard Kabanda was a gentle man, always making fun, and he will be missed by many for a long time.
If you would like to hear Bernard's music, buy his CD Olugendo - all profits of this sale are returned his family in Uganda.