The Lucky Brothers
The Lucky Brothers are five talented brothers who formed a band after their father died of Aids in 1997. They play their own home-made instruments: bass and rhythm "guitar" harps, small tin can drums, shakers and a full drum kit (they call "peddle"), complete with a panga acting as a crash cymbol. Their story is related by Samual Bakkkabulindi
How did The Lucky Brothers learn to play?
The Lucky Brothers say they learnt from their eldest brother, who trained with village musicians. When he came back home, he offered to teach his brothers how to make and play the harp.Their first harp was made out of a tin. Eventually, he left them as his focus was on other businss and they developed their skills fast.
At first, the Lucky Brothers played their music for fun, but the time came when they had no choice in order to survive. Remember, their father was sick in bed for 2 years before he died and all they could do was to go to the streets of Kampala to entertainment people for money, which they used to buy their father some medications as well as food.
How did they meet Bakka?
I met them on the streets of the city and sensed something out of them, talked to them and they liked the idea of working together. I named them The Lucky Brothers, wondering what a great chance they have to be brothers and at the same time play together. I mix 6 small tin can drums into their music, and help them to edit the songs they compose.
What does Bakka do to help the Lucky Brothers?
I expose them to muzungus (visitors from Europe), who offer some small contributions after being entertained.
General purpose of the band?
The general purpose for our band is to promote African and Ugandan music as well as fighting for an identity which will drive the band to an international recogonition. Our band aims to entertain and educate the public through our songs.
Who do we hope to perform for?
Generally, we are targeting all people worldwide.
What are the strengths of the band?
To be honest, this band is a unique band and an innovation in Uganda's music industry, as no such band exists in the country playing home-made instruments.
What benefits does the music bring?
The public will learn more about how to live happily in the societies through their songs. The band will get bigger audiences, and if there is any chance of a breakthrough, they will get promoters as well as sponsers. Promoters can market a truely unique band, giving their events a competitive edge.
What challenges do you face?
The Lucky Brothers are a new band which is slowly gaining popularity. At the moment, The Lucky Brothers have very limited chances of gaining exposure as we have no sponsers. Other Bands may copy our music style,and it looses its uniqueness.
How do you intend to overcome these challenges?
The band will try to reach big organisations for promotion. We will be very creative and innovative so that the music is not easily copied.
And Finally...
Many thanks to Andy Cooke and Raquel Ribes for recording our music and put it on a CD for publicity purposes.
For God and my country Uganda, Bakkabulindi Samuel
We look forward to getting a promoter who will put us on the pitch!
For more information, please email: Sam Bakka: sbakka99@yahoo.co.uk