However, Semakula has spent the last few years in self-contemplation regarding his musical trajectory. His big breakthrough came in the early 2000s as an exciting vocalist with strong sensual and lyrical messages in songs such as Abakazi Abaguma, Tukwegomba Bangi, First Aid, Kulika Baby, and later, Kankutendereze, Wasa Mukwanogwo, and Si Gwe Onsimira, among others.

Along with peers such as Ronald Mayinja and Geoffrey Lutaaya under their then Eagles Production umbrella, their music was endearing to people from all walks of life. In fact, Semakula has always been the embodiment of refined artistes that steer clear of personal conflict and foul language. 

Over the past few years, however, the Ugandan musical landscape has evolved rapidly and in today’s era when the industry is embracing more groovy tunes, Semakula’s edutainment approach is somehow losing its grip with revellers, especially to the youthful generation that like to dance to a beat.

And when it comes to Semakula’s strongest target audience – the women – David Lutalo seems to have eaten into it sizeably with his own popular brand of music. But, as evidenced by the huge turnout for his Bwagamba; My Journey 2 concert at Hotel Africana last Friday, Semakula has added a new, secret ingredient to his broth, and fans are eating up!

It was the first time Semakula had headlined a show in more than three years.

THE SHOW

From the moment it was announced that Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, one of Semakula’s biggest fans, was going to be in attendance, there was never any doubt about the turnout. A full house it was, even before the last of the curtain raisers left the stage at 6:45pm just in time for the Kabaka to take his seat overlooking everyone in attendance.   

It was clear from the onset that Semakula had pulled all stops to ensure a modest event free from any form of wildness. For instance, there was no space near the stage for diehards to cheer him on. This could have been purposely to prevent anyone from blocking the Kabaka’s view of the performance.

Meanwhile, Mesach’s team – including dancers and backup artistes – had unusually formal Ugandan-themed outfits as opposed to the skimpy, sexy attires associated with shows of such magnitude. Perhaps all this was influenced by the Kabaka’s presence.

I also noted his fan base seems to have aged with him as there were mostly the middle-aged in attendance with only a handful of youthful fans. On stage, Semakula performed all his well-known songs, occasionally breaking off to remind patrons how far he has come on the musical journey. There was even time to honour individuals who shaped and impacted his career.

In between, several other artistes entertained such as Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Dr Hilderman, Mathias Walukagga and Lydia Jazmine. Others included Bebe Cool, Ronald Mayinja, Haruna Mubiru but none created that wow moment. 

Throughout the five hours of the show, there were a few sparkling moments but Semakula fully understands his fans; they are comfortable sitting throughout, only nodding their heads and clapping once in a while.

At 43 years, his energy levels are also waning and he could not make the choreographed steps he often tried out. However, he gave them more than they bargained for in the cumulative three hours he performed and sounded off with Njagala Nyimbire Omutanda, a song dedicated to the Kabaka.

Meanwhile, the Kabaka expressed his delight through Twaha Kawaase, the deputy Buganda prime minister, who spoke on his behalf. He thanked Mesach for being an example to the young artistes.

He said people should emulate him for using his talent to become successful. He also tasked him to play the leading role to end bickering among artistes. A grateful Semakula repeatedly sank to his knees in gratitude, or threw the customary salute in the Kabaka’s direction, making the whole concert all the more surreal.

To say the show was a success would be an understatement. It may have lacked the enthusiasm but there seemed to be no one complaining.  Going forward, there is no doubt Semakula remains one of the most sought-after performers and has a legion of loyal fans.

New trajectory

There is more to Semakula than this show but if there is any take-away, it is that he does music on his own terms. He may not have the crossover appeal of all generations but Semakula has never been the kind to seek out everyone.

For instance, his social media interaction with fans is limited but sticking to his ethos helps him maintain a loyal fan base that follows him everywhere. My impression of Bwagamba; My Journey 2 is a clear demonstration of how Semakula has entered a new phase in his career; a phase in which he determines what his fans should listen to, not the reverse where artistes go with the trend.

This was demonstrated by the fact that his most rousing moments came when he performed traditional songs. By the way, he is a superb traditional dancer.

That also served to awaken his passionate side.  It is a tricky path that many artistes fear to tread, but just like Afrigo band has managed to do it for more than 40 years, Semakula can still keep his music career on the high for many years to come.

And if for nothing else, Semakula currently holds the bragging rights of being the only artiste that has brought the Kabaka out to his solo concert, where the latter stayed for close to four hours.

lumudavid@gmail.com