MEET MAK’S JAZZ MAESTROS
This year’s much hyped Bayimba Festival was their first stage performance (even though they have played at friends’ functions), but this does not make them any less of a force to reckon with at the Festival. Even though they do not flaunt themselves as maestros at what they do, the Milégé Afro Jazz Band, whose tunes are a fusion of traditional jazz and African beats and chimes, arouses fascination and allure through its harmonious melodies.
Milégé is a Luo word for a rattle-like bell worn around the ankle by Luo males (read Jamilege people) of West Nile during their traditional dance. The band chose this Afrocentric name to draw emphasis to its fusion of classical jazz music, which they realized was not universally enjoyed, with African rhythms which even those not interested in jazz could sway to.
A Christian band, Milégé Afro Jazz Band started out in January 2009 and was initially desired to be an all girls’ band. However, there was little success this way as ladies showed little commitment and clearly had other priorities opposed to playing drums and guitars. The team came together after realizing the missing link in jazz music and the nature of bands in the country. “Many bands play for a while, then become a one-hit-wonder, others cannot keep permanent members and so the tunes keep changing. Milégé wants to create a family where people are not exploited and love what they play”.
Aside from the youthfulness, charisma and visionary fanaticism that Milégé carry into their music, what does not meet the eye immediately is the mélange of professionalism behind the instruments. The group’s Music Director, Andrew Ahura is an I.T student, Elaine Obbo (Rhythm guitar) and group’s Legal Officer is a practicing lawyer, Dinah Oundo (Base Guitar) is an accountant, while Francis Manana (Manager) is a student of Sports Science and Management. The band prides in this professional consortium to thrust itself as a registered entity, an investment venture for members to develop talent and also use their professions. “We want people to know that music is not for failures or school drop outs like many people would want to believe”.
This seven man band promises to bring a new meaning to jazz by incorporating African culture and tunes and showcasing a regality of originality in its compositions.
The band also has a management structure through which it hopes to provide flexibility of members to join or leave the band. The four founding members are Partners while Associate Partners assume the title after showing commitment, consistency, tireless input, and willingness to grow in the band. Temps occasionally join the band for a gig or two, or more and can leave at will. Members even get a monthly allowance. The management structure is in place to avoid exploiting members.
Milégé’s rhythm is fast and fiery, its drums resonate a celebration of joy, love and happiness and its harmony is soft, delicate and melodious. Like many musicians, Milégé’s players discovered their giftedness in church and some of them even still play in their local churches i.e. Deliverance Church Makerere, Kampala Pentecostal Church, All Saints Cathedral, Rubaga Miracle Center Cathedral, and St. Francis Chapel Makerere. Their message is the message of the church: love and tolerance for all mankind.
Their eyes are set on higher things like playing at international conventions like the Sauti Zabushara and the Zanzibar Film Festival while still looking up to good players like the Blood Brothers and Soul Beat Africa.