I am excited to be hosting a guest blog under A FACE IN THE SUN. Jacque B hosts Alyoysious Migadde
Aloysius Migadde is one of the most down to earth artistes you will ever meet. For those that know him, he is a cheerful fellow who always wears a million dollar smile. He doesn’t prepare you for the awesomeness that he unleashes whenever he strums the guitar.
His currently one of the leading guitar maestros in Uganda. Learn more about him in this interview piece.
Early Years
Born on 20th April, 1993, the 26 year old guitar maestro started playing in 2008, while at Uganda Martyrs High School, Rubaga. He was in Form 3 at the time.
Migadde was inspired by some ex-seminarians who joined his school. The first tune he learned on guitar is Bless the Lord My Soul.
But it was in 2013 that he started concert performances. He was also helped by a fact that he did a Bachelors of Arts degree in Music at Makerere University.
Migadde’s musical bone can be traced to his maternal side through their church roots. His mother used to be a church chorister while his sister studied music in O’ Level, played the xylophone and sang in the choir.
He’s main instrument is a lead guitar, however as a talented multi-instrumentalist he also plays the trumpet, ndingidi (tubefiddle), akogo (thumb piano), xylophone and adungu (bow harp). His first instrument was the adungu (bow harp). It is a string instrument made from animal skin wrapped around wood in bowel form, with strings on a curved bow. It’s mostly tuned to the major scale.
Born on 20th April, 1993, the 26 year old guitar maestro started playing in 2008, while at Uganda Martyrs High School, Rubaga. He was in Form 3 at the time.
Migadde was inspired by some ex-seminarians who joined his school. The first tune he learned on guitar is Bless the Lord My Soul.
But it was in 2013 that he started concert performances. He was also helped by a fact that he did a Bachelors of Arts degree in Music at Makerere University.
Migadde’s musical bone can be traced to his maternal side through their church roots. His mother used to be a church chorister while his sister studied music in O’ Level, played the xylophone and sang in the choir.
He’s main instrument is a lead guitar, however as a talented multi-instrumentalist he also plays the trumpet, ndingidi (tubefiddle), akogo (thumb piano), xylophone and adungu (bow harp). His first instrument was the adungu (bow harp). It is a string instrument made from animal skin wrapped around wood in bowel form, with strings on a curved bow. It’s mostly tuned to the major scale.
Inspiration
Aloysius admires George Benson, Norman Brown, Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Dludlu, Micheal Jackson and Chuck Loeb internationally. He has also learnt a lot from Tshaka Mayanja, Maddox Ssematimba, Myko Ouma, Jude Mugerwa, Sam Bisaaso, Pragmo, Kaz Kasozi and Maurice Kirya locally. They inspired the kind of musician he is today.
Some of the albums that influenced his style are Louise Mulhanga’s Tingikane album, Human Nature by BWB, After The Storm by Norman Brow, Jabulani by Hugh Masekela.
Aloysius admires George Benson, Norman Brown, Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Dludlu, Micheal Jackson and Chuck Loeb internationally. He has also learnt a lot from Tshaka Mayanja, Maddox Ssematimba, Myko Ouma, Jude Mugerwa, Sam Bisaaso, Pragmo, Kaz Kasozi and Maurice Kirya locally. They inspired the kind of musician he is today.
Some of the albums that influenced his style are Louise Mulhanga’s Tingikane album, Human Nature by BWB, After The Storm by Norman Brow, Jabulani by Hugh Masekela.
“It’s because of these albums and songs that I decided to start making my own records,” he said.
His first music teacher was George Kitaka and who inspired him to take on music. Other teachers who have taught him along the way are Kagumba Andrew, Anita Desire Asasira, Prof. Justinian Tamusuza, Dr. Nicholas Sempijja, Dr. Sekalega Branko, Milton Wabyona, Dr. Nanyonga Tamusuza, Girum Menzur among others
Some of his fondest musical moments include his first performance with a guitar in public while in high school during their school assembly. They were a group of five playing Bless the Lord My Soul.
Some of his fondest musical moments include his first performance with a guitar in public while in high school during their school assembly. They were a group of five playing Bless the Lord My Soul.
“It was one of the most electrifying moments for me. I was so nervous that every part of my body shook,” he shyly recalls.
The other time was when he first played as the headline artiste at the National Theatre during the Pearl Rhythm Activation last year.
“I actually took long to get on stage because I was very anxious. Luckily, it all went away the moment I stepped on stage,” he said
Performances
Like any other artiste, Aloysius gets nervous before his performances. However on this he says he has overcome that by doing more rehearsals. He practices every day for at least 2 hours.
Like any other artiste, Aloysius gets nervous before his performances. However on this he says he has overcome that by doing more rehearsals. He practices every day for at least 2 hours.
“I have a practice timetable which indicates what I have to practice and when. It includes exercises, transcribing new and challenging tunes, technique, listening to new music, scales, chords, etc.”
He has graced stages at the Pearl Rhythm Festival, Bayimba Festival of the Arts, Milege Music Festival, Yilan Festival of the Arts in Taiwan, Rondalla Plucked Strings Festival in the Phillipines and the 2018 Jazz Safari.
He has played with Baxmba Waves, Roots Warriors, Tropical Noyz, Qunitet Band and Black Roots Unlimited bands.
Aloysius plays on concerts and festivals as a supporting act. He also plays at weddings and studio sessions.
Good news for you fellas, if you ever want to become as good as Migadde, he teaches music at Bayimba Academy and tutors on a private basis as well. You can begin your journey to becoming a rock star right now.
You can get in contact with him for lessons or gigs via his email on amigadde@gmail.comMusic
Migadde is currently working on his debut album ‘Eka’ which literally means ‘Home’. He has currently released 3 songs : Baxsalsic ,Abaana Bange and Pearl Of Africa. Find them on his soundcloud account.
https://soundcloud.com/aloysius-724383739Tip
Advice to beginners who are nervous?
He has played with Baxmba Waves, Roots Warriors, Tropical Noyz, Qunitet Band and Black Roots Unlimited bands.
Aloysius plays on concerts and festivals as a supporting act. He also plays at weddings and studio sessions.
Good news for you fellas, if you ever want to become as good as Migadde, he teaches music at Bayimba Academy and tutors on a private basis as well. You can begin your journey to becoming a rock star right now.
You can get in contact with him for lessons or gigs via his email on amigadde@gmail.comMusic
Migadde is currently working on his debut album ‘Eka’ which literally means ‘Home’. He has currently released 3 songs : Baxsalsic ,Abaana Bange and Pearl Of Africa. Find them on his soundcloud account.
https://soundcloud.com/aloysius-724383739Tip
Advice to beginners who are nervous?
“I advise them to practice relaxation before going for a performance.”
“They should also jam more often in order to get used to performance.”
Advice on what makes a good performance?
“I think the playlist, audience involvement, skill on a personal level, in case of a band performance, their co-ordination on stage, sound, lighting and dressing.”
Did you know?
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
“I have eaten ‘Miembe’ with ketchup,”He says.
Incase you are wondering what that is,let me help you out. You know the crust left at the bottom of a saucepan that has been used to prepare posho? Yep, that’s it. I actually have eaten it before as well, but not with the ketchup
ALOYSIUS MIGADDE
Aloysius Migadde is one of the most down to earth artistes you will ever meet. For those that know him, he is a cheerful fellow who always wears a million dollar smile. He doesn’t prepare you for the awesomeness that he unleashes whenever he strums the guitar.
His currently one of the leading guitar maestros in Uganda. Learn more about him in this interview piece.
Early Years
Born on 20th April, 1993, the 26 year old guitar maestro started playing in 2008, while at Uganda Martyrs High School, Rubaga. He was in Form 3 at the time.
Migadde was inspired by some ex-seminarians who joined his school. The first tune he learned on guitar is Bless the Lord My Soul.
But it was in 2013 that he started concert performances. He was also helped by a fact that he did a Bachelors of Arts degree in Music at Makerere University.
Migadde’s musical bone can be traced to his maternal side through their church roots. His mother used to be a church chorister while his sister studied music in O’ Level, played the xylophone and sang in the choir.
He’s main instrument is a lead guitar, however as a talented multi-instrumentalist he also plays the trumpet, ndingidi (tubefiddle), akogo (thumb piano), xylophone and adungu (bow harp). His first instrument was the adungu (bow harp). It is a string instrument made from animal skin wrapped around wood in bowel form, with strings on a curved bow. It’s mostly tuned to the major scale.
Born on 20th April, 1993, the 26 year old guitar maestro started playing in 2008, while at Uganda Martyrs High School, Rubaga. He was in Form 3 at the time.
Migadde was inspired by some ex-seminarians who joined his school. The first tune he learned on guitar is Bless the Lord My Soul.
But it was in 2013 that he started concert performances. He was also helped by a fact that he did a Bachelors of Arts degree in Music at Makerere University.
Migadde’s musical bone can be traced to his maternal side through their church roots. His mother used to be a church chorister while his sister studied music in O’ Level, played the xylophone and sang in the choir.
He’s main instrument is a lead guitar, however as a talented multi-instrumentalist he also plays the trumpet, ndingidi (tubefiddle), akogo (thumb piano), xylophone and adungu (bow harp). His first instrument was the adungu (bow harp). It is a string instrument made from animal skin wrapped around wood in bowel form, with strings on a curved bow. It’s mostly tuned to the major scale.
Inspiration
Aloysius admires George Benson, Norman Brown, Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Dludlu, Micheal Jackson and Chuck Loeb internationally. He has also learnt a lot from Tshaka Mayanja, Maddox Ssematimba, Myko Ouma, Jude Mugerwa, Sam Bisaaso, Pragmo, Kaz Kasozi and Maurice Kirya locally. They inspired the kind of musician he is today.
Some of the albums that influenced his style are Louise Mulhanga’s Tingikane album, Human Nature by BWB, After The Storm by Norman Brow, Jabulani by Hugh Masekela.
Aloysius admires George Benson, Norman Brown, Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Dludlu, Micheal Jackson and Chuck Loeb internationally. He has also learnt a lot from Tshaka Mayanja, Maddox Ssematimba, Myko Ouma, Jude Mugerwa, Sam Bisaaso, Pragmo, Kaz Kasozi and Maurice Kirya locally. They inspired the kind of musician he is today.
Some of the albums that influenced his style are Louise Mulhanga’s Tingikane album, Human Nature by BWB, After The Storm by Norman Brow, Jabulani by Hugh Masekela.
“It’s because of these albums and songs that I decided to start making my own records,” he said.
His first music teacher was George Kitaka and who inspired him to take on music. Other teachers who have taught him along the way are Kagumba Andrew, Anita Desire Asasira, Prof. Justinian Tamusuza, Dr. Nicholas Sempijja, Dr. Sekalega Branko, Milton Wabyona, Dr. Nanyonga Tamusuza, Girum Menzur among others
Some of his fondest musical moments include his first performance with a guitar in public while in high school during their school assembly. They were a group of five playing Bless the Lord My Soul.
Some of his fondest musical moments include his first performance with a guitar in public while in high school during their school assembly. They were a group of five playing Bless the Lord My Soul.
“It was one of the most electrifying moments for me. I was so nervous that every part of my body shook,” he shyly recalls.
The other time was when he first played as the headline artiste at the National Theatre during the Pearl Rhythm Activation last year.
“I actually took long to get on stage because I was very anxious. Luckily, it all went away the moment I stepped on stage,” he said
Performances
Like any other artiste, Aloysius gets nervous before his performances. However on this he says he has overcome that by doing more rehearsals. He practices every day for at least 2 hours.
Like any other artiste, Aloysius gets nervous before his performances. However on this he says he has overcome that by doing more rehearsals. He practices every day for at least 2 hours.
“I have a practice timetable which indicates what I have to practice and when. It includes exercises, transcribing new and challenging tunes, technique, listening to new music, scales, chords, etc.”
He has graced stages at the Pearl Rhythm Festival, Bayimba Festival of the Arts, Milege Music Festival, Yilan Festival of the Arts in Taiwan, Rondalla Plucked Strings Festival in the Phillipines and the 2018 Jazz Safari.
He has played with Baxmba Waves, Roots Warriors, Tropical Noyz, Qunitet Band and Black Roots Unlimited bands.
Aloysius plays on concerts and festivals as a supporting act. He also plays at weddings and studio sessions.
Good news for you fellas, if you ever want to become as good as Migadde, he teaches music at Bayimba Academy and tutors on a private basis as well. You can begin your journey to becoming a rock star right now.
You can get in contact with him for lessons or gigs via his email on amigadde@gmail.comMusic
Migadde is currently working on his debut album ‘Eka’ which literally means ‘Home’. He has currently released 3 songs : Baxsalsic ,Abaana Bange and Pearl Of Africa. Find them on his soundcloud account.
https://soundcloud.com/aloysius-724383739Tip
Advice to beginners who are nervous?
He has played with Baxmba Waves, Roots Warriors, Tropical Noyz, Qunitet Band and Black Roots Unlimited bands.
Aloysius plays on concerts and festivals as a supporting act. He also plays at weddings and studio sessions.
Good news for you fellas, if you ever want to become as good as Migadde, he teaches music at Bayimba Academy and tutors on a private basis as well. You can begin your journey to becoming a rock star right now.
You can get in contact with him for lessons or gigs via his email on amigadde@gmail.comMusic
Migadde is currently working on his debut album ‘Eka’ which literally means ‘Home’. He has currently released 3 songs : Baxsalsic ,Abaana Bange and Pearl Of Africa. Find them on his soundcloud account.
https://soundcloud.com/aloysius-724383739Tip
Advice to beginners who are nervous?
“I advise them to practice relaxation before going for a performance.”
“They should also jam more often in order to get used to performance.”
Advice on what makes a good performance?
“I think the playlist, audience involvement, skill on a personal level, in case of a band performance, their co-ordination on stage, sound, lighting and dressing.”
Did you know?
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
“I have eaten ‘Miembe’ with ketchup,”He says.
Incase you are wondering what that is,let me help you out. You know the crust left at the bottom of a saucepan that has been used to prepare posho? Yep, that’s it. I actually have eaten it before as well, but not with the ketchup