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Bugandan Royal Court music

Duration:
1 hour
First broadcast:
Saturday 31 December 2005

Africa Lives on the BBC

Lucy Duran brings to an end the Africa Lives on the BBC season with two programmes recorded in Uganda.

After decades of civil war and strife, the south of the country at least, is now becoming more stable. This week she goes in search of the breathtakingly complicated music of the Bugandan Royal Court and tries to get an audience with King Ronald.

Music and featured items

21 items
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • The source of the Nile

    Near the opening to Lake Victoria

  • Music Played

    • Royal Akadinda Ensemble Nandi kulamudde

      BBC recording on location

    • Ludowigo Sserwanja and John Ssekitoleko Tumwagala nnyo Ssabasajja

      BBC recording on location

  • Bugandan court musicians

    The musicians role as prophets in Buganda and the pleasures of performing for the king. Instruments include the ancient and rare 8-string harp which is made of cow, goat and lizard skins.

  • Albert Ssempeke

    Legendary court musician

  • Music Played

    • Albert Bisaso Ganga

      BBC recording on location

    • The Buganda Music Ensemble Tegenda Badda

      BBC recording on location

  • The royal drums

    Their history and a rare performance.

  • Music Played

    • Ad hoc group of Entenga drummers Mubandusa

      BBC recording on location

  • The Planets - Buganda's most famous group

    Playing at a wedding

  • Annette Nandujja and The Planets

    Baksimba rhythm

  • Music Played

    • Annette Nandujja and the Planets Tulimuknzunga

      BBC recording on location

    • Annette Nandujja and the Planets Essuula

      BBC recording on location

  • The Akadinda xylophone players

    An organic xylophone made of banana stalks

  • Music Played

    • Royal Akadinda Ensemble Ebijja Bisamba

      BBC recording on location

    • Royal Akadinda Ensemble Atalaba Nga Mindu

      BBC recording on location

  • The royal Akadinida musicians

    Demonstrate playing and talk about their history.

  • Music Played

    • Royal Akadinda Ensemble Untitled Demonstration

      BBC recording on location

    • Royal Akadinda Ensemble Omusangu Gwabalere

      BBC recording on location

  • Kampala

    After an interview with the king

  • Music Played

    • Albert Bisaso Ganga

      BBC recording on location

  • The Buganda Music Ensemble, Hotel International, Kampala

    The Buganda Music Ensemble, Hotel International, Kampala

  • The Source of the Nile, Jinga

    The Source of the Nile, Jinga

  • The keeper of the Royal Drums with the Royal Drum, Kampala

    The keeper of the Royal Drums with the Royal Drum, Kampala

Broadcasts

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