Veteran lawyer, John Katende has illuminated on his relationship with legendary muscian Jimmy Katumba which in some circles had been portrayed as an exploittative one.
Katumba based remembered for songs like Twalina Omukwano, Drums of Africa and Fa Kukyolina, died in 2006.
For Ugandans of some generation he was the face and voice of Ebonies.
Katende in his book, My Life, says he first fell in love with Katumba’s music talent in 1977 when he watched him on television.
“Watching him sing church music, I was struck by the depth, power and emotion in his voice. I immediately wished could get to know the talented singer,” he writes.
Later by chance, he writes, he ran into Katumba while walking along Kampala Road. Without hesitation, he says, he introduced himself and told the young singer how impressed he had been by his television performance.
Katende says this chance meeting turned into a lengthy conversation during which Katumba opened up about his passion for music.
According to Katende, the singer spoke candidly about his desire to build a music career but admitted that he lacked the resources to pursue his ambitions [WATCH VIDEO]
“While Katumba wanted to grow as a musician, I envisioned creating a larger performing arts group that would combine music, drama and storytelling to appeal to both religious and secular audiences,” he writes.
At the time, Katumba was already leading gospel groups, including the Escatos Brides, whose performances had earned admiration in churches and community gatherings.
Katende says he believed the singer’s talent could reach a much wider audience beyond gospel music.
IHe says the two resolved to establish a new performing group that would celebrate African identity and culture.
They chose the name “Ebonies” as a tribute to the beauty and pride of Black identity. Katende had the money while Katumba brought the talent.
He says among the first members were Katumba’s girlfriend, Stella Nanteza, Katende’s cousin Joy Nakimuli, Isaac “Jackie” Muwanga and several other young artists determined to build a unique entertainment group.
Katende said it became increasingly clear that Katumba’s exceptional talent and rapidly growing public profile had become inseparable from the group’s identity.
“To reflect that reality, we rebranded the ensemble as Jimmy Katumba with the Ebonies,” he writes.
Katumba leaves
Despite the group’s remarkable success, it has been reported Katumba eventually parted ways with the Ebonies following disagreements with Katende over the direction of the group.
In 1992, Katumba relocated to the United Kingdom and returned in the early 2000s, a shadow of his former self.
Katende does not delve into the breakup in the book but he told Bbeg Media: “I still miss Jimmy Katumba, whom we used to sing together. Indeed, he was so talented.”
Looking at the future of the Ebonies, Katende said actors like Dr Bbosa (Sam Bagenda) can take over the mantle.
“In 50 years I will be gone, but I would like the Ebonies to continue educating and entertaining people even after my passing,” he said.
As for the future of his law firm, Katende, Ssempebwa Advocates, he said three of his chidren work in the firm alongside the children of his long term partner, Prof Frederick Ssempebwa.
“It is in safe hands,” he said.
