Katumwa hits town with new jazz sound

By CAROLINE NYANGA

Last Friday evening the Nairobi Baptist Church hosted a unique gospel event to the delight of many jazz and saxophone lovers.

Dubbed In His Presence, the event was also the launch of gospel saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa’s latest album Sinza Too recorded in Nairobi.

"Mine is to give back to Kenyans by ensuring they get my latest music first," he said at the event.

Before the main attraction took to the stage, a line-up of artistes, including 2008 Groove Award winner Mercy Masika, George Bongo, Imani Odero, Stella Kagendo and Stella Mureithi among others, set the mood for the evening.

According to one of the organisers, Ian Muturi, the concert was also to give new artistes a platform to showcase their talent and give the audience something different from the usual performances.

The music included Afro music, Zuk, Rumba and Benga.

New Album

"We did not have sponsors so we could not get mainstream artistes to perform," he said.

When the big moment came and MC Mwaniki Mageria invited Katumwa to rock the crowd, fans hit the dance floor making clear their anticipation for the star. And the talented musician did not disappoint. He belted out some of his hits – Wamilele, off new album, Nonya Yesu, Tuli Mumaaso Go and Nzize Yesu Omponye – as the excited crowd sang along. Fans said he sounded like Kenny G and Dave Koz, but with an African touch.

Sinza album features some East African worship songs and is done with his wife, Sheila, whose song, Wamilele, makes the list.

"Sinza means a worship song to the Lord that should come from our hearts," says Katumwa.

"With this good sound quality, I hope many will feel my heart and join in. Nothing touches the heart and soul of people the way music does. It is a God given gift that should change our lives forever," he adds.

The music is done in Luganda, Kiswahili and English. The album has an inspirational and indirect African popular groove, which begins with a smooth jazz song, Nina Omukwano. It starts with cool funky drums and a few quiet notes from Katumwa’s soprano sax before he blows away his sweet melody, with Sheila singing light husky tones in the chorus.

UNIQUE SOUND

Nonya Yesu is a medley with Tuli Mumaaso Go and Nzize Yesu Omponye, a simple, passionate and different sound.

The song Tunakusinsanga Yesu/Tuna Abuudu Bwana has hit the right notes with many fans due to its unique saxophone sound. Other songs include Omwoyo Omutukuvu and Tukutendereza Yesu, closing with Upendo, which is a medley with Wamilele, featuring his wife on the lead vocals, before he finally reminds us of Orchestra Veve, stirring up the dance on an African hi-life sax piece. He has founded Parapanda Music, the company through which he has made this project.

Katumwa says the album will soon be available in various stores in the UK.