Kampala City has a rich musical history, from the Karaoke age, to the gritty afrobeat birthed in the 90s.
Without a doubt, Kampala has seen a horde of artistes with very good music, some songs outshined the singers, some singers faded, some endured, some channeled their energy into other sectors while others have made it.
However faded the artistes be, the music remains fresh in people’s memories triggering emotions when they are played anywhere in the these times.
These songs are mostly sung by bands.
Bands are now the in thing in Kampala, hired by most entertainment spots, wedding parties and birthday parties, name it.
Research indicates the increasing consideration for bands in Kampala catapults from the joy displayed when the singers, guitarists, pianist are playing around with those instruments.
The difference is the songs listened to in clubs, cars, radio, phones, etc are now sung live, the guitar, the piano, the microphone all live and this sound is what the ear loves to listen to most.
Shrewd businessmen and women have rushed to venture into this entertainment business, procuring state of the art equipment and sourcing unmatched vocalists to perform for people.
This is what Rachel Agaba in her early 20s decided to do to make both ends meet.
The young proprietor of VIPI Band has seen her business grow faster than expected.
She attributes the growth to team work, hardworking and patience. But above God’s blessings.
“I think I and my band are making an impact in terms of entertaining our people out there. That is why our whole week is always busy,” he said.
VIPI Band performs close to 5 times a week in different city night spots, “and we make sure that where we perform be it new or old place, we leave a mark, and leave our people happy. Both the owners of these places and people who come to watch us sing must get value for their money,” Rachel said.
VIPI currently has contracts with top Kampala hangouts- Lazio, Lacasita, Sleak, Fancy Lounge and others.
To secure these gigs, Rachel says you must be good.
A student of music, Rachel says although she doesn’t believe in business rivalry, she thinks good service is recognized by the end user.
“I think when you are good, people will always appreciate you and you will get those gigs,” she remarked.
Asked what her dream with VIPI Band is, Ms Agaba said, “watch the space” vowing to be on top of the chats if at all anyone talks about “bands in Kampala.”
Rachel Agaba graduated with Bachelors of Arts in music from Makerere University. She has since pursued a post graduate diploma in music education which explains more her interest in music.