by Joseph Batte  |  New Vision, Kampala

February 25, 2005

Every so often, our music industry is introduced to a new singing act. The majority are either so-so or downright flops. Some are damn good. Here is a case in point.

In 2003, as we stormed dance floors to songs by Chameleone, Mesach Semakula and Pastor Okudi, in came this half-Ugandan half-Rwandan young student and a crappy name -- Jingo Sho.

He unleashed a stomper titled Federo that tickled federo agitators so much, especially radio presenters at CBS who 'pumped' it ceaselessly until they got fed up with it.

The old folk at Bulange were so pleased they wrote letters thanking him for championing their noble cause.

The cut was an out-and-out campaign for federo status for Buganda. No wonder, Jingo actually became the toast of Mengo.

Since then he has dropped out of school, wrapped himself in pompous cocoon and has been walking the streets of Kampala with his nose pointing to the sky. Jingo Sho, whose real name is Jingo Sam, is again back with another seven-track goodie titled Pillow Yange, which was released recently by Dick Productions at the Old Taxi Park.

His second album is also likely to be a hit, judging by the name of the title track Pillow Yange. It is simple, melodic and yet so cool. It will keep the dance floor packed and busy.

Baasi is another lovely track on the album, whose fat bouncing bass line puts you in a dancing mood.

On federo, Jingo made a mistake by taking sides and praising only CBS presenters, which forced other radio stations to turn their backs on the album. This time round he has avoided falling into the same trap.

Baasi actually stands for the Movement Bus. He says Ugandans have gained a lot by riding in it. However, the question he lobs at passengers is: "Should we continue enjoying the ride or not?" That is up to you to decide come 2006.

Ekyikazi Ekyinene, is a dedication to all fleshy women. He says such women make better dancing partners in dance halls because they have more flesh for a man to squeeze. Neighbour and Pillow Yange have already found their way on top of the charts on East African radio.

Although Pillow Yange falls in the general chit chat stuff, the cuts are uplifting enough to make you believe you are walking on air and thinking that the world is indeed a wonderful place to be.