THE REBIRTH OF RHYTHM AND HARMONY IN UGANDA
FIRST LOVE RECORDS proudly unleashes onto the Ugandan music arena yet another musical experience; something to be savored, like a delicacy. ABLE 4 is a boy band, one of those musical experiences long suppressed by the current trend of music in East Africa, rising afresh from the musical wilderness that has for long pervaded the scene in Uganda. ABLE is an acronym: A for Abdul Nasser, former member, B for Bbosa Eric, L for Luswata Richard, leader of the group/lead vocalist and E for Emma Bagenda, the rap voice of the Quartet. Born out of Noah’s Ark Secondary School as a mime and Karaoke act, they ventured into song writing and singing when one of them, Luswata wrote a song that won them a school award. From then on there was no stopping the quartet as they became regular studio “rats” in their search for recognition as serious musical talents and as they looked for an outlet for their never ending creativity.
It was at this point that ABLE 4 got noticed by First Love, the premier gospel quintet in Uganda. Their knack for writing moving love ballads, inspite of their tender age, caught attention of this group that was planning on opening a Record Label to promote Ugandan talent. The result was “Tondeka”, their first bona fide hit, the song that enjoyed minimal success and good air play on Radio stations in Uganda.
Based at First Love Studios, The quartet has released many songs which have been enjoying heavy rotation on the air waves, ABLE 4 is destined to redefine Ugandan music in their own inimitable way. Their trademark mature sensual love themes laced with silky sweet vocal harmonies, backed by tight, thumpy drum and bass grooves are reminiscent of their mentors, FIRST LOVE, who are indeed over seeing the production of this album. Slated to be released sometime this year, ABLE 4’s album will give hope to all music lovers, young and old that Ugandan music can be positive, rich and yet be vibrant and mature. A mixture of traditional Ugandan to rap and pop, the quartet’s sound’s designed to appeal to all.
The star is rising for this young 20 something group and Uganda had better take notice for the old has gone and the new has come.
