Before I Leave

Posted on by Henry G.

on-kampala-street-series-ronex-ahimbisibwe

On Kampala Street Series by Ronex Ahimbisibwe

I was born in Uganda but moved to the United States with my mother and brother when I was six years old. Since my mother is from the US I haven’t really been able to fully connect with that aspect of my identity. I have extended family there but I have not been in touch with them or returned to Uganda since we left. I am looking forward to going back and experiencing what it will be like to return after such a long time.

I was lucky enough to be able to get in touch with an old family friend who I am going to stay with for the first two week I am in Kampala. She was also able to connect me with one of her colleagues who I will be staying with for the last three weeks. They both work at the international school in Kampala. Since I also have an interest in education, I will spend some of my time in Kampala participating in and helping with some of the music classes at the school. This will be a great opportunity to see how Ugandan music is taught in schools. This will help inform both my research and my interest in education.

Although my research will be focused on the city of Kampala, I plan to spend some time traveling to other parts of the country. I plan to visit other cities such as Entebbe, Jinja and Mbarara. I am also planning on traveling to some of Uganda’s many national parks. Visiting different parts of the country should help to give me a subjective idea of what aspects of the music scene in Kampala are unique.

One aspect of doing field research that I have been thinking about is the issue of regarding cultures and customs we are not familiar with as an ‘other.’ This mindset often leads to a belief in fundamental, irreconcilable differences between groups of people. While there is no easy way to overcome this, by keeping these ideas in mind as I travel I hope to find ways to experience the music of Kampala without putting up barriers.

During the last two quarters, we have spent a lot of time experiencing new ways of listening. During my time in Uganda I hope to continue to listen carefully and to be open to new ways of hearing.

 

Schedule:

Week 1:

  • Makerere University
  • Uganda National Museum
  • Uganda National Cultural Center (National Theatre and Nommo Gallery)

Reading: Abyssinian Chronicles

Week 2:

  • Afriart Gallery
  • International Youth Peace Culture and Arts Festival (April 24-26)
  • Visit Kabalagala

Reading: The Price of Memory after the Tsunami – Mildred Kiconco Barya

Week 3:

  • Ndere Centre
  • Entebbe Botanical Gardens
  • Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Reading: Waiting: A novel of Uganda at War – Goretti Kyomumendo

Week 4:

  • Umoja Art Gallery
  • 32º East: Ugandan Arts Trust

Reading: Song of Lawino & Song of Ocol – Okot p’Bitek

Week5:

  • Wrap up

 

Here are a few songs that I have come across in my explorations:

Big Five – Kagutema (from Music from Uganda 3. Modern Echoes of Kampala)

 

Edel’ Akongu Ekodelele – Gwala Gwal (from Music from Uganda 3. Modern Echoes of Kampala)

 

Opira Morise Kato – Living In The Camp

Samite