Ugandan musician and Janzi Band founder Ssewa Ssewa has broken his silence on the recent changes within the celebrated ensemble, attributing the split to what he describes as confusion caused by one individual.
The development follows the departure of several long-serving Janzi Band members, including Hakim Kiwanuka, popularly known as Jajja Bam, and guitarist Bonah Chikuru. Both musicians recently announced that they were moving on from the group after years of working with the ensemble.
According to reports, the exits have sparked questions among fans about what led to the sudden changes in a band that has built a reputation for blending Ugandan traditional sounds with contemporary and world music.
Ssewa Ssewa, who founded Janzi Band and has led the group since its formation in 2009, has now sought to give his side of the story, pointing to confusion surrounding one individual as a major factor behind the recent developments.
Despite the departures, Janzi Band management has maintained that the group remains intact and ready to move forward. Management previously confirmed that replacements had already been identified and assured fans that the band’s musical standards would be maintained.
The changes mark another transition for Janzi Band, which has experienced several line-up changes throughout its history. The group has remained closely associated with Ssewa Ssewa’s work and the Janzi instrument, the 22-string Ugandan instrument he developed and popularised through the band’s music.
For the departing musicians, the split appears to signal the beginning of new individual chapters, while Janzi Band is positioning the changes as part of its continued evolution.
Ssewa Ssewa’s comments are likely to attract further attention as fans seek clarity on what happened behind the scenes and what the future holds for one of Uganda’s notable live music ensembles.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ssewa Ssewa has addressed the recent Janzi Band split.
- He attributes the situation to confusion involving one individual.
- Long-serving members Jajja Bam and Bonah Chikuru have confirmed their departure.
- Janzi Band says replacements are already in place.
- The group says its music and mission will continue despite the changes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The recent departures represent a significant change for Janzi Band, but not necessarily the end of the group. With new musicians reportedly ready to take over, Ssewa Ssewa appears determined to keep the band’s musical journey moving while addressing the confusion surrounding the exits.
Janzi Band was founded in 2009 and has become known for its fusion of traditional Ugandan instruments, contemporary sounds and the distinctive Janzi instrument created by Ssewa Ssewa.
