Uganda’s master of world funk

Barely known in his home country, Ugandan-born Kaz Kasozi is a celebrated world musician.

He has mastered the fusion of funk, soul, rock and afro jazz to critical acclaim on the world music scene — a result of working with diverse artistes.

Kasozi has honed his craft working with musicians and bands of varying styles and genres from around the world, among them Ghana’s great Osibisa band, since the age of 16, while doing his own solo material on the sidelines and making a foray into new media and film.

Operating in both London and Kampala, Kasozi is a multi-instrumentalist and a producer/arranger who has worked in the UK for the past 21 years.

He has mastered the piano, guitar and bass, and plays numerous other instruments.

In 1998, he released his debut album, The Quest, which became a top 10 seller download in the Afropop genre on iTunes and CDbaby, peaking at number four in 2005.

His second album Naked and Blue: A story of love and hate was released in 2005 to much acclaim.

It was in the top 10 selling Afropop CDs at CDbaby for over six months.

It features songs in Luganda and English and crosses styles from funk and soul to afro-ethnic sounds.

This genre-defying compilation covers a wide scope in musical styles while maintaining a unified sound.

The album was produced using live performances to cultivate an organic sound. Kasozi’s skills as a multi-instrumentalist weave a rich sound canvas, creating a true world fusion work.

He plays 11 instruments on this album.

The 13-track album has songs like Ndingi dance, Ombalagadde, Nsaabala, Kati Oze, I do still and Dance away the Pain, among others.

Naked and Blue has been described as “a Ugandan classic and timeless piece...” by Music Uganda “A gem with very infectious African ‘Ethnic-soul’” by Tw records review (2005). “...hard edged, rock driven afro-funk style, irresistible and unique,” by World Music Network (2007).

Kasozi has also been described as “the most ground-breaking Ugandan musician yet,” by CDbaby.

His sound has been likened to that of Prince, Manu Dibango and Richard Bona.

“I find it frustrating not being known at home maybe because I am based in the UK,” Kasozi told The EastAfrican, adding: “It is not surprising because even some Uganda-based musicians are hardly appreciated let alone known at home. I have now decided to come home often for performances maybe I will be recognised.”

His yet to be released latest album tilted Blue Yonder Tena, is a twin album to his previous Naked and Blue; both albums are part of the same project, titled Blue Magma.

In the late 1990s he began to produce work for other artistes.

To date, Kasozi has produced and/or arranged music for more than 30 artistes and has been credited in over 70 commercial releases.

The Ugandan artistes he has produced include Rachel Magoola, Sarah Tshila, Isaiah Katumwa, Essence Kasozi and Maurice Kirya.

He is also one of the co-founders and sponsors of the UgArts organisation, established to promote musical talent in Uganda.

Kasozi is building a 32-track recording studio in Kampala to be known as The Sound Kitchen. Most of the equipment has already been shipped in from the UK.