Matooke Republic
Monday, July 7, 2025
  • Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Gossip
  • Features
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Photos
  • Relationships
Matooke Republic
  • Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Gossip
  • Features
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Photos
  • Relationships
No Result
View All Result
Matooke Republic
No Result
View All Result

Janzi Instrument to inspire modernization of African Instruments

William Kasoba by William Kasoba
January 20, 2024
in Entertainment, Featured Stories
Reading Time: 3 mins read
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

If you’ve ever wondered how many African countries boast patented musical instruments, the count is surprisingly low – perhaps not even reaching 10. Yet, Africa is home to a multitude of musical inventions that resonate worldwide.

Regrettably, some of these instruments have been patented by European countries, underscoring their perceived value over that acknowledged by the original inventors.

Uganda stands out as one of the fortunate nations with several patented instruments, the latest being the Janzi Instrument. Recognized by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) in Zimbabwe, it was granted a Utility Model Certificate in 2017 by Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).

RELATED POSTS

Key Kenyan media personalities react to Bebe Cool’s Break the Chains Album

Live Band and Mongolian Cuisine Take Centre Stage at Kabira’s Friday Night Experience

The History of Janzi

Upon closer inspection, the Janzi might be mistaken for an Adungu, known as ekidongo or ennenga by the Acholi and Alur people from Northern Uganda. Ssewa Ssewa, the inventor of the Janzi, shared that frustration birthed the idea after he was denied entry on a plane with his Adungu in 2014 at Copenhagen Airport. The nails in the Adungu were considered a security threat. Facing the challenge during a European tour, Ssewa Ssewa was compelled to devise a solution to continue making world-class music without future frustrations.

Unlike the Adungu, the Janzi features two different scales and boasts 22 strings, offering a broader range of sound options and frequencies.

Meet Ssewa Ssewa

Ssewakiryanga James Junior, widely known as Ssewa Ssewa, hails from a musical family. His father, Ssewakiryanga James Senior, was a renowned master drummer, and his mother, Betty Namata Ssewakiryanga, a dancer, instructor, and actress.

Ssewa Ssewa, a professional musician, multi-instrumentalist, and instructor, is the founder of the Janzi Band.

His music blends Ugandan traditions with Folk, World, Soul, Jazz, and other international genres.

Ssewa Ssewa, who has toured the world, plays an array of instruments, including the Janzi (which he designed), Endongo (Bow Lyre), Adungu (Ugandan Harp), Endigidi (Tube Fiddle), Akogo (Thumbpiano), Amadinda (Xylophones), and Engoma (Ugandan traditional drums).

The Future of the Janzi

Ssewa Ssewa envisions the Janzi as a catalyst for modernizing African instruments. Drawing inspiration from the modernized Kora in West Africa, he believes instruments like Enanga, Adungu, Akogo, Endongo, Engoma, Endere, etc., can meet international standards for export. Expressing confidence in the Janzi’s accessibility, he suggests that anyone adept at playing the Adungu, Piano, or similar instruments should find the Janzi easy to master.

Ssewa Ssewa plans to integrate the Janzi into local music curricula and collaborate with fellow musicians to enhance African music.

The Janzi Awards

In a bid to promote the Janzi and related percussion instruments, Ssewa Ssewa and his team are reviving the Janzi Awards. Last held in 2021, these awards aim to recognize creatives, outstanding individuals, and institutions contributing to the promotion of African Music. The 2024 Janzi Awards will encompass the entire East African region and acknowledge musicians globally who use the Janzi.

Related

Tags: Janzi AwardsJanzi InstrumentSsewa Ssewa
Share3Tweet2Send
William Kasoba

William Kasoba

Related Posts

No Content Available
Next Post

I'm giving your daughter cows - Museveni and Sudhir share banter at NAM Summit sidelines

Nyati crew after interviewing Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga.

Docuseries, Tuko Pamoja to premiere starting next month

RECOMMENDED

dfcu Bank partners with Makerere University to advance research, innovation, and student support

July 6, 2025

Key Kenyan media personalities react to Bebe Cool’s Break the Chains Album

July 6, 2025
  • 643 Followers
  • 23.9k Followers

MOST VIEWED

  • Here is how to use NIRA’s new online portal to register or renew your national ID

    3829 shares
    Share 1532 Tweet 957
  • Kampala University proprietor Prof Kateregga’s wife rejects DNA results indicating one of three children is not his, demands fresh test in the United States

    90 shares
    Share 36 Tweet 23
  • DNA test confirms late MP Ssegirinya was father to only 4 of 9 children presented after his death

    90 shares
    Share 36 Tweet 23
  • Dj Karo finally wins over Cedric Babu’s heart, introduction underway

    180 shares
    Share 72 Tweet 45
  • Pastor Bugingo’s daughter Doreen Gift awarded scholarship to Arizona State University in the US

    60 shares
    Share 24 Tweet 15
Matooke Republic

Uganda's only free Newspaper. Out every Thursday. Freshly peeled info. kiwatule, Kampala, Uganda.

  • Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Gossip
  • Features
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Photos

© Matooke Republic 2024

© Matooke Republic 2024

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.