Uganda's Bolton Serunjogi to launch debut album

Blue Winds features 11 songs, some of which were written as early as 2012. Guest musicians include Samuel Nalangira, Samuel Dibya and traditional instrumentalist Price Love.

“I took part in the album’s production process because I already had in mind which components I wanted to have,” Serunjogi told Music In Africa. “As much as Afro-jazz has been embraced by several artists on the continent, I wanted to give a Ugandan touch by using traditional instruments such as the adungu.”

Serunjogi said that with the current popular trends in African music, the only way to penetrate the market and remain relevant was by being unique.

“We have so much variety of good sounds in Uganda. These sounds are on demand. For example, the Blood Diamond movie soundtrack was done in a collaboration that featured Uganda’s African Children’s Choir.

"These are things we as Ugandan musicians never think of. We are busy looking for fame on the local stage and radio stations yet we have the potential to be global.”

Serunjogi says Traditional music does not get enough airplay on Ugandan radio stations. He says young musicians should experiment by fusing modern beats and traditional styles, which would appeal to both young and old audiences.

“I have used my creativity on this album to ensure that my music is appreciated and adopted by any fan regardless of their age. I also hope that young artists will be inspired by Blue Winds to create new sounds by incorporating our traditional instruments,” he said.

The Blue Winds launch party is sponsored by audio production studio Infinite Records as well as NHILL Films and Grit Motions.

But Serunjogi says corporate sponsorships have not been easy to come by.

“My efforts to approach corporate companies for sponsorship opportunities have not been fruitful. This is understandable because big companies want to invest in individuals that already have a strong fan base. Fans are potential customers for their products and services,” Serunjogi said.

Blue Winds is available for pre-order here.