Albert Ssempeke was a musician born into a musical family on January 4, 1946, in Kampala, Uganda, known for Baganda Music.[1] He was the son of a royal court musician to the Kabaka of Buganda, Mutesa II of Buganda.[2] Albert's album Ssempeke! is music from the pre-independence era of Buganda. According to an autobiography by Klaus P. Wachsmann, he belonged to the Nkima (monkey) clan, and was a grandson of Kibiikyo. His father’s name is Semioni Balagadde.[3]
Growing up in a musical household, Ssempeke was exposed to the rich traditions of Ugandan music from a young age. His father, Sheikh Adam Ssempeke, was a master musician and composer, and his mother, Esteri Nalongo, was a skilled singer and dancer. Under their guidance, Ssempeke began his musical training, honing his skills in various traditional Ugandan instruments such as the endongo, adungu, and xylophone.
Education and career
As Ssempeke matured as a musician, he became a master of the embaire, a traditional Ugandan xylophone. He dedicated himself to the preservation and promotion of Ugandan traditional music, particularly the music of the Baganda people.
At age 11, Albert began playing the endere flute. He was tutored by the royal flautists and rose as a court musician. He also added the lyre, drums, and the eight-stringed kiganda harp to his repertoire. After Buganda was dissolved by Milton Obote, royal music declined because many refused to play it. The reign of Idi Amin led to its further decline when many people fled. By the 1980s, most people had either forgotten royal music or died, which left Albert as one of the last royal musicians, making him of interest to ethnomusicologists. In 1987, he was invited by Peter Cooke to be a musician in residence at the University of Edinburgh.
Ssempeke's talent and passion for his craft led him to collaborate with renowned artists and ensembles both within Uganda and internationally. He performed on prestigious stages across the globe, sharing the beauty and richness of Ugandan traditional music with diverse audiences. His performances were marked by his expressive playing style, captivating stage presence, and ability to evoke a deep emotional connection with his listeners.
In addition to his instrumental prowess, Ssempeke was also a skilled composer and teacher. He composed numerous original compositions, breathing new life into traditional Ugandan music while still honoring its roots. Ssempeke's compositions were characterized by intricate melodies, complex rhythmic structures, and a profound understanding of the cultural significance embedded in the music.
As an educator, Ssempeke was dedicated to passing on his knowledge and skills to future generations. He taught at various institutions, including the renowned Ndere Troupe, where he mentored young musicians and played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Ugandan traditional music. His contributions as a teacher and mentor have helped ensure the continuity of this rich musical heritage.
Albert Ssempeke's legacy in Ugandan music is profound and enduring. He played an instrumental role in elevating the status of traditional Ugandan music and bringing it to the international stage. His dedication to preserving and promoting the music of his culture has left an indelible mark on the music landscape of Uganda.
Death
Tragically, Albert Ssempeke passed away on July 9, 2013,.[1]
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