I had lots of fun writing this poem, that is part of a series of poems written by different poets across Africa.
Check it out here.
Until the Wheels Turn Off
Older Guys
So, I have been thinking about how to close this year’s #WinterABC and as I was scrolling through Twitter, as we all mindless do nowadays, I saw an intriguing tweet from a young lady, to which I replied this, and I knew its context is the perfect thing to close this.
You see, for the longest time, I have always been the youngest in the room. In school, at work, and even amongst friends.
But this has been changing of late. Like the reaper, age has continued to crawl up on me in that I am now part of the older generation of Ugandans (by the way, we are now 50 million Ugandans as of this June 2023).
Uganda’s median age remains at 16 years, and at 28 years of age, I am now more than a decade older than this average, making me one of the most senior people in Uganda.
It is something isn’t it? Because for most people the world over, at this age, you are just starting out in life with decades of life ahead of you.
Indeed, seeing the future with such futuristic optimism is what keeps me grounded and going most days.
It reminds me of how we began this writing challenge earlier in the month, talking about a kindling flame that blossomed and became a full-blown flame as we progressed—so is life.
While it is flattering that the younger generation sees us as a catch, I am also looking forward to what lies ahead.
And so, to close out, I say, keep writing, keep pursuing, keep creating, keep winning; the young ones are enamored.
Top 5: Ugandan Version
I promised the Old Man of the Clan, Mwene, a Top 5 but for Ugandan artists, and I have since been thinking about who to include. See, I really listen to so much music, and honestly, choosing a few to make it to such a list is an uphill task.
Be that as it may;
It will come as no surprise for the Old Man or anyone following my song posts. The legendary Prince Kafeero was a force like no other in the history of Ugandan music. His lyricism and story weaving abilities are almost matched by none. (Ugandans, don’t start with Herman Basudde. Let his bus sail away)
2. Moze Radio (of the GoodLyfe/ Radio & Weasel duo)
When it comes to vocal talent, I know no other before or after this man that has matched him. Add fact that he built entire careers by writing songs for other artists and Radio was the real deal!
3. King Saha
There’s a Tusker ConverSession that featured Saha (meanwhile, these guys should seriously give us another episode! We have patiently waited for so long!) which I have watched and sang to so may times I have lost count.
You see, there’s something magical about Saha’s vocals! I have followed him from the first song of his I heard in 2010 when be was just breaking out and I became a lifetime fan.
4. Irene Ntale
Ntale’s songs are lyrically full, get you singing along and leave you full. Do you know such music? That’s Irene’s music. It’s a shame she is taking her time to bless us with more.
5. Jim Nola MC
Staying true to lyrically rich music, I will include Nola because of his wordplay, and ability to introduce entire storylines in his rap music—akin to Prince Paul? Dare I say.
Over to you, Old Man. Oh, yes, honorary mention:
Lord Fred Sebatta
The storytelling Sebatta wouldn’t have missed if not for my need to balance the list with different genres of music. He needs no introduction on the Ugandan scene since he has held it down for over 30 years. That said, I think Sebatta’s musical story is incomplete without mentioning Sanyu Harriet since she features in many of his songs without credit. (What is your opinion?)
A Light At The End Of The Tunnel
In shadows cast upon my weary soul,
A tunnel stretches, deep and dark it goes.
With every step, despair seems to unfold,
But in this journey, hope I shall behold.
The path ahead, obscured by fears and doubt,
I stumble, searching for a way to break out.
Yet through the gloom, a glimmer starts to gleam,
A distant light, a flicker of a dream.
Though obstacles loom large, relentless and vast,
I find strength to endure, refusing to be surpassed.
For in the darkest hours, hope remains unfurled,
A beacon that guides me, lighting up my world.
The tunnel echoes whispers of defeat,
Yet I press on, my spirit cannot be beat.
I gather courage, casting off the weight,
Embracing resilience, banishing all hate.
Through tears and trials, I continue to press,
Believing that this darkness is not endless.
For deep within, a fire burns anew,
Igniting my spirit with a purpose true.
As shadows fade, the light begins to grow,
A radiant glow that sets my spirit aglow.
The tunnel’s end reveals a vibrant sight,
A paradise of dreams, a dawn breaking bright.
With hope rekindled, I embark on a new start,
A journey paved with dreams, a passionate heart.
No longer confined to the tunnel’s deep embrace,
I stride towards triumph, leaving behind the chase.
So let us remember, when darkness seems profound,
That a light awaits, if we search and surround.
For within each of us, resilience resides,
And the light at the end of the tunnel abides.
Rogers M. Wanambwa 