I walked through the city centre with minimal cars last Sunday afternoon. I was going to enjoy the Good Times Band at Gatto Matto in Bugolobi, a Kampala suburb. I went through the security checks as Babirye Katende Bagiire, the founder of the Good Times exchanged pleasantries with me. She led me to a serene garden where the band had camped the previous night. A few guests were quietly eating and sipping away.
I saw signposts of Qwela, Janzi or the Sundowners in vicinity. It dawned on me that times are fast changing because a live gospel show can be heldoutside the confines of church.
Showtime
At about 5.30pm, the show kicked off with Glorious, a famous worship song by BJ Putnam. Next, the nine-member band, (six instrumentalists and three vocalists) wowed the crowd to famous Nigerian hits like Big big God and Twale and Ichitemwiko.
Amidst the worship session, two birthdays were celebrated; Shadrack of the Shades Tattoos and Mrs. Mutebi. Soon it was time for the new upcoming artiste, Noah Nduwayo to perform his Ebirungi byokola, (good things you do) and Nteredde (I’m settled) and Unconditional Love.
Before Daisy Ejang, the featured artiste graced the stage, their was a saxophone moment. With songs like Incredible, Oli mulungi and Tami translated as your plans are good for me, Ejang got the jolly revelers cheering and dancing. Dressed in a white suit with a red blouse, Ejang went on to close the show with Malo, (Luo song translated lift you higher).
Why it is important
Pastor Brian Lubega, Nungamya singer and a fan of live music believes that if the pioneers make time for the event, it will be great. “I welcome the idea of a live gospel music because it brings together Christians from different Churches and could turn out a big item if well-handled.”
The band members just like the guests worshipped from different churches such as Worship Harvest, City Church Kampala, World Restoration Centre Church, to mention but a few.
Nduwayo says, “Live performances are great because they allow the artiste to freely express themselves depending on how they feel and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.”
For revellers like Cindy and Phiona, they were fascinated by the liveliness of the band which got them dancing hard. “Igwe and When Jesus says yes are our favourite performances, we danced like there’s no tomorrow. This is one way of praising and worshipping in freedom,” Phiona said.
The Good Times make you feel you have spent your Sunday well in the presence of God. Not only will you have access to the show at only Shs10,000 but you can carry along your family. Having had their maiden performance in June dubbed celebration and for July Africa to the world, the group believes they are going to impact the world with live music.
How they started
Babirye told Sami-K about the idea and he interested other friends. They agreed to do a Christian cause together.
They rehearse towards the end of the month usually at Daniel Nyakana’s Endless entertainment in Nakulabye. Nyakana is a member of the band too. Rehearsals are once a week and more intense in the last week before the show.
As for music, every show has three parts; a guest artiste, the Good Times Band and a new artiste. As a band, they usually sing favourite Christian songs alongside their compositions.
Future
“We want to raise the standard of gospel music, give Christian artistes exposure in addition to glorifying God, “Babirye revealed. She adds that God has taught her that for him to move there must be a combination of his spirit and skill of the worshippers.
According to Sami-K aka Samuel Kiggundu, a renowned music producer, song writer and co-founder of the Good Times monthly event, if Christians can make the secular shows happen, then it is high time they came together for a common cause. His argument was majority of the bands around town comprise talented Christians. This background explains why the band has members from different churches who mainly came together to give back to their Christian faith.
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