As a student at the University of Makerere in Uganda’s North Corte State, Amos Kigenyi was elected to the ‘Army of the state’ and was subsequently handed an endless sentence to ‘serve his people.’ He was pursuing a degree in Industrial Art and Designing when he took up his music profession.
As a student at the University of Makerere in Uganda’s North Corte State, Amos Kigenyi was elected to the ‘Army of the state’ and was subsequently handed an endless sentence to ‘serve his people.’ He was pursuing a degree in Industrial Art and Designing when he took up his music profession.
His exemplary performance both in the ‘Army’ and as a musician earned him the title General Mega Dee. "It has been hard work through out and the evolution of music over the years in my singing career has been remarkable”.
With 10 albums now tagged to his name, Mega Dee recounts his love and passion for music and composition throughout his childhood.
"When I was still a kid, I always wanted to have a radio next to me because it gave me comfort whenever I was bored and I learned to notice the differences in music.” the ‘Heavens no beer’ legend said.
As a member of the school choir in primary school and secondary school, he was able to further hone his musical skills.
Mega Dee recently visited Rwanda for the first time for the ‘Concert of hope’ aimed at helping disadvantaged children of whom are orphans of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi
The concert helped raise money to help set up shelters for the homeless children.
As an orphan himself, Kigenyi was particularly humbled by the proceedings of the 1994 tragedy and impressed by Rwanda’s transformation.
"I also lost my parents when I was a child but what happened here is beyond measure. Surprisingly the people of Rwanda have done a lot deal with this agony.” Mega Dee said.
Mega Dee did not hide his excitement and love for Rwanda and described her people as hospitable neighbours with an exemplary leader.
"A man, who stopped the genocide and has managed to perfectly transform his country 15 years later into an apt place of abode for many, deserves respect, period. The rest of the East African leaders have a lot to learn from him,” he said.
He owns Afande Records, one of the biggest visual and audio recording labels in Uganda. The studio whose main mission is to scout for young talent through monthly competitions then records these artistes and promotes their music on all local radio stations.
‘Afande Salute’ is an annual event that usually takes place in August featuring all local artistes and this is where all new signed artistes are showcased to a public audience.
With all these achievements to his name, the best is indeed yet to come.