A musical interpretation of the Omubala of the Mmamba Gabunga clan in Buganda

Abstract

This study addressed an alternative musical interpretation of Omubala of Mmamba Gabunga clan in Buganda. It was driven by the need to find out how, when and why Omubala of the Mmamba Gabunga clan is played. In addition, the study examined the role of Omubala to the performers and how it is received by the listeners. This study also examined the performers of the Omubala of the Mmamba Gabunga clan, the roles of performing it as well as the events on which it is played. The researcher carried out a qualitative study, with fieldwork conducted in Kyaddondo county one of the counties that make up Buganda Kingdom, it involved tools such as; interviews, observation, participant observation, documentary analysis and literature review. Furthermore, the researcher used the internet to gather various information concerning, the current study through the various search engines as well as photography to capture important moments for the study. The research established that performers of omubala, clan members and the listeners of Omubala of the Mmamaba Gabunga clan have little knowledge concerning this specific Omubala, for example, reciting it, playing it as well as telling its origin. The researcher concluded that Omubala of the Mmamba Gabunga clan has not been well interpreted musically by its participants and listeners, very little effort has been invested in interpreting the Omubala musically. Not only Omubala of the Mmamba Gabunga clan but also emibala of other clans. The kingdom of Buganda has not done much to invest in interpreting emibala musically as well as promoting them to its people.